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Can’t-miss college football matchups: Don’t miss these kickoff games in Week 1
Erick Smith
USA TODAY






Most sports allow game time before their seasons kick off. There's spring training or preseason matchups to work out kinks. There's scrimmages or friendlies against opponents to assess potential warning signs once the games start counting for real.

Not so for college football. Without any dress rehearsals against opponents, teams are forced to jump right into the season and get up to speed. And some of the biggest games of the year take place on opening weekend. That's great for fans, while at the same time maybe disconcerting for coaches that are required to manage the challenge.

Here are the biggest matchups from Week 1 that will have teams on their toes and fans looking forward to things starting off with a bang.

Notre Dame at Ohio State, Sept. 3
It doesn't get much bigger than two of the biggest and most successful programs meeting for the first time in the regular season since 1996. One of the notable subplots is former Ohio State player Marcus Freeman returning home to start his first season as head coach of Notre Dame. There's also the inevitable fireworks as the Buckeyes return quarterback C.J. Stroud and their top running back (TreVeyon Henderson) and wide receiver (Jaxson Smith-Njigba) from last year's team that led the nation in scoring (45.7 points per game) and total offense (561.5 yards per game). The Irish will need to slow this game down with its offensive line controlling things to give their defense a chance. The strategy worked for Oregon in its upset at Ohio State last year. Could it work again?

Notre Dame running back Chris Tyree (25) tries to get past Oklahoma State's Jarrick Bernard-Converse (24) during the 2022 Playstation Fiesta Bowl on Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
Oregon vs. Georgia (Atlanta), Sept. 3
How this for a storyline? The defensive coordinator that helped a program win its first national title in 41 years leaves for his first major head coaching job and his debut game brings him back hone to face the team he just left. That's the situation for former Bulldogs assistant Dan Lanning, who will lead the Ducks against Georgia on opening weekend. Adding to the intrigue is the possibility Auburn transfer Bo Nix could be starting for Oregon at quarterback after three years of facing the rival Bulldogs. The added backdrop is the Ducks are carrying the flag for the Pac-12 after the announced departure of Southern California and UCLA, and a win against the defending champions would be a heck of a statement in the opening game. For the Bulldogs, it's the first look at a rebuilt defense that lost a host of stars to the NFL but still has elite talent.




NEW MODEL:How college football would look if it was set with 32 teams

HIGHS AND LOWS:Winners and losers from Week 0 in college football

MAKING GRADE:College football's Week 0 report card focuses on Nebraska

Utah at Florida, Sept. 3
Another opportunity for the Pac-12 to change the narrative of the league being second-rate to the SEC. The Utes are attracting College Football Playoff attention after last season's run to the Rose Bowl and have most of their key players returning, led by quarterback Cam Rising and defensive back Clark Phillips. A non-conference win against a premier SEC team on the road would bolster their chances. This trip to Gainesville coincides with Billy Napier's debut as Gators coach. The climate in Florida certainly will be to the home team's advantage. And a win would give some immediate credibility to Napier's rebuilding job.




Cincinnati at Arkansas, Sept. 3
The Bearcats have won all of their 22 regular-season games the past two seasons before getting tripped up by SEC teams in bowl games, the last coming against Alabama in the playoff. With several starters departed, there are questions about how Cincinnati continues its success. There's probably no better place to quiet critics than winning on the road against the Razorbacks. Arkansas surprised with nine wins last season and bring back quarterback KJ Jefferson along with many of its key defenders. A possible run at the top half of the SEC West isn't out of the question for the Hogs, so this early game will provide a litmus test about its upward mobility.

West Virginia at Pittsburgh, Sept. 1

Played every year from 1943-2011, the Backyard Brawl has been on a hiatus since conference realignment shelved it for more than a decade. This return will start a run of eight games in 11 seasons between the schools. The timing for the Panthers seems perfect as they are coming off their first ACC title and return much of that group this season. The biggest question mark is whether Southern California transfer Kedon Slovis can fill the shoes of quarterback Kenny Pickett. The Mountaineers enter the fourth year of Neal Brown's tenure needing to make a jump to the top of the Big 12 after consistently finishing in the middle of the pack. They have their own former USC quarterback in JT Daniels, who spent the past two seasons at Georgia. Bragging rights and an important non-conference win will go to the victor.

