Week Zero in College Football: A Beautiful Madness

Published: Monday, August 26, 2024

by Kyle Ferreira

After seven long, agonizing months, college football made its return on Saturday.

In an era of change around the sport, Saturday’s Week Zero matchups demonstrated that there is still plenty to love about college football. From a game across the Atlantic Ocean to unexpectedly cold weather in Reno, Nevada, it was a glorious day. Here’s a look at some of the highlights from over 4,000 miles.

The day kicked off with an ACC clash between Georgia Tech and No. 10 Florida State in Dublin, Ireland. The atmosphere was electric as thousands of fans from both teams and local residents gathered to witness an instant classic. Early on, it seemed to be FSU’s game.

The Seminoles’ first drive showcased a perfect run game as their experienced offensive line helped running back Lawrance Toafili score a touchdown. FSU converted a two-point conversion to go up 8-0, but Georgia Tech answered with a touchdown of its own. Tech efficiently ran the ball on its first drive, gaining significant yards and outmaneuvering the FSU defense.

Despite projections favoring the Seminoles, especially with the arrival of Oregon State transfer DJ Uiagalelei, things didn’t go as expected. Uiagalelei had an impressive pass completion rate in the first half, going 12-of-14, but he totaled fewer than 100 yards and had no big yardage plays. Defensively, FSU pressured Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King but did not sack him.

Georgia Tech emerged as the stronger team on the field. Tech’s game plan was straightforward: “Run the ball,” as head coach Brent Key noted in his postgame interview. Whether it was King keeping it, running back Jamal Haynes, or a jet sweep, stopping Tech’s offense proved challenging. After a physical drive, Tech kicker Aidan Birr made a 44-yard field goal to secure the upset. The final score: Georgia Tech 24, Florida State 21.

In the U.S., New Mexico faced FCS powerhouse Montana State. Montana State was favored in the matchup, a rarity for an FBS-FCS game. The Bobcats seemed down and out, trailing 31-14 going into the fourth quarter.

However, Montana State rallied as New Mexico struggled with dropped passes and missed field goals. Bobcats running backs Adam Jones and Scottre Humphrey delivered late touchdowns—a 93-yard run by Jones and a 4-yard run by Humphrey. Montana State completed the comeback and upset New Mexico, 35-31.

Later, in unusually cold Reno, Nevada, new ACC member SMU defeated Nevada 29-24. SMU quarterback Preston Stone threw for 254 yards and connected with tight end RJ Maryland for the winning touchdown. Nevada led 24-13 going into the fourth quarter and could have pulled off a major upset if it had held on.

Overall, it was a successful opening Saturday of the season.

Kyle Ferreira can be reached at kyle.ferreira@student.shu.edu 

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