College football week 1 live updates: Saturday scores, TV schedule, news, analysis from today’s games

One odd trend about Iowa State during the program’s rise under Matt Campbell: Season openers have been a struggle. We’re seeing it for a fourth season in a row today, at least through two quarters. The No. 7 Cyclones have a 13-10 lead over FCS Northern Iowa at halftime. I wouldn’t call this one especially concerning yet.

The Cyclones have been a bit conservative on offense, but they got Breece Hall going in the second quarter with 11 touches for 52 yards and have scored on their last three drives. This game is worth keeping an eye on, however, if it stays this close.

The last time we saw Clemson’s defense, it allowed Justin Fields to throw for 385 and six touchdowns on only 28 pass attempts in a 49-28 loss to Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl. How much has a group that was young last season but returns nine starters — 10 if we include end Justin Foster, who missed all of 2020 — has improved could determine how this game goes.

Georgia has the raw talent of that Ohio State team Clemson faced last season, but the Bulldogs don’t have the proven pass-catchers the Buckeyes did. Clemson will see a second consecutive class of 2018 five-star quarterback (JT Daniels), but the question is whether the Bulldogs will have anyone step up to catch those passes. Wide receiver George Pickens (knee) is out. Tight end Darnell Washington (foot) seems unlikely to play. So can wide receivers Kearis Jackson and Jermaine Burton and tight end John FitzPatrick help the Bulldogs take advantage of a secondary that is one of Clemson’s biggest question marks? We’ll find out.

(Photo of Brent Venables: Adam Cairns / USA Today)

No. 19 Penn State’s defense came up with two late interceptions to shut the door on No. 12 Wisconsin in a 16-10 win at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday. Nittany Lions safety Jaquan Brisker picked off Badgers quarterback Graham Mertz at the goal line with 2:16 left, and safety Ji’ayir Brown followed with an interception on the final play of the game.

Penn State managed only 43 yards of total offense in a scoreless first half in which the Badgers had a field goal blocked and the Nittany Lions never threatened. But Penn State adjusted under first-year offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich in the second half, scoring on a 49-yard Sean Clifford pass to Jahan Dotson, a 24-yard field goal by Jordan Stout and a 2-yard run by Noah Cain. Penn State had 252 yards in the second half, but it still finished with just 11 first downs (Wisconsin had 29).

Hudson Card’s first half as the new starting QB at Texas has been quite impressive. The redshirt freshman has completed 12 of 18 passes for 165 yards and two TDs to give Texas a 14-6 lead against No. 23 Louisiana.

He’s showing confidence in executing Steve Sarkisian’s system and has done a nice job escaping pressure and making throws on the run, converting on five third downs already today. His third-and-goal touchdown pass to Cade Brewer, thrown low in between two defenders, was perfectly located and much-needed for the Longhorns.

No. 7 Iowa State is tied with in-state foe Northern Iowa at 10 late in the first half.

UNI has given the Cyclones trouble in season openers before, pushing Iowa State to triple overtime in 2019 and beating the ‘Clones outright to open the year in 2013 and 2016.

Per ESPN, Bryce Young’s four touchdown passes today have set the Alabama record for a player’s first career start.

Young broke the record set by Joe Namath (1962 versus Georgia) and Mac Jones (2019 versus Arkansas).

Alabama appears to once again be a pretty good football team. The defense is smothering the Hurricanes at halftime with a 27-3 lead, and Bryce Young is in control of an efficient if not-as-explosive offense. You can nitpick a few things, but things have gone pretty much according to plan for a young offense.

Something to keep an eye on is the health of outside linebacker Christopher Allen. He was spotted in a boot as he was taken off the field on a car.

(Photo of Bryce Young: Jason Getz / USA Today)

Manny Diaz’s return to defensive play-caller has done nothing to fix Miami’s woes from last season or the two starters – Jaelan Phillips and Quincy Roche – to the NFL Draft.

The Hurricanes have missed a boatload of tackles, put next to no pressure on Alabama quarterback Bryce Young and have surrendered 291 yards, 27 points and 18 first downs in the first half. Alabama has made it look too easy.

Those 30 minutes were a sobering reminder for Indiana that the offseason goodwill tour is over. Tom Allen’s squad got outclassed by Iowa in every way in the first half, as the Hoosiers trail 31-3 entering intermission.

Michael Penix Jr. has thrown three picks — including two pick-sixes to Riley Moss — and has looked uncomfortable all afternoon, while the Hawkeyes’ offense has been solid, if not spectacular.

