What We Learned After Week One

Week one of the college football season is in the books, and week two is nearing shortly. But when you look to the future, you must never forget your past….

Here are four things we learned in the opening round:

1. Georgia’s running backs are on another level. 

Georgia head coach Mark Richt has proven he can recruit the running back position as well as any head coach in the country. Juniors Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall were already a proven two-headed monster but their depth was strengthened mightily after Georgia landed freshmen Sony Michel and Nick Chubb in the 2014 recruiting class.

Gurley broke the Bulldogs’ record with 293 all-purpose yards this past weekend. He carried the ball 15 times for 198 yards and three touchdowns and also returned a 100 yard kickoff for a touchdown in their 45-21 over Clemson this past Saturday. It’s safe to say he’s an early favorite to win the Heisman trophy. Marshall recovered from a torn ACL last season and struggled in his return, rushing for eight yards on six carries.

True freshmen Nick Chubb and Sony Michel both saw the field in their first ever college game. Chubb showed off his amazing abilities albeit against a fatigued Clemson defense, breaking multiple tackles en route to 70 yards on just four carries and a touchdown. Michel was productive as well, rushing for 33 yards on six carries.

Georgia fans should be smiling since their running games will be one of the most potent in the country this season.

2. The Kenny Hill era has officially begun in College Station. 

Johnny Manziel was one of the most prolific playmakers college football has ever seen and many were wondering if Texas A&M would see a drop off in his absence.

That was not the case last Thursday night.

Redshirt freshman Kenny Hill put on a show, throwing for 511 yard and three touchdowns. The Aggies made it look easy, capping off an impressive 52-28 win over South Carolina on the road in Columbia.

Hill seems comfortable in the pocket and would rather throw than run, a valuable and wanted trait in a quarterback for any coach. The Aggies have many playmakers who can stretch the field and execute in the slot. They will be tough to cover, as you saw last Thursday night.

3. SEC shines in out-of-conference matchups.

The ACC, Big 10, and Big 12 all had opportunities to knock off the SEC  this past Saturday but failed to get the job done. Alabama defeated West Virginia 33-23, Georgia routed Clemson 45-21, and LSU came back to defeat Wisconsin 28-24, sweeping the slate and reminding everyone they are still king.

The SEC has eight ranked teams in the top 25. Five schools from the SEC West alone are ranked in the top 15.

4. Miami still is not ready for primetime.

The Hurricanes were defeated by the Louisville Cardinals on Labor Day night, 31-13.

True freshman quarterback Brad Kaaya threw two interceptions and Miami’s offensive woes doomed the Hurricanes on Monday night. Miami was outscored in the second half 17-3 and miscues in the redzone shifted momentum to the Cardinals multiple times.

Miami is looking to appear in its first ACC championship game since joining the conference in 2004.

 

*Section Photo credit to Troy Taormina, USA TODAY Sports; Featured Photo (above) credit to Scott Cunningham, Getty Images

Desmond Harrison & Kennedy Estelle Suspended
Desmond Harrison & Kennedy Estelle Suspended