College Football Week 1 discussion

[cartman]

The season is almost upon us! The post-BCS era begins a week from tonight with Abilene Christian meeting newly FBS promoted Georgia State. We then have six straight days of games, wrapped up with Louisville-Miami(FL) on Monday night.

Here are the match-ups of Top 25 teams this weekend:

Texas A&M at South Carolina
Clemson vs. Georgia
Wisconsin vs. LSU (in Houston)

[Matthean]

Best one looks to be Wisconsin vs. LSU. Second biggest game for the Big Ten.

[bob]

Possible that UCF and Penn St in Ireland is going to be cancelled due to the volcano in Iceland. Yep, that sentence is right.

Yay for the return of college football.

[CU Tiger]

Can't waint to see UGA - Clemson between the hedges.

Lots of injuries and suspensions for both teams....gonna be interesting.



Quite possibly 2 Top 10 teams at seasons end meeting in week 1.

Can't wait.

[tarcone]

HOORAY FOR COLLEGE FOOTBALL!!

[Lathum]

The PAC 12 is so insane this year. Really excited for our opener at Hawaii. We have a lot of new guys at skill positions. Excited to see things come together.

[Lathum]

Huskies schedule home and home with Michigan 2020 and 2021.

[Kodos]

Pretty excited about the upcoming season. Go Hoosiers! Let's surprise some people this year.

[General Mike]

Go Knights

[Lathum]

Sad news

Kent State Center Jason Bitsko Passes Away at Age 21 | Bleacher Report (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2169882-kent-state-center-jason-bitsko-passes-away-at-age-21?utm_source=cnn.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=editorial&hpt=hp_t2#articles/2169882-kent-state-center-jason-bitsko-passes-away-at-age-21)

[Logan]

Go Knights

I'll be watching this one in Cincinnati. I'm a little more optimistic than I was about a month ago, but while the secondary seems to have more talent than last year, I think it's still too much to ask them to hold that offense down to where we need it to be.

Not sure what the over/under is today (think I heard it was in the 68-69 range at one point) but I'd probably smash the over still.

[Butter]

Possible that UCF and Penn St in Ireland is going to be cancelled due to the volcano in Iceland. Yep, that sentence is right.

Yay for the return of college football.

Would they consider holding this at a US neutral site or at either Penn State or UCF?

[Lathum]

I'll be watching this one in Cincinnati. I'm a little more optimistic than I was about a month ago, but while the secondary seems to have more talent than last year, I think it's still too much to ask them to hold that offense down to where we need it to be.

Not sure what the over/under is today (think I heard it was in the 68-69 range at one point) but I'd probably smash the over still.

You gonna be in the Nati?

[cartman]

Baylor's new stadium is something else. Wi-Fi throughout the stadium, and they even have released their own app to use during the game.

Technology drives game-day experience at McLane Stadium - WacoTrib.com: Baylor Stadium (http://www.wacotrib.com/sports/baylor/baylor_stadium/technology-drives-game-day-experience-at-mclane-stadium/article_68668ee9-a2a9-578b-9b86-17c7fe92a4ea.html)

[dawgfan]

That's a nice looking new crib. Any idea how much boat traffic there is on the Brazos River? Are they going to get much in the way of "sailgaters"?

[cartman]

There used to be some docked paddlewheel boats right next to the highway, but they are gone. I don't think you'll be able to see into the stadium from the river, as the scoreboard will block most of the view.

[Logan]

You gonna be in the Nati?

Yeah, for a wedding where I'm a groomsman. Unfortunately not much free time, getting in Thursday night, rehearsal Friday, wedding Saturday, leave Sunday morning.

I could very well be at a bar near the Reds park for the game though if you're around, and I don't get caught up in anything else wedding-related.

[Lathum]

Yeah, for a wedding where I'm a groomsman. Unfortunately not much free time, getting in Thursday night, rehearsal Friday, wedding Saturday, leave Sunday morning.

I could very well be at a bar near the Reds park for the game though if you're around, and I don't get caught up in anything else wedding-related.

Shoot me a PM or facebook me if you end up out or you want a recomendation for where to go.

[PackerFanatic]

Best one looks to be Wisconsin vs. LSU. Second biggest game for the Big Ten.

Hope the Badgers can pull off the upset. Probably the best time to play a team like LSU.