Iowa cornerback Riley Moss recorded two interceptions for touchdowns and the No. 18 Hawkeyes picked off Indiana QB Michael Penix three times overall to rip through No. 18 Indiana 31-3 at halftime at Kinnick Stadium. Moss, who has eight career interceptions, brought back one in the first quarter 30 yards and another 55 yards midway through the second.

Iowa running back Tyler Goodson ran 56 yards for a touchdown on the game's fourth play and quarterback Spencer Petras sprinted 9 yards on a draw up the middle. The Hawkeyes have 93 rushing yards thus far. When Iowa hits 100 yards, it is 51-5 since 2015. When it doesn't, it's 2-16.

No. 11 Oregon just kicked a field goal to tie things up with Fresno State at 24 with 7:41 left in the fourth quarter.

The Ducks won their previous 12 season openers played at home, and all 12 wins were by double figures.

Oregon’s last loss in a season opener played at home came in 2004 versus Indiana.

Rutgers forced five turnovers and had 365 yards of offense in its 61-14 win over Temple on Saturday.

Oregon’s star defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux left Saturday’s game against Fresno State with an apparent lower leg injury, putting into question his status for the Ducks’ huge game next week at No. 4 Ohio State.

Thibodeaux, a projected top-five NFL Draft pick, had a massive strip-sack early in Saturday’s game, but went to the medical tent later in the first half. He did not emerge from the locker room immediately after halftime. When he finally returned to the sideline mid-third quarter, he was in street clothes with his left foot in a boot.

(Photo: Troy Wayrynen / USA Today)

Alabama linebacker Christopher Allen left the team's game with Miami in the middle of the second quarter. Allen went into the medical tent and then was taken off the field on a cart.

No. 18 Iowa is leading No. 17 Indiana 14-3 after a 56-yard touchdown run by Tyler Goodson and a pick-six by cornerback Riley Moss.

Goodson tied for the Big Ten lead in 50-yard rushes last season.

Moss’ interception return for a score was Iowa’s 19th since defensive coordinator Phil Parker took over in 2012. That's the second-most in the Big Ten during that span. (Ohio State, 20)

Miami's Bubba Bolden was ejected for targeting late during the first quarter of the Hurricanes' game against Alabama. The Crimson Tide led 10-0 at the end of the quarter.

No. 2 Oklahoma opened its season with a 40-35 victory Saturday against Tulane in a game that was moved from New Orleans to Norman in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida.

The Sooners entered the season amid national championship hype, but their debut had its share of sloppy moments — and drama that stretched into the final minutes. Tulane, let by quarterback Michael Pratt, closed its deficit to five with 2:18 to play and recovered an onside kick to get the ball back.

The Sooners' defense rallied to force fourth down, with Pratt tackled a yard short of the first down, ending the upset threat.

Fun fact: Penn State's final two interceptions in its win over Wisconsin came from a pair of former junior college teammates, Ji'Ayir Brown and Jaquan Brisker.

Oklahoma escapes after nearly blowing a 23-point second-half lead. Per TruMedia, FBS teams went 213-1 last season in games they led by 23-plus points in the second half.

The only loss? Tulane, which fell to Navy after leading 24-0 in the third quarter. The Green Wave nearly pulled the 180 a year later.

Wisconsin did not deserve to win Saturday's game, at least not after making that many mistakes in the red zone in one game. It's inexcusable, especially with a returning quarterback (and one we all expected to take a significant step forward in his development).

There were handoff issues, fumbles, terribly overthrown balls ... it was incredibly frustrating to watch. Kudos to Penn State for bouncing back from an atrocious first half and getting Jahan Dotson in space to do what he does best. That's a nice 16-10 win for the Nittany Lions, but I'd argue the main takeaway today should be disappointment in Wisconsin. (edited)

With the exception of a ball that hit his wide receiver’s hands and was intercepted on the first pass of Will Levis’ Kentucky career, it was pretty close to a perfect debut for the Penn State transfer and new Wildcats offensive coordinator Liam Coen in a 45-10 rout of Louisiana-Monroe on Saturday.

Levis recovered to throw 33- and 58-yard touchdown bombs on his third and fourth passes, hit three different receivers for 50-plus and finished 18 of 26 for 367 yards, four touchdowns and the one pick. Coen’s offense delivered 419 yards passing and 135 yards rushing. Nebraska transfer Wan’Dale Robinson and Josh Ali both went over 100 yards receiving and Chris Rodriguez rumbled for 125 yards on the ground.

