College football scores, rankings, highlights: Alabama, Georgia cruise, Ohio State struggles to find rhythm

Week 1 went largely chalk for top-25 teams, but No. 17 TCU suffered a massive upset against Colorado

The first full Saturday of the 2023 college football season is in the books. Overall, there was little drama among college football's blue bloods, with top-ranked Georgia and No. 4 Alabama cruising in season-opening blowouts. The Bulldogs and Crimson Tide both broke in new starting quarterbacks -- Carson Beck and Jalen Milroe, respectively -- so successful outings (even if against overmatched competition) were a welcome sight to their respective programs. 

While most top-25 results went chalk, Colorado made a huge statement in its first game under coach Deion Sanders. The Buffaloes matched their win total from the 2022 season by downing No. 17 TCU, last year's national runner-up, 45-42.

Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders set a program record -- in his first start at the FBS level, no less -- by throwing for 510 yards and four touchdowns. Former No. 1 overall recruit Travis Hunter dazzled for the Buffs as a two-way player as well, intercepting a pass as a cornerback and eclipsing 100 yards receiving as a wideout. 

The Horned Frogs were the only ranked team from a power conference to go down Saturday, though a couple of prominent Big Ten programs were lackluster in their openers. Ohio State only scored 23 points against Indiana behind new starting quarterback Kyle McCord. It marked the fewest points the Buckeyes have scored against the Hoosiers in 30 years. Iowa came one point short of its 25 points-per-game goal against Utah State, arguably the worst FBS defensive unit the Hawkeyes will see all year.  

Though outside the top 25, Texas State pulled one of the biggest stunners of the day with a 42-31 win against Baylor. The Bobcats, 26.5-point underdogs, secured their first win against a power conference team in program history. New Texas State coach G.J. Kinne had one of Week 1's most impressive debuts. 

College football scores, schedule: Week 1

No. 2 Michigan 30, East Carolina 3 -- Recap
No. 12 Tennessee 49, Virginia 13 -- Recap
Colorado 45, No. 17 TCU 42  -- Takeaways, recap
No. 20 Oklahoma 73, Arkansas State 0 -- Recap
No. 15 Oregon 81, Portland State 7 Recap
No. 10 Washington 56, Boise State 19 Recap
No. 3 Ohio State 23, Indiana 3 -- Takeaways, recap
No. 11 Texas 37, Rice 10 -- Recap
No. 13 Notre Dame 56, Tennessee State 3 -- Recap
No. 1 Georgia 48, UT Martin 7 -- Recap
No. 6 USC 66, Nevada 14 -- Recap
No. 23 Texas A&M 52, New Mexico 10  Recap
No. 4 Alabama 56, Middle Tennessee 7 -- Recap
Wyoming 35, Texas Tech 33 -- Recap 
No. 7 Penn State 38, West Virginia 15 -- Takeaways, recap
No. 21 North Carolina 31, South Carolina 17 -- Recap
Arizona 38, Northern Arizona 3 -- Recap
UCLA 27, Coastal Carolina 13 -- Recap
Check out the entire Week 1 scoreboard

Check these out ...

• Long day for the Oregon mascot: The Oregon Duck does 546 pushups in 81-7 win 
• Iowa points tracker: Hawkeyes start season just off pace for 25 points per game
• Mississippi State honors Leach: Bulldogs salute former coach in first home game since his death
• Hunter, Sanders shine: Prized transfers put on a show in Colorado upset over TCU
• Michigan players support Jim Harbaugh: Wolverines throw up four-finger salute for suspended coach
• Virginia players honored: Cavaliers, Tennessee pay tribute to shooting victims

[Sep 3, 2023 at 9:50 am ET · Cameron Salerno]

Quarterback controversy in Westwood?

Final: UCLA 27, Coastal Carolina 13

Dante Moore is still learning. There were times when the true freshman made mistakes on Saturday at home. Moore threw a costly interception in the red zone that could've put UCLA up by double-digits. Outside of errors that are to be expected from a teenager playing in his first game, Moore showed flashes of his five-star billing. He led UCLA on two touchdown drives and finished his collegiate debut 7 of 12 for 143 yards. The highlight of the night was a 61-yard touchdown bomb to J. Michael Sturdivant.

