9/4 Maurya Srivastava
College football’s opening weekend delivered everything fans crave: surprises, struggles, and statement wins. In the most anticipated matchup of Week 1, Ohio State stunned top-ranked Texas 14–7 in Columbus, forcing Arch Manning and the Longhorns into one of their least productive offensive outings in recent memory. Manning, carrying the weight of his family name and months of offseason hype, completed 17 of 30 passes for 170 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He showed flashes of poise late but otherwise looked unsettled against a Buckeyes defense that swarmed from the first series.
Freshman quarterback Julian Sayin managed the game cleanly for Ohio State, letting the defense dictate tempo. Linebacker Arvell Reese and safety Sonny Styles set the tone, forcing Manning into hurried throws and limiting Texas’ explosive plays. It was not the high-flying showcase fans expected, but the Buckeyes’ defensive grit turned the night into a grind and proved enough to topple the nation’s preseason favorite.
Manning’s performance has already sparked wide debate. Urban Meyer urged patience, arguing that the pressure surrounding Manning is unfair and that Ohio State’s defensive scheme would have flustered nearly anyone. Desmond Howard saw it differently, calling the hype “unwarranted” and even blaming his own network for fueling impossible expectations, labeling the outcome disappointing but predictable. Steve Spurrier pointed the finger at Texas’ sideline, criticizing the coaching staff for leaving Manning isolated without proper communication or in-game adjustments. Manning himself admitted the outing was below standard, saying, “Ultimately, not good enough,” and vowing to use the setback as motivation. Fans on message boards and social media echoed the mixed feelings. Some pointed to nervous mechanics and a case of first-game jitters, while others saw promising decision-making that could blossom once he settles down.
If the Texas–Ohio State clash delivered frustration for Longhorn Nation, the weekend’s true shocker unfolded in Tallahassee. Florida State knocked off Alabama 31–17, sending Kalen DeBoer’s debut in Tuscaloosa into immediate scrutiny. The Seminoles played with physicality and composure, jumping to an early lead that the Crimson Tide never recovered from. Alabama’s new-look roster under DeBoer looked tentative, losing battles in the trenches and struggling to generate momentum when adversity struck. DeBoer admitted afterward that a sluggish start put his team in a hole that magnified pressure on every possession.
The loss reignited conversations about Alabama’s identity in the post-Nick Saban era. For years, the Tide thrived on ruthless efficiency, quick starts, and unmatched resilience. On Saturday, they looked like a program still searching for its voice. DeBoer has publicly expressed confidence in his team, telling boosters he believes in the group and its long-term potential. But whispers of doubt are already surfacing. Some boosters and analysts, including ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky, have openly wondered whether DeBoer is the right fit for a program so defined by Saban’s culture of control and dominance.
The storylines emerging from Week 1 could shape the entire season. For Manning and Texas, the challenge will be recalibrating expectations and finding ways to support a young quarterback shouldering more than just his team’s hopes. For Alabama, the question is whether DeBoer can steady the ship and convince a restless fanbase that the Saban standard is not entirely out of reach. One weekend doesn’t define a season, but it can set a tone. And in Columbus and Tallahassee, that tone was loud and unmistakable: nothing in college football is guaranteed.
The Dutch Report 