Whether your team won, lost, or looked down right dreadful, it’s time to recap what took place over the first weekend of the 2021 college football season.
The good:
Alabama defeats Miami 44-13 – Let me start by asking a question? Did you really expect any other result? Even with the the players lost to the draft or graduation, Alabama didn’t miss a beat on Saturday against the hurricanes. The tide were in command from the beginning, as sophmore Quarterback Bryce Young put on a stellar performance, throwing for 344 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Georgia defeats Clemson 10-3 – UGA should be dubbed “SACK U”, as they put on a sack clinic Saturday night, taking down Clemson’s D.J. Uiagalelei seven times. It was a defensive slug fest, as neither team could score an offensive touchdown. However, it was the dogs defense that gave them the victory. The dogs host UAB before taking on South Carolina in week three.
Notre Dame defeats Florida St.41-38 – These two teams don’t play each other often, but when they do, it usually becomes an instant classic. Irish coach Brian Kelly, only three wins away from passing legendary Notre Dame coach Knute Rockne, brought his troops to Tallahassee, Florida to take on the Seminoles of FSU. This was a boxing match, both teams traded punches for four quarters, but it was in overtime where the Irish struck the final blow as Jonathan Doerer’s 41 yard field goal sealed the win. Despite the loss, the Seminoles looked and played like the FSU team of old. They will only get better.
Penn St defeats Wisconsin 16-10– Penn St gave the badgers plenty of chances to win this game but Wisconsin Quarterback Graham Mertz could not make the plays when push came to shove. He threw two back to back interceptions late in the game and it cost his team. The Nittany Lions defense looked great in a hostile crowd as well. Look for them to compete for the B1G title.
The bad:
UCLA defeats LSU 38-27 – LSU is known for defense but I didn’t see much of it in Rose Bowl Stadium. UCLA was able to score 38 points and had no problem moving the ball against a mighty SEC defense. Great win for coach Chip Kelly. UCLA looks to be a contender in the PAC-12.
Virginia Tech defeats UNC 17-10– Let me just say that Justin Fuente needed this win. He’s been on thin ice so this was big. On the flip, UNC is not going to change perception about their program, regardless who is coaching until they win big games, especially on big stages.
The ugly:
Northern Illinois defeats Georgia Tech 22 -21 – If you know me then you know this was tough to swallow, so I’m not going to talk about it. Kudos to NIU for balling out and getting the two point conversion. Coach Collins and staff need to ease off on the 404 promotion and focus on coaching.
Charlotte defeats Duke 31-28 – Another ACC debacle. The 49ers take down the big dog. Is Duke really a big dog? Ouch.
Montana defeats Washington 13-7 – Montana is usually a FCS power house so I’m not completely shocked they upset the Huskies, but come on Washington, you must win these games!
There you have it. Week 1 is in the books. Now, will we get a repeat in week of craziness in week 2? On tap for the weekend:
Oregon vs. Ohio St. 12PM on FOX
Pitt vs. Tennessee 12 PM on ESPN
Texas vs. Arkansas 7 PM on ESPN
Iowa vs. Iowa St 4:30 PM on ABC
Stanford vs. USC 10:30 PM on FOX
Washington vs. Michigan 8:00 PM on ABC
Texas a&m vs. Colorado 3:30 PM on FOX
Utah vs. BYU 10:15 PM on ESPN
NC State vs. Mississippi St. 7:00 on ESPN2
Air Force vs. Navy 3:30 on CBS
JDubb's Sideline Report 