No. 2 Alabama shatters any thought that No. 8 Michigan is “back,” 41-14

Michigan still on right path, but far from elite

The Michigan Wolverines thought they were back after having a quick turnaround season under Brady Hoke ending with a victory in the Sugar Bowl and creating strong momentum in recruiting over the past year. The stains left from the Rich Rodriguez were seemingly removed but in ironic fashion it was Tide that brought them back. Crimson Tide, that is.

No. 8 Michigan’s season opened with a heavy dose of reality, with No. 2 Alabama humbling the Wolverines 41-14 in the 2012 Cowboys Classic.

“Obviously, we didn’t play Michigan football, and that is something that bothers our team, bothers the coaches,” said head coach Brady Hoke after the game. “I don’t think we played or tackled well enough on defense. We didn’t control the line of scrimmage enough offensively, (we had too many) penalties. I mean, we had a lot of penalties, and that’s usually not like us, so that is bothersome and we’ve got a lot of work to do. We’ve got a lot of things to correct.”

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Penn State stalls and falters in Bill O’Brien’s coaching debut

MAC favorites Ohio stun Penn State, 24-14

Bill O’Brien’s head coaching debut did not go to plan, as Penn State gave up 21 unanswered points in the second half of a 24-14 loss in sun-soaked and drained Beaver Stadium. Ohio quarterback Tyler Tettleton passed for two touchdowns in the second half, one a lucky tip that may have been a sign of thing to come and the other the clinching score to wide receiver Donte Foster in the corner of the end zone late in the fourth quarter.

Things did seem to start well for Penn State, adjusting to a new offensive style and looking for young players to step in to some key roles. Quarterback Matt McGloin showed accuracy and confidence in the first quarter by completing 13 of 17 passes for 130 yards and a touchdown. His efficiency tailed off though, going 27-for-48 with a late interception off a tipped pass, 260 yards and two touchdowns. His receivers did not help him at times though, dropping some passes in their direction, a recurring nightmare from last season’s sometimes anemic offense. Allen Robinson led the receiving game with 97 yards on nine catches and seven different players got their hands on the football throughout the day.

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No. 9 South Carolina finds a way around Vanderbilt, 17-13

Marcus Lattimore opens and closes the scoring

Some questioned South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore‘s status for the season opener, and after fumbling on his first carry of the season Lattimore showed he was just fine. Lattimore scored two touchdowns and rushed for 110 yards to help No. 9 South Carolina avoid an upset bid to start the season, beating Vanderbilt 17-13.

Lattimore opened the scoring with a 29-yard run for a touchdown on South Carolina’s second offensive possession of the game. Lattimore fumbled on his first attempt, setting Vanderbilt up for some early momentum but the Gamecocks defense came alive with sophomore star Jadeveon Clowney disrupting James Rodgers and the Vanderbilt offense and forcing the Commodores to punt after losing nine yards on the possession. Two plays later South Carolina quarterback Connor Shawthrew an interception, once again giving Vanderbilt an early opportunity.

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UConn defense gives UMass rude welcome to FBS, 37-0

Minutemen held to 58 yards of offense in FBS debut

There was a time when Connecticut and Massachusetts made for a competitive rivalry in the northeast, but if Thursday night’s action was any indication, it could be a while until we see the two old rivals on the same field.

Connecticut’s defense was dominant in Thursday night’s season opener, as the Huskies handed the Minutemen a 37-0 loss in UMass’s first FBS game.

Connecticut scored touchdowns on offense, defense and special teams, making this a total team effort.

Quarterback Chandler Whitmer passed for 219 yards but was intercepted two times. The junior college transfer was named the starting quarterback heading into preseason camp, and while he was far from perfect, he gave Huskies fans a glimpse as to why Paul Pasqualoni named him the starter after instability at the position last fall.

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UCLA makes history and memories in 49-24 victory over Rice

Jim Mora’s Bruins make halftime adjustments in win

UCLA running back Johnathan Franklin may have been the big story for the Bruins offense in a season opening 49-24 victory at Rice, but redshirt freshman quarterback Brett Hundley set the tone with his first career touchdown run on the first snap he took in his career.

Patiently waiting for his time to play after taking a redshirt last season, Hundley worked hard to earn the starting quarterback job at UCLA under new head coach Jim Mora Jr. Wearing a dog tag given to him by his stepmother throughout camp and winning the starting job, the dog tag may have become something of a lucky charm for the Arizona native. He wore it Thursday night in Houston and sees no reason to remove it now.

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