Florida State Tumbles
No. 10 Florida State University (FSU) started its season early, playing Georgia Tech in Dublin, Ireland. They were the heavy favorites, having been ranked in the top ten after barely missing the playoffs last season. With new fifth-year quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, FSU hoped to repeat last season’s success and make a playoff run with the new 12-team format. However, Georgia Tech kept the score close the entire game. FSU’s defensive line, touted as one of the best in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), let Georgia Tech run for 190 yards. Georgia Tech won the game 24-21 on a last-minute 44-yard field goal, giving them their first win against a top-ten opponent since 2015. FSU’s second game of the season was at home against unranked Boston College (BC), where they were the heavy favorites. While the loss against Georgia Tech was a bad start to FSU’s season, they could still recover. It was a close loss, and with the new playoff format, teams could lose a game and still make the playoffs. But that meant that the BC game was a must-win for FSU. However, FSU struggled early with two three-and-outs on offense, allowing BC to go up 14-0 in the second quarter. FSU’s defensive line struggled again, allowing BC to run for 263 yards. BC won the game 28-13. After week one, FSU’s season seems to already be over. FSU has dropped out of the top 25 in the rankings and has a bye during week two.
New Era for Alabama
No. 5 University of Alabama’s first game against the University of Western Kentucky was more than just their season opener: it was the program’s first game in the post-Nick Saban era. On Jan. 10, 2024, Head Coach Saban shocked the college football world by announcing his unexpected retirement. Saban is undoubtedly the greatest college football coach of all time. He spent 16 years at Alabama, accumulating six national championships, nine Southeastern Conference championships and four Heisman winners during his tenure. Saban had more first-round NFL draft picks (44) than losses (29) during his time at Alabama. Two days after Saban’s announcement, it was revealed that Kalen DeBoer, head coach of the University of Washington — who took his team to their first playoff and national championship game — would take over. While DeBoer inherited one of the best programs in the country, he faced an uphill battle. Many of Alabama’s best players entered the transfer portal following Saban’s retirement. Notable players include wide receiver Isaiah Bond who transferred to the University of Texas, cornerback Caleb Downs transferred to the Ohio State University and left tackle Kadyn Proctor, who initially transferred to the University of Iowa (he eventually transferred back to Alabama). However, much of that worry was put to rest after Saturday night. The defense started strong with two straight interceptions in the first quarter. The offense started slowly, with quarterback Jalen Milroe missing some early throws and fumbling the ball. However, once the offense started producing, the Tide were unstoppable, winning the game 63-0. Standout first-year wide receiver Ryan Williams, at only 17 years old, had an incredible game with two touchdowns and 138 yards. Alabama moved up in the rankings to the four-seed, and they host the University of South Florida in week two.
Georgia Remains the Top Dog
The top-ranked University of Georgia started their season with the same lofty expectation as years past: to win the national championship. Georgia was undefeated last regular season and was the heavy favorite to win the national championship. After losing to Alabama in the SEC championship game, they missed the playoffs and had a disappointing end to their season. This year, they are the favorites again to win it all. They started their season playing No. 14 Clemson University in Atlanta, Ga. Clemson also had a lot to prove – it has been one of the top programs in the college football playoffs, making the playoffs six years in a row between 2015 and 2020. However, after the loss of quarterback Trevor Lawrence and running back Travis Etienne to the draft in 2021, they haven’t been to the playoffs since. Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney was hoping for a statement win against the top-ranked team in the country to show that the dominant Clemson of the past is back. At the beginning of the game, it looked like Clemson could pull off the upset after a sluggish start by Georgia – the Bulldogs were up only 6-0 at the half. However, after halftime, Georgia ignited its offense and went for a run. Quarterback Carson Beck threw for 278 yards and two touchdowns. Georgia’s defense kept Clemson from doing anything and held them to 188 total yards. Georgia won the game 34-3. Georgia hosts Tennessee Tech University in week two.
Other Highlights from Week One
No. 7 seed University of Notre Dame and No. 20 Texas A&M University played at College Station in an exciting game, with Notre Dame pulling away late to beat the Aggies 23-13. By beating a top-25 team in a challenging environment, Notre Dame showed they can be contenders for the playoffs this season. Notre Dame moved to fifth in the AP Poll and play Northern Illinois University in their home opener next week.
No. 3 seed University of Oregon played the University of Idaho at home in a sluggish 24-14 win. Idaho kept the game close by showing the weaknesses of the third-ranked team in the country. Oregon dropped to the No. 7 seed after this unconvincing win in the AP poll. Oregon plays Boise State University next week and needs a good win to prove they can be one of the top teams in the Big Ten this year.
No. 19 University of Miami played the University of Florida in Gainesville and put up a decisive 41-17 win over their old rivals. With FSU and Clemson losing their first games, Miami’s win puts them in control of the ACC. Miami rose to No. 12 in the rankings and is set to play Florida A&M University at home in week two.
Defending champions No. 9 seed Michigan University played Fresno State University at home and won 30-10. It was Michigan’s first game without former head coach Jim Harbaugh, who left to coach the Los Angeles Chargers in the NFL. It was a sluggish game where the offense struggled with new quarterbacks Davis Warren and Alex Orji. In week two, No. 10 seed Michigan hosts No. 3 seed Texas in the first top-ten matchup of the season. Texas is favored to win the game, especially after their convincing win over Colorado State University in week one.
