Week 1 takeaways: Impression of Bama, Ohio State, Michigan
By now, you understand Deion Sanders has taken control of the college football universe after his distinct transfer-heavy Colorado roster upset TCU in his first game as an FBS coach.But there were lots of other products of significance that took place in Week 1, including new quarterbacks in prominent locations, some offending surprises in the Big Ten and another lineup turmoil that paid dividends amid significantly less fanfare.Here are the greatest takeaways from the season’s opening weekend by our college football press reporters. Milroe reveals his upside, however questions remain play 0:36 Jalen Milroe turns fumbled snap into 21-yard TD
Jalen Milroe shows his abilities after recovering a fumbled snap and rushing for a 21-yard touchdown.Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe drew out the whole arsenal versus Middle Tennessee, flaunting his rushing capability along with his strong arm. His very first touchdown, when he scooped up an errant snap and ran 21 backyards into the end zone, was unique. You can’t teach that type of playmaking ability. And his two long touchdown passes– one 47 yards prior to halftime, another 48 yards coming out of the half– were picture ideal. It was enough to make you wonder why there was a quarterback competitors in the very first place.But it is essential to bear in mind there was a reason behind it. The question has actually never had to do with Milroe’s physical presents, it’s whether he can regularly make great decisions and the sort of reads and progressions in the pocket that are needed against quality defenses. Let’s face it: For as solid as Middle Tennessee is (the Blue Raiders won 8 games in 2015 ), it doesn’t have the quality of athletes that Alabama will see the remainder of the season. So while it’s as good a start as Milroe might have perhaps hoped for, it’s most likely not completion of the quarterback competitors. We’ll learn much more Saturday versus Texas.– Alex Scarborough Ohio State has an offending knowing curve Editor’s Picks 2 Related While Colorado and TCU kicked things off with offensive fireworks, nothing came easy for Ohio State‘s offense and first-year beginning quarterback Kyle McCord. The Buckeyes did what they were expected to do and
beat an unranked Indiana team on the roadway, however they barely looked all set to compete for the national title. Instead, they looked like a group with 3 brand-new beginning offensive linemen and a novice quarterback. Indiana’s defense, which ranked last in the Big 10 in 2015, was respectable and minimal predicted first-round NFL draft pick Marvin Harrison Jr. to just two catches for 19 backyards. There were times McCord moved the ball well, and he had actually some completely placed tosses, however there were likewise numerous missed out on chances and one interception when he threw it throughout his body.Backup Devin Brown played only two series, throwing just 3 passes, so it’s still unclear how much he can or will contribute. With a strong running game, a huge selection of skilled receivers and a recognized go-to option in tight end Cade Stover, this is an offense that needs to only improve. It has to do it quickly, though. Ohio State travels to Notre Dame on Sept. 23 in a game that will have CFP ramifications– similar to it did last year.– Heather Dinich Michigan reveals some balance Quarterback J.J. McCarthy put in extra work this offseason to put on weight and refine his abilities in the passing game, and that work was evident Saturday. McCarthy has said his shoulder is totally recovered and he does not hesitate and comfy tossing the ball. McCarthy finished 26 of 30 passes for 280 lawns and three touchdowns in the
season-opening 30-3 win over
East Carolina.The Pirates loaded up the box to stop the run, which has been Michigan’s bread and butter under Jim Harbaugh, but Michigan was able to beat them through the air. Michigan’s explosive running back duo, Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards, combined for 110 backyards rushing and one touchdown on the day. If the passing game continues to establish, Michigan will have a more balanced and less foreseeable
offense. That will settle if the Wolverines make it back to the College Football Playoff.– Tom VanHaaren Strong start to Penix’s Heisman project play 0:39 Polk’s big-time catch sets up Penix’s 5th passing TD Michael Penix Jr. airs it out to Ja’Lynn Polk, then finds Rome Odunze for his fifth passing touchdown of the game.When he ended up eighth in the Heisman Prize voting in 2015, Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr.’s season high for goal passes was four. He tossed 5 against Boise State on Saturday, to go along with 450 lawns passing in a statement 56-19 win.We understand this about Penix: He’s going to set up huge numbers. He tossed for 4,641 lawns last season with 31 touchdown passes, and this year’s offense must be better. It shouldn’t amaze anyone if he fractures 5,000 lawns. That’ll keep him in the Heisman mix on its own, however for him to have a major chance at winning, of course, the Huskies will need to pile up the Ws. He’ll have a great shot to put up some more big numbers next week against Tulsa before a fascinating test at Michigan State on Sept. 16.