TWIF Notes 8/31/26

 Welcome Back!

What a fun opening weekend! Three of the 8 games went down to the wire, and most of the others were at least somewhat competitive.

Here are my thoughts from Saturday.

1. North Carolina may be better than we thought, but it could be that TCU is not nearly as good as many believed (several writers have picked them as a dark horse in the Big 12). While the UNC defense is much better, holding the Horned Frogs to 10 points- all in the 1st quarter- after allowing 42 last year, the reality is that TCU made way too many mistakes. The Frogs committed 11 penalties for 89 yards, and were just 1-5 on 4th down attempts. And the Tar Heels still scored only 15 points, which is just 1 more than they scored last year. 

2. Stanford won by 10 points, 37-27, but Hawaii had made a comeback and was driving for the lead when the Cardinal got a scoop and score for the final margin. Regardless, it's a much better start for Stanford, which perhaps forebodes a better season. The Rainbow Warriors, meanwhile, have another tough game as they take on fellow MWC member and fellow Week Zero loser UNLV at home.

3. Speaking of UNLV, the Rebels dropped a 27-21 decision to the Memphis Tigers, putting the crimps on their CFP hopes. It also elevates the American Conference a bit, as one of their expected middle teams took down one of the MWC's best, and on the road to boot. 

4. The UNLV loss also gives the Mountain West an 1-3 record this opening weekend, as SJSU, Hawaii, and UNLV all lost. The only victory came from new FBS (and MWC) member North Dakota State, who plastered Jax State 33-7.

5. Conference USA had a rough start, as JSU and New Mexico State both lost, but that was expected as both were playing on the road. 

6. Sacramento State was welcomed into the FBS by Eastern Michigan, and was at least mildly competitive, with the Eagles pulling out a 28-17 win. The Hornets may not win many games this year, but their main goal should be to at least be competitive in every MAC game.

7. USC and FSU got very workmanlike wins over SJSU and NMSU respectively. I don't feel like we learned much from those contests. But...

8. Virginia completely dominated NC State, and the Cavaliers look like they could repeat last year's success, especially with a schedule that doesn't include Miami, Clemson, Louisville, or Pitt. The Wolfpack will win 8 or 9 games, like they do seemingly every year.

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!