[dawgfan]

There used to be some docked paddlewheel boats right next to the highway, but they are gone. I don't think you'll be able to see into the stadium from the river, as the scoreboard will block most of the view.
I was thinking more along the lines of will there be many folks taking their boat to the game and doing a little pre-func on board after docking.

[CU Tiger]

Hope the Badgers can pull off the upset. Probably the best time to play a team like LSU.


LSU hasn't lost a regular-season non-conference game since the first game of the 2002 season.

Um, like, wow?

Now there are SEC teams out there that don't even pretend to schedule ambitiously, but LSU is most certainly not one of them. Here's a look at who's been on the docket since 2002:

At Arizona (2003)
Oregon State (2004)
At Arizona State (2005)
Arizona (2006)
Virginia Tech (2007)
at Washington (2009)
North Carolina (Atlanta), West Virginia (2010)
Oregon (neutral), at West Virginia (2011)
Washington (2012)
TCU (neutral) (2013)

Some seriously strong stuff there by the Bayou Bengals.

[MacroGuru]

BYU @ UConn on the 29th. It's going to be interesting. We have NCAA issuing a ruling on minor rules infractions coming up that might affect a player or two.

We have several team and honor code violations where we will see some starters out for this game.

But right now, the team is doing quite well and everyone that has watched them is shocked about the depth of talent and speed, something BYU really hasn't had in a long time.

[General Mike]

I'll be watching this one in Cincinnati. I'm a little more optimistic than I was about a month ago, but while the secondary seems to have more talent than last year, I think it's still too much to ask them to hold that offense down to where we need it to be.

Not sure what the over/under is today (think I heard it was in the 68-69 range at one point) but I'd probably smash the over still.

Maybe, but their D is terrible too. Probably worse than ours on the whole. To me it all depends on which version of Gary Nova shows up. If the one that played against Fresno or Arkansas last year is playing, I like our chances.

[cartman]

Possible that UCF and Penn St in Ireland is going to be cancelled due to the volcano in Iceland. Yep, that sentence is right.

Yay for the return of college football.

If it isn't a volcano, it is Gaelic football.

Penn State in Ireland: Croke Park Classic sends Gaelic football teams on unwanted trip to Limerick | PennLive.com (http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2014/08/penn_state_in_ireland_croke_pa.html)

[Noop]

I finally get to watch college football again.

:)

[cartman]

I haven't been this excited to watch an Abilene Christian game since, well, ever. A little more than 10 hours until the kickoff of the first game of the FBS season!

[Kodos]

I'm put in the tough position of rooting FOR Wisconsin.

[tarcone]

I have a hard time rooting for Wiscky. I will root for a good game.

[MrBug708]

You should root against Wisconsin because of their schedule

[tarcone]

You should root against Wisconsin because of their schedule

Now that you mention that, I should be rooting for Wisky. When Iowa beats them later in the year, there record will be good and they will have at least one quality win.
Then when Iowa goes undefeated they have one or 2 quality wins. Hopefully enough to make the playoff.

[Lathum]

USC Trojans' Josh Shaw suspended indefinitely after admitting to lie - ESPN Los Angeles (http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/college-football/story/_/id/11420303/usc-trojans-josh-shaw-suspended-indefinitely-admitting-lie)

[Thomkal]

USC Trojans' Josh Shaw suspended indefinitely after admitting to lie - ESPN Los Angeles (http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/college-football/story/_/id/11420303/usc-trojans-josh-shaw-suspended-indefinitely-admitting-lie)

what an idiot

[cartman]

That was an entertaining game to start the season. Georgia State snaps a 16 game losing streak, kicking a FG with 4 seconds left to beat Abilene Christian 38-37.

[Butter]

It was a fun one, especially the last drive where Georgia State converted two 4th and 10+, and had a 50+ yard TD bomb with under 50 seconds to go called back for a holding penalty.

I kinda wanted that to stand to see if Abilene Christian could score. That's probably the only National TV Abilene Christian is going to get for years to come.

[MizzouRah]

Heading down to Columbia Saturday, can't wait.. MIZ!!!

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Heading down to Columbia Saturday, can't wait.. MIZ!!!

