TWIF Notes 8-26-24

Welcome Back!

What a fantastic opening weekend! The 1st game was decided by 3 points on a final play FG, the 2nd game by 4 points on a TD with 10 seconds left, and the 3rd was a 5-point win with 16 unanswered points in the 4th quarter, including the game-winning TD with 1:18 left to go. Only the late game was decided by more than 5 points.

This week, I'll have something to say about each of the games, but starting next week, I only plan to mention games that could have a significant impact on a team, a conference, or a CFP berth. That's because, as I've mentioned before, I have less time this year to write blogs, as I am working full time for the 1st time in 7 years (I've been a retired teacher working part time during that period).

Anyway, here is my take on the 4 games from yesterday.

Georgia Tech scored the 1st upset of the season with a 24-21 victory over FSU. After their 1st drive, the Seminoles didn't create much offense, and seemed to handicap new QB DJ Uiagalelei throughout by not letting him run or throw downfield. The late drive where he threw for two 4th down conversions was his best drive, but it looked to me like FSU was playing not to lose. The Jackets, on the other hand, had an outstanding offensive and defensive game plan, and utilized QB Haynes King both on the ground and through the air. While this certainly doesn't knock the Noles out of the CFP, it does call into question how good they will be this season. They get 8 days off before they take on Boston College on Labor Day night. The Yellow Jackets now need to take the momentum from this win and apply the lessons learned to the rest of their season. Fortunately, they play Georgia State next week at Grant Field in Bobby Dodd Stadium, so if they have a letdown, it is unlikely to lead to a loss. But they need to make sure this win isn't "wasted". The question for GT is, can they sustain this success, or is it just an upset?

Montana State scored late to defeat New Mexico 35-31. The Lobos twice had 17 point leads, but couldn't hold on to either one as they gave up 21 unanswered points in the last quarter. UNM seems much improved under new HC Bronco Mendenhall, but their next step is to learn how to handle success and to finish wins. And Montana State was even favored in this game! Notably, the UNM defense returned 2 fumbles for a TD, meaning they scored almost as many points as the offense did. This team may not win many games this year (they have a tough schedule!), but they will certainly put some scares into opponents, and may even pull an upset or 2. 

SMU trailed for most of the game before overcoming a hard fighting Nevada team 29-24. Almost everyone expected this to be a rout, so does this mean the Mustangs aren't as good as expected, or are the Wolf Pack better than expected? Or was this just a one-off because Nevada had a whole offseason to prepare? We may know more when the Pack travels to Troy to take on the Trojans, but it may be a few weeks before we know more about the Ponies, as they play an FCS team next week, and then BYU, both at home.

Hawaii jumped out to an early lead, then allowed Delaware State to tie the game early in the 2nd half before pulling away for the 35-14 win. The Rainbow Warriors host UCLA next week, which could give us an indication of if they have a chance to make a bowl game this year. I don't expect them to triumph over the Bruins, but I would like to see them at least be competitive.

That's it for this week! Come back tomorrow for my updated Power Rankings!

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