Powered Up: Week 1

This is a weekly article highlighting impressive team and player performances, presented in a short format for you to brush up on the college football landscape.

Big Results

Ohio State 45 - 31 Minnesota

Ohio State was given quite an upset scare to begin the season, with Minnesota taking a 14-10 lead into halftime. New Buckeye QB CJ Stroud has large shoes to fill, but Ohio State's WR weapons (Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave) will help keep him afloat, as they did in this one, combining for 197 and 2 scores. Stroud struggled at the start, but seemed to find a bit of a rhythm later on. Minnesota's Mohamed Ibrahim was the star of the evening, with 30 carries for 163 and 2 scores, all happening before the early 3rd quarter, where he seemingly injured his Achilles. Really hoping for the best for him, as it was a special performance. PJ Fleck's Minnesota team proves once again they are no pushover, this surely was not the last we will hear of the Gophers in 2021.

Virginia Tech 17 - 10 North Carolina

UNC quarterback and Heisman hopeful Sam Howell looked flustered (17/32, 208, 1), as the Hokie defense stepped up with 3 interceptions and 6 sacks. VT's offense was not pretty, but the play calls on both sides of the ball were consistently excellent, and the Hokies stepped up when needed. Player of the night was Jermaine Waller, a VT corner who continued to make plays in the secondary, locking up WRs in coverage, as well as grabbing an interception himself. Enter Sandman rang through Blacksburg on Friday night, and finally, seemingly all was right in the world.

Penn State 16 - 10 Wisconsin

In a slugfest that screamed classic Big Ten football, Penn State prevailed in a defensive standoff. Wisconsin dominated possession, with Clemson RB transfer Chez Mellusi toting the rock 31 times for 121 yards. Penn State's Jahan Dotson continued to be open deep, with Sean Clifford only connecting on 1 of 3 potential house calls. The Nittany Lions defense only allowed 10 points and 365 yards in 43 minutes of defense. Safety Jaquan Brisker was everywhere, including a red zone interception late to seemingly seal the game for PSU. Wisconsin's offense continued to fumble handoffs, Penn State's missed turnover opportunities could've swung the result in a more convincing fashion. The Nittany Lions get Ball State before a certain forecast of White welcomes Auburn to Happy Valley.

Oklahoma 40 - 35 Tulane

Tulane almost pulled off a historic upset, falling a half yard short on a 4th and 13 in the late 4th. Oklahoma's 3 second half points are a cause for concern, but the 3-12 on third down is a huge red flag. Tulane is no pushover, but the Oklahoma offense, led by Spencer Rattler and Marvin Mims should not be held to 3 in a half. On the defensive side, Tulane's inspiring performance (after the game being relocated to Norman, OK and practicing out of Alabama's facility), led by QB Michael Pratt's 296 yards and 3 touchdowns, should not be in contention. A win is a win, and CFP hopeful Oklahoma gets 2 more cupcakes in Western Carolina and Nebraska to get back on track before starting conference play.

Georgia 10 - 3 Clemson

In one of the most anticipated opening games in college football history, Clemson and Georgia met in the Duke's Mayo Bowl Classic in Charlotte. What was originally thought as the showcase of top QBs, (J.T. Daniels of Georgia and D.J. Uiagelelei of Clemson) was a defensive battle of attrition, both QBs severely disappointed. The lone touchdown was a 70 yard pick 6 by Georgia corner Christopher Smith. The game was won by the Georgia defensive line. Generating 7 sacks and 2 more QB hurries, they dominated the Clemson OL, holding the Tigers to 2 total rushing yards. Clemson WR Joseph Ngata seemed to be the only piece working for the Tigers offense, going for 110 yards on 6 catches. Georgia was flat-out the better team tonight, the defense looked unstoppable. They have a tough schedule full of tests, but that defense was simply stellar. Meanwhile, Clemson might not have a win against a ranked team by the end of the season, unless there's a surprise in the ACC (their schedule is mega-weak, even if they go 11-0 the rest of the way). Thank you to these schools in not being afraid to schedule each other in non-con play.

