And, we’re off! Last night, we had several entertaining games to tie us over until Saturday. We had blowouts, and we had drag outs. Two ranked teams were in action with one displaying power over an inferior opponent while the other showed multiple question marks. A “Way-too-Early” Heisman candidate put up ridiculous numbers in limited action, but it was a place kicker who might have won the night. Before we get into the Friday slate of games, let’s look at what you’re talking about this afternoon.

 

Crisis Averted!

Tennessee came into their opener as a three touchdown favorite, as the announcers kept reminding us. Appalachian State led the entire game until Tennessee scored on a 67-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter. Later in the period, redshirt freshman kicker Michael Rubino, who had already missed an extra point, sent a 41-yard field goal wide right. The Mountaineers would win the toss before overtime, and elect to go on defense first. From the 3-yard line, Josh Dobbs rolled to his right, leaped, stretched, and took a hard shot at the goal line which in turned caused him to fumble the football forward. Quick thinking on the part of Jalen Hurd, who jumped on the ball, would give Tennessee the score they needed in overtime. App State was ineffective with their turn, and Tennessee’s defense sealed the game, 20-13.

This game will give Tennessee fans fits. It was an obvious letdown for a team that has such high expectations. Luckily for them, they have more than a week to prepare for Virginia Tech when they face the Hokies at Bristol Motor Speedway.

 

Early Heisman Showing

The Fighting Lamar Jacksons defeated lowly Charlotte last night in a rout, 70-14. Jackson only played one half, but in truth, he didn’t need that much time. Jackson completed 17 of his 23 passes for 286 yards while running for another 119. Of the eight touchdowns he was responsible for, six came from his arm while two from his legs. Granted, it was Charlotte playing the Cardinals, but where do we place all of the praise? Is Lamar Jackson that good? Did Bobby Petrino just run it up? Is Charlotte just that bad? Louisville takes the field again next Friday against ACC foe Syracuse. Maybe we’ll have a more clear picture then.

 

Pride of the SEC?

If we’re throwing out Heisman candidates already, what about jumping onto a band wagon? As early as the season is, South Carolina currently holds the path to it's own destiny in the SEC East...along with five other division opponents. However, for this night, the Gamecocks are on top of the standings. In Will Muschamp's return to head coaching, the Gamecocks rallied from being down 10-0 at the half to squeak by the Vanderbilt Commodores by a final of 13-10. The Player of the Game was the senior place kicker Elliot Fry. Fry nailed a 55-yard field goal with 0:35 left that would eventually be the difference. With a road win in the SEC, albeit Vandy, South Carolina will play next week in Starkville against a Mississippi State team they have beaten seven straight times. 

Other Scores from Last Night

Central Michigan 49, Presbyterian 3

Wake Forest 7, Tulane 3

Cincinnati 28, UT-Martin 7

UConn 24, Maine 21

North Carolina State 48, William & Mary 14

Indiana 34, Florida International 13

Utah 24, Southern Utah 0

Utah State 45, Weber State 6

Western Kentucky 46, Rice 14

Minnesota 30, Oregon State 23

New Mexico 48, South Dakota 21

Idaho 20, Montana State 17

UNLV 63, Jackson State 13

-Dug

@chansm1th