TWIF Notes 8/30/21

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Welcome Back!

The first official weekend is in the books, and it all began with a close, exciting game! Unfortunately, the rest of the day was filled with blowouts. Here is what happened.

Saturday, August 28

Illinois scored 28 straight points after falling behind 9-2, then held off a Nebraska comeback to win 30-22.  The Illini started slowly, but kept with the ground game that paid dividends in the second half, and passed just enough to be effective.  Unfortunately, starting QB Brandon Peters was injured in the 1st quarter, but Artur Siatkowski, a transfer from Rutgers, came in and played effectively.  The Cornhuskers were plagued by mistakes: fielding a punt at the 2 with momentum taking the player into the end zone, where his knee touched down for a safety; a taunting penalty on top of a roughing the passer penalty that negated an interception and turned the momentum of the game in the Illini's favor; a fumble at the end of the 1st half that was returned for a TD by the Illinois defense; numerous overthrows of open receivers, one in the end zone; 2 missed extra points; several short punts (34.4-yd avg); giving up 5 sacks.  In many ways, NU outplayed Illinois, gaining more 1st downs, more passing yards, and more total yards, but they also had more penalties (some negating big plays), struggled on 3rd down, and allowed Illinois to dominate the time of possession, as the Illini had several long drives (one resulted in a missed FG), and the Illini's punter may have just been their MVP on the day. While the Huskers had a spirited comeback, and had a chance to tie at the end had they been able to score, it continues their struggles in one-score games.  Nebraska has lost 3 of 4 season openers under HC Scott Frost, their only win coming against a South Alabama team in 2019 that finished 2-10. This just may be the beginning of the end for HC Scott Frost, as the Huskers lost to Illinois in back-to-back years for the first time since 1923 and 1924 (they played only 3 times between 1925 and 2013- a tie in 1953 and 2 Nebraska routs in 1985 and '86), and this puts them in a definite hole in the Big Ten West.  Illinois, on the other hand, leads the Big Ten West! At least until Thursday, when Minnesota hosts Ohio State, but perhaps beyond.  The Bret Bielema era is off to a great start! Illinois hosts UTSA next Saturday, which could be a tough game, while Nebraska hosts FCS Fordham.  Lose that one, and Frost may lose his job before he leaves the stadium...

Fresno State destroyed UConn 45-0.  The Bulldogs blitzed the Huskies with 24 points in the 2nd quarter, and dominated the total yardage 538-107, winning their 1st season opener since 2018, and their 1st opener against an FBS team since 2013. FS plays at Oregon Saturday, and UConn hosts FCS Holy Cross. 

UCLA demolished Hawaii 44-10, running out to a 24-3 first quarter lead, and then cruising from there.  The Rainbow Warriors had 4 turnovers and were 0-4 on 4th downs, leading to their 1st opening day loss since 2016.  Except for the score and the turnovers, it was hardly a dominating performance statistically for the Bruins, but it was their 1st nonconference win since beating Hawaii in 2017, so they'll take it.  UCLA hosts LSU next week in a game which should tell us much about each team.  Hawaii hosts FCS Portland State.

UTEP ended a 4-game losing streak by winning their 3rd straight season opener 30-3 over New Mexico State.  The Miners jumped out to a 17-0 1st quarter lead and coasted from there.  Though they dominated in total yardage, UTEP was only 3-12 on 3rd downs, but were 2-3 on 4th downs, and threw for 2 INTs.  They'll need to do better if they hope to win their 1st CUSA game since 2018 this year.  The Aggies also were woeful converting 3rd downs (3-15), and were just as bad on 4th downs (2-6), and only had 190 total yards.  The Miners host FCS Bethune-Cookman next week; the Aggies play at San Diego State.

San Jose State dominated Southern Utah, prevailing 45-14, with all but 7 points coming in the 1st half. The Spartans had 543 total yards, 410 through the air, but only 24:03 in TOP, and lost the TO battle 2-0. 11 penalties didn't help, either.  These will all need to be tightened up if they hope to have a chance at USC next week.

That's all for this week.  Come back tomorrow for my updated Power Rankings! Follow me on Twitter (@pbanderson)

Until next time, may you and your loved ones be blessed!

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