Week one is in the books and it’s almost time for week two. But first, let’s go look at the best and worst from the first week of college football.
Worst
The Big Ten East
What a tough weekend for the supposed “best division” in the nation. Ohio State gave up 31 to lowly Oregon State. That will need to be cleaned up before they head into Fort Worth to take on TCU.
Michigan State allowed 31 to a Utah State team that came into East Lansing and played a great game on the offensive side of the ball. Michigan State shook off early mistakes and got into a rhythm. Aside from a pick-6 that let the Aggies right back into the game, the Spartans played well enough on offense down the stretch to avoid what could’ve been a humiliating upset. Like Ohio State, the defense needs to be significantly better.
Penn State needed some late-game heroics from Trace McSorely to avoid a humiliating upset of their own. Appalachian State came in with their own expectation that this was a winnable game and they showed up to play, especially in the fourth quarter. 38 points to App State is another poor defensive showing by another team that has Big Ten and postseason aspirations.
Michigan laid an offensive egg in South Bend. The defense looked impressive as expected. Special teams contributed a touchdown that gave Michigan its first of the season. A late Karan Higdon touchdown got Michigan within seven, but once again, it wasn’t enough against a ranked rival on the road. Michigan has not defeated a ranked team on the road in twelve years. That needs to change.
Kansas
David Beaty needs to go. KU has made zero progress the last four seasons. It doesn’t seem like there is any light at the end of the tunnel for Kansas after a loss to Nicholls.
Texas is not back
Hats off to Maryland responding to an offseason of turmoil and heartbreak. The Terps rallied hard and handed Texas yet another loss in a game that was expected to be handed to the Longhorns. Tom Herman was a homerun hire that had Texas fans ready to win and win now. It doesn’t look like Texas is ready to take that next step yet, especially with their QB situation stuck in a ditch on the side of the road.
Arizona is worse than I thought
Kevin Sumlin and Khalil Tate seemed like a match made in heaven. That is, until Arizona’s offensive staff decided they could turn Khalil Tate into a pocket passer. Tate is at his best when he’s allowed to improvise and use his feet to make plays. Let the guy be creative and don’t force him to be something he isn’t and never will be. You might end up losing to BYU or some shit like that.
Best
Hawaii
Cole McDonald is a dark, dark horse for the Heisman. He’s been nothing short of dominant and Hawaii is off to its first 2-0 start in I don’t know how long. The Run ‘n’ Shoot is back in Honolulu and I am a billion percent here for it.
NC State
NC State was a pretty popular upset pick for some people. James Madison is a damn good football team for any level of college football. It was a tough game and NC State definitely had a lot to replace on a defensive unit that lost a ton of production to the NFL this past spring. JMU was anything but a tuneup game and NC State was up to the task this week.
Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech did not receive a ton of faith going into their matchup with Florida State on Monday night. They responded by strangling the Seminole offense all night. Willie Taggart’s debut went less than spectacularly. Bud Foster has clearly not missed a step.