Kentucky’s defense was equally dominant, allowing just 87 total yards while racking up 15 tackles for loss and six sacks. Levis had the first 300-yard passing day by a Cats QB since the 2016 regular-season finale. His 246 first-half yards alone were more than Kentucky managed in its previous 21 complete games. Mark Stoops made a change at OC and upgraded at QB after three straight years with the SEC’s worst passing attack. The forward pass is back in Lexington.

(Photo: Jordan Prather / USA Today)

Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder hit wide receiver Tyler Scott in stride for an 81-yard touchdown pass on the second play from scrimmage. It was Ridder's longest-career completion and Scott's first-career touchdown.

It was also the longest pass play for the Bearcats since 2016. No. 8 Cincinnati takes an early 7-0 lead over Miami (OH).

Oklahoma closed as a 32.5-point favorite against Tulane, but the Green Wave are within five in the fourth quarter and have the ball after recovering an onside kick with just over two minutes left. Tulane was a 25-1 underdog on the moneyline.

It also has been an uneven day for OU quarterback Spencer Rattler, who was the betting favorite for the Heisman Trophy. Rattler has 304 yards passing and a touchdown but also two interceptions. He could have had a third pick if not for a questionable pass interference call earlier in the fourth quarter.

No. 18 Iowa is set to host No. 17 Indiana today after ending last season riding a six-game winning streak.

That streak is the longest active winning streak in the Big Ten and sixth longest nationally.

Alabama’s current 14-game winning streak is the longest active streak in the FBS.

The Tide also kick off at 3:30 ET, in Atlanta against No. 14 Miami.

Indiana fans are as excited as they have ever been, given their team has its first preseason AP ranking since 1969. This is an incredibly tough opening schedule, however, with an opener at Iowa, a home game against Cincinnati in two weeks and a trip to Penn State two weeks after that. The crowd was appropriately lathered up here in Iowa City before kickoff, as this is always a difficult environment to play in.

How does Michael Penix Jr. respond in his first game post-ACL surgery? How do the Hoosiers as a whole respond with a target on their back? They will be without sophomore WR Javon Swinton (team rules violation), whose suspension was announced just before kick, but I’m more interested in the defense under new coordinator Charlton Warren.

(Photo of Michael Penix Jr.: Andy Lyons / Getty Images)

Fordham LB Ryan Greenhagen made 30 tackles on Saturday's loss at Nebraska, tied for the most by an FCS player in a game since the NCAA began officially tracking individual defensive stats in 2000.

The record was originally set by Chattanooga's Josh Cain in 2001 vs. The Citadel and later matched by Norfork State's Kevin Talley in 2004 vs. Savannah State and Stetson's Donald Payne in 2014 vs. Campbell.

It’s all about Bryce Young’s Alabama debut. Nick Saban’s last three QBs – Jalen Hurts, Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones – are all now NFL starters. Young, a five-star recruit from Southern California, is widely expected to just pick up where they left off, but he’s working with a new OC (Bill O’Brien) and, outside of John Metchie, mostly new receivers.

Tennessee transfer DE Deandre Johnson will be among the Miami defenders looking to pressure the newbie into making some mistakes.

(Photo: Gary Cosby / USA TODAY Sports)

All the attention is going to be on Texas QB Hudson Card in his first start, but keep an eye on his receivers. Joshua Moore, Jordan Whittington and touted true freshman Xavier Worthy lead a relatively unproven receiving corps that needs to step up its game in new coach Steve Sarkisian’s system.

These wideouts are facing an experienced Louisiana secondary that was best in the Sun Belt last season at preventing explosive plays, allowing just 2.1 completions of 20-plus yards per game. If the Longhorn receivers are not creating separation, Card is going to feel the pressure today.

(Photo of Jordan Whittington: Scott Wachter / USA TODAY Sports)

Update: I take back what I said about the Badgers' passing game. It has finally arrived, bolstered by a more consistent run game. Graham Mertz had a couple of nice passes to move the chains, and Chez Mellusi punched it in from the three-yard line to tie it up with Penn State at 7. That was a really nice response from Wisconsin. Now, we've got a game.

A 49-yard strike from Sean Clifford to a wide-open Jahan Dotson gets Penn State on the board and breaks the 0-0 deadlock early in the third quarter.

Wisconsin is going to have to get something going offensively, probably in the run game, to stay in this. I'm not sure how much confidence I have in quarterback Graham Mertz's arm right now.

This is what the Oklahoma opener was supposed to look like. The Sooners defense was shaky early, but they tightened up big-time, forced a few Tulane turnovers and got a bunch of stops. Oklahoma’s offense put up 37 first-half points, and that’s after settling for three field goals. Oklahoma’s kicker, Gabe Brkic, has a monster leg, by the way. Oklahoma blowout is on.