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Penn State at Purdue, Sept. 1
Typically the opening weekend is reserved for non-conference matchups, but the Big Ten is kicking off with two league games in Week 1 after last week saw Northwestern defeat Nebraska. This Thursday night showdown between the Nittany Lions and Boilermakers is significant for both teams. Penn State needs a strong start to the season with frustrations with coach James Franklin growing louder after an 11-11 record the past two seasons. Sean Clifford is back for his sixth year and must play more efficiently at quarterback. On the plus side, the Lions should again be stingy on defense, which will be needed on this road trip. Purdue quietly won nine games last year and return Aidan O'Connell at quarterback. This should be a great atmosphere and a close, hard-fought struggle throughout.

North Carolina State at East Carolina, Sept. 3
The rivalry between the Wolfpack and Pirates might not be top of mind to most college football fans, but this will be the 10th meeting between the schools in the past 20 years and the series is just 5-4 in N.C. State's favor. The Wolfpack are harboring ACC and possible College Football Playoff dreams with quarterback Devin Leary and an elite defense in the fold. Going on the road in the opener against an in-state opponent in a raucous environment will surely be a tough test. East Carolina coach Mike Houston has slowly been building up the program and won seven games last season. He brings back a talented quarterback in Holton Ahlers and enough talent to pull a surprise.




Florida State vs. LSU (New Orleans), Sept. 4
Technically, the Seminoles opened last week with a defeat of Duquesne but the third season for coach Mike Norvell really starts with this showdown against the Tigers. Norvell has won combined eight games in his previous two campaigns, so pressure is on top produce with a lineup returning several contributors that helped the team win five of its last seven games. On the other sideline will be Brian Kelly, who left Notre Dame after 12 seasons for a rebuilding job with LSU. The Tigers, too, have been off the pace the past two seasons, so the first order of business is for Kelly to win this opener less than 100 miles from campus. It's a great opportunity for one of the programs to establish credibility and build momentum with a win against a big-name opponent.

Boise State at Oregon State, Sept. 3
The Beavers are one of the second-tier contenders in the Pac-12 after a surprise 2021 season that saw them win seven games, including a defeat of Utah State in the LA Bowl in their first postseason appearance since 2013. They'll be looking for more this year with quarterback Chance Nolan and one of the better offensive lines leading a run-based offense. The Broncos are looking to rebound after losing five games in their first year under Andy Avalos. The seven wins last year were their fewest since 1998. The hope for a rebound season starts with QB Hank Bachmeier, who finally stayed healthy last season and looks poised for a big senior season. The defense could be improved after ranking in the top 20 in points allowed. This should be a slugfest that provides the winner a big launching pad for the rest of the season.




Houston at Texas-San Antonio, Sept. 3
There may not be a ton of interest outside of the Lone Star State, but the clash between the Cougars and Roadrunners could loom large when the Group of Five berth in a New Year's Six bowl is handed out. Houston has the components to make a run at the American Athletic title after losing to Cincinnati in the championship game last season. UTSA won its first 11 games last year and took home the Conference USA title. Most of its prolific offense is back and can power another possible run at an unbeaten season.


https://www.usatoday.com/story/spor...tball-week-1-schedule-ranked/7594822001/

2022 Heisman Trophy watch list: Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud headline top 10 candidates for award
Published: Aug 05, 2022 at 09:05 AM

Eric Edholm
Lead Draft Writer



Eighteen of the past 22 Heisman Trophy winners have been quarterbacks, dating back to the 2000 season. That's a big reason why -- little surprise -- my ranking of the top 10 candidates to win the 2022 Heisman is a quarterback-heavy group.

Alabama's Bryce Young earned 83 percent of the total Heisman voting points a year ago. But his candidacy really didn't take full hold until after Young led the Crimson Tide to a comeback win over Auburn in late November, followed by a victory over Georgia in the SEC Championship Game.

