College Football is back. The landscape has undergone significant changes during the off-season, with many players switching programs. But the hunt for the national championship remains the same. Over the next 13 weeks, we will see who will be able to challenge the Ohio State Buckeyes for their national championship.
Week one brings us many one-sided affairs, alongside some exciting games. But there is only one place where a review can start this week.
Ohio State made Manning’s debut miserable
The number one-ranked Texas Longhorns have very high expectations for this season. After two years of making the CFP Semifinals, this year it is a “Natty or Bust” mentality in Austin. This is all because of one man. Arch Manning. The former five-star prospect has spent the last two years on the sidelines, but now his era as the Longhorns’ starting quarterback begins. They would be facing defending national champions, the number three-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes, who are very much contenders to retain their title. So, who would win this mouth-watering clash to open the season?
Texas had the first possession of the game, allowing us to see how Manning would fare. It was not a great showing. His first pass was incomplete, and Arch would only be able to make two small complete passes. They would turn the ball over on downs soon after advancing into Buckeye territory.
Embed from Getty ImagesOhio State was also playing a new starting quarterback in Julian Sayin. His opening drive was also not the best. He had one passing attempt on a fourth down. It was incomplete.
The offensive struggles for both teams would continue for the rest of the first quarter. Midway through the second quarter, the Buckeyes were able to get their first breakthrough of the game. Thanks to two hefty penalties against the Longhorns’ defense, Ohio State found itself down at Texas’ one-yard line. They struggled to find the endzone from here. But, on a fourth-down attempt, C.J Donaldson was able to break through the defense and score the opening touchdown of the game.
This drive would be considered the anomalous drive of the first half, as the offensive struggles continued for both sides soon after. This meant that at halftime, the Buckeyes had a 7-0 lead over the Longhorns.
The second half began with more of the same struggles seen in the first half. But then, Texas was able to get something going on offense. Aided by both running backs (CJ Baxter and Quintrevion Wisner), the Longhorns were faced with a 4th and goal on the Buckeyes’ one-yard line. Here, Texas attempted a variation of the “tush push”. However, this failed.
The following drive for Texas was even worse. From their 48-yard line, Manning threw an interception, handing Ohio State possession with a chance to make the final quarter easier for them.
Now with possession, Sayin and company made their way to the Longhorns’ 40-yard line. Here, the quarterback found Carnell Tate for the touchdown pass to double the Buckeyes’ lead. In response to this, deep in the Buckeyes’ red zone on the following drive, Manning threw three consecutive incomplete passes to turn over the ball again.
Embed from Getty ImagesHowever, late in the fourth quarter, we would finally see some success from Manning. He threw a 32-yard touchdown pass to Parker Livingston, which kept the Longhorns in the game with three minutes left to play. Ohio State was unable to do anything on the following drive, so Texas had one more possession to try to level things up.
The drive started from their 15-yard line, and Texas slowly made its way to the 50-yard line. Here, they were faced with another fourth-down attempt, with Manning needing five yards to keep the drive (and match) going. Manning threw a three-yard pass to Jack Endries. This was not enough, meaning that the number three-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes had defeated the number one-ranked Texas Longhorns 14-7.
This was a defensive masterclass from Ohio State, which stopped Manning on nearly every play. Manning himself has made many mistakes, but he is likely to improve as the season progresses. Julian Sayin was not great either. Not the most entertaining game to start the season with, but it is expected to be one of the most important as the season progresses.
Next week, Ohio State will face Grambling State, while Texas will face San Jose State.
Can it get any worse for Alabama?
Last season, the No. 8-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide had its first season under new coach Kalen DeBoer. It did not end well for Bama. They failed to make the expanded CFP, and this year, there is an expectation that they need to make the playoffs. They open their season against the Florida State Seminoles, who had a terrible season last year.
Alabama had the first possession of the game and scored first. Starting from their 25-yard line, the Crimson Tide offense, led by new quarterback Ty Simpson, slowly made its way down to the Seminoles’ two-yard line. This drive mainly consisted of runs, with minimal passing. Then, Simpson found Josh Cuevas for the touchdown pass to give Bama the early lead.
Embed from Getty ImagesBut this lead did not last long. The Seminoles also have a new quarterback this season in the highly experienced Thomas Castellanos. His experience was on show from the start of the game. On this drive, a 40-yard pass brought the Seminoles’ offense down to the Crimson Tide’s nine-yard line. Here, Castellanos found the endzone himself to level the score. In response to this, Bama tried to regain the lead with a 53-yard field goal attempt from Conor Taity, but this was missed.
While Alabama could not score, the Seminoles were able to on their next drive. A 32-yard rushing touchdown from Micahi Danzy gave the Seminoles the lead. They were able to extend this lead on their next drive when Jake Weinberg made a 45-yard field goal.
This meant that at halftime, the Seminoles had a 17-7 lead over the Crimson Tide.
