Opening Weekend Shockwaves
The first full slate of Week 0 games delivered a cascade of surprises, headlined by Virginia’s 34‑8 triumph over NC State that marked the Cavaliers’ first home victory over the Wolfpack since 2006. Across the country, Stanford survived a late rally from Hawaii to pull out a 37‑27 win, setting the tone for a season that promises volatility.
Florida State’s Ousmane Kromah emerged as a one‑man wrecking crew, racking up 115 rushing yards and a 52‑yard touchdown run that helped the Seminoles edge New Mexico State 34‑17. His performance underscored a theme of the weekend: explosive individual bursts that shifted momentum in tightly contested matchups.
Ground Game Heroes
Virginia’s Beau Pribula proved to be a dual‑threat engine, charging for 110 rushing yards while also throwing for 155 yards and two touchdowns. His versatility gave the Cavaliers a balanced attack that kept the Wolfpack on the back foot throughout the contest.
In the Football Bowl Subdivision’s newest entrant, North Dakota State secured its first FBS victory, a 33‑7 decision over Jacksonville State. Quarterback Nathan Hayes, making his debut, capped the day with a rushing touchdown that highlighted the Bison’s immediate competitiveness.
FCS Front‑Row Action
Montana State opened their campaign with a dominant 26‑0 lead over Utah Tech at halftime, while the Montana Grizzlies found themselves locked in a 21‑21 deadlock with Southern Utah deep into the fourth quarter, illustrating the razor‑thin margins that define the subdivision.
South Carolina State delivered a historic performance, routing Savannah State 87‑0 — the fifth‑largest margin by an FCS team since 1996 — showcasing a defense that was virtually impenetrable.
South Dakota’s Austyn Modrzewski made an instant impact in his debut, completing 16 of 20 passes for 304 yards and six touchdowns, a burst of production that propelled his team to a commanding win.
Other notable storylines included UNLV’s 14‑7 halftime edge over Memphis, a Group of Six clash that could shape postseason positioning, and North Carolina’s defensive masterclass in a 15‑10 upset of TCU, where an intentional grounding call proved pivotal.