Moore entered the game on UCLA's last drive of the half and led the Bruins on a 6-play, 61-yard drive. Garbers had only one crack at leading the offense in the second half and it came on UCLA's first possession. That drive resulted in a three-and-out and Moore handled the offensive duties the rest of the way. Kelly said prior to the game that Garbers, Moore and Schlee would all get reps, but Schlee never entered the game. It could be just a matter of time until Moore is the Bruins' full-time starter.

[Sep 3, 2023 at 12:53 am ET · Cameron Salerno]

Wyoming overcomes 17-point deficit to stun Texas Tech

Final: Wyoming 35, Texas Tech 33

After a weather delay pushed the start time back nearly an hour and a half, Wyoming overcame a 17-point first-quarter deficit to stun Texas Tech in double overtime at home. Facing fourth-and-7 in the second overtime frame, Andrew Peasley connected with John Michael Gyllenborg for an 11-yard touchdown and then Sam Scott converted the two-point conversion to complete the upset.

Saturday's win over Texas Tech marked Wyoming's first win over a Big 12 opponent since 1997. The program had previously lost 11 consecutive games to Big 12 programs. Wyoming's last comeback win of 17 points or more was against San Diego State in 2009.

Tyler Shough tossed a 15-yard touchdown pass to Jerand Bradley to open the second overtime to give the Red Raiders the lead, but the defense couldn't make one final stop that would've preserved the win. The Red Raiders entered the season with high expectations and this will certainly sting and have major ramifications for the outlook of the rest of the season. This is Shough's first loss as a starting QB for Texas Tech. The Red Raiders got off to a fast start and took a 17-0 lead in the first quarter before Wyoming scored 20 unanswered points to take its first lead of the game with 8:58 remaining in regulation.

[Sep 3, 2023 at 11:45 am ET · Cameron Salerno]

Dante Moore leads touchdown drive on first series

Here comes Dante Moore, the highly touted five-star freshman quarterback for UCLA. The Bruins elected to start veteran QB Ethan Garbers against Coastal Carolina, but UCLA head coach Chip Kelly said earlier this week that Garbers, Moore and Kent State transfer Collin Schlee would all see action in Week 1. One of Moore's first passes of his college career was a scramble to his right on third-and-6, which ended in a 39-yard gain to J. Michael Sturdivant. Three plays later, Moore threw a 14-yard touchdown strike to Ball State transfer Carson Steele for his first collegiate touchdown. Moore ranked as the No. 4 overall player in the 2023 class by 247Sports.

[Sep 3, 2023 at 3:08 am ET · Cameron Salerno]

North Carolina wins the battle of the Carolinas 

Final: No. 21 North Carolina 31, South Carolina 17

North Carolina's defense stood tall in the fourth quarter by allowing only three points and forced three turnovers on downs in the process to preserve a double-digit win over South Carolina at Bank of America Stadium to open the 2023 season. With the win, Mack Brown becomes the first coach in FBS history to win 100 games at multiple programs. Brown was hired at UNC in 2018 and the Tar Heels are coming off their best season since the 2015 campaign. 

Maye, the Heisman hopeful and a likely top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, finished 24 of 32 for 269 yards and two touchdowns but tossed a pair of interceptions in the second half to keep South Carolina in the game. North Carolina was playing without its top two wide receivers in Nate McCollum and Kent State transfer Devontez Walker. Spencer Rattler completed 30 of 39 passes for 353 yards and Xavier Legette had a game-high nine catches for 178 yards. 

[Sep 2, 2023 at 10:54 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Texas State shocks Baylor

FINAL: Texas State 42, Baylor 31

Texas State used a monster effort from transfer quarterback T.J. Finley to shock Baylor at home for its first ever win over a Power Five program in history. The former LSU and Auburn quarterback completed 22-of-30 passes for 298 yards and three touchdowns in the victory and added another touchdown on the ground. Transfer receiver Joey Hobert added six catches for 105 yards and a touchdown, including a highlight reel catch down the sideline. 

