It’s finally back! After months listening to news stories about NCAA violations, emails, impermissible benefits, Ponzi schemes, recruiting packages, alleged this, alleged that, injuries and arrests, there’s finally something to sink our teeth into as the college football season kicked off Thursday evening and kept going strong throughout the holiday weekend.
Recapping the week in 500 words or less, this is what we learned about the season:
Every week I look at one player who Proved He’s Worth the Hype more than anybody else. This week it has to be Robert Griffin III with an honorable mention going to Kellen Moore. Griffin showed us why he’s considered one of the premier quarterbacks and game changers in college football as he led Baylor past TCU, answering a late surge from the Horned Frogs by driving down the field to set up the game-winning field goal with just over a minute left. Give lots of credit to the wide receivers, and Terrance Ganaway looked good in his debut as the starting running back, but it was Griffin who led the Bears to that win. He finished a very impressive 21/27 for 359 yards with five touchdowns. The touchdown on the opening drive really set the stage for a wild one in Waco.
Remembering that each week there are a few players who burst onto the national stage or who put in a performance that catches everybody’s eye, I also like to point out a New Household Name, too. This week the honor goes to Maryland quarterback Danny O’Brien, with whom Maryland fans—and ACC fans in general—were already familiar, but whose performance against Miami in primetime on national television Monday night introduced the redshirt sophomore to the world. He finished with 348 yards and a touchdown on 31/44 passing. He did not appear to allow an interception in the end zone and other red zone woes get in his head as he consistently moved the ball on the shorthanded Miami defense.
My Heisman ballot if they let me vote
I decided to go all quarterbacks for my first Heisman leader board. This is going to change all season and is based on the first week of play, so try to hold your water if you’re outraged that so and so isn’t on this list. Yeah, Andrew Luck is going to be in the mix so just relax. He played very well against San Jose State and came up with three total touchdowns, but the following five passers deserve recognition in week one, too.
Week one showcased some elite talents on some big stages and the result was some exciting football to kick off the season. The second week will feature several other key games starting with a few intriguing weeknight matchups.
Thursday, September 8
Friday September 9
Saturday September 10
Danny Hobrock is our College Football Editor. Danny's writing on College Pigskin has garnered national attention and has been critically acclaimed. You may email Danny directly @ danny.hobrock@rotoexperts.com or follow him on Twitter @DannyHobrock