The first quarter was rough and there is a lot to nit-pick, but generally speaking, Oklahoma is in pretty good shape here at halftime. The Sooners lead 37-17 and if you didn’t watch the first quarter, you might think this has been a business-as-usual, ho-hum nonconference game.

Spencer Rattler’s first pass went for a 6-yard loss and his second was intercepted. Early on, the OU defense missed tackles and assignments. But OU recovered three second-quarter fumbles and seems to have found its footing. Oklahoma has 312 total yards of offense at halftime. I think it’s important to remember that opening games can be weird. I also think it’s important to note that Tulane might be a pretty solid AAC team.

(Photo: Kevin Jairaj / USA TODAY Sports)

Ronnie Bell, Michigan's top wide receiver, left the sideline on a cart after being injured in the second quarter of the Wolverines’ season opener against Western Michigan.

Bell suffered an apparent leg injury while returning a punt. He wasn’t able to put weight on his right leg while being helped off the field and was taken to the locker room on a cart.

On the series before his injury, Bell caught a 76-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Cade McNamara. The senior captain is a third-year starter who led the Wolverines in receiving the past two years.

The debut of Mike Yurcich's offense hasn't come with the types of explosive plays and improvement from QB Sean Clifford that Penn State hoped for. With just one first down in six first-half possessions and 44 total yards, there's nothing going for this offense. Penn State has used three running backs but there's been no room for any of them to run. An offensive line that was supposed to be the best of James Franklin's tenure has struggled thus far.

The good news for Penn State? Defensive end Arnold Ebikeite, the transfer portal addition from Temple, blocked a field goal attempt and has been active off the edge all afternoon. Not giving up any points despite Wisconsin's offense being on the field for 19:53 is something for the Nittany Lions to build off of. Senior safety and team captain Jaquan Brisker has been out of the game for all of the second quarter with an undisclosed injury. Whether or not he returns remains to be seen.

(Photo: Jeff Hanisch / USA TODAY Sports)

Wisconsin’s defense has performed like one of the best units in college football, which was expected entering the season. What wasn’t anticipated, however, is how out of sorts the offense has looked with Wisconsin and Penn State locked in a scoreless tie at halftime. Clemson transfer Chez Mellusi, who never carried more than eight times in a game in two seasons with the Tigers, has rushed 17 times for 69 yards for the Badgers. But the passing game has stalled. Badgers quarterback Graham Mertz has completed 7 of 12 passes for 42 yards.

Mertz returned five of his top seven pass catchers from a season ago, and the offense was supposed to be explosive. But Wisconsin reshuffled its offensive line after two drives because it allowed several pressures, and Mertz has yet to get on track. Wisconsin reached the Penn State 2- and 8-yard line on separate drives yet came away with no points. A false start and a blocked 25-yard field goal from kicker Collin Larsh ended one drive, while a fumble on a handoff exchange between Mertz and Mellusi ended the other. Wisconsin has to be able to establish a better passing attack in the second half.

(Photo: Jeff Hanisch / USA TODAY Sports)

In one of those weird coincidences of timing — that these games both kicked off at noon ET — it's interesting to note as we watch Penn State struggle to gain singular yards that former Nittany Lion QB Will Levis is in the midst of a monster debut as Kentucky's new starting signal-caller.

Levis 11-of-17 for 246 yards and three touchdowns in the first half, as the Wildcats lead Louisiana Monroe, 28-7.

It’s the Big Ten so some might not be surprised to see Penn State-Wisconsin has turned into a slugfest. However, the closing total at BetMGM was 49 points. With the game scoreless with less than four minutes left in the half, the live total is now 27.5.

Wisconsin has been inside the 10-yard line twice, but has only a blocked field goal and a fumble to show for it.

Kansas State RB (and preseason All-American for The Athletic) Deuce Vaughn scampers 59 yards for the touchdown to give the Wildcats a 14-0 lead on Stanford.

The 59-yard rush was the longest of his career.

After a 15-play Wisconsin drive took the Badgers inside the Penn State 10-yard line, Nittany Lions DE Arnold Ebiketie skies to block the Badgers' field goal attempt and keeps the game scoreless.

Former five-star QB Caleb Williams had a one-yard touchdown run on his first collegiate play for Oklahoma. Pretty good start for the next great Soooners quarterback. Now let's see if the Oklahoma defense can stop someone.

Nebraska opened its season with a 30-22 loss at Illinois last week and is off to a slow start today against Fordham.

Tulane now leads Oklahoma 14-7 with 4:44 left in the 1st quarter.