I predict a win. :)

[cartman]

It was a fun one, especially the last drive where Georgia State converted two 4th and 10+, and had a 50+ yard TD bomb with under 50 seconds to go called back for a holding penalty.

I kinda wanted that to stand to see if Abilene Christian could score. That's probably the only National TV Abilene Christian is going to get for years to come.

This was also an interesting game because it was Georgia State's first game as a full FBS member, and Abilene Christian's 2nd FCS season. ACU isn't eligible for the FCS playoffs for another two years. They will be on ESPN3/WatchESPN a few times this season.

[MizzouRah]

I predict a win. :)

I hope they are better than I am with them in NCAA 14 with updated rosters.. lol.. my receivers stink. ;)

[cartman]

Did someone forget to tell South Carolina that the season started for them at kickoff?

[Matthean]

At least we can maybe get past the SC hype train early. :D

[tarcone]

Im watching ESPN3. The games are not that interesting to me. But I found the Boise-OSU game on skycam. Its an interesting vantage. You are behind the QB. There are no announcers. You hear the crowd and you get the officials calls. No down and distance though.
Kind of cool.

[General Mike]

Not sure If I'm doing this right, but

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Edit: Got it

[PilotMan]

North Dakota State in Ames is Bugging Andy | whotv.com (http://whotv.com/2014/08/26/soundoff-whats-bugging-andy-12/)

This video is well done and has goaded enough NDSU fans into becoming stark raving lunatics. It's all clearly tongue in cheek and funny as hell.

[bhlloy]

This ole miss - Boise game has the worst QB play I think I've ever seen

[General Mike]

This ole miss - Boise game has the worst QB play I think I've ever seen

Dr. Bo?

You've obviously never seen Gary Nova.

[bhlloy]

6 total int's and honestly should be at least 10

[cartman]

Well, the Boise State QB has only had two passes hit the dirt. 14/19 and 3 INTs :)

[cartman]

Dola,

It doesn't bode well for Ole Miss that they only have 21 yards on 11 carries.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I'm pretty much stupified that I'm actually watching Mercer Univ vs Reinhardt Univ on ESPN 3.

You see, Reinhardt (then College) was about 15 minutes from my house, a quiet little 2 yr school. That they HAVE a football team was disorienting enough last year, that I'm watching them -- TV, PC, whatever -- is mindboggling.

That the little NAIA school has a 42-38 lead early in the 4th ... hell, that's beyond my comprehension.

edit to add: Incidentally, the color commentator for this is D.J. Shockley

[General Mike]

Carrooooooooooooooooo :)

[Lathum]

cougin it early on!

[tarcone]

North Dakota State in Ames is Bugging Andy | whotv.com (http://whotv.com/2014/08/26/soundoff-whats-bugging-andy-12/)

This video is well done and has goaded enough NDSU fans into becoming stark raving lunatics. It's all clearly tongue in cheek and funny as hell.

Great video. I laughed through the whole thing. Being from Iowa and hating the Cyclowns, I enjoyed it tremendously.

[RomaGoth]

Well, the Boise State QB has only had two passes hit the dirt. 14/19 and 3 INTs :)

Hedrick has no business as a starting QB playing like this. Same terrible decision making as last year. BSU hung in for a while, but this was inevitable.

People need to realize that the Broncos were overachieving with Peterson and last year was just a prelude to what will probably become more common with this program outside of the MWC.

[General Mike]

R-U Rah Rah!

:)

[ISiddiqui]

I am surprised that Rutgers answered right back after the WSU scored. Very unlike teams of the past few years! Me likey!

[ISiddiqui]

Oh, I spoke too soon... it's just no defense on either side time.

[Lonnie]

No A&M love? Kevin Hill was a bad ass today. Gig'em!

[dawgfan]

And just because their last game was several months ago, the Cougs decided to remind folks why the term "Coug'n it" was created. There's nothing like seeing one of your main rivals blow a game, especially when they do it playing in their rivals home town.

Go Huskies!

[Matthean]

No A&M love? Kevin Hill was a bad ass today. Gig'em!

I know it's early, but you might want to learn his name. :D It's Kenny Hill.