Baylor quarterback Blake Shapen had a strong day, throwing for 300 yards and two touchdowns, but left the game with leg injury. The Bears' defense struggled to get off the field, allowing four fourth down conversions in the loss, multiple of which led to points. This is the first time that Baylor has lost a season opener since a 48-45 loss against Liberty to open the Matt Rhule era in 2017. 

[Sep 2, 2023 at 10:53 pm ET · Barrett Sallee]

Alabama dominates Middle Tennessee

FINAL: No. 4 Alabama 56, Middle Tennessee 7

The Crimson Tide absolutely dominated the Blue Raiders in the season-opener in Tuscaloosa. Quarterback Jalen Milroe accounted for five touchdowns and the Tide defense allowed just 211 yards in what was a complete performance. They have a home tilt with No. 11 Texas next Saturday night, so this game was crucial in Bama's quest to establish its 2023 identity. 

[Sep 2, 2023 at 10:42 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Coogs survive UTSA

FINAL: Houston 17, UTSA 14

Houston quarterback Donovan Smith looked sharp in his debut as the Cougars survived a tight battle with UTSA to move to 1-0 in their Big 12 debut. Smith threw for 233 yards and two touchdowns, including 106 yards going to Samuel Brown. The tight win is the second in as many years for these two in-state rivals after Houston topped UTSA in triple-overtime one year ago. 

UTSA star Frank Harris made several mistakes, finishing with three interceptions in the loss. The Roadrunners were the victim of a controversial spot that allowed Houston to run out the clock at the end of the game. Running back Kevorian Barnes posted 103 yards and a touchdown in the tight loss. 

[Sep 2, 2023 at 10:38 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Texas Tech leading Wyoming at the half

Halftime: Texas Tech 17, Wyoming 10

Through 30 minutes, it feels like this could be anyone's game in Laramie, Wyoming. Texas Tech got off to the hot start, finding the end zone twice within the first six minutes of play and eventually jumping out to a 17-0 lead, but the Red Raiders haven't done anything since as Wyoming is now within a touchdown. Texas Tech quarterback Tyler Shough started the game 6-for-6 with two touchdown passes, but is 7-for-13 with an interception since. The Red Raiders attempted a 49-yard field goal as time expired at the half, but that sailed wide to keep it a 17-10 contest. Texas Tech will get the ball to tart the second half. 

[Sep 2, 2023 at 10:32 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Aggies take care of business 

Final: No. 23 Texas A&M 52, New Mexico 10 

There isn't much to complain about for Jimbo Fisher and co. after tonight after Texas A&M beats New Mexico in decisive fashion. Aggies quarterback Conner Weigman looked the part, completing 18 of 23 passes for 236 yards and five touchdowns in the victory. Get ready to see a lot of passes being thrown in the direction of Evan Stewart and Noah Thomas after what they provided for Weigman tonight. Both had multiple touchdown receptions -- two for Stewart and three for Thomas -- as the former led Texas A&M with 115 receiving yards. 

Defensively, there wasn't much to complain about for the Aggies other than a touchdown allowed early in the second quarter as Texas A&M prevented the Lobos from making much noise. But tonight, it was Bobby Petrino's offense that made the biggest statement by far. Next on the docket is a road trip to Miami (Fla.) in Week 2 as Texas A&M looks to sweep its home-and-home series with the Hurricanes. 

[Sep 2, 2023 at 10:11 pm ET · Barrett Sallee]

Tide rollin'

END Q3: No. 4 Alabama 42, Middle Tennessee 7

Crimson Tide starting quarterback Jalen Milroe tossed three touchdowns and ran in two more in what was a brilliant performance in a game that essentially solidified himself as the unquestioned starting quarterback. He entered the day bracketed with "OR" on the depth chart with three other contenders, but it was clear from the outset that it was his job to lose. Tyler Buchner replaced him midway through the third quarter, and the backups will take it from here. 

[Sep 2, 2023 at 10:10 pm ET · Will Backus]

North Carolina taking control

End 3Q: North Carolina 31, South Carolina 14

North Carolina had a big third quarter to create some separation in this game. The Gamecocks tried to manufacture some momentum to start the half, perfectly executing a surprise onside kick. But a fourth-down drop gave the Tar Heels the ball in prime territory and North Carolina capitalized with its first of two touchdown drives in the third frame. South Carolina's offensive line is having a forgettable night. Spencer Rattler has been sacked four times and North Carolina has nine tackles for loss. South Carolina did end the third with an interception off of Maye, and the Gamecocks are driving. 

