College football Week 1 sees upsets and strong quarterback performances
Michigan Secures Dramatic Victory
The opening week of college football delivered several notable outcomes, including a dramatic finish for No. 16 Michigan. The Wolverines secured a 13-12 victory over Western Michigan Broncos in Kalamazoo, MI, following a Hail Mary play after one second was added back to the clock. Initially, the Broncos’ sideline rushed the field believing they had won after the clock hit zero on Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood’s first Hail Mary attempt. However, officials determined that one second remained, allowing for another attempt from the Broncos’ 47-yard line. JJ Buchanan then secured Underwood’s pass across the goal line, leading to a Michigan win.
Earlier in the game, Michigan had trailed Western Michigan 9-7 in the fourth quarter. Underwood had completed 10-of-16 passes for 95 yards and an interception. The Broncos had executed a lengthy 20-play, 70-yard drive that consumed 13:40 of game time, resulting in a field goal.
FCS Teams Achieve Multiple Upsets
Week 1 also saw a significant number of upsets by FCS teams over FBS opponents. Idaho State defeated Utah State 29-17, marking their first win against an FBS team since 2017. This victory was the third FCS win over an FBS team on the same day. Idaho State, ranked No. 23 in the FCS poll, was led by Nathan Reynolds’s 15 total tackles. Utah State’s quarterbacks were intercepted four times, with TreShawn Shorty accounting for two of those takeaways. Idaho State quarterback Jordan Cooke completed 18-of-32 passes for 152 yards and a touchdown.
In another notable upset, The Citadel defeated Charlotte 43-41 in a triple-overtime game, marking the second FCS over FBS win of the day. Last season, there were only four FCS over FBS victories in total. The last time these two teams met was in 2014, when The Citadel won 63-56 in double overtime.
Top Teams and Quarterback Performances
Several ranked teams secured wins, often highlighted by strong quarterback play. No. 1 Ohio State dominated Ball State 56-3, with quarterback Julian Sayin completing 21-of-25 passes for 320 yards and three touchdowns, along with his first career rushing touchdown. No. 2 Oregon held off Boise State 34-27 in Eugene. Oregon quarterback Dante Moore had a strong outing, completing 28-of-37 passes for 388 yards and three touchdowns, avoiding a loss to an unranked opponent at home in Week 1, a scenario last seen in 2007.
No. 3 Georgia defeated Tennessee State 63-3, with quarterback Gunner Stockton completing 15-of-16 passes for 202 yards and three touchdowns. No. 5 Texas secured a 59-7 victory over Texas State, as quarterback Arch Manning threw for 305 yards and four touchdowns on 20-of-27 passing. No. 6 Indiana defeated North Texas 52-16, with quarterback Josh Hoover throwing for 231 yards and four touchdowns on 13-of-16 passing.
Other notable performances included Pitt’s Mason Heintschel, who threw for 453 yards and seven touchdowns in a 59-14 win over Miami (OH). Army recorded 569 rushing yards on 57 carries in their 59-3 victory over Bryant, with 16 different players carrying the ball. Air Force also had a strong ground game, rushing for 431 yards in their 34-0 win against Duquesne. Tarleton State secured a 20-13 win over Bowling Green, with Tylan Hines rushing for 250 yards on 26 carries.
In other close contests, Auburn defeated Baylor 17-16 by stopping a two-point conversion attempt in the final seconds. Baylor quarterback DJ Lagway finished with 333 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception on 27-of-54 passing. Auburn’s quarterback Byrum Brown threw for 259 yards with no touchdowns and three interceptions, adding a rushing score. The anticipated game between No. 11 LSU and Clemson was delayed due to weather in Baton Rouge, with kickoff expected at 9:40 p.m. ET.
UMass achieved a significant upset, defeating Rutgers 37-21, ending a 16-game losing streak and marking their first win over a power conference opponent. Quarterback Pop Watson threw for three touchdowns and 197 yards on 19-of-22 passing. Tulsa also secured a notable win, defeating Oklahoma State 24-10. No. 20 Tennessee, led by quarterback Faizon Brandon, won 56-9 against Furman, with Brandon throwing for three touchdowns and rushing for two more.
Navy also had a dominant rushing performance, gaining 506 yards on 73 carries in a 42-15 victory over Towson, with quarterback Braxton Woodson rushing for 200 yards and three touchdowns on 23 carries.
Read Also
Source: ncaa.com
