Welcome to the sixth season of Final Thoughts, my weekly attempt to capture all of the most significant stories from college football weekends. In this edition, I will share 20 key highlights from the first three days of Week 1. Please note that results from Sunday and Monday are still pending.
It was no surprise when Lee Corso donned the iconic Brutus Buckeye headgear for his emotional final pick on “College GameDay” this past Saturday. This moment marked a full-circle experience for Corso, reminiscent of his first similar stunt back in 1996. The broadcast took place inside the Horseshoe, and one can only imagine how quickly 100,000 enthusiastic Ohio State fans would have reacted if he had chosen Texas instead. A heartfelt salute to Coach Corso, who ended his tenure on a high note, accurately predicting the third-ranked Buckeyes would defeat No. 1 Texas. However, the unexpected 14-7 final score and the disappointing performance of the Longhorns’ QB certainly caught many off guard.
The Manning camp has received considerable admiration for its old-school approach, allowing Arch to spend two years waiting for his turn behind Quinn Ewers. However, after three years of anticipation, expectations soared to dizzying heights. Anything less than a Heisman trophy and a national championship would be deemed a failure. Sadly, Manning's performance on Saturday—completing 17 of 30 passes for 170 yards, one touchdown, and one interception—was far from impressive. He struggled under pressure, missing open targets and throwing inaccurately. Despite some late-game heroics, the Longhorns ultimately faltered, leaving Manning as a three-game starter still in search of success.
In a surprising move, Ohio State coach Ryan Day hired former Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia as defensive coordinator, and the results were promising. The defending national champions showed no signs of losing seven starters to the NFL, as their defense confounded Manning with expertly disguised coverages. First-time starter linebacker Arvell Reese was everywhere, while cornerback Davison Igbinosun racked up 10 tackles. Although the Buckeyes' offense gained only 203 yards, their defense secured a low-scoring game, likely propelling them back to No. 1 in the polls.
For the first time in his tenure at LSU, coach Brian Kelly found himself pleased with his team’s first game. His defense, a point of contention in past seasons, showcased its elite status by overpowering fourth-ranked Clemson in a thrilling 17-10 victory. Quarterback Cade Klubnik faced relentless pressure throughout the game, finishing with unsatisfactory stats. Kelly's top-ranked transfer class made a significant impact, particularly standout players like cornerback Mansoor Delane and defensive end Jack Pyburn.
Fifth-year senior Garrett Nussmeier, who has been at LSU since the Ed Orgeron era, finally achieved a signature win. After a tough first half, he directed two second-half touchdown drives, overcoming an unusual replay decision that initially nullified a significant completion. Nussmeier's resilience was key in leading his team to victory.
Clemson's loss marked its fourth consecutive defeat against an SEC opponent, but this performance was not as humbling as last year’s 34-3 loss to Georgia. The defense maintained a strong presence, allowing only two plays of over 20 yards. However, the offense's lack of playmakers has plagued coach Dabo Swinney's squad, particularly after losing top receiver Antonio Williams to injury early in the game.
Florida State fans finally got their much-deserved reprieve after the disappointment of last season. Coach Mike Norvell's squad emerged victorious against No. 8 Alabama, winning 31-17 in a thrilling matchup that ended with a field-storming celebration. The Noles’ turnaround was propelled by former coaches and players, demonstrating that even a team that struggled can rebound quickly in today’s college football landscape.
Under the leadership of Kalen DeBoer, Alabama’s recent trajectory appears troubling. The Tide have suffered losses against five of their last nine Power 4 opponents, with new quarterback Ty Simpson struggling to find his footing. With a significant game approaching against Georgia, DeBoer must address these challenges promptly.
One of the most talked-about recruitments of the NIL era was Bryce Underwood, the five-star quarterback who flipped from LSU to Michigan. Underwood made a strong debut, completing 21 of 31 passes for 251 yards in a comfortable win over New Mexico. With additional support from transfer running back Justice Haynes, who rushed for three touchdowns, Michigan’s offense showed promise as they prepare for a challenging match against No. 18 Oklahoma next week.
In an unexpected twist, Tennessee's new quarterback, Joey Aguilar, had a stellar debut, leading the Vols to a 45-26 victory over Syracuse. Meanwhile, Nico Iamaleava, who left Tennessee, faced a rough start with UCLA, further emphasizing the quarterback carousel's impact in college football.
Utah's new-look offense, imported from New Mexico, showed immediate results against UCLA. Quarterback Devon Dampier was effective, leading his team to a convincing win and hinting at a potential resurgence in the Big 12.
Despite high expectations, Deion Sanders' Colorado team faltered against Georgia Tech, showcasing the challenges they face this season. The Buffs struggled defensively, ultimately falling short in a close game.
In his first game, Auburn's new quarterback Jackson Arnold displayed his prowess in the RPO offense, leading the Tigers to a decisive victory over Baylor. Arnold's performance indicates a promising future for Auburn's offense.
In a nail-biter against Cincinnati, Nebraska's defense stepped up when it mattered most, securing a 20-17 win. Under coach Matt Rhule, the Huskers are beginning to turn the tide after years of close-game frustration.
Cal’s true freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele led his team to victory in his first start, showcasing the potential for the program moving forward. However, the competition remains tough as they adapt to new dynamics in conference play.
Former BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff had a standout performance for Tulane, which further solidified its position as a contender in the Group of 5. Meanwhile, USF's impressive victory over Boise State highlighted their potential in the conference.
Virginia coach Tony Elliott may finally have the tools for success, as his offense displayed promise in a dominant victory. Chandler Morris and his talented supporting cast showcased their capabilities, hinting at a brighter future for the Cavaliers.
Week 1 also featured unexpected outcomes, including Army's loss to Tarleton State and Kansas State narrowly escaping defeat against North Dakota. These surprises serve as reminders of the unpredictability present in college football.
As a parting gift, the football world honored Lee Corso, who has been a beloved figure in college football. His accurate predictions and contributions to the sport will be remembered fondly as he concludes his storied career.