[Sep 3, 2023 at 1:59 am ET · Cameron Salerno]

USC's defense shows improvement in win over Nevada

Final: No. 6 USC 66, Nevada 14

Is Alex Grinch's defense getting better? Maybe. But it did show signs of improvements in the win over Nevada at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday. The Trojans pulled a majority of their starters early in the second half and held Nevada to only seven points after allowing a touchdown on the opening drive of the game. The splash play of the night for the USC defense was a strip sack by Braylan Shelby that Brendon Lewis returned for a touchdown. USC ended the night with a sack that ran out the clock.

The USC offense was similar to what we saw last week in the 56-28 win over San Jose State. Williams had a typical performance and completed 18 of 24 passes for 314 yards and five touchdowns. Tahj Washington had three catches for 75 yards with a pair of touchdowns. USC backup quarterback Miller Moss connected with true freshman Duce Robinson for a 71-yard touchdown late. Robinson ranked as the No. 19 overall player and the No. 1 TE by 247Sports in the 2023 recruiting cycle. USC opens up Pac-12 play with Stanford at home next week.

[Sep 2, 2023 at 9:43 pm ET · Barrett Sallee]

Bulldogs cruise

FINAL: No. 1 Georgia 48, UT-Martin 7

Georgia failed to get the shutout as the Skyhawks scored with just under five minutes to play. But does it really matter? The Bulldogs showed just why they are the two-time reigning national champions. The offense caught fire once quarterback Carson Beck settled in and the defense was suffocating from the moment it stepped on the field. That performance culminated with a 26-yard pick-six by Kyron Jones with 1:59 to play. 

[Sep 2, 2023 at 9:42 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Texas A&M adds another TD 

End 3Q: No. 23 Texas A&M 42, New Mexico 10 

Texas A&M quarterback Conner Weigman has now thrown for a career-high five touchdown passes tonight as the Aggies continue to build their lead over the Lobos. The latest is the second of the night to Evan Stewart, who leads all Texas A&M receivers with 115 yards. At 42 points and counting, the Aggies have now scored more points tonight than they did in any game last season, and there's still a quarter of football left. That's a nice way to usher in the Bobby Petrino era for this Texas A&M offense. 

[Sep 2, 2023 at 9:36 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Positive start for Tom Herman, Casey Thompson in Boca Raton

Final: FAU 42, Monmouth 20

FAU quarterback Casey Thompson completed 20 of 25 passes for 280 yards and tossed five touchdown passes for the fourth time in his career and the Owls routed Monmouth in Herman's first game as the head coach. Thompson spent last season at Nebraska and entered the transfer portal when it became clear Jeff Sims would win the starting job under first-year head coach Matt Rhule. He started his playing career at Texas under Herman, who coached at the school from 2017-20. 

Herman was fired following the 2020 campaign and spent the 2021 season with the Chicago Bears as an offensive analyst. Herman spent last season away from coaching before FAU hired him to replace Willie Taggart. A matchup with Clemson on Sept. 16 looms large and will serve as the first major test for Herman and Thompson.

[Sep 2, 2023 at 9:13 pm ET · Will Backus]

North Carolina up after two

Half: North Carolina 17, South Carolina 14

The offenses of North Carolina and South Carolina unloading early in the game seemed to set up an offensive shootout, but then things hit a lull for a bit. Both teams were held without a touchdown for over 15 minutes, with the Gamecocks breaking the standoff with about five minutes to go in the half. Spencer Rattler and Drake Maye have both eclipsed 170 passing yards, and Rattler only has a single incompletion. 

[Sep 2, 2023 at 9:04 pm ET · Barrett Sallee]

Alabama up by two scores

HALF: No. 4 Alabama 28, Middle Tennessee 0

The Crimson Tide scored twice in the second frame -- a 13-yard touchdown run by quarterback Jalen Milroe and a 47-yard touchdown pass from Milroe to Isaiah Bond to put this one on the brink of getting sideways. There was a lot of concern about the quarterback position heading into this one, but Milroe has accounted for three of the four Tide touchdowns and put to bed any idea of a battle for the Tide.