The second half began with both teams struggling on offense. But this did not last long, as Florida State was able to add to its lead. A 64-yard pass from Castellanos to Jaylin Lucas put the Seminoles down at Alabama’s four-yard line. Here, Caziah Holmes found the endzone for the rushing touchdown to further the Seminoles’ surprise lead. The Crimson Tide was able to score on their next drive, but they were fortunate to be in that position. Simpson was sacked and then fumbled the ball, with Bama recovering it. This mistake ruined any momentum the team had, leading to a successful 40-yard field goal from Conor Taity.
Alabama was able to make it a one-possession game in the fourth quarter. Starting from their 37-yard line, Simpson and company made their way down to the Seminoles’ six-yard line. Here, he found Rico Smith for the touchdown.
Embed from Getty ImagesBut, this one-possession game was short-lived, as on the following drive, Gavin Sawchuck found the endzone for a 14-yard rushing touchdown to ultimately seal the win for the Seminoles.
This meant that the Florida State Seminoles had defeated the number eight-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide 31-17.
This is the first upset of the season, and only adds more pressure onto Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer. Ever since he took the reins of the program, the team has seen a significant decline in quality. This defeat is another example of that. For the Seminoles, this could signal a return to their usual strength, making themselves a contender for the ACC title this season.
Next week, the Seminoles face East Texas A&M, while Alabama faces UL Monroe.
Catholics vs Convicts: 2025 Edition
The number six-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish made the national championship game last season, where Ohio State defeated them. This year, they will aim to return to the playoffs and potentially make another deep run to the championship game. Their season started against the number 10-ranked Miami Hurricanes. The Hurricanes suffered a late-season collapse last season to eliminate them from playoff contention, but with former Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Carson Beck now in their ranks, can they make the playoffs?
So, who will win the clash that is usually referred to as “Catholics vs Convicts”?
The first quarter of this game was criminal, with poor performances from both teams. A notable highlight from this uneventful quarter came when Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields fumbled the ball, and this was recovered by the Hurricanes’ defense near the red zone. Unfortunately, Miami was unable to capitalise on this possession.
However, we saw some action at the beginning of the second quarter. From the Notre Dame 28-yard line, Beck found Malachi Toney for the opening touchdown pass of the game. In response to this, the Fighting Irish could not do anything with the ball. But they would be more successful on their next drive. Down at the Hurricanes’ seven-yard line, Carr found Micah Gilbert for the touchdown pass to level the scores.
Embed from Getty ImagesThis did not last long, as just before halftime, Beck found CJ Daniels for a 20-yard touchdown pass, restoring their lead. This meant that at halftime, the Hurricanes had a 14-7 lead.
The Hurricanes were able to extend their lead on the first drive of the second half, when CharMar Brown scored a five-yard rushing touchdown. Just like numerous drives in the first half, Notre Dame was unable to respond to the increasing deficit.
However, on the first play of the fourth quarter, the Fighting Irish were able to bring themselves back into the game. From the Hurricanes’ one-yard line, Carr found Jordan Faison for a touchdown pass. This made it a one-possession game.
But Notre Dame was unable to keep this form up, and Carr threw an interception on the next drive. This mistake would prove costly as Carter Davis was able to kick a 38-yard field goal to give Miami a 10-point lead.
The 10-point lead then became seven when Notre Dame kicker Noah Burnette also made a 38-yard field goal on their next drive. The scores became level on the Fighting Irish’s next drive when Carr found the endzone for a seven-yard rushing touchdown.
Embed from Getty ImagesMiami then had possession, and with under three minutes left of the game, all they needed to do was hold onto the ball enough to kick a game-winning field goal. Beck and company moved his offense down to the Fighting Irish’s 29-yard line, where Davis successfully made a 47-yard field goal. However, due to Notre Dame using all of their timeouts on this drive, there was one minute left on the clock. Could the Fighting Irish get the win?
The drive started on the Fighting Irish’s 25-yard line, but instead of moving forward, Notre Dame moved backwards, ending any hopes of a win.
In the end, the number 10-ranked Miami Hurricanes defeated the number six-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish 27-24.
This was a very close game, and that could have gone either way. Miami utilised its experienced quarterback and home-field advantage to secure the win, which will enhance their chances of making the CFP this year. As for Notre Dame, it is not the best start to the season, but they should still be a contender for the CFP spots.
Next week, Miami faces Bethune-Cookman while Notre Dame faces Texas A&M.
How did the other Ranked Teams fare?
Nevada @ #2 Penn State
The number two-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions began their hunt for a national championship with a battle against the Nevada Wolf Pack. Two touchdowns from Nicolas Singleton, one from Kaytron Allen, and another strong performance from Drew Allar give the Nittany Lions a 46-11 win.
#9 LSU @ #4 Clemson
In a battle between two national championship contenders as well as two Heisman Trophy contenders, and two teams named “tigers”, the number four-ranked Clemson Tigers faced the number nine-ranked LSU Tigers. A late touchdown pass from LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier to Trey’Dez Green gave LSU a slim 17-10 win over Clemson. Expect to see both teams in the playoffs come December.
