Week 1 Reactions Across College Football
By Tucker Harlin
Week 1 of the 2024 college football season is in the books and it did not disappoint.
From large beatdowns of FCS teams, to competitive non conference matchups in the Top 25, to fans making bets to film themselves eating dog poop out of a bowl, we really got to see a little bit of everything in college football’s return.
IS MIKE NORVELL BACK ON THE HOT SEAT?
Credit: Colin Hackley/AP
The contest between Florida State and Boston College in Tallahassee Monday was an even worse version of the loss the Noles suffered in Dublin in Week 0.
D.J. Uiagelelei has seen little development from the few starts he made in 2020 at Clemson to where he is now. Each throw left viewers wondering how he’s going to miss his receiver this time, and every completion felt like a big surprise.
While I do think Uiagelelei is a big part of FSU’s problem, there are other major causes for concern. Specifically, the play at the line of scrimmage has been abysmal in the Seminoles’ first two games.
Boston College out rushed FSU 263-21 on Monday. There are two serious problems here.
First, when you already have bad quarterback play on offense, you can’t afford to look bad on the ground. Second, if your defense is constantly surrendering four to seven yard plays and not finding a way off the field, you’re going to have a hard time finding enough time to score.
The Seminoles only had the ball for a matter of seconds in the opening quarter because of both of these issues. Eagles quarterback Thomas Castellanos didn’t challenge the FSU secondary because he didn’t have to the way his offense shredded FSU on the ground.
All of this has me wondering if Norvell is back where he was in 2021 in terms of his fan approval rating. 2022 and 2023 feel like your metaphorical “lightning in a bottle” years.
But it could be worse. Norvell could’ve made a bet to post a video of him eating poop on social media.
I’d post the tweet but the fan deleted his account.
BRIAN KELLY IS STILL THE SAME DEER IN HEADLIGHTS
While his offenses are better and defenses have been worse than what they were in South Bend, Brian Kelly hasn’t changed as a coach.
He’s always going to win between eight and 10 regular season games, but there are always two to four games where he looks completely lost.
We’ve seen it in each of Kelly’s three opening games at LSU, and we saw it in the Tigers’ losses to Tennessee and Texas A&M back in 2022.
I suppose if Ed Orgeron and Les Miles can win national titles in Baton Rouge, then Kelly can do it too. But right now, he’s in the same class of head coach Mark Richt, Dan Mullen, and Gus Malzahn lived in for years.
When you coach at a school that belongs to a tough conference, you’re going to encounter tougher competition year after year as opposed to picking and choosing as an independent.
NOTRE DAME’S DEFENSE IS GOOD ENOUGH TO KEEP IT IN THE TOP 15
Credit: USA Today
I’m beginning to soften my stance on Notre Dame finding its way into the Top 10 to start the season.
I know, the schedule lends itself well for double digit wins this season. But I really do think this defense is right up there with Georgia as one of the best in college football, despite playing in an age of strong offenses.
Marcus Freeman is proving himself as one of the best defensive minds in college football. What the Irish were able to do in the most hostile environment they’ll play in this season was impressive.
If the offense begins to thrive under Riley Leonard in the coming weeks, then I think Notre Dame is a serious playoff contender.
MIAMI IS THE BEST TEAM IN THE ACC
Credit: Miami Herald
Florida may not be very good, but what Miami did with Cam Ward this weekend is something few can boast after a visit to the swamp.
Aside from the Hurricanes’ performance, there’s not much to like in the ACC after the opening weekend.
If you’re still reading this, you’ve already read why I hate Florida State’s chances to find the college football playoffs now.
Clemson is fading fast in national relevance. Dabo Swinney’s resistance to change will prevent the Tigers from winning championships in the years to come.
I don’t love what I’ve seen out of the dark horse contenders either.
Many thought Virginia Tech would have a sneaky good 2024, but the Hokies fell to what is supposed to be the worst SEC team in Vanderbilt on opening weekend.
NC State struggled to power past an FCS opponent in Week 1, and SMU’s Week 0 performance at Nevada doesn’t make me feel great about the Mustangs as a contender either.
Maybe someone from the middle of the pack rises, but I see no more than one bid for the ACC in the inaugural 12-team playoff.