[Sep 2, 2023 at 9:00 pm ET · Barrett Sallee]

Georgia on cruise control

START Q4: No. 1 Georgia 31, UT-Martin 0

The Bulldogs are cruising on the heels of a great performance by wide receiver Mehki Mews. The 5-foot-8, 185-pound speedster scored on a beautiful 54-yard catch and run on a middle screen to make it a 24-0 game midway through the third quarter, and put enough separation between the Bulldogs and Skyhawks to give Dawgs fans comfort following a sluggish start. 

[Sep 2, 2023 at 8:45 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Busy day for The Oregon Duck

Oregon's mascot, The Oregon Duck had a busy afternoon watching his team put up 81 points in a blowout win over Portland State. The Oregon mascot did 546 push-ups between scores in the 81-7 win in Week 1. Oregon's 81 points were the most for the program in the modern era -- 73 of which were unanswered after giving up a touchdown early in the first quarter. The Ducks are the first FBS team to score at least 80 points in a game since UNLV beat Idaho State 80-8 on Sept. 26, 2015.

[Sep 2, 2023 at 8:43 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Texas A&M in control at the half 

Halftime: No. 23 Texas A&M 35, New Mexico 7 

It's all Aggies at the half, and Bobby Petrino's offense has really settled into a groove after Texas A&M outscored New Mexico 28-7 in the second quarter. It's been quite an efficient start for quarterback Conner Weigman, who has already thrown for four touchdowns while going 12-for-16 passing in the first half. Speaking of efficiency, wide receiver Noah Thomas was on the receiving end for three of Weigman's four touchdown passes, and those are the only three catches Thomas has made tonight. If this offense is a preview of what's to come, expect Jimbo Fisher's Aggies to take a step forward from last year's disastrous 5-7 finish. 

[Sep 2, 2023 at 8:23 pm ET · Will Backus]

Carolinas even after a quarter

End Q1: North Carolina 7, South Carolina 7

North Carolina and South Carolina are in a dead heat following the first 15 minutes of action. The Gamecocks got the ball first and produced a quick three-and-out. UNC took advantage and embarked on a 3:55 touchdown drive. Gamecocks quarterback Spencer Rattler looked sharp on South Carolina's second possession, hitting a particularly impressive 37-yard pass to Xavier Legette with a defender in his face. South Carolina is getting bit hard by the injury bug. Defensive standouts Mohamed Kaba and Nick Emmanwori have both been sidelined. 

[Sep 2, 2023 at 8:21 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Blowout brewing in Southern California

Halftime: USC 35, Nevada 7

USC is rolling at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. After the USC defense allowed a touchdown on Nevada's opening drive, that unit settled in. The Trojans forced four punts, a turnover on downs and two missed field goals to end the half. This is the second consecutive week the Trojans have faced a Mountain West opponent. USC beat San Jose State 56-28 in Week 0 at home.

Williams, the defending Heisman Trophy winner, finished the first half 14 of 19 for 258 yards and tossed four touchdown passes to four different USC receivers: Branch, MarShawn Lloyd, Brenden Rice and Michael Jackson lll. Lloyd, the transfer from South Carolina, has 59 yards rushing and also added a pair of receptions for 59 yards. This game is trending to be an early exit for USC's starters. Nevada quarterback Brandon Lewis is 12 of 22 for 146 yards at the break.

[Sep 2, 2023 at 8:18 pm ET · Barrett Sallee]

Milroe leads Bama to first quarter lead

END Q1: No. 4 Alabama 14, Middle Tennessee 0

All eyes were on Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe, and he has not disappointed. Milroe, who is making his second career start, is 6 of 6 passing for 47 yards, and has two rushes for 33 yards and a touchdown on the ground in what has been a wildly impressive performance that has calmed the nerves of Tide fans. Middle Tennessee only has four yards on the ground in what has been a complete game so far in Tuscaloosa for the home-standing Tide.