– Kyle Bonagura Tennessee’s defense steals the program With a lot hype surrounding quarterback Joe Milton III this offseason(and his 2023 debut was excellent), perhaps the most encouraging thing for Tennessee in its 49-13 win over Virginia was the defense. Granted, the Cavaliers were diminished in the offending line, but the Vols’defense looked much faster, more aggressive and more geared up to make plays in the open field than a year back. They finished with 11 takes on for loss, and 10 players were credited with a minimum of a half-tackle for loss.Some newer, less-proven names emerged. Sophomore James Pearce Jr. had 2
third-down sacks in the first half
, and with his 6-foot-5, 245-pound frame, he has everything it takes to be an effect edge rush. Getting more pressure with its four-man front will be a secret for Tennessee, and the Vols revealed signs of doing that Saturday. Again, there will be tougher tests along the way. We know Josh Heupel’s team will score, but dating back to the end of last season, defensive coordinator Tim Banks ‘system has actually held its last three opponents to 14 or less points.– Chris Low UCLA is unofficially Dante Moore’s team now UCLA real freshman Dante Moore apparently took control of the Bruins’QB1 slot. Jayne Kamin-Oncea/USA TODAY Sports Chip Kelly might not confess, but it may have taken true freshman quarterback Dante Moore only one game, 12 throws and two goals to show his coach(and everybody else) why he ought to be the starter. UCLA’s QB fight led to the identifying of a quasi-starter– in 2015’s backup Ethan Garbers– and two alternative options(Collin Schlee and Moore) whom Kelly said would play in the season opener. This pseudo quarterback-by-committee strategy didn’t last even one game.Against Coastal Carolina
, Garbers had problem with two interceptions, Schlee didn’t play and Moore immediately injected the Bruins’offense with some pop. In the third quarter, with UCLA hanging on to a one-point lead after having two drives end in an interception and a punt, Moore went into the game and, on the very first play, threw for a 62-yard goal that helped fuel UCLA’s 27-13 win. The 19-year-old did toss an interception in a crucial spot near completion zone, however any growing pains look to be a risk worth taking given Moore’s advantage. After the game, Kelly stated both quarterbacks played well which neither stuck out more than the other
. Yes, Kelly has to handle the possibilities and personalities of his quarterback space; the tape, however, won’t lie.– Paolo Uggetti Texas State another quick-fix improvement In college football history, there has actually never ever been a roster change like Deion Sanders undertook this offseason. Just 10 scholarship players returned. There were 86 brand-new faces all mixed together in Sanders’very first FBS job. Last season, the Buffaloes went 1-11 and lost by approximately 29.1 points per game. Game 1 was against TCU, in 2015’s Cinderella story, in front of a record crowd. The result: A 45-42 upset of the No. 17 Horned Frogs after can be found in as 21-point underdogs.But a lesser-known reinvention happened at Texas State, where first-year coach G.J. Kinne generated 53 newcomers, 2nd most in the country only to Colorado. The Bobcats have actually played a Power 5 team 11 times in school history, going winless while being outscored by an
average of 27.8 points. Kinne’s debut game was against Baylor, who beat the Bobcats 42-7 last season. On Saturday, Texas State, 26.5-point underdogs, throttled Baylor 42-31. The approach, met a lot of uncertainty, will raise a lot of eyebrows. Is the era of the quick-fix lineup turnover upon us for excellent?– Dave Wilson Dawgs”slow start ‘doesn’t concern Smart Georgia’s sluggish start on offense in its 48-7 triumph over FCS program UT-Martin left some fans currently second-guessing brand-new quarterback Carson Beck and offending planner Mike Bobo. The Bulldogs led 17-0 at the half and added two touchdowns in the third quarter to pull away. Beck, who changed Stetson Bennett, completed 21 of 31 passes for 294 yards with two goals (one rushing). Georgia accumulated 559 backyards of offense, including 400 death. The Bulldogs played without receivers Ladd McConkey and Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint and tailback Daijun Edwards. The rebuilt offensive line had two new beginning deals with. Georgia wasn’t explosive
in the running game. “Everybody believes you’re simply going to go out there and roll over these groups, “Georgia coach Kirby Smart said.”‘Oh, it oughta be 40-to-nothing by halftime.
‘ And after that it’s not and men get fretted. I’m not.
I’m previous that. I want to grow and get better.” Georgia will play another nonconference game against Ball State next week to try to do just that.– Mark Schlabach