Faculty soccer’s Week 1 Saturday is over, and the season can formally be declared open.
Solely two top-25 groups fell, however they had been each in opposition to different ranked foes. Others made their presence well-known in opposition to petty opposition. Listed below are some knee-jerk reactions from all of the motion.
Clemson are rusty, Georgia should not
The No. 14 Tigers usually would not take a tumble within the AP ballot after dropping to the No. 1 staff within the nation. However the efficiency head coach Dabo Swinney and firm put forth in Atlanta was definitely not befitting of a top-15 staff. Clemson managed solely three factors in opposition to Georgia (lowly Akron scored twice as many in opposition to No. 2 Ohio State). Main changes might be wanted for quarterback Cade Klubnik if the Tigers need any shot on the ACC crown not to mention the Faculty Soccer Playoff.
Georgia, alternatively, is again and firing on all cylinders after the 34-3 drubbing. It’s going to be searching for revenge after being omitted from final yr’s playoff.
Miami could be the ACC’s lone playoff hope
Talking of the ACC crown, the No. 19 Miami Hurricanes look like the staff to beat within the convention after spanking in-state rivals Florida 41-17 in Gainesville. Miami quarterback Cam Ward made his early case for Heisman consideration after throwing for 385 yards and three touchdowns. With Florida State, Virginia Tech and Clemson all faltering of their season-openers, all roads to the ACC championship recreation – and perhaps the playoff – run by Coral Gables. Anticipate the Hurricanes to be a top-15 staff within the subsequent ballot.
Penn State is an actual playoff risk
Regardless of an hours-long climate delay, the No. 8 Nittany Lions had no downside staving off a wild-card West Virginia staff that merely could not discover constant offense. Penn State, alternatively, discovered its groove after a couple of early turnovers. Quarterback Drew Allar threw for 216 yards and three touchdowns whereas working again Nicholas Singleton rushed for 114 yards and a rating within the 34-12 win. If Penn State stays this constant on offense, they’ve an actual shot to go a few rounds deep into the expanded playoff.
Boise State has a Heisman contender in Ashton Jeanty
The Broncos had been already on the prime of preseason lists to be the Group of 5 champion within the expanded playoff however now they will have a proficient working again on some Heisman watchlists. Ashton Jeanty rushed for 267 yards and 6 touchdowns (sure, you learn that appropriately). Two of these scores got here on runs of 70+ yards as Jeanty tied the Mountain West file for many touchdowns in a recreation. The season is lengthy and the highway to New York Metropolis even longer, but it surely looks like Jeanty is already midway there after Saturday’s marathon-length effort.
Notre Dame might need what it takes this yr
Notre Dame has one of many best schedules in school soccer however their season-opener in opposition to No. 20 Texas A&M offered a troublesome check early. The Combating Irish handed with flying colours, escaping a deafening Faculty Station with a 23-13 win. Quarterback Riley Leonard ought to be capable of lead the boys from South Bend to an undefeated season main as much as late-season checks in opposition to Florida State and USC.
Michigan seems to be overrated regardless of win
The Wolverines paid Fresno State $1.85 million to go to Ann Arbor in what was presupposed to be an easily-bought win. Michigan could not draw back from the Bulldogs for a lot of the competition till late within the fourth quarter. Do not let the 30-10 scoreline idiot you, Michigan nonetheless has some kinks to work out in the event that they need to defend their nationwide championship title.
Oregon could be overhyped
Heisman favourite Dillon Gabriel didn’t look comfy for a lot of the Geese’ season-opener in opposition to Idaho. The Vandals harassed and sacked him a couple of occasions, however regardless of that, he nonetheless threw for 380 yards and two touchdowns. It is a bit of a conundrum in the event you simply have a look at the stat line however the greater concern is what is going to Oregon do when it has to face stiffer competitors within the Massive Ten if Idaho clawed its technique to a slim 24-14 loss.