Sooners allowed 20 first-quarter points in 11 games last season combined. OU's 1.8 first-quarter points allowed per game ranked second in the FBS.

I really, really wanted Oklahoma to be a legit national title contender this year. Really killing my vibe that Tulane has scored two touchdowns on its first two drives.

Stanford CB Kyu Blu Kelly picks off Kansas State QB Skyler Thompson in the end zone on a play that was overturned upon review.

UL-Monroe leads Kentucky, 7-0, following a 4-yard rushing score by running back Kadyn Roach.

It's the Warhawks' first lead in any game since their 2019 season finale against Louisiana.

UL-Monroe did not hold a lead at any point during last year's 0-10 season.

Oklahoma QB Spencer Rattler threw an interception on the second play of the game on a shot downfield. Whatever, stuff happens early in the year. But it’s what happened after the pick that should be concerning. You’d think Oklahoma’s defense would be fired up to show something, but Tulane marched more than 60 yards on an efficient, methodical drive to score a touchdown.

The Green Wave, who practiced in Birmingham, Ala., all week due to Hurricane Ida's impact in New Orleans, closed as a 32.5-point underdog against the Sooners but have gotten off to a fast start.

Wisconsin starting inside linebacker Leo Chenal announced Saturday on his Instagram page that he has tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss the Badgers’ first two games of the season, including the opener against No. 19 Penn State.

Chenal, an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection last season, finished second on the team in tackles (46), tied for first in tackles for loss (six) and first in sacks (three) and quarterback hurries (seven) in 2020. He has appeared in 18 career games with seven starts and owns 66 tackles, eight tackles for loss and four sacks.

Chenal will also not be available for No. 12 Wisconsin’s home game next week against Eastern Michigan. The Badgers are idle the following week before playing Notre Dame at Soldier Field in Chicago.

Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin tested positive for COVID-19 and won't accompany the team to Atlanta, he announced Saturday morning. He added that he's vaccinated and is only experiencing mild symptoms.

"I'm proud of our program's commitment to vaccination, and as a result, there are currently no other cases to report or team members expected to miss the game," he said in a statement.

Ole Miss will face Louisville in the season opener on Monday in Atlanta at 8 p.m. ET.

Kiffin is entering his second season as the Rebels' coach. Ole Miss finished 5-5 in 2020, winning four of its final five games, including a win over No. 11 Indiana in the Outback Bowl.

The Rebels are led by quarterback Matt Corral, who threw for 3,337 yards and 29 touchdowns in 2020.

Michigan guard Zak Zinter, maybe UM’s best offensive player according to offensive coordinator Josh Gattis, is in uniform with a big club on his right hand.

Based on pregame warmups, Trevor Keegan and Chuck Filiaga will be Michigan’s starting guards today against Western Michigan.

(Photo: Michael Allio / USA TODAY Sports)

Ready to settle in for 15-plus hours of major college football action? The first full college football Saturday slate is here:

» 58 games involving FBS teams being played in 33 states from Massachusetts to Hawaii.

» FBS games will take place across five different time zones with the first games kicking off at noon ET and the last at midnight ET.

» Five games pit AP-ranked teams against one another, highlighted by No. 5 Georgia vs. No. 3 Clemson at 7:30p ET.

Wisconsin hosts Penn State at noon ET in one of the biggest games of the day and bettors really like Wisconsin. According to BetMGM, 74% of the money bet on the spread is on Wisconsin. The Badgers opened as 4-point favorites, but the line is now -5.5.

Other popular bets today are Oklahoma -32.5 against Tulane (75% of the handle), over 64.5 points in Oregon-Fresno State (88% of the handle), Alabama -20 against Miami (71% of the handle), over 59.5 points in USC-San Jose State (75%) and Texas A&M -29 against Kent State (72%).

Everyone on earth is going to be watching Oklahoma QB Spencer Rattler and that exciting offense designed by coach Lincoln Riley. Watching the Sooners cook is fun. There’s nothing better. But against Tulane, I want to see a defense that has taken a big step under defensive coordinator Alex Grinch. I view Oklahoma as a legit national title contender, but it has to have a much-improved defense. The anticipation is that it is, so let’s see it now.

While I'm obviously intrigued by Wisconsin QB Graham Mertz and the skill players he's got around him, I think I'm most interested to see Penn State QB Sean Clifford and the fourth (!) offensive coordinator of his career. So much of this season and what the ceiling actually is for the Nittany Lions this year comes down to Clifford's development under new OC Mike Yurcich. Here's our first glimpse of that (and that much-hyped tempo).

(Photo: Matthew OHaren / USA TODAY Sports)