[CU Tiger]

Kevin Sumlin is the bad ass and folks are starting to figure it out.
On a related note, the fill ins on Mike and Mike just discussed how SC wasnt overrated, but A&M were under rated..."since they play in the SEC they bring in new players every year" (what does that even mean?) and that they think SC should "probably be ranked around 12th while A&M moves up to 9th"

[Butter]

Kevin Sumlin is the bad ass and folks are starting to figure it out.
On a related note, the fill ins on Mike and Mike just discussed how SC wasnt overrated, but A&M were under rated..."since they play in the SEC they bring in new players every year" (what does that even mean?) and that they think SC should "probably be ranked around 12th while A&M moves up to 9th"

Yes, but you knew that was going to happen.

Despite the fact that anyone who pays attention to South Carolina football knew that them being in the top 10 was a joke, let alone them being named as a good candidate for the playoff.

They are really going to feel the loss of Connor Shaw and Clowney this year. Even though Clowney struggled last year, he still ate up two blockers every play.

Plus, SCAR is going through transition to a new defensive coordinator, and we all see how THAT worked out last night.

That said, I was really impressed with TAMU. But being so early, it's hard to know how much of that was no defense on the SCAR side, and how much was quality play on the TAMU side. That's why these preseason rankings are a joke. Give them a couple of games to play, then we can start to see where everyone shakes out.

[BillJasper]

Does Boise State return to obscurity now?

[CU Tiger]

That's why these preseason rankings are a joke. Give them a couple of games to play, then we can start to see where everyone shakes out.

Agreed..but ESPN has a vested interest in certain teams and will try to write the story instead of report it...

[Lathum]

And just because their last game was several months ago, the Cougs decided to remind folks why the term "Coug'n it" was created. There's nothing like seeing one of your main rivals blow a game, especially when they do it playing in their rivals home town.

Go Huskies!

+1000

As a lifelong Rutgers fan, my Dad wen there and I grew up 20 minutes from campus, and a Washington alum, last night couldn't have gone better.

Really wish I still lived in Seattle, would have loved to go to that game. Dad and I already have plans to come out for the Rutgers- UW game in a couple years.

[MrBug708]

Cant believe the Cougs lost that game

[Lathum]

Cant believe the Cougs lost that game

How can any PAC 12 fan be surprised by anything the Cougs do?

[Lonnie]

I know it's early, but you might want to learn his name. :D It's Kenny Hill.

I might have had a few beers before that post and morphed Sumlin and Hill together into a mega beast.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Agreed..but ESPN has a vested interest in certain teams and will try to write the story instead of report it...

In fariness to ESPN, preseason rankings have been around far longer than they have ... and people would get those wrong too.

[Matthean]

Yes, but you knew that was going to happen.

Despite the fact that anyone who pays attention to South Carolina football knew that them being in the top 10 was a joke, let alone them being named as a good candidate for the playoff.

They are really going to feel the loss of Connor Shaw and Clowney this year. Even though Clowney struggled last year, he still ate up two blockers every play.

Plus, SCAR is going through transition to a new defensive coordinator, and we all see how THAT worked out last night.

That said, I was really impressed with TAMU. But being so early, it's hard to know how much of that was no defense on the SCAR side, and how much was quality play on the TAMU side. That's why these preseason rankings are a joke. Give them a couple of games to play, then we can start to see where everyone shakes out.

To be fair, SC had very few seniors on last year's team and were returning a bunch of players. Replacing QBs is always a tricky thing though. Hell, Sims somehow has won out at 'Bama so far, and I have yet to see anything that gives me confidence in the guy.

[MacroGuru]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BwOY_KLIQAAukdj.png

[CU Tiger]

To be fair, SC had very few seniors on last year's team and were returning a bunch of players. Replacing QBs is always a tricky thing though. Hell, Sims somehow has won out at 'Bama so far, and I have yet to see anything that gives me confidence in the guy.

Wait...they lost 8 starters off last years team. and 16 off the 2 deep.
They lost the #1 overall draft pick. Plus 3 other NFL draft picks off the Defense.
Their best QB in school history and their most productive WR in school history.

And they were ranked 9th.

That was a joke...and most (I think) knew it going in.

[tarcone]

Welcome to the B1G, Rutgers. Keep beating the Pac.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Wait...they lost 8 starters off last years team. and 16 off the 2 deep.
They lost the #1 overall draft pick. Plus 3 other NFL draft picks off the Defense.
Their best QB in school history and their most productive WR in school history.

And they were ranked 9th.

