School soccer’s Week 1 Saturday is over, and the season can formally be declared open.
Solely two top-25 groups fell, however they have been each in opposition to different ranked foes. Others made their presence well-known in opposition to petty opposition. Listed below are some knee-jerk reactions from all of the motion.
Clemson are rusty, Georgia should not
The No. 14 Tigers usually would not take a tumble within the AP ballot after shedding to the No. 1 crew within the nation. However the efficiency head coach Dabo Swinney and firm put forth in Atlanta was definitely not befitting of a top-15 crew. Clemson managed solely three factors in opposition to Georgia (lowly Akron scored twice as many in opposition to No. 2 Ohio State). Main changes will probably be wanted for quarterback Cade Klubnik if the Tigers need any shot on the ACC crown not to mention the School Soccer Playoff.
Georgia, however, is again and firing on all cylinders after the 34-3 drubbing. It will be on the lookout for revenge after being omitted from final yr’s playoff.
Miami is perhaps the ACC’s lone playoff hope
Talking of the ACC crown, the No. 19 Miami Hurricanes seem like the crew to beat within the convention after spanking in-state rivals Florida 41-17 in Gainesville. Miami quarterback Cam Ward made his early case for Heisman consideration after throwing for 385 yards and three touchdowns. With Florida State, Virginia Tech and Clemson all faltering of their season-openers, all roads to the ACC championship recreation – and perhaps the playoff – run by Coral Gables. Count on the Hurricanes to be a top-15 crew within the subsequent ballot.
Penn State is an actual playoff menace
Regardless of an hours-long climate delay, the No. 8 Nittany Lions had no downside staving off a wild-card West Virginia crew that merely could not discover constant offense. Penn State, however, discovered its groove after a few early turnovers. Quarterback Drew Allar threw for 216 yards and three touchdowns whereas working again Nicholas Singleton rushed for 114 yards and a rating within the 34-12 win. If Penn State stays this constant on offense, they’ve an actual shot to go a few rounds deep into the expanded playoff.
Boise State has a Heisman contender in Ashton Jeanty
The Broncos have been already on the high of preseason lists to be the Group of 5 champion within the expanded playoff however now they will have a proficient working again on some Heisman watchlists. Ashton Jeanty rushed for 267 yards and 6 touchdowns (sure, you learn that appropriately). Two of these scores got here on runs of 70+ yards as Jeanty tied the Mountain West document for many touchdowns in a recreation. The season is lengthy and the street to New York Metropolis even longer, nevertheless it looks like Jeanty is already midway there after Saturday’s marathon-length effort.
Notre Dame might need what it takes this yr
Notre Dame has one of many best schedules in faculty soccer however their season-opener in opposition to No. 20 Texas A&M offered a troublesome check early. The Combating Irish handed with flying colours, escaping a deafening School Station with a 23-13 win. Quarterback Riley Leonard ought to be capable of lead the boys from South Bend to an undefeated season main as much as late-season exams in opposition to Florida State and USC.
Michigan appears to be like overrated regardless of win
The Wolverines paid Fresno State $1.85 million to go to Ann Arbor in what was purported to be an easily-bought win. Michigan could not draw back from the Bulldogs for a lot of the competition till late within the fourth quarter. Do not let the 30-10 scoreline idiot you, Michigan nonetheless has some kinks to work out in the event that they wish to defend their nationwide championship title.
Oregon is perhaps overhyped
Heisman favourite Dillon Gabriel didn’t look comfy for a lot of the Geese’ season-opener in opposition to Idaho. The Vandals harassed and sacked him a number of instances, however regardless of that, he nonetheless threw for 380 yards and two touchdowns. It’s kind of of a conundrum in case you simply take a look at the stat line however the greater concern is what’s going to Oregon do when it has to face stiffer competitors within the Massive Ten if Idaho clawed its option to a slim 24-14 loss.