Duke 28 - 31 Charlotte

Charlotte welcomed the Blue Devils to their own turf, and beat them with a last minute Touchdown from Shadrick Byrd. This is a huge step for Charlotte as a program, as it's their first ever win against a Power 5 school.

Louisiana 18 - 38 Texas

Texas is back? Well, no, but Bijan Robinson is. The Texas RB is something special, and fantasy football managers need to start watching him today, as he is the next Jonathan Taylor type talent. 20 rushes for 103 and a score, 4 receptions for 73 and another score. QB Hudson Card and new coach Steve Sarkisian have a wonderful safety blanket in the do-it-all best RB in the nation Bijan. WR Jordan Whittington grabbed 113 yards and a score off of 7 receptions as the clear Texas alpha WR, and the team converted 10/15 third downs. Louisiana was deservedly a ranked team, they had a fantastic 2020, and this win from Texas was not a tune-up cupcake win. They're not back yet, but this is the performance you wanted to see.

Miami 13 - 44 Alabama

Not once in this game did it ever feel like Miami had a chance. Alabama was just dominant, new QB Bryce Young came out and showed out, completing 27 passes for almost 400 yards and 4 scores. He was in control on every single play, and the Alabama OL gave him about 2 years of time each play. I could write out stats for all Alabama players here, but the point is, the team is loaded and this is not the year they fall behind in the SEC. Miami is yet another hopeful CFP contending ACC team to get exposed in week 1. Lots of time for them to recover, (they did play Alabama), but there was a huge talent drop-off. Bama gets Mercer before traveling to Gainesville for a date with the Gators.

LSU 27 - 38 UCLA

Chip Kelly! The UCLA Bruins welcomed LSU on their first ever trip to Pasadena, and sent them home without a win. UCLA Dorian Thompson-Robinson threw a very efficient 9/16 for 260 and 3, and was boosted by the rushing attack of Brittain Brown and Zach Charbonnet combining for 200+ and 2 scores. Holding LSU to just 48 rushing yards, they forced Max Johnson to try and play hero ball for the Tigers. Feeding Kayshon Boutte (9-148-3) worked, but a timely interception for the Bruins set up a lead that UCLA would never give back. UCLA is now 2-0, getting Fresno State next week, while LSU hosts McNeese and Central Michigan.

Notre Dame 41 - 38 Florida State

What an awesome game! It had a bit of everything. Notre Dame rolled out Wisconsin transfer Jack Coan, who had a fantastic 26/35 for 366 and 4 stat line. FSU started Jordan Travis, but his helmet flew off on a play, opening the door for McKenzie Milton. Milton took the spot and never let go, the offense stormed back to force an overtime. After a wild sequence of "was it a pass or a fumble," Florida State missed a FG in OT 1, allowing Notre Dame to just set up and kick a game-winner. Florida State's 3 interceptions was their downfall, even when they held Notre Dame to only 65 rushing yards on 35 attempts.

Big Players

Mo Ibrahim - RB - Minnesota

Ibrahim was near impossible to stop. He racked up 163 yards on 30 carries, 2 TDs, and was the heart & soul of the Golden Gophers. He seemed like a prime candidate to become the next great Big Ten running back, but an apparent Achilles injury removed him from the game in the early third quarter.

Bijan Robinson - RB - Texas

He was showing why he is the best RB in college football. 20 rushes for 103 and a TD, 4 receptions for 73 and another TD. He will be a repetitive name on this list, especially as the Longhorns continue to win.

Kenneth Walker III - RB - Michigan State

The speedy Wake Forest transfer Walker only touched the ball 23 times against Northwestern. He turned those touches into 264 yards and 4 touchdowns. He dominated the game from the opening snap (where he went 75 yards for a score).

Bryce Young - QB - Alabama

He looked as good as advertised. 27/38 for 344 yards and 4 touchdowns. Alabama was in control of the game in it's entirety, and Young looked extremely comfortable as he willed the ball around the field. 10 different Crimson Tide players touched the ball, Ohio State transfer Jameson Williams was the only one over 100 yards.

Georgia Defense

A team that generates 7 sacks and holds a playoff team to 3 points and 180 total yards? The whole unit deserves to be here. To highlight some names, DB Lewis Cine grabbed a team high 9 tackles and 2 pass deflections, LB Nakobe Dean had 2 solo sacks, and Christopher Smith had a pick 6. The whole unit was disruptive and a nightmare for Clemson.

