It was an early September Saturday that left AP voters scratching their heads and questioning their rankings. With close calls and upsets galore, the college football landscape was shaken to its core. Here are 18 thoughts from the day’s action:
1. Georgia, Ohio State, and Texas look like the top three teams in the country right now. After that, it’s anyone’s guess. Several highly ranked teams struggled against inferior opponents, with one top-five team even falling to NIU as a massive favorite.
2. Notre Dame, under the leadership of Marcus Freeman, suffered a shocking home loss to NIU. Despite high expectations for the season, the Irish offense sputtered, and questions have resurfaced about the direction of the program.
3. NIU’s victory over Notre Dame was a monumental moment for the program. Head coach Thomas Hammock, a former NIU star running back, was emotional after the win, highlighting the significance of the upset.
4. Texas dominated Michigan in a statement win that showcased the Longhorns’ talent and potential. Quarterback Quinn Ewers shined, and the Longhorns look poised for success as they enter their first-ever SEC schedule.
5. Michigan’s offensive struggles were evident in their loss to Texas. Head coach Sherrone Moore will need to address the issues at quarterback moving forward.
6. Nebraska’s victory over Colorado was a bright spot for Huskers fans, signaling potential progress for the program. On the flip side, it was a disappointing outing for Deion Sanders and his son Shedeur at Colorado.
7. Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty has been a standout performer, showcasing his talent in back-to-back impressive outings. Despite falling to Oregon, Jeanty’s performances have not gone unnoticed.
8. Alabama’s offense sputtered at times in their win over USF, raising concerns about the unit moving forward. The Tide will need to improve their play to live up to expectations.
9. Tennessee’s dominant win over NC State highlighted the Vols’ defensive prowess and potential for success this season.
10. South Carolina’s surprising victory over Kentucky was a statement win for the Gamecocks, who stifled the Wildcats’ offense and showcased their defensive strength.
11. Iowa State’s dramatic win over Iowa was a thrilling moment for head coach Matt Campbell, who continues to make strides with the Cyclones.
12. The Big 12 narrowly avoided upsets in games against Arkansas and Tulane, showcasing the conference’s competitiveness.
13. Clemson bounced back in a big way with a dominant win over Appalachian State, reminding everyone of their potential in the ACC.
14. Hugh Freeze’s offensive struggles at Auburn were evident in a loss to Cal, raising questions about the Tigers’ direction under his leadership.
15. Illinois’ upset over Kansas was a significant win for the program, signaling potential for a successful season ahead.
16. Syracuse’s win over Georgia Tech highlighted the impact of quarterback Kyle McCord, who has been a standout performer for the Orange.
17. Washington State and Oregon State continue to impress despite uncertainty surrounding their futures in the shifting college football landscape.
18. UAB’s loss to Louisiana-Monroe served as a reminder that flashy hires don’t always equate to success, as Trent Dilfer’s Blazers continue to struggle under his leadership.
Overall, it was a day of surprises, upsets, and standout performances that left college football fans eager for more action in the weeks to come.