Embed from Getty ImagesMarshall @ #5 Georgia
The number five-ranked Georgia Bulldogs faced the Marshall Thundering Herd in what was Gunner Stockton’s first start in his first full season as the Bulldogs’ QB. He was able to throw for 190 yards and two touchdowns in Georgia’s 45-7 win to start the season.
Montana State @ #7 Oregon
The number seven-ranked Oregon Ducks will be hoping to have another undefeated regular season. They began this hunt in the right way with a win against the Montana State Bobcats. Three touchdowns from new Ducks QB Dante Moore gave Oregon a 59-13 win.
Northern Arizona @ #11 Arizona State
The number 11-ranked Arizona State Sun Devils shocked the college football world last season by winning the Big 12 Championship. They began their quest to retain this title by defeating the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks 38-19.
Western Illinois @ #12 Illinois
The number 12-ranked Illinois Fighting Illini faced the Western Illinois Leathernecks to open their season. This game went very much as expected, with quarterback Luke Altmyer throwing for three touchdowns in the Illini’s 52-3 win.
Virginia Tech @ #13 South Carolina
The number 13-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks began their chance for a CFP spot with a game against the Virginia Tech Hokies. In what was a close game, the Gamecocks were able to record a 24-11 win to open their season.
New Mexico @ #14 Michigan
It was a new era for the number 14-ranked Michigan Wolverines as freshman QB Bryce Underwood made his debut against the New Mexico Lobos. Underwood threw for 251 yards, with running back Justice Haynes scoring three touchdowns in the Wolverines’ 34-17 win.
Embed from Getty ImagesLong Island University @ #15 Florida
The number 15-ranked Florida Gators opened their season against the Long Island University Sharks. The Sharks have only existed since 2019, following a merger of numerous schools within the LIU family. This game, as expected, saw the Gators get the better of the Sharks with a 55-0 win.
East Texas A&M @ #16 SMU
The number 16-ranked SMU Mustangs were the reason why Alabama did not make the CFP last year. In their hunt to return to the CFP, they faced the East Texas A&M Lions. Quarterback Kevin Jennings threw two touchdowns and 260 yards in their easy 42-13 win.
North Dakota @ #17 Kansas State
After their defeat to Iowa State in Ireland last weekend, the number 17-ranked Kansas State Wildcats faced the North Dakota Fighting Hawks. This game went down to the wire, by a very late six-yard touchdown pass from Avery Johnson to Joe Jackson gave the Wildcats a 38-35 win.
Illnois State @ #18 Oklahoma
The 18th-ranked Oklahoma Sooners did not have the best first season in the SEC last year and will want a better record this time around. In their game against the Illinois State Redbirds, the Sooners may have found their new quarterback star in John Mateer. He threw for 392 yards, three touchdowns, and one rushing TD to help the Sooners record a 35-3 win.
UTSA @ #19 Texas A&M
The number 19-ranked Texas A&M Aggies faced the UTSA Roadrunners in their season opener. Aggies QB Marcel Reed scored four touchdowns in their 42-24 win.
Old Dominion @ #20 Indiana
The 20th-ranked Indiana Hoosiers had a fantastic season last year and will aim to repeat that success this year. To open their season, they faced the Old Dominion Monarchs. Former California QB Fernando Mendoza made his debut for the team, and the Hoosiers were able to record a simple 27-14 win.
Georgia State @ #21 Ole Miss
Now, without Jaxson Dart, the number 21-ranked Ole Miss Rebels opened their season against the Georgia State Panthers. Running back Kyron Lacy scored three touchdowns in the Rebels’ 63-7 thrashing of the Panthers.
South Dakota @ #22 Iowa State
The 22nd-ranked Iowa State Cyclones faced the South Dakota Coyotes to open their season. Cyclones QB Rocco Becht went 19 from 20 (a school accuracy record), throwing for 278 yards and three touchdowns in their 55-7 win over South Dakota.
Arkansas-Pinn Bluff @ #23 Texas Tech
The number 23-ranked Texas Tech Red Raiders faced the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions to open their season. This was another one-sided game with the Red Raiders winning by a score of 67-7.
Syracuse @ #24 Tennessee
The number 24-ranked Tennessee Volunteers began life without Nico Iamaleava (who left for UCLA in the offseason) with a game against the Syracuse Orange. New quarterback Joey Aguilar threw three touchdowns in a standard 45-28 win over Syracuse.
Embed from Getty Images#25 Boise State @ South Florida
The number 25-ranked Boise State Broncos faced the South Florida Bulls in the Broncos’ first game without star running back Ashton Jeanty. They really need him, as the Bulls dominated the game to record a 34-7 win.
That was week one of the 2025 College Football season. Next week, notable games include Iowa vs. Iowa State, Florida vs. South Florida, and an early SEC matchup as Ole Miss faces Kentucky.
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