Although Young has to be listed among the favorites this year, the race feels open. Only two other top-10 vote getters in 2021 -- Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud (fourth place) and Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. (fifth) -- return for the 2022 college season.

We'll certainly be welcoming some newer names to the mix this year. The transfer portal and a wilder coaching carousel in recent years all point toward less predictable Heisman results this season. Plus, history: We haven't had a back-to-back winner since the mid-1970s.

And with WR DeVonta Smith taking home the award in 2020, and two defensive players (Michigan's Aidan Hutchinson in 2021 and Ohio State's Chase Young in 2019) finishing in the top five in recent years, voters have shown more willingness to consider non-QB options.

So rather than just naming the 10 best quarterbacks, the list below offers more breadth and variety in this year's pool of candidates. Here are the 10 players that I believe have the best chance to take home the hardware -- plus, a couple dark-horse candidates thrown in for good measure.


Rank
10

TreVeyon Henderson
Ohio State · RB · Sophomore
Why he could win: The top running back in the 2021 recruiting class had some absurd highlights in his first season, racking up 1,560 scrimmage yards and 19 TDs (15 rushing, four receiving) on a mere 210 touches. Just imagine what he could do with a J.K. Dobbins-like workload this season.



Biggest potential roadblock: Right now, Henderson has two teammates -- C.J. Stroud and Jaxon Smith-Njigba -- ahead of him in the pecking order for various reasons, and Henderson must be more consistent. He amassed 21.6 percent of his rushing yards versus Tulsa in the third game of the season and had only two more 100-yard rushing games thereafter. Playing in a pass-heavy attack (and sharing the load with Miyan Williams) are limiting factors.



Plus, there seems to be something of an anti-RB bias these days. Najee Harris (1,466 rushing yards, 26 rushing TDs for Alabama in 2020) and Jonathan Taylor (2,003 yards, 21 TDs for Wisconsin in 2019) could fare no better than fifth in the Heisman voting. Dobbins, who had nearly identical production to Taylor in 2019, finished sixth that year.


Rank
9

D.J. Uiagalelei
Clemson · QB · Junior
Why he could win: Uiagalelei seemed to be almost completely written off after his early-season struggles in 2021, and it was understandable. But it’s not as if the former five-star recruit suddenly became untalented. The challenge of replacing Trevor Lawrence (and doing so without many of his best weapons) was too daunting a year ago.



However, this Clemson team -- and Uiagalelei, for that matter -- is just too gifted for a repeat of 2021 to happen. The QB who produced 781 pass yards, six total TDs and no interceptions in replacing Lawrence against Boston College and Notre Dame in 2020 has shown us he can thrive, and he’s coming off a bounce-back spring performance. The Clemson receiving corps and offensive line should be better, and if the downfield passing game opens back up, the offense could be back to producing regular fireworks.



Biggest potential roadblock: Last year was straight-up ugly in a lot of ways, both for Uiagalelei and the Tigers. He finished with a 9:10 TD-INT ratio, and Clemson’s 10-3 record and No. 14 final ranking somehow felt far worse. Why the wheels fell off offensively is anyone’s guess, and now Uiagalelei technically must keep his job, with star recruit Cade Klubnik breathing down his neck.

Rank
8

Tyler Van Dyke
Miami · QB · Sophomore (RS)
Why he could win: After a few tough outings to start his 2021 season, Van Dyke finished on a tear. He led Miami to big wins over N.C. State and Pitt, totaling 2,194 pass yards and a 20:3 TD-to-INT ratio in the final six games. Now new head coach Mario Cristobal takes over and his expertise should help firm up the offensive line.



Will Mallory has been a solid target at tight end, and Clemson transfer Frank Ladson Jr. could lead the receiving group. Without an established run game, the Hurricanes might be resorting to slinging the ball again -- and that’s great news for Van Dyke’s Heisman chances.



Biggest potential roadblock: How many games must Miami win for Van Dyke to have a legitimate shot? Nine? Ten? More? Going into College Station and beating Texas A&M on Sept. 17 would help. Part of the narrative for Van Dyke is the question of whether he can lead Miami back to (or at least to the precipice of) its former glory.



