The 2011 college football season kicked off Thursday night with the Wisconsin Badgers easily defeating the UNLV Rebels 51-17. Russell Wilson made his long anticipated debut and did not disappoint, throwing for 255 yards and two touchdowns, while also running for 62 yards and another score.
As the first week of games continued, defending Rose Bowl champion TCU lost a game for the ages against Baylor in an affair where Robert Griffin III put his name among the best players in America. Griffin torched the highly touted Horned Frogs defense, putting up an astonishing 50 points on a defense that allowed a mere 11.4 point per game in 2010.
On Saturday the real fun began, with Boise State facing Georgia, and Oregon going up against LSU in the first match-up of AP top 5 preseason teams since 1999.
Behind Heisman hopeful Kellen Moore, Boise State easily took care of a Georgia squad coming into 2011 with extremely high expectations. Moore threw for 261 yards and three touchdowns in the 35-21 victory. For the third consecutive season Boise State was able to defeat a big name opponent in front of a national audience.
As LSU and Oregon took the field at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, fans across America tuned in to one of the most highly anticipated season openers in recent memory. After last year’s run to the BCS National Championship Oregon had even larger aspirations this year. LSU had been dealing with numerous off the field issues in the preceding weeks as their starting quarterback was suspended. Yet they were still able to thwart the potent Oregon offense with a powerful defense and backup quarterback Jarrett Lee leading the way. With only one game under their belt, Oregon’s BCS title chances look all but over.
Biggest Surprise: How poorly Notre Dame played in their match-up against South Florida
The Fighting Irish are highly touted year after year, with this year as no exception. Experts projected Notre Dame to contend for a BCS bowl game. However, after one game against a surprising South Florida squad, those predictions were quickly dispelled. A quarterback controversy is already brewing in South Bend, with last week’s starter Dayne Crist already being benched for backup Tommy Rees in preparation for Saturday’s affair with Michigan.
Biggest Disappointment: Oregon’s Offensive Performance
I hate to say it, but the biggest disappointment was how poorly the Oregon Ducks played against LSU. Oregon nearly ran the table last year up until their loss to Auburn in the National Championship. Favored in their matchup against LSU, the Ducks highly prolific offense faltered on the big stage. The Pac 10 is no SEC, but after last year’s devastating loss to Auburn it seemed likely that Chip Kelly would have had the Ducks more prepared then what they showed on Saturday night. Yes, they were without star cornerback Cliff Harris, but turnovers were a huge issue and they plagued the Ducks all night.
Offensive Player of the Week: Robert Griffin III
Easy. Griffin tore up the TCU defense for 359 yards and 5 touchdowns as Baylor won an epic affair 50-48.
Defensive Player of the Week: Colorado State defensive end Nordly Capi
A tough decision here. Capi forced an NCAA record four fumbles in CSU’s 14-10 victory over New Mexico.
Play of the Week: Auburn’s Onside Kick
Trailing 38-35 late in their affair against Utah State, defending champion Auburn needed this perfect onside kick to comeback and pull of the stunning victory. Perfect Onside Kick