That was a joke...and most (I think) knew it going in.

I had 'em 8th.

They lost a player that showed as little heart as any I've ever watched.

They replaced their best QB in history with a senior backup that had played major minutes in wins at UCF and at Missouri last year, in wins at Clemson and over Michigan in a bowl game two years ago

The WR was gone but a nearly 1,200 yard rusher returned, as did three receivers with significant experience, plenty of catches & yards & touchdowns between them.

Last night was an egg of epic proportions. Maybe that's the real SC but if so, it's not one that was easily foreseeable.

[Matthean]

Wait...they lost 8 starters off last years team. and 16 off the 2 deep.
They lost the #1 overall draft pick. Plus 3 other NFL draft picks off the Defense.
Their best QB in school history and their most productive WR in school history.

And they were ranked 9th.

That was a joke...and most (I think) knew it going in.

Returning 7 on a side is still decent and that's what they were doing on average. This was as good of a SC team they have had under Spurrier or at least that was the thinking. They also were as good of a pick to make the SEC title game as anybody in the East.

[Butter]

The SEC East is now what the SEC West was in the late 90s... A sad and much weaker division than the other side. I think we are going to learn similar things about Georgia on Saturday.

[panerd]

The SEC East is now what the SEC West was in the late 90s... A sad and much weaker division than the other side. I think we are going to learn similar things about Georgia on Saturday.

Two of the top 5 teams in last year's final poll were in that division.

[panerd]

Agreed..but ESPN has a vested interest in certain teams and will try to write the story instead of report it...

I'm not going to argue since SCar is definitely overrated but assuming you are a Clemson fan I would probably not get too angry at a preseason treatment your school also enjoys every year while never really doing anything to deserve it. Plus haven't you lost like 6 in a row to them?

[JonInMiddleGA]

The SEC East is now what the SEC West was in the late 90s... A sad and much weaker division than the other side. I think we are going to learn similar things about Georgia on Saturday.

I'd love for you to be right but, honestly, I think this is the most dangerous Georgia team in a number of years.

If they don't outsmart themselves offensively (which they've done in the past) and if they finally have a DC that can get even 80% performance out of their athletes on defense, they could be downright scary.

And anybody who knows me knows how it disgusts me to say that.

[Lathum]

Sparty nation holding their breath right now. There QB took an ugly hit to the knee and was carried off.

[molson]

It was pretty disappointing to learn that DirecTV, which I, and probably many others, hold onto only for sports, does not have a deal with ESPN to let customers access the ESPN device apps. My internet provider gives me ESPN3 access on my desktop, but not on my roku or tablet. And the desktop live streaming version of ESPN3 has no DVR function, and won't even let me go full screen. So I'm watching Syracuse/Villanova on a tiny window on my desktop monitor.

I guess I shouldn't really complain, it's pretty crazy that I can watch this hugely obscure game across the country at all. But if I can't do it easily, it makes it much easier to cut the cord.

[Butter]

I'd love for you to be right but, honestly, I think this is the most dangerous Georgia team in a number of years.

If they don't outsmart themselves offensively (which they've done in the past) and if they finally have a DC that can get even 80% performance out of their athletes on defense, they could be downright scary.

And anybody who knows me knows how it disgusts me to say that.

Gurley is a hell of a player, but they are missing some other key offensive players and have never been great shakes on defense. But we shall see tomorrow.... That's why they play the games.

[CU Tiger]

I'm not going to argue since SCar is definitely overrated but assuming you are a Clemson fan I would probably not get too angry at a preseason treatment your school also enjoys every year while never really doing anything to deserve it. Plus haven't you lost like 6 in a row to them?

Uh hh..what?!?

Three years in row Clemson has ended the season ranked 5+ positions higher than they started it.
And yes Clemson has list FIVE in a row to SC....but that is also my point. After out gaining SC almost 2:1 but losing on 6 turnovers. Clemson lost much less than SC, doesn't play the mighty SEC schedule and starts the season 8 positions below SC.

SC run the last few years was built on the brains and talent evaluations largely of Ellis Johnson, and the S&c genius of coach Fitz. We are now two years removed from both bolting ...

Not to mention Brad Lawing who developed all those D linemen headed to Florida and took his probation causing bag with him.

They have also benefitted from the biggest simultaneous ineptitude of UF and UT in SEC history.

