Alabama Football: What we learned in week one of college football

Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
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Alabama Football
Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Alabama Football began the 2021 season with a bang. Let’s see how other college football teams did in week one.

This post is the first of a weekly series to provide an overview of CFB teams as the season progresses. It will not be comprehensive, meaning a majority of FBS teams will get little or no notice. Instead, the focus will be on Alabama Football, regular-season opponents, and potential post-season opponents. Beyond those two categories, other noteworthy games will be sprinkled in.

First games neither make nor break a season. So much can change as the season continues that caution is needed or too early conclusions can mislead.

Playoff Contenders

Ohio State 45 – Minnesota 31

Minnesota led 14-10 at the half. New Buckeyes’ QB, C.J. Stroud had a rough first half. He settled in, in the second half and finished with four touchdown passes. The Gophers lost running back Mo Ibrahim in the third quarter. Ibrahim rushed for 163 yards before his injury.

Georgia 10 – Clemson 3

The Georgia Bulldogs’ defense was awesome. The Clemson offensive line, QB and offensive plan were weak. Dawgs’ QB, J.T. Daniels was nothing special, but he didn’t have to be.

Oklahoma 40 – Tulane 35

So much for the claim, the Sooners’ defense is improved. Tulane playing its home game in Norman, and having to travel during the week to even practice, was almost too much for Lincoln Riley’s team.

Iowa State 16 – Northern Iowa 10

Not a Playoff worthy performance from the Cyclones.