Kayshon Boutte - WR - LSU

The next in line of the WR factory that is the Bayou Bengals, Kayshon Boutte put up a massive 9 reception, 148 yard, 3 touchdown stat line. He made up for just under half of the LSU total receiving yard market share.

McKenzie Milton - QB - Florida State

Whether he started or won the game, it doesn't matter. Milton was the QB of the undefeated UCF squads in the past, and his catastrophic knee injury in November 2018 sidelined him for 3 years. Seeing him take the field again, and look good in the process, is easily the story of the week. Incredible.

Kyle Hamilton - S - Notre Dame

Already touted as one of the best safety prospects we've ever seen, Hamilton showed up in a big way on Sunday night. 2 interceptions to go along with 6 more tackles, he was the best player on the field. Expect to see his name more this season.

Zach Charbonnet - RB - UCLA

The Michigan transfer deserved a nod for his week 0 performance, but a second straight week of over 100 yards puts him on the list anyways. 11 carries became 117 yards and a TD, as UCLA pulled off the upset on LSU.

Big Picture

Ohio State survived one of their bigger tests, using a new QB against a formidable Big Ten opponent in Minnesota. In addition to the Buckeyes, Penn State's win over Wisconsin and Michigan State's win over Northwestern knocks the Big Ten West down a significant peg, seemingly leaving only Iowa as conference championship contenders. The Big Ten East looks to be as strong as advertised.

A gigantic loser of the weekend is the ACC. Clemson losing their only big game sans South Carolina, hopeful contender North Carolina being upset by Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech and Duke losing to easy opponents, Miami getting steamrolled by Alabama, and Florida State dropping a game to Notre Dame, we can almost erase the conference from the CFP conversation already. It seems like they need a surprise unbeaten to get in, or for there to be plenty of losing elsewhere. Virginia Tech did not look like a Playoff hopeful, but there is a window for them to take the ACC crown. Maybe it's an overreaction, but this is clearly the worst-case scenario for the ACC playing out already.

Both a winner and a loser, the Pac-12. UCLA's win over LSU gives the conference a much-needed win to establish their place in the conference hierarchy, their first win over a ranked SEC school since 2008. USC took care of business against reigning MWC Champs San Jose State. Oregon survived a good test from Fresno State. The low's? Washington State let Utah State come back and win with 11 seconds left, and Washington dropped a game AT HOME to FCS powerhouse Montana. BYU beat Arizona, and Nevada took down Cal. It looks like its down to the the LA schools and Oregon if they want to make a playoff for the first time since 2016 Washington.

As for the Heisman, it's way too early to tell. North Carolina's Sam Howell and Oklahoma's Spencer Rattler need to be better if they want the award. Iowa State's Brock Purdy didn't make much noise against FCS Northern Iowa. Alabama's Bryce Young looked great, and Ohio State's CJ Stroud came around in the 2nd half. Michigan State RB Kenneth Walker III put up a masterful performance, we'll see if it's sustainable. Malik Willis did enough for Liberty to win convincingly over Campbell. Bijan Robinson looked like the best RB in the nation, as Texas put away Louisiana. This picture will become more clear in the next few weeks.

I don't believe in rankings this early, but Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State look like playoff teams. Oklahoma got their win, but it was ugly. There are still a lot of unbeaten teams, and someone will surely surprise us as we move forward, but the Playoff looks to be wide open right now.

Big Games Coming

All times EST.

Oregon (1-0) @ Ohio State (1-0) 12:00 PM FOX

Pitt (1-0) @ Tennessee (1-0) 12:00 PM ESPN

Texas A&M (1-0) @ Colorado (1-0) 3:30 PM FOX

Iowa (1-0) @ Iowa State (1-0) 4:30 PM ABC

NC State (1-0) @ Mississippi State (1-0) 7:00 PM ESPN2

Washington (0-1) @ Michigan (1-0) 8:00 PM ABC

Utah (1-0) @ BYU (1-0) 10:15 PM ESPN