SC will win 7 games this year in my opinion....and less next year.

[CU Tiger]

Gurley is a hell of a player, but they are missing some other key offensive players and have never been great shakes on defense. But we shall see tomorrow.... That's why they play the games.

Pruitt will do wonders with that defense, but not in week 1.
Have to think Chad Morris is licking his chops looking at that secondary, and having a more accurate and patient QB...

Plus arguably the best and inarguably the deepest dline in the nation...tomorrow night could be fun.

I'll be there either way. I'm not ready to predict a Clemson win, but when I got +10 three weeks ago I made a play...the line is now down to 7.5 and I think that is too high...but Vegas puts about 5.5 points on Athens...so 2 is probably fair

[panerd]

Uh hh..what?!?

Three years in row Clemson has ended the season ranked 5+ positions higher than they started it.
And yes Clemson has list FIVE in a row to SC....but that is also my point. After out gaining SC almost 2:1 but losing on 6 turnovers. Clemson lost much less than SC, doesn't play the mighty SEC schedule and starts the season 8 positions below SC.

SC run the last few years was built on the brains and talent evaluations largely of Ellis Johnson, and the S&c genius of coach Fitz. We are now two years removed from both bolting ...

Not to mention Brad Lawing who developed all those D linemen headed to Florida and took his probation causing bag with him.

They have also benefitted from the biggest simultaneous ineptitude of UF and UT in SEC history.

SC will win 7 games this year in my opinion....and less next year.

I think you are mistaking my comments as either pro South Carolina or pro SEC. You made a comment that SC (and the entire SEC) are a product of ESPN hype. My response was to be careful because anyone outside the Clemson fan base will tell you that your school is national title hyped every year by the same network. You get the exact same overhype that you laugh at when SC gets it.

[Butter]

Two of the top 5 teams in last year's final poll were in that division.

Yes, you are right about last year... I forgot Mizzou was over there. But this year, I predict that only 1 of the 7 teams on that side will finish in the top 25 (prior to bowl season).

[Butter]

My response was to be careful because anyone outside the Clemson fan base will tell you that your school is national title hyped every year by the same network. You get the exact same overhype that you laugh at when SC gets it.

Really? The first time I can remember Clemson getting any national respect was after beating LSU in the 2012 Peach Bowl... then the following season (last year), they were talked about as a contender. Before that it was nothing but "Clemsoning"... let's see how Clemson can blow it this year!

But if you think being preseason ranked #16 and zero out of 23 ESPN predictors picking Clemson to make the 4 team playoff as being "national title hyped", then I don't know what to tell you.

[Butter]

Holy crap, UCF looks lost on offense without Blake Bortles. I think they have less than 50 yards of offense halfway through the third quarter.

[cartman]

That was an exciting end to the UCF-Penn State game. UCF scored a touchdown after converting a 4th and 10 with an incredible catch, and Penn State drives down and kicks the winning FG as time expires.

[JonInMiddleGA]

That was a joke...and most (I think) knew it going in.

Not so much necromancing this sub-topic as finally getting around to doing something I meant to do when I first saw this post

The totally not actual AP (etc) voters top 25s here at FOFC had SC in the following positions in the pre-season:

5, 12, 10, 8, 9, 7, 10, 9 ... for an aggregate of 9

That's exactly the same spot that 60 AP voters and 62 USA Today voters put them.

We may have all been wrong about them, but I'm pretty sure that's a sign that there was indeed a strong consensus belief about them.

[BillJasper]

UCLA having a tough time blocking the Virginia front four.

[MrBug708]

UCLA having a tough time blocking the Virginia front four.

It's the blitzing they can't pick up, but they are missing four OL from last year so it'sbeen a rough going.

[BillJasper]

It's the UCLA defense that ends up breaking the game open. :eek:

[SirFozzie]

Three Defensive Touchdowns for UCLA... yeesh.

[MrBug708]

UCLA's D is pretty underrated nationally but should be one of the best in the PAC-12 and nation.

Our offense is looking terrible. This should end Hundley's Heisman campaign

[BillJasper]

Maybe I spoke too soon? Matt Johns looked great and gets the ball first in the second half.

[Noop]

I really like Hundley but he needs to tighten up a bit (granted his receivers dropping passes has to mess with his rhythm.

