Finally, Week 1 of the college football season is in full swing!
The action actually started Thursday, when Minnesota spoiled Matt Rhule’s coaching debut at Nebraska by pulling out a dramatic victory as time expired, and Utah sent a message to the rest of the Pac-12 with a dominant win over Florida — even though the Utes were without starting quarterback Cam Rising.
Saturday’s action was highlighted with a “Big Noon Kickoff” matchup in which Colorado stunned No. 17 TCU, 45-42, on the road in a back-and-forth affair in Deion Sanders’ head coaching debut for the Buffaloes.
Elsewhere, one of the best games on the early slate was No. 25 Iowa vs. Utah State, as former Michigan quarterback Cade McNamara had a dream debut in the Hawkeyes’ win — read all about his journey here. Currently, we have No. 3 Ohio State at Indiana, Buffalo at No. 19 Wisconsin, Rice at No. 11 Texas and more in action.
Here are the top plays from Saturday’s action!
Zeroing in
Rice was first on the board after Texas turned the ball over on downs on its opening drive, but the Longhorns turned things around on their second drive, which included two crucial catches by wideout Xavier Worthy to move the chains.
To the house!
Texas took the lead early in the first quarter after Quinn Ewers, the top overall recruit in both the 2021 and 2022 classes and Ohio State transfer, connected with RB Jonathon Brooks for a 37-yard score to get things going for the home team.
Quinn Ewers links up with Jonathon Brooks for a 37-yard TD vs. Rice
No quit
Texas’ defense continued to show out as the first half got underway — coming up with one huge play after another.
Not so fast!
Miyan Williams put Ohio State ahead with a short scamper into the end zone on the Buckeyes’ opening drive.
However, the Hoosiers had a few tricks up their sleeves. Indiana DB Phillip Dunnam picked off Ohio State QB Kyle McCord‘s fourth-down pass to keep the Buckeyes at bay early in the second quarter.
Hot start
The Badgers were first on the board after a quick rushing score early in the first quarter, but the Bulls fired back with a score of their own, as QB Cole Snyder found WR Cole Harrity for a 7-yard TD on the ensuing drive to knot things up.
Stay tuned for updates!
On the move
After a monster kickoff return from RB Kaleb Johnson, the Hawkeyes didn’t waste any time getting on the board.
Star power
McNamara, in his first start as Iowa QB, hit Seth Anderson for a 36-yard touchdown less than a minute into the game to set the tone early.
Cade McNamara and Seth Anderson connect for a 36-yard TD vs. Utah State
Finding a rhythm
Iowa added to its lead when McNamara connected with TE Erick All for a 3-yard score midway through the first quarter.
Cade McNamara finds Erick All for a 3-yard TD to extend Iowa’s lead
Picked!
Iowa got its first turnover of the year late in the second quarter.
The Hawkeyes headed into the locker room up 17-3 after adding a field goal ahead of the break.
Air game strong
Utah State QB Cooper Legas connected with WR Terrell Vaughn for a huge 39-yard gain to open the third quarter.
The Aggies capped off that drive with a 45-yard field goal to close the gap slightly, 17-6.
Firing on all cylinders
McNamara dropped a 31-yard bomb to TE Luke Lachey on third down to get the Hawkeyes to the Aggies’ 39-yard line.
Too tough!
Then, Johnson punched in a 3-yard score to extend Iowa’s lead early in the fourth quarter.
For good measure
Legas found Vaughn once agian for another score, but it was too little, too late for Utah State, and things ended there.
No. 2 Michigan 30, East Carolina 0
Denied!
Michigan forced the first turnover of the game, as East Carolina QB Mason Garcia‘s pass was intercepted near midfield.
Finishing the job
Then, Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy connected with WR Roman Wilson for a 14-yard touchdown on the following drive to get the Wolverines on the board first in Ann Arbor.
When it rains, it pours
The Wolverines continued to dominate in the first half, as the home team took a 23-0 halftime lead.
Third time’s the charm!
The dynamic duo of McCarthy and Wilson linked up for their third touchdown of the night to open the second half.
Just like that, Michigan dominated ECU, 30-3, in front of more than 100,000 fans at the Big House.
Best of the rest:
Going, going, gone!
Hudson Card, the former Texas starting quarterback, linked up with wideout Deion Burks for a stellar 84-yard score to put Purdue on the board first against Fresno State.
Deion Burks takes off for 84-yard TD to give Purdue lead vs. Fresno State
Making a statement
Purdue RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. returned the kickoff 97 yards for a jaw-dropping TD, giving the Boilermakers a 28-17 lead early in the third quarter.
Tyrone Tracy Jr. returns the kickoff 97 yards to the house for a Purdue TD
Picture-perfect pass
SMU‘s first touchdown against Louisiana Tech was a jaw-dropping 67-yard score that brought Mustangs fans to their feet. QB Preston Stone found WR Jordan Hudson down the sideline for a statement-making touchdown in the first quarter.
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