SEC Leaves Week 1 Mark: Tigers, Gamecocks Shine as Texas Trips Up
Week 1 of the college football season is history, with several huge SEC matchups featured on the gridiron.
Here’s a recap of some of the best matchups of the week:
1 Texas vs. 3 Ohio State
In the backdrop of ESPN’s Lee Corso’s 431st and final headgear pick, week 1 opened with a high stakes showdown. For just the second time in history, the preseason No. 1 faced the preseason No. 3 in The Associated Press rankings
It was a slow march for both teams in the first half, with both offenses out of sync. Both teams saw much of their starting lineups replaced, losing more than 40 combined players from 2024. The Buckeyes led 7-0 at halftime.
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the contest was the play of Arch Manning, the Longhorns quarterback. Manning, who was a preseason Heisman Trophy favorite, looked lost for much of the contest, missing throws throughout. He finished just 17 of 30, logging 170 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
In the end the biggest question of the contest was its decider: the trenches. On the Texas offensive side, four of its five starting lineman were new starters this year. Ohio State’s starting defensive line, meanwhile, featured no returning starters.
It was the Buckeye defensive line that dominated this matchup. While only recording one sack, Ohio State hurried Manning for much of the contest. In the end, it was enough for the Buckeyes as they won 14-7.
No. 9 LSU vs. No. 4 Clemson
In ABC’s primetime game of the week, two of the South’s premier teams went to battle.
The matchup featured two different roster building philosophies. Clemson elected for more of the same from last season, bringing all 16 starters from 2024 with eligibility back.
Coach Brian Kelly and LSU, on the other hand, elected to use the transfer portal. The Tigers finished with the No. 1-ranked transfer portal class per 247, with 18 commits.
The first quarter saw the teams finding their footing, with just a single field goal scored in the period. In the second, however, Clemson put it together, with a methodical 13-play, 75-yard touchdown drive. At half, Clemson led 10-3.
Following the halftime stoppage, it was LSU’s turn to shine. The Tigers found the end zone on their opening drive off the back of star quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, finishing 28/38 for 232 yards and a touchdown.
With the sides tied at 10 heading into the final period it was all up for grabs. In an inverse from 2024, which saw LSU blow multiple fourth-quarter leads, the Tigers held on.
LSU scored a touchdown with 12 minutes remaining. Clemson had three chances to respond, but LSU stopped all three. The Tigers forced two fourth-down stops in the fourth quarter to hold on for the 17-10 win.
No. 13 South Carolina vs. Virginia Tech
In year five of coach Shane Beamer’s tenure in Columbia, the Gamecocks are poised to make some noise. The squad boasts the highest ranking in his tenure and look to make a push for the college football playoff in this rare Sunday game
The explosive nature of the South Carolina offense was showcased early. The Gamecocks scored with big plays on their opening drive, with two 20-yard completions by quarterback LaNorris Sellers.
Much of the ensuing half became a defensive slog. Following a great punt by the Hokies, Sellers was sacked in the end zone for a safety. At half, the score stood 10-8 South Carolina.
While the Gamecocks offense continued to sputter in the third, their defense came to the rescue. South Carolina gave Virginia Tech quarterback Kyron Drones fits all day. Drones finished 15/35 with two interceptions.
Late in the fourth following a 64-yard touchdown by Sellers, the Gamecocks defense shut the door on the Hokies. Defensive back Peyton Williams snatched a pass from Drones to allow the offense to run out the clock for the 24-11 win.
Category: College Football, Football, NCAA, SEC