[Lathum]

this may be a rough start to the season for the BIG10. Iowa, Illinois, and tOSU all down or in close games right now.

[Butter]

Ohio State's offensive line is getting manhandled.

[MrBug708]

I really like Hundley but he needs to tighten up a bit (granted his receivers dropping passes has to mess with his rhythm.

Passing vision is a big obstacle that he needs to overcome. Hasn't really improved in three years now

[Easy Mac]

Someone should tell nc state that Georgia southern isn't 1aa anymore.

[tarcone]

Iowa survives UNI. Tough game. Iowa needs to clean some things up. But there were a lot of positives.

But my favorite moment of the 1st week is the 34-14 smack down of Iowa State by NDSU. And I visited Cyclonefanatic after the game and found this gem in the official game thread: "I say we go full-on early 80s SMU. How much worse would the death penalty be than this?" BRILLIANT.

[Matthean]

Did you hear how awesome it is that Lane Kiffin is on the sidelines versus in the booth? :D

[JonInMiddleGA]

I don't know who will win Clemson-UGA but I do know that it was hot as Hades parking cars nearby.

Having an FOFC meetup with CU Tiger was by far the highlight of my parking experiences to date.

[MrBug708]

Southern Cal is looking strong so far

[tarcone]

Yeah, USC is looking really strong. The PAC12 looks like a fun conference to watch this season.

[Matthean]

'Bama score would have seemed more normal if not for the KR for a TD. Sims could have been better, but he was solid enough. 'Bama's D has a long way to go though.

[Butter]

Georgia's defense was amazing in the 2nd half. Looks like I was wrong about them.

[JPhillips]

Maybe the answer is SC and Clemson are both overrated.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Like I said, this is the most dangerous team Georgia has had in a long time.

The biggest threat to them I can see right now is their own coaching staff. And IF (enormous gigantic huge IF) the defense simply plays up to their athletic ability, I'm not even sure having Mike BooBoo as a coordinator will stop them.

edit to add: It nauseates me to say that, honestly, you have no idea how much. But the only thing about today that surprised me was how long it took for the game to get to that point.

[Eaglesfan27]

Yeah, USC is looking really strong. The PAC12 looks like a fun conference to watch this season.

Quoted for truth. Very happy with what I've seen from the team tonight.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dola -

Love that they have gotten their true freshman involved early. Juju Smith and Jackson both looking great along with a few others such as the OL Viane and Damien Mama.

[JPhillips]

I think the Wiscy kicker ate Jared Lorenzen.

[Lathum]

Been waiting 8 long months. Go Huskies!!

[TroyF]

Oklahoma State did not start out playing very well and had about 3 or 4 of those game changing plays go against them. (FSU gets a tipped pick 6, OSU misses a FG, OSU drops a sure fire INT inside the 10, etc.)

They have kept fighting. Dominating the FSU offensive line, starting to get more confident on offense and this is a football game. Winston has terrific yardage numbers and he's been hurt by his horrible offensive line, but the guy has thrown 2 INT's and is lucky he doesn't have 5.

As I type this OSU is ready to get the ball back around the 40,k down three. On the downside, the best DE on the night just hurt his knee jumping up and down after the last third down stop.

FSU could catch fire and blow the doors off OSU in the next 25 minutes, but I'm proud of the guys. What a great effort.

[Eaglesfan27]

Very excited by that interception by Sarao. I went to high school with his father and he is such a good kid.

[cartman]

Nice first game for Coach Strong. The Texas D was awesome, holding North Texas to under 100 yards for the game, and didn't give up a score. Final was 38-7, with North Texas' TD coming on a fumble in the end zone.

Next up, BYU. I don't think they are getting 550 yards on the ground this time. :D

[TroyF]

Holy hell, I have rarely seen a team get EVERY break in a game. Florida State took the cake tonight. Every fumble, every tipped pass, every single thing. Winston decides to fire the ball in triple coverage. Throws it behind the WR, who spins and catches the ball and then proceeds to go for six. (note: not saying talent isn't in play here too)

FSU has to feel pretty lucky to get out of this game with a win. If this is what they are this season, they have zero shot at the national title this year. I don't necessarily believe they'll play this way all year by the way.

Wisconsin busy throttling LSU. Dominating both sides of the ball.

