2023-24 College Football: Week 0 Review

College football has returned with a small Week 0 slate. While there aren't any major matchups, two Top 15 teams were in action, with the reigning Heisman winner beginning his campaign for a repeat and a highly-touted transfer making his debut in Ireland. There were also a few conference matchups out of C-USA that came down to the wire. It was only a seven-game day, but there was plenty of action to wet our whistles before things get going next week. 

Recap of the Games

#13 Notre Dame 42, Navy 3 (Dublin, Ireland)

The first game of the season wasn't close. The Fighting Irish and Midshipmen battled in Dublin, and Wake Forest transfer Sam Hartman was the night's story. After Notre Dame punched it in on the ground twice, Hartman would throw four touchdowns in his debut. The Notre Dame defense was suffocating, avoiding a near-catastrophe like last season. They would only allow a field goal as Notre Dame started their season with a dominant performance abroad. 

Jacksonville State 17, UTEP 14 (Jacksonville, AL)

Making the jump to the FBS, Jacksonville State opened their season with a conference game at home against UTEP. Points were at a premium for both teams. An early review would wipe a UTEP touchdown off the board as the Gamecocks held a 10-7 lead at halftime. Jacksonville State added to their lead in the third quarter, but UTEP drew back within three with a beautiful touchdown pass in the fourth. The Miners drove down the field late, but a well-defended pass on 3rd and 1 and an interception on 4th and 1 would seal Jacksonville State's first C-USA victory. 

Massachusetts 41, New Mexico State 30 (Las Cruces, NM)

It had been nearly five years since the Massachusetts Minutemen had won a game on the road. Alas, the streak is now over after 24 road games. Through three quarters, the score was sitting at 13-10 in UMass' favor, but things would explode in the fourth. Clemson and Georgia Tech transfer Taisun Phommachanh helped lead a 28-point quarter for UMass, aided by a pick-six to put the game away. The two sides scored 48 points in the fourth quarter as UMass picked up an elusive road win to begin the season. 

San Diego State 20, Ohio 13 (San Diego, CA)

In another low-scoring game, we nearly saw an improbable comeback due to a terrible coaching decision from San Diego State. Leading up to it, there wasn't much scoring. Ohio held a 6-3 lead until the Aztecs scored a touchdown as time expired in the first half to take a four-point lead into the break. This would help spark 17 unanswered points for San Diego State to make it a 20-6 game. Ohio would pull within a touchdown with less than two minutes left and get the ball back after San Diego State came up short on 4th down in an attempt to ice the game. Ohio made a valiant attempt to force overtime, but an interception would end the game, securing a win for the Aztecs. 

Vanderbilt 35, Hawai'i 28 (Nashville, TN)

Even for the teams at the bottom of the SEC, there is an expectation that you should beat Group of 5 teams. Hawai'i, with a little more to play for, gave Vanderbilt a hard time. The Commodores seemed to have the game under control, leading by a touchdown at halftime and by as much as 21 points in the fourth quarter. Brayden Schager helped lead a comeback, bringing Hawai'i within a touchdown. Turnovers would end up biting them as a late interception would doom the Rainbow Warriors as they fell seven points short. 

#6 USC 56, San Jose State 28 (Los Angeles, CA)

If you needed any indication that Caleb Williams is a special player, look no further than the 76-yard touchdown he threw after fumbling a snap. San Jose State didn't make it easy for the reigning Heisman Trophy winner and the Trojans in the first half, trailing by 21-14 at halftime. However, the Trojans pulled away in the second half. Williams finished the game with 278 yards and four touchdowns as USC doubled up San Jose State to win their season opener. 

Louisiana Tech 22, Florida International 17 (Ruston, LA)

Through the first 25 minutes of the game, Florida International was in control of this game. They picked up two touchdowns in the first quarter and led 17-3 about five minutes into the second quarter. They were feeling good about their position in the game. That good feeling would be spoiled a little as Louisiana Tech scored ten points in the final five minutes to make it 17-13 at the half. The lead for the Panthers held strong through the third quarter until a field goal brought the Bulldogs within a point, and a 30-yard touchdown run by Jacob Fields with 1:01 left gave them their first lead of the night. The Bulldogs would intercept a pass to put this game away. 

Week 1 Preview

While this week's games all count, the season doesn't really get going until next Saturday. Here is a look at the 10 games I'm looking forward to for Labor Day weekend as college football kicks into full gear. 

