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The opening weekend of college football this year has been hailed as the best in history, providing a wealth of discussion points. However, not all reactions are mere overreactions; some signals indicate a troubling trend for certain teams early in the season. To assess the situation, we introduce the panic meter. Here’s a detailed analysis of six teams and insights into whether their fan bases should maintain hope or start to panic.
How concerned should Texas fans be about Arch Manning? In his third career start, the redshirt sophomore struggled against Ohio State. He came close to securing touchdowns on two occasions—once on a fourth-down sneak and another with an end-zone pass that fell incomplete. Although Manning’s Heisman hopes have taken a hit and the Longhorns—who lost eight offensive starters—may have been overhyped as the preseason No. 1, the landscape of college football has shifted since 2009. Unbeaten records are no longer a prerequisite for making it to the BCS national championship game.
Ohio State, for instance, lost twice last season but still clinched the national title. Similarly, LSU’s Jayden Daniels won the Heisman in 2023 despite an opening loss to Florida State. Manning has the opportunity to refine his skills over the next few weeks against weaker opponents like San Jose State, UTEP, and Sam Houston. With reinforcements on the way, including Stanford transfer receiver Emmet Mosley V, and a strong defense backing him, Texas fans shouldn't lose hope just yet. Panic meter: 3 (out of 10).
Can Kalen DeBoer and Alabama rebound from a disappointing start? The Crimson Tide’s performance in Week 1 exposed them as potential frauds, with Florida State running the ball effectively against them. Alabama’s defense missed 14 tackles, and their status as 13.5-point favorites seemed unjustified. With Alabama's recent record of 4-5 against Power 4 opponents, including losses to unranked teams, questions arise about the coaching staff's future.
DeBoer’s $70 million buyout complicates matters for Alabama, especially when compared to Texas A&M's financial resources. While changes are necessary—potentially including benching players who underperform—DeBoer is unlikely to be fired mid-season. Panic meter: 8.
Is Notre Dame still a contender for the national championship? The answer is a resounding yes. Following a narrow loss at Miami, redshirt freshman quarterback CJ Carr displayed promise despite the team's struggles, including a lack of rushing yards. Carr's performance showed potential, completing 11 of 15 passes for 91 yards and a touchdown under pressure.
With only one more game against a ranked opponent—Texas A&M—on their schedule, Irish fans have reasons to feel optimistic about their championship aspirations. Panic meter: 1.
Should Clemson still be viewed as the favorite to win the ACC? Yes, despite a loss to a formidable SEC opponent in LSU. The team suffered from injuries to key players and struggled with their running game. Quarterback Cade Klubnik did not rise to the occasion against a high-quality team like LSU, but the loss doesn’t count towards their conference record, and they have the opportunity to still contend for the ACC title. Panic meter: 4.
How dire are the circumstances for Nico Iamaleava and UCLA? Following a 43-10 home loss to Utah, the outlook is bleak. Iamaleava faced significant pressure, being sacked four times and completing only half of his passes. With limited offensive support and a struggling defense, UCLA's performance raises serious concerns.
With high-profile opponents looming on the schedule, including ranked teams like Penn State and Ohio State, it would be surprising if UCLA could improve from last year’s 5-7 record. Panic meter: 9.
Are Boise State’s chances of returning to the College Football Playoff dashed? After a substantial defeat against South Florida, the Broncos face an uphill battle. To remain relevant in the selection committee's eyes, they may need to secure an upset against Notre Dame on October 4.
The team’s post-Ashton Jeanty era looks challenging, with poor offensive performances and defensive lapses. Panic meter: 6.
As college football continues to unfold, these insights will help fans gauge their teams' trajectories. Stay tuned for more updates and analyses as the season progresses.