[tarcone]

Game over. Too bad. I was rooting for the Cowboys.

[TroyF]

Winston "We still playing like champions, we just got to step it up a;notch"

If that's how you truly feel, you are losing at least two times this season, maybe more.

If Georgia and FSU had played today, FSU wouldn't have been within 20 of them. Still, both are 1-0 and both can improve and not improve as the case may be. I just wouldn't be talking about championships after that game.

[Noop]

Florida State played a C game and OSU played their A game. I think OSU was the best thing to happen to FSU because it will force them to step their shit up. I thought Jameis forced way to many passes to Rashad Greene and neglected the other WRs.

I hope Karlos Williams is moved to FB or slot WR because he is not a good running. Jimbo is so timid at times.

Overall this game went just about how I expected with OSU punching FSU in the mouth and out coaching them. I wonder how long Gundy stays at OSU because it is clear to me that he is an excellent coach who should be coaching at a top 15 program... maybe Michigan.

[mckerney]

Didn't watch much of the LSU - WI game, but with them leading in the 2nd half how does Wisconsin give Gordon 16 carries while letting McEvoy throw 24 times?

[bhlloy]

Given Les Miles' history, how in the holy hell are you not prepared for a fake punt in that situation?

[Matthean]

So if Oregon beats MSU, we get to ignore the Big Ten this year.

[Lathum]

Just finished watching the Huskies game on the DVR.

Man, I never took Sankey and Price for granted, but WOW we will miss them. We managed a one point win largely because of one big play and a roughing the passer call that kept another drive alive.

The running game was non existent, Lindquist missed wide open receivers, the defense got pushed around on the line, and we played very sloppy. I don't want to over react but I can see it being a really long season in conference play.

[CU Tiger]

Jon, was good to meet you! Had a to. Going on and kept feeling like I never stopped to talk as much as I would have liked but thanks for the parking lead and we had a great time.

My first game in Athens. It was fun. Actually had very few bad fan incidents despite being warned and prepared for hell.

In the end clemson played 3 good quarters..not sure why the o got so conservative in the second half. I know they were backed up but at tsome point you have to flip the field. Let them wear the d out...and run down hill.

UGA is good. Gurley is what I thought he was in high school.

On a positive note for Clemson true freshman Watsom comes in on the 5th series in a rowdy environment and orchestrated arguably the pretties drive of the day. Ill be surprised if he isn't starting by end of the year.

Thanks again Jon.

[JPhillips]

ESPN has McEvoy with a QB rating of 6.8. That might be the lowest I've seen.

[General Mike]

ESPN has McEvoy with a QB rating of 6.8. That might be the lowest I've seen.

That's QBR which is their own formula, not the traditional QB rating formula. You're probably right tho. I looked up Gary Nova's worst game, and it was still a 17 in QBR.

[mckerney]

ESPN has McEvoy with a QB rating of 6.8. That might be the lowest I've seen.

Both of the QBs North Texas played against Texas yesterday put up a 0.0 with one going 2/11 for 8 yards with 2 picks and the other 1/6 for 7 yards and 2 INT.

[MizzouRah]

Hot one at times yesterday, but a fun kickoff to the season!

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t27/MizzouRah0971/mizzou_zps96980178.jpg

[dawgfan]

I don't want to over react but I can see it being a really long season in conference play.
I'm trying to not over react as well, but I have some growing concerns about the staff Petersen hired. And my concern wasn't helped by watching USC eviscerate Fresno State earlier in the day.

[BillJasper]

Good to know Fox Sports hires the mentally challenged. They have Joey Harrington calling the SMU/Baylor game. Just brutal already.

[General Mike]

Good to know Fox Sports hires the mentally challenged. They have Joey Harrington calling the SMU/Baylor game. Just brutal already.

Dave Wannstadt in the studio

[Suicane75]

Every year I feel like it takes me to about 1 quarter to remember how much I love the diversity and excitement of College Football. It's also the length of time it takes for me to remember how much I loathe the TV presentation of College Football.

[cartman]

Looks like David Ash will be out for the BYU game. The concussion issues that kept him out almost all of last season reappeared after the North Texas game.

247Sports (http://texas.247sports.com/Bolt/David-Ash-out-for-BYU-game-with-head-injury-30774624)