The first week of the 2015 college football season has concluded, and back are the upsets, highlight reel plays, and breakout players. Of course, after one week, many people are bound to overreact based on how teams looked. Many things will change as the season goes on, and many things will not turn out to be what they seemed to be after one week.
Week 1 Review
Week 1 Observations
1. New QBs Looked Good
Many high-profile schools debuted new starting quarterbacks this past weekend, and overall, they performed well. In his first game taking over for the NFL-bound Bryce Petty, Baylor junior Seth Russell threw for 376 yards and scored six total touchdowns in a 56-21 romping of SMU. Ole Miss junior Chad Kelly scored three total touchdowns in his first game as a rebel, which was a 76-3 rout of Tennessee-Martin. UCLA freshman sensation Josh Rosen threw for 351 yards and three touchdowns in a 34-16 win over Virginia. Notre Dame junior Malik Zaire (who did start some games last season) threw for 313 yards and three touchdowns in his debut as the full-time starting QB, leading the Irish to 38-3 trouncing of Texas. Notre Dame's old starter, Everett Golson, threw for 302 yards and four touchdowns in his Florida State debut, a 59-16 cakewalk over Texas State. And Eastern Washington transfer Vernon Adams Jr., taking over for a Heisman Trophy winner, played well in a 61-42 win against his old team, throwing for 246 yards and two touchdowns and adding 94 yards on the ground. 2. Alabama is Still Alabama
In the first ranked matchup of the season, Alabama had little problem taking care of Wisconsin. They looked like a vintage Bama team, playing strong defense and leaning heavily on a physical running back, this time junior Derrick Henry, who rumbled for 147 yards and three touchdowns on 13 carries. Jacob Coker played alright in his first start at quarterback, and as long as he can minimize mistakes and play decent, Alabama can get back to the playoff on the strength of their defense and running game.
3. Braxton Miller is Amazing
The former Big Ten Player of the Year at quarterback made his much-anticipated debut at wide receiver/H-back after switching positions in the offseason. He decided to switch positions for the good of the team, who has two other talented quarterbacks, and for the good of himself, as many thought he would have a better shot in the NFL at receiver than at quarterback. Boy, was that a good decision. It took a little bit for him to get involved, but once he did, he became the focal point of the offense. His first reception was a diving catch, and he would go on to catch another pass for a touchdown, totaling 78 yards receiving. He also lined up in the backfield and at quarterback, running for 62 yards, most of which came on a tantalizing touchdown run involving a spin move that had the Internet buzzing. Miller may be the most electrifying offensive player in college football.
Upset of the Week
Northwestern 16, #21 Stanford 6
In a battle of premier intellectual institutions, Northwestern knocked off Stanford in Evanston, controlling the game the entire time thanks to stout defense and a great running game, led by sophomore Justin Jackson, who had 28 carries for 134 yards. BYU knocking off Nebraska on a Hail-Mary with no time left on the clock that barely crossed the goal line was also considered.
Playoff Picks After Week 1
1. Ohio State
The Buckeyes started off slow and showed some weakness in the secondary, but overall they showed no reason to not keep them at number one with a 42-24 beating of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. The overwhelming amount of talent they have on the offensive side of the ball is just ridiculous. They will be a pain to try to stop. Next Game: Hawaii, Sat., 3:30 PM
2. Alabama
The Tide keep on rolling, once again looking like a playoff contender in a win over a ranked Wisconsin team. Even with a new starting quarterback, they still have a strong defense and a talented running back. The SEC will be a gauntlet, but Alabama is the favorite again. Next Game: Middle Tennessee, Sat., 4:00 PM
3. Oregon
The biggest question facing the Ducks going into the season was how they were going to replace Marcus Mariota. Vernon Adams Jr. isn't Mariota, but he's a talented quarterback. The offense is once again loaded with talent, including Adams and running back Royce Freeman, who ran for 180 yards and three touchdowns against Eastern Washington. The defense, on the other hand, has never been a calling card for Oregon, and isn't this year either, as evidenced by the 42 points they gave up to Eastern Washington. Next Game: @ Michigan State, Sat., 8:00 PM
4. TCU
An argument could be made for several teams here after just one week, including Michigan State, Notre Dame, and Baylor, but TCU is still in the top four despite not blowing anybody away in the first week. They got past Minnesota, who's a pretty good team and probably the third or fourth best team in the Big Ten, 23-17 in Minnesota. They still have a talented offense led by Trevone Boykin, and are still in the top four. Next Game: Stephen F. Austin, Sat., 3:30 PM
Week 2 Preview
Game of the Week
#7 Oregon @ #5 Michigan State, Sat., 8:00 PM, ABC
The first top-ten battle of the 2015 college football season looks to be a dousy. Two of the best and most consistently good (at least recently) teams in the nation face off in primetime. Michigan State's tough defense and veteran quarterback go up against Oregon's new QB and electric running attack.
Upset Special
BYU over #20 Boise State (@ BYU, Sat., 10:15 PM)
BYU already pulled off one miraculous upset when they stunned Nebraska last Saturday on a Hail Mary. So it's not out of the question that they could pull off another upset against conference rival Boise State in Provo. Plus, they're a pretty good team.
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