Week one of the CFB season was full of surprising upsets. With multiple SEC teams losing to smaller programs. A very entertaining late night game between Auburn and Oregon. Here are some takeaways from yesterday’s slate of games.
Justin Fields is The Real Deal
Ohio State looked good in there debut against Florida Atlantic. Especially Justin Fields, the transfer from Georgia threw for 234 yards and four touchdowns. Fields also looked very mobile, rushing for 61 yards and a touchdown. If Fields can continue this kind of production, OSU should make the CFP.
Joe Burrow Looked Very Nice in his Season Debut
Yes, it was only Georgia Southern, but Joe Burrow played great. Burrow threw for 278 yards and five touchdowns. Again it was only Georgia Southern, but it looked as he has taken the next step to be an elite QB. We will see if this assumption is right next week against a top 10 Texas team.
Penn State Put Up Points Against Idaho
Yes, Idaho is a FCS team, but the Nitty Lions put up some insane numbers. QB Sean Clifford passed for 280 yards and two touchdowns in his debut, Devyn Ford rushed for 107 yards and a touchdown on only six carries, and KJ Hamler had four receptions for 115 yards and two touchdowns. Penn State has been known for there offense in years past and it seems James Franklin’s team has not missed a beat.
Florida State Looks Like The Same Team From 2018
I have been very critical of the Seminoles these past few years, but for a whole half of football yesterday it made me think I was wrong about the Noles. Both sides of the ball was clicking for FSU and the Seminoles had a 31-19 lead at halftime then collapsed in the second half. Boise State scored 17 straight points in the second half to take a 36-31 points. FSU looked like the same team they were in 2018 in the second half. Yes, Boise is a very good team, but this has been the story in Tallahassee the last two years. We will see if Willie Taggart can turn this around, but if that does not happen, I would not be shocked too see Taggart fired mid-season.
Nebraska Struggled With South Alabama
If we’re being honest, if it wasn’t for South Alabama’s five turnover they could have easily won this game. Nebraska did not look good at all on offense, with QB Adrian Martinez only throwing for 178 yards and one interception. This team had three turnovers on it’s own and did not look good as a team at all. I have said before I think Nebraska is overrated and they honestly should not be ranked after this performance. We will see if Scott Frost and company can give us a more convincing performance in week two against Colorado.
Virginia Tech Needs a New OC or a Change of QB
The Hokies lost a back and forth game against conference foe Boston College 35-28. The Hokies had every chance to win that game, but four turnovers from QB Ryan Willis did not help. Some of the play calling from OC Brad Cornelsen was horrendous. When down by 14 with seven minutes left to go in the 4th, you saw the Hokies running the ball, when it’s obvious the Hokies need to throw the ball to score quickly. The Hokies should have some depth with former four star recruits in Hendon Hooker and Quincy Patterson behind Willis. If the Hokies don’t start winning games soon look for HC Justin Fuente to be on the hot seat fast.
Iowa State Did Not Look as Good as Expected
Iowa State was supposed to be in contention to go to the Big 12 Championship. They did not look like that at all yesterday as the Cyclones barely beat Northern Iowa 24-21. The Cyclones honestly just looked as they were missing playmakers. The team looked as if it really missed David Montgomery and Hakeem Butler. We will see if the Cyclones can get a more convincing win against rival Iowa.
Mack Brown is Back
I was very critical of North Carolina hiring Mack Brown, but it has looked to pay off for UNC. The Tar Heels came back in a thriller to beat the rival Gamecocks 24-20. Freshman QB Sam Howell played very well throwing for 245 yards and two touchdowns. If the Tar Heels could play that well consistently, they could emerge as a threat to win the coastal and play Clemson in the ACC Championship game. We will see if the Tar Heels are ready to take that next step in a big game next week against Miami.
Is The SEC Really the Best Conference In CFB?
The SEC has been the best conference in College Football for years. Yesterday they did not show that. Ole Miss, Tennessee, and Missouri all lost to non Power 5 teams. While South Carolina lost to ACC foe North Carolina and Arkansas struggled with Portland State. The SEC did not look as deep as they have in years past. Which could hurt the SEC’s chance of getting two teams in the CFP like they have in years past.
Auburn QB Bo Nix is a Gamer
Freshman QB Bo Nix did not have the best start or the best debuts out of all the Quarterbacks. The man sure has ice in his veins. Being down 21-6 with nine minutes left, Nix led Auburn to three un-answered touchdowns. With the last drive hitting WR Seth Williams with a game winning strike to beat Oregon. Props to Auburn Head Coach Gus Malzahn for trusting his freshman QB even after throwing two picks. I am very excited to see how much better Nix gets through the season.
