Notre Dame Shines in Opener; USC and Arizona Show Major Offensive Firepower
Notre Dame celebrates in midst of opening week win at Texas A&M
College football is absolutely back and in full gear. Although the week one slate can often be sleepy blowout games for contenders to get a win under their belt, having the electric atmosphere of college football back is a good thing no matter what.
In a quick sweep of blowout wins from possible playoff teams: the Kansas Jayhawks beat the Lindenwood Lions 48-3, Kansas State routed UT Martin 41-6, Tennessee ran Chattanooga out of Knoxville with a 66 point margin of victory, and Missouri put a 51-point shutout on the conscious of Murray State with their 51-0 win. Plenty more blowouts and statements were made over the weekend, but before it all, the playoff hopeful Florida State Seminoles were stunned by the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. In a game where the Seminoles entered Ireland as 10-point favorites, they were eventually bested and upset by the Yellow Jackets 24-21 after a game-winning field goal in the waning seconds of the fourth.
Despite the loss, Florida State seemed lucky that the newly minted 12-team playoff meant that not all hope was lost for their season. This was until they followed their week-0 heartbreaker with an undoubtedly worse loss to Boston College 28-13 on Monday. At one point it was difficult to imagine this Florida State team falling flat on their face before the season really began, but an 0-2 record heading into week two is a sobering reality for a previously successful FSU program. Yes, quarterback DJ Uiagalelei has previously shown bright spots, and the Seminoles still have an able defense despite losing multiple starters to the NFL, but this 0-2 start is nothing short of a death sentence. 12-team playoff or not, college football is often cruel and unforgiving to those who underperform early.
Florida State Head Coach Mike Norvell visibly upset during loss to Boston College
Notre Dame headed into Texas A&M’s college station looking to make a statement as an exciting top-10 ranked program that has its eyes set on former glory. A statement is exactly what they got as they pulled away in the second half and headed back to South Bend with an opening week win. The Fighting Irish were led by their standout defense, which held A&M to only 100 passing yards and had two interceptions on the night. Marcus Freeman has this defense humming; and if QB transfer addition Riley Leonard continues to grow and lead this Notre Dame offense, the only way to go is up.
On Saturday night, the 21st ranked Arizona Wildcats showed off their firepowered offense at the demise of New Mexico’s defense. The duo of sophomore quarterback Noah Fifita and junior Tetairoa McMillan proved to be unstoppable in their opener, as McMillan had a record performance that included over 300 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns. This performance was good enough to win Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week and surely plenty of looks from NFL GM’s. As the Wildcat’s offense made a fantastic first impression in week one, keep an eye on the way Fifita and McMillan continue to shine even as the opponents get tougher.
Week one of college football wrapped up with USC and LSU in Las Vegas. Although a close game through three quarters, the Trojan offense came alive in the fourth with help from a fantastic performance via Quarterback Miller Moss. USC’s receiving core also showed major prowess despite a tough challenge in the LSU Tigers defense, as they helped Moss throw over 370 yards in the air with zero interceptions. USC’s schedule is a tough one that includes Michigan, Penn State, and Notre Dame, but don’t be surprised if week 1 serves as a preview to what this offense is capable of at its best.
From promising starts to heartbreaking beginnings, week one was fantastic, and college football is absolutely back.
