Kyle’s Week 1 Overreactions
Estimated 4 minute read
Week 1 is finally behind us with FSU wrapping up another loss to an ACC foe. Nico outlined why this wasn’t surprising last week. In light of that, I decided to leave FSU off this article. Here are 4 of my overreactions (or are they) to Week 1:
UNLV is the frontrunner for a G5 playoff spot
Houston was not expected to be good, but UNLV going on the road and dominating the Cougars 27-7 says more about the Rebels than the home team. UNLV’s defense was stifling, generating 6 sacks, 10 TFLs, and 2 interceptions, 1 of which was returned for a TD. Houston only scored a garbage time TD on a drive with backups in that accounted for over a third of their total yardage. Most of the Mountain West struggled this weekend, and UNLV has the chance to defeat 3 more power teams plus Boise State for their CFP resume.
QBs, the SEC, and Big 10 will be shut out of New York for the Heisman ceremony
Before you say I’m crazy, read my 5 finalist picks.
Ashton Jeanty, Boise State, 20 carries, 267 yards, 13.4 avg, 6 TDs
Dude had 6 TDs and didn’t play the whole game. Oh and his backup Sire Gaines came in and carried the ball 12 times for 110 yards and caught a TD. BSU’s offensive efficiency will let Jeanty put up monster numbers. Don’t look now but BSU may have a better than expected chance against Oregon.
Travis Hunter, Colorado, 7 catches, 132 yards, 18.9 avg, 3 TDs, 3 tackles
I mean the guy is a machine. He plays the entire game effectively and efficiently. He makes impact plays the entire game. The only chance of him not making New York is if he wears down from the toll on his body.
Tetairoa McMillian, Arizona, 10 catches, 304 yards, 30.4 avg, 4 TDs
There is no team that can line up and cover McMillian. He’s 6’5” and 212 pounds, he has the height, body control, and catch radius to be a mismatch no matter who Arizona plays. And with Arizona’s defense he may have to catch 4 TDs every game. Hunter and McMillian will outshine their QBs, who will put up monster numbers throwing to these guys.
RJ Harvey, UCF, 11 carries, 142 yards, 12.9 avg, 2 TDs
The level of competition was not great. But new QB KJ Jefferson struggled against the FCS New Hampshire Wildcats and UCF ran for over 450 yards. RJ Harvey could lead the country in rushing this season while UCF goes from 6-7 to contending for the Big 12.
Brashard Smith, 20 carries, 175 yards, 8.8 avg, 3 TDs (2 games)
SMU is getting more and more hype in a conference that appears more wide open than before. Heisman voters love the best player on winning teams, especially surprises.
Dan Lanning will not be able to win the big game… again
Going into the 4th quarter the Ducks only led the Vandals 14-7. Idaho pulled to within 3 before Tex Johnson caught a late TD from Dillon Gabriel to secure a 24-14 win over an FCS opponent. I checked the box score and Oregon had outgained Idaho 487 - 217, dominated time of possession, and won the turnover battle. Those combined don’t usually lead to a squeaker. Oregon failed on downs twice in their own territory, the 2nd of which led to a TD for Idaho on the very next play. Prior to the 4th down failures, Lanning tried a 52 yard goal by a kicker who has never even attempted a 50+ yarder that gave the Vandals excellent field position . Fortunately Oregon’s defense bailed Lanning out after the miss. These mistakes were survivable against an FCS opponent, but not against Ohio State and maybe not even Boise State next week.
USC finally has a defense that will contend for a Big 10 title and CFP berth
LSU led the country in total yardage and points last season, and, although they lost a lot off that team, including their Heisman Trophy winning QB and 2 more first round WRs, expectations remained high for the Tigers. The over/under was 64.5, one of the highest set this week by Vegas. The game went under with a Trojan 27-20 win. Yes the Tigers gained 421 yards, but the USC defense played well enough to overcome a Trojan offense that only scored 27 points, an output that USC has only won with once in the Lincoln Riley era. The conference schedule is manageable, and a revamped defense will put USC in relevant games in November.