We love nostalgia, and there would be plenty of Vinny Testaverde and Gino Torretta callbacks for good measure, but this isn’t likely to be an easy chore. Miami has talent, but until further notice, it’s fair to be a bit skeptical in terms of how high the program can climb in 2022.

Rank
7

Dillon Gabriel
Oklahoma · QB · Junior (RS)
Why he could win: An undersized, Hawaii-born lefty slinger is being pumped up as a Heisman candidate? Where have we heard that one before? Tua Tagovailoa might not have won the award (finishing second in 2018), but Dillon has a chance to accomplish what Tua couldn’t.



After two-plus seasons of tearing up the American Athletic Conference at UCF, Gabriel has moved to Norman, where he’ll be driving a pretty robust offense led by receivers Marvin Mims and Theo Wease. Gabriel has tossed two or more TDs in 22 of his 26 college games and once threw for 601 yards and five TDs in a loss at Memphis. He’ll be reunited with offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby, who called plays for Gabriel in his standout true-freshman season.



Biggest potential roadblock: Gabriel is coming to Oklahoma amid a sea of change, with a new coaching staff and significant roster churn. This just isn’t the same crop of talent as we’re used to seeing there. On one hand, a softer schedule of defenses is a benefit toward Gabriel thriving, but if the Sooners drop an unexpected game or two along the way, it could hurt his chances.



Heisman voters were thoughtful when dishing out the award to talented quarterbacks in three- and four-loss seasons in recent years (SEE: Lamar Jackson and Robert Griffin III), but Gabriel isn’t quite the “Did you just see that?!?” dual-threat playmaker who owns highlight reels.

Rank
6

Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Ohio State · WR · Junior
Why he could win: Games such as Smith-Njigba’s performance in the Rose Bowl (15 catches, 324 yards, three TDs) against a very good Utah defense can resonate. There is a scenario where a receiver can win the award over his own quarterback, as we saw in 2020 with DeVonta Smith taking it over Mac Jones. Smith-Njigba was one of college football’s best players in the second half of last season, and OSU must replace nearly 2,000 receiving yards and 25 TD catches with Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave off to the NFL.



A statement performance against Notre Dame in the season opener could help grow some buzz for Smith-Njigba, and the regular-season finale versus Michigan in the Horseshoe is the kind of stage that can help seal the Heisman deal with a monster showing.



Biggest potential roadblock: Smith-Njigba is still playing in one of the most loaded receiver groups in the country, even with notable losses. His talent is above reproach, but that strong supporting cast could hurt his chances in some ways. Plus, Smith-Njigba is still a wide receiver, and last we checked, DeVonta Smith remains the only true wideout since 1991 to win the award.



Something would likely need to go horribly wrong for Buckeyes QB C.J. Stroud to not be in the Heisman picture this year. If Stroud has a great season and Smith-Njigba doesn’t produce at a bonkers rate, well, the Heisman nod typically goes to the quarterback in these situations.

Rank
5

Bijan Robinson
Texas · RB · Junior
Why he could win: If there’s a non-QB offensive player who could swoop in and take home the hardware, it might be Robinson. He has all the physical tools to dominate again with the perfect blend of size, speed and vision. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian paved the way for RB Najee Harris to finish fifth in the 2020 Heisman race when he called plays at Alabama and could unleash Robinson in a similar way.



A big showing on Sept. 10 versus Alabama -- win or loss -- could kickstart Robinson’s campaign, and a late-season game at Kansas could offer Robinson a prime stat-padding opportunity to get him to New York as a finalist. He gashed the Jayhawks last year before a third-quarter elbow injury ended his season, and KU sneaked out of Austin with a win in overtime.



Biggest potential roadblock: Can Texas have a season befitting of a Heisman winner? It’s hard enough for a non-quarterback to win the thing, and it typically requires a combination of individual dominance and team success.



Robinson also has had his share of injuries the past two seasons, making a fully healthy season a bit of a projection. He likely will need to be out there dominating on a weekly basis to be in the Heisman mix. But Texas also has a terrific backup in Roschon Johnson, whose presence should prevent Robinson from being overworked.