[Sep 2, 2023 at 7:52 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Texas A&M leading New Mexico

Early 2Q: No. 23 Texas A&M 14, New Mexico 0 

Texas A&M's debut with Bobby Petrino calling the offense only saw the Aggies up 7-0 after a quarter, but they doubled their lead on the opening play of the second quarter when Conner Weigman found Evan Stewart for a 35-yard touchdown pass. Weigman has completed four of five pass attempts to start the game, and two of those have been touchdowns. Not a bad start by any means for the touted Aggie signal-caller, whom much will be asked from this season. 

[Sep 2, 2023 at 7:41 pm ET · Barrett Sallee]

Dawgs on top at the half

HALF: No. 1 Georgia 17, UT-Martin 0

The reigning national champions struggled out of the gate, but things cranked up in a second quarter that saw coach Kirby Smart's offense put up 189 yards of total offense. First-year starting quarterback Carson Beck scored on a four-yard run midway through the frame, and kicker Peyton Woodring connected on a 23-yard field goal with under a minute to go to push the lead to 17-0. The relentless Bulldog defense has held the Skyhawks to 89 total yards and hasn't allowed a third down conversion in any of their six attempts.

[Sep 2, 2023 at 7:40 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Texas Tech vs. Wyoming kickoff delayed 

The Red Raiders and Cowboys won't be kicking off as scheduled in Laramie, Wyoming, due to lightning in the area. The schools are meeting for just the sixth time, and the first since a Texas Tech victory during the 1992 season. Texas Tech is looking to build off an 8-5 finish from 2022 as it enters its second season under coach Joey McGuire. Wyoming is coming off a 7-6 finish last year as it enters its 10th season under coach Craig Bohl. 

[Sep 2, 2023 at 7:24 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

UCLA to honor former DC Bill McGovern

The Bruins will be honoring its former defensive coordinator with a decal on their helmet tonight against Coastal Carolina. McGovern died in May following a battle with cancer. McGovern was hired by Chip Kelly after he served as the inside linebackers coach for the Chicago Bears and missed the second half of the 2022 season because of health issues. He transitioned from his position as the defensive coordinator to an administrative role at the school following last season.

[Sep 2, 2023 at 7:17 pm ET · Will Backus]

Washington opens season with statement

Final: Washington 56, Boise State 19

Some had the Huskies on upset alert in their season opener against Mountain West power Boise State, but Washington put that idea to rest pretty early. Boise State scored just once in the second half, while Washington had at least one touchdown in each of the last three quarters. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. firmly cemented his spot in the Heisman Trophy race with 450 passing yards and five touchdowns. Four different Washington wide receivers had at least 50 yards through the air, paced by 100-plus yards apiece from Rome Odunze and Ja'Lynn Polk. 

[Sep 2, 2023 at 7:13 pm ET · David Cobb]

Wisconsin still runs it

Final: Wisconsin 38, Buffalo 17

First-year Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell arrived with much fanfare because of his offensive coordinator hire, Phil Longo, who was the architect of North Carolina's high-flying attack for the past four seasons. But in the Badgers' opener, the run game was still its calling card. Chez Mellusi racked up 157 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries while Braelon Allen added 141 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries. Tanner Mordecai went 24 of 31 through the air with a touchdown and two interceptions.

[Sep 2, 2023 at 7:02 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Texas takes care of Rice

Final: No. 11 Texas 37, Rice 10

The Longhorns stepped on the gas in the second half against Rice en route to a 27-point victory in a matchup of former Southwest Conference foes. Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers ended the day completing 19 of 30 passes for three touchdowns while also rushing for a touchdown. Three of those scores he was responsible for came in the third quarter before Maalik Murphy saw action at quarterback in the game late.

Overall, it was a strong defensive effort from Texas. The Longhorns forced Rice into three turnovers and didn't allow the Owls into the end zone until quarterback JT Daniels found Luke McCaffrey for a 15-yard touchdown pass late in the game. We'll get a much better idea of the Longhorns' true identity when they head to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in Week 2 for a marquee matchup against Nick Saban and Alabama. But for now, Texas has kicked off its final season in the Big 12 on a winning note.