By TORI ADDISON
Contributing Writer
The college football season has just begun and players are already making a name for themselves. Last week’s games gave fans a preview of what to expect in the coming weeks and who to expect it from.
It is no secret that the quarterback class this season is packed with talent, both rookie and veteran. Florida State freshman Jameis Winston had an impressive start to his career against Pittsburgh with a 41-13 victory for the Seminoles. Winston not only threw five touchdown passes and totaled 356 yards, but also set the FSU football program’s single-game record for completion percentage. It is safe to say that replacing EJ Manuel won’t be a problem for FSU with Winston at the helm of their offense. Another quarterback who made noise in week one was Louisville’s Teddy Bridgewater. He totaled five touchdowns to demolish Ohio by 42 points. With Bridgewater’s first nine passes he totaled 122 yards and two touchdowns. The junior went 23 for 28 for 355 yards, not a bad way to kick of his Heisman campaign. Five seemed to be the magic number for quarterbacks as Clemson’s Tajh Boyd dominated with five touchdowns as well. The Tigers only beat Georgia by three points, but that didn’t stop Boyd from throwing three touchdowns and running two into the end zone.
All the hype surrounding Miami’s sophomore running back Randy “Duke” Johnson certainly is not anything to joke about. Johnson is already being projected to be one of the Hurricane’s best running backs to come out of the program. In week one he had 19 carries, 186 total rushing yards, 38 receiving yards, and a touchdown. Johnson houses nothing but potential as the Hurricanes progress into the season. Let’s not forget about the reigning champs over in Alabama, and how can you with wide receiver Christion Jones’ performance. He was a large part in the Tide’s 35-10 win over Virginia Tech. Jones had three touchdowns; one on a 72 yard punt return, another on a 94 yard kick return, and the last on a 38 yard pass. He ended with 256 all-purpose yards and a very happy AJ McCarron at quarterback. Another receiver who showed up in week one was Vanderbilt’s Jordan Matthews. Even though he was knocked in the stomach by a tackle causing him to vomit on the sidelines, he still returned to the game to rack up yards. Matthews totaled 178 yards, his career best, and matched his personal high with 10 catches. The senior is looking towards a big year with his fellow Commodore team members.
The first week of college football held more than just impressive offensive plays. Georgia Tech’s defense held Elon 70-0 in the two team’s first meeting in history. The last time the Yellow Jackets scored 70 points was in 2001 when they beat Navy by nine touchdowns. Georgia Tech also managed to break Florida State’s record of largest margin of victory in the ACC. The Yellow Jackets defensive probably won’t be as sustainable in games against more competitive teams, but for now they are basking in the glory of victory.
After the excitement in week one, it’s hard to imagine what the rest of the season will bring. From touchdowns to tackles, college football never seems to disappoint.