Rank
4

Will Anderson Jr.
Alabama · Edge · Junior
Why he could win: Considered a Heisman-finalist snub last year, Williams was absolutely tremendous for the Tide, collecting an FBS-best 17.5 sacks and 34.5 tackles for loss. There easily could be a makeup call here this season if Anderson comes close to that level of production again.



The Crimson Tide defense once again should be loaded, and Alabama's always on national TV. Anderson is as close to a non-QB household name as there is in college football, and a big 2022 season has to at least put him in the Heisman conversation, especially if the Tide make another run at the national title.



Biggest potential roadblock: He isn’t considered the Heisman favorite on his own team -- that would be quarterback Bryce Young. The fact that only one primarily defensive player (Charles Woodson, 1997) has won the award certainly plays against Anderson and every other defender in the country. Matching his absurd 2021 production also will be no easy chore.

Rank
3

Caleb Williams
USC · QB · Sophomore
Why he could win: Williams didn’t start a game for Oklahoma until Oct. 16 last year, yet he still entered the Heisman discussion as a true freshman before a few late-season slip-ups. He was an immediate star, accounting for 27 TDs despite barely attempting 200 passes.



Now Williams and Lincoln Riley have made the trip together to USC and could be part of a huge program revival as it starts the process of joining the Big Ten in a couple years. Williams is a gifted runner and thrower and he’ll have one of the best receivers in the country, Pitt transfer Jordan Addison, as part of a talented crop of newcomers with which to work.



The schedule isn’t that daunting outside of the Notre Dame and Utah games, as USC doesn’t face Oregon this season. Riley’s OU teams went 55-10 and never lost more than two games in any of his five seasons.



Biggest potential roadblock: There are many new faces that need to mesh together under Riley’s watch, and yet the expectations are already sky high. The collection of talent is tremendous, but it could take some time to jell.



USC’s three games prior to the Heisman voting deadline -- at UCLA, vs. Notre Dame and potentially the Pac-12 title game -- all could have an outsized effect on Williams’ chances to win. Any type of stumble down the stretch, something Riley’s OU teams were occasionally prone to, could hinder his candidacy.



In the early 2000s, the Trojans had Heisman winners in three out of four seasons. But amazingly, they’ve not even had a finalist for the award since 2005.

Rank
2

C.J. Stroud
Ohio State · QB · Sophomore (RS)
Why he could win: Stroud is favored by some to win the award. Ohio State’s offense once again could be a monster this season, and Stroud’s passing numbers last year -- in three fewer games -- were quite comparable to (and in some cases, better than) reigning Heisman winner Bryce Young’s.



Stroud will have an explosive target in Jaxon Smith-Njigba (No. 6 on this list), along with other promising WR options in Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka and Julian Fleming. There’s also star RB TreVeyon Henderson (No. 10 on this list), a strong offensive line and Ryan Day, one of the best play-callers in college football. It’s a perfect environment in which Stroud should thrive.



Biggest potential roadblock: Stroud hasn’t been a big running threat in college, so there could be dual-threat passers elsewhere with more gaudy overall numbers. Plus, Stroud was occasionally prone to slow starts in games last year and loses two top-11 overall picks in WRs Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, plus two starting linemen and TE Jeremy Ruckert.



Stroud might also need to beat Michigan in their annual late-season tilt, nearly always a significant game. This award often is shifted by one or two big contests. A huge performance against the Wolverines could give him his Heisman moment, but a stinker could sink Stroud’s chances late.


Rank
1

Bryce Young
Alabama · QB · Junior
Why he could win: He won the Heisman last season. Young wowed with his poise and accuracy, consistently making great decisions in his first full campaign as a starter after watching Heisman finalist Mac Jones lead the Tide to a national title the year before.



Young completed more than 70 percent of his passes in eight games in 2021 and logged a stunning 47:7 TD-to-INT ratio. He floundered a bit in the second half of the national title game loss to Georgia after the injury to Jameson Williams and when Bama’s offensive line came up short. But we’re talking about one of the more precocious and efficient passers in college football here. There’s a good reason why Young is one of the clear favorites for the award.