1. #5 LSU v. #8 Florida State (Camping World Kickoff- Orlando, FL)

As with some of my other games, the ACC will have a big weekend, highlighted by the only matchup between Top 10 teams. Florida State is considered among the ACC's frontrunners this season and will look to prove they're ready to take that step. These two teams met to open the season in 2022, with the Seminoles beating the Tigers 24-23 in a wild game with terrible special teams. 

Prediction- #5 LSU 27, #8 Florida State 21

2. #9 Clemson v. Duke (Durham, NC)

The week's final game will be in primetime in Durham under the lights at Wallace Wade Stadium. Cade Klubnik will look to start the season on a high note on the road against a Duke squad that surprised many people last season. This is an ample opportunity for Riley Leonard, who is being shown love after performing well under reigning ACC Coach of the Year Mike Elko. 

Prediction- #9 Clemson 31, Duke 17

3. Florida v. #14 Utah (Salt Lake City, UT)

Another rematch from Week 1 last season, the Gators will make a trip to Salt Lake City to face the two-time defending PAC-12 champions. Florida served up a big upset to the Utes to open last season, aided by the performance of 1st round pick Anthony Richardson. Not having Cam Rising for this game could make it a little more interesting, but the Utes are returning the best defense in the conference. 

Prediction- #14 Utah 38, Florida 20

4. #21 North Carolina v. South Carolina (Duke's Mayo Classic- Charlotte, NC)

It's an old-fashioned Southern border battle as the Carolinas clash in Charlotte. Reigning ACC Player of the Year and preseason favorite to repeat, Drake Maye was phenomenal last season, leading the Tar Heels to the ACC Championship Game. Spencer Rattler is back under center for the Gamecocks, trying to earn a big early-season win against a ranked opponent. 

Prediction- South Carolina 37, #21 North Carolina 31

5. East Carolina v. #2 Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI)

On paper, this is a lopsided game that will likely go in the favor of the Wolverines. The only reason I'm intrigued by this game is the suspension of John Harbaugh and hoping we could see some early cracks in Michigan's armor. It's also important to note that Michigan has been susceptible to a major upset by a North Carolina team at the Big House. 

Prediction- #2 Michigan 45, East Carolina 10

6. Boise State v. #10 Washington (Seattle, WA)

The preseason love in the PAC-12 has gone to Caleb Williams and USC. Washington's Michael Penix Jr. is back and leads a loaded Huskies offense with aspirations of returning to the PAC-12 Championship Game. Boise State is past its prime as a powerhouse but could be looking to take advantage of some early-season jitters with a major upset. 

Prediction- #10 Washington 41, Boise State 21

7. Louisville at Georgia Tech (Aflac Kickoff- Atlanta, GA)

The frontrunners in the ACC are clear, but there is some debate about the group right behind them. Louisville was picked to finish 8th in the conference this season, and Georgia Tech was selected to finish 12th. An early conference victory could be a big kickstart for either team as they compete for a decent bowl selection in December. 

Prediction- Louisville 30, Georgia Tech 17

8. West Virginia at #7 Penn State (University Park, PA)

Playing behind powerhouses like Ohio State and Michigan means Penn State is likely to be lost in the mix. They open the season in the Top 10 but are slated to finish 3rd in the division. While West Virginia was picked at the bottom of the Big 12, the Nittany Lions could pick up a Power 5 victory to get their season going. 

Prediction- #7 Penn State 34, West Virginia 17

9. Virginia at #12 Tennessee (Knoxville, TN)

There's a new gunslinger under center in Knoxville, and he might have one of the strongest arms in the country. Joe Milton III is in charge of the offense, taking over from Hendon Hooker. After winning 11 games and the Orange Bowl last season, there are great expectations for the Volunteers as they open the season against one of the lowest-ranked teams in the ACC. 

Prediction- #12 Tennessee 48, Virginia 13

10. Miami (OH) at Miami (Coral Gables, FL)

This game means absolutely nothing in the grand scheme of the universe. It won't affect the playoff picture or the dynamic of the ACC. There are two reasons I'm highlighting this game. First, it's a battle of the two Miamis in the country. Second, Tyler van Dyke and the Hurricanes must re-establish themselves as a strong team after a disappointing season. 

Prediction- Miami 34, Miami (OH) 13