Zero-Week brings excitement every year. However, this time, the highlight was a father-son rivalry, leaving many fans eager for Week 1. Even though Texas faced a tough loss, the weekend was still thrilling for college football enthusiasts.
This year, the competition feels wide open, and a few standout games showed just how competitive it can be.
Winners
LSU Tigers: Many expected Clemson to shine, but LSU pulled off a surprise. Coach Brian Kelly finally secured his first opening win at LSU, defeating preseason favorite Clemson. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier outshone Cade Klubnik, boosting his Heisman hopes.
Florida State Seminoles: Mike Norvell’s journey in Tallahassee has been a rollercoaster. His wins have fluctuated over the years, but this season started strong with a big win over Alabama. It was a team effort, showing strength in the offensive line—an encouraging sign for FSU fans.
Ohio State Buckeyes: Coming into this season, a slow build was anticipated. However, their defense looked solid under new coordinator Matt Patricia. If first-year quarterback Julian Sayin can master the game, Ohio State could be a serious contender.
Miami Hurricanes: Mario Cristobal proved he can win in big games, holding off Notre Dame’s late push. Quarterback Carson Beck deserves attention after a tough previous season. It’s unfortunate Miami and Clemson won’t meet during the regular season.
Tulane QB Jake Retzlaff: After transferring from BYU, Retzlaff has made a name for himself at Tulane. He led the Green Wave to a convincing win over Northwestern, aligning better with Tulane’s more flexible honor code.
Cal QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele: The freshman stunned with an impressive debut, completing 20 of 30 passes for three touchdowns. He has already faced challenges committing to schools, raising questions about his future with the Bears.
Utah Utes: While beating UCLA isn’t unique, QB Devon Dampier’s performance stood out. If he keeps playing at this level, Utah could surprise many in the Big 12.
Losers
The Big Four: Texas, Alabama, Clemson, and Notre Dame all faced tough losses. Despite the defeat, Texas’ loss to Ohio State wasn’t surprising. Overall, these games highlighted the unpredictability of the season.
Boise State Broncos: They faced a tough 34-7 defeat against South Florida. With a completely overhauled team, they’re still trying to find their footing.
Kansas State: A shaky start raised concerns, especially after a narrow win over North Dakota State. The team is struggling, but they seem to be regrouping, which provides a glimmer of hope.
Recent statistics show that early-season games can set the tone for teams’ entire years. In 2022, around 60% of teams that won their opener went on to have winning seasons. The college football landscape is ever-evolving, and fans will be watching closely as the season unfolds.