Biggest potential roadblock: He won the award last season. After all, the last (and only) back-to-back winner was Ohio State’s Archie Griffin in the mid-1970s. Whether voters are biased against former winners repeating or if the pressure of matching or surpassing the previous year’s achievements is too great, repeating is just difficult.



More taxing for Young’s chances to win might be the fact that he loses the team’s top four leaders in receptions from last season, as well as his best blocker (Evan Neal). The Tide’s schedule is also once again a monster, and the addition of RB Jahmyr Gibbs could cut into Young’s massive passing numbers from a year ago. Surpassing, or even matching, his 2021 passing stats could be extremely difficult for Young.

TWO DARK-HORSE CANDIDATES

Braelon Allen
Wisconsin · RB · Sophomore
Why he could win: There’s nothing quite like a Wisconsin tailback to fire up the college football nostalgia generator, and Allen is one of the best runners in the sport. After receiving only 12 carries in the first three games of last season, Allen averaged 135.4 yards per game and 7.0 yards per carry over the final nine games and totaled 11 TDs.



The Badgers won’t wait that long this season to get Allen going. There are tough road games at Ohio State and Michigan State, but the schedule is much softer at other times, and seeing Wisconsin in the Big Ten title game wouldn’t shock anyone.



Biggest potential roadblock: The Ron Dayne era sadly is gone. If Jonathan Taylor can finish sixth, ninth and fifth, respectively, in the Heisman voting in his three years of college, what -- pray tell -- must Allen do to improve on that? He also has not displayed much receiving prowess to date, something that also limited Taylor’s mass appeal a bit.



Teaming with Chez Mellusi also could cut into Allen’s production, and the Badgers’ one-dimensional quality likely will make for some tough sledding until Graham Mertz shows he can threaten teams with the downfield passing game. There’s a reason Allen is more of a sleeper for the Heisman.


Cameron Rising
Utah · QB · Junior (RS)
Why he could win: I considered a host of QBs here, including Louisville’s Malik Cunningham, Texas’ Quinn Ewers and Florida’s Anthony Richardson. So why Rising over all of them? First off, he’s certainly a long shot, which adds to the appeal. But second, Utah could be a top-10 team when it’s all said and done, and Rising has a chance to experience a Joe Burrow-ish leap in his second year starting.



He’s a quality run threat, was very efficient in a 25-throw-per-game setting and might put up some big numbers with more opportunities, as his heroic effort in the Rose Bowl loss to Ohio State seemed to show. Rising has perhaps the best receiving duo in the country at tight end with Dalton Kincaid and Brant Kuithe, along with a robust run game. This is the best Heisman shot for a Utes QB since Alex Smith finished fourth in the voting back in 2004.



Biggest potential roadblock: Utah is in the Pac-12, and the Heisman top fives have been dominated in recent years by the SEC and Big Ten. It would take a pretty deep run for Rising to get on the Heisman radar, and there are some potential pitfalls. The season opens with a big game at Florida, includes a sneaky-tough home game in September against San Diego State (who beat the Utes in 2021) and features a season-on-the-line type of showdown at Oregon on Nov. 19 -- assuming there are no other slip-ups along the way.



Burrow went from 23 total TDs in 2019 to 65 in 2020. That’s the kind of massive leap Rising might need to crash this Heisman party. Even with Utah’s willingness to open things up offensively, that’s quite the imagination stretch, especially with security blanket Britain Covey gone.

Follow Eric Edholm on Twitter.


https://www.nfl.com/news/2022-heism...ng-c-j-stroud-headline-top-10-candidates

I hope Georgia throttles Oregon. Duck fans are SO annoying. They act like a couple decent seasons made them football royalty. When in really they’re the court jester.

I hope Georgia throttles Oregon. Duck fans are SO annoying. They act like a couple decent seasons made them football royalty. When in really they’re the court jester.

This Pit/WVU game is very good. That WVU WR is really good. I think his name is Ford-Wheaton is a stud!

They should just leave it at 4. Even with 4 there always seems to be a team or two that doesn't belong.

Absolute heartbreaker for ECU. Kicker biffed it twice at the end of the game.

j/c...

This Houston/UTSA game is wild.