Week 1 National Notebook

Alabama — As Nick Saban has been quick to point out, it was only one game, but Alabama looked like a team without a weakness Saturday night in Atlanta. The offense was balanced (239 yards rushing, 180 passing), clutch (11-of-17 on third downs) and mistake-free (no turnovers). And the defense limited the (potentially) explosive Clemson attack to 188 total yards, including 20 net rushing yards from James Davis and C.J. Spiller. The sample size is still small, but Alabama fans have every right to be excited about their football team.

High honorable mention

UCLA — Simply put, UCLA had no business beating Tennessee Monday night at the Rose Bowl. The Bruins were outmanned at every spot on the field, with the possible exception of the defensive line. But head coach Rick Neuheisel, with the help of some crafty playcalling from Norm Chow and some clutch execution by the Bruins’ offense, somehow coaxed a win out of this group. This UCLA team has too many issues to be considered much of a threat in the Pac-10 race, but Neuheisel clearly has his team headed in the right direction.

Honorable mention

Fresno State — The Bulldogs opened what they hope is a BCS-busting season with a very impressive 24–7 win at Rutgers. Senior quarterback Tom Brandstater only completed 11-of-24 passes, but those 11 completions netted 216 yards. But the real story of the day was sophomore tailback Ryan Mathews, who rushed for 163 yards and three scores on 26 carries. Pat Hill’s club passed Test No. 1. Next week, the Bulldogs return home to face Wisconsin.

Disappointment of the Week

Clemson — Is there any doubt? How does a team with so much talent at the skill positions (including a senior quarterback) fail to score an offensive touchdown? How does a team with sights set on a national title run come out and play so poorly on a national stage? How does a defense that returns eight starters from a unit that ranked No. 9 in the nation last year, give up 419 yards and fail to force a turnover? The answer: It’s Clemson, the most schizophrenic program in the nation.

High (dis)honorable mention

Pittsburgh — Bowling Green is a very good team that has plenty of talent on offense, but Pittsburgh is a better team with better talent on offense. With so much riding on this season for Dave Wannstedt, there simply is no excuse not to win this game. The Panther offense rolled up 393 yards of offense but managed only two touchdowns (both in the first half), committed four turnovers  and converted only 6-of-16 on third down.

(Dis)honorable mention

Michigan — Michigan was a team that entered the season with several key questions. None were answered in a 25–23 loss at home to Utah Saturday afternoon. It was no great surprise that the Wolverine offense struggled (203 total yards, 3.2 per play), but the defense, expected to be so stout, had trouble slowing down the Utah passing attack.

Player of the Week

Mark Sanchez, USC — Due to the quantity of colossal mismatches on the slate, there were plenty of gaudy statistical performances over the weekend, so we decided to focus on players who actually faced semi-legitimate competition. Sanchez was masterful in the Trojans’ impressive 52–7 win at Virginia. The first-year starter completed 26-of-35 passes for 338 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. The USC defense is a known quantity; if Sanchez and the Trojan offense can keep it going, this team should cruise to yet another Pac-10 title.

Freshman of the Week

Shane Vereen, Cal — Vereen rushed nine times for 101 yards (11.2 per) and one touchdown in the Bears’ season-opening win against Michigan State. Jahvid Best (24 attempts, 111 yards) is clearly Cal’s No. 1 tailback, but coach Jeff Tedford will have to find a way to keep the talented Vereen involved in the offense.

Highs and Lows

• Auburn had little trouble with Louisiana-Monroe (34–0), but the Tiger quarterbacks struggled in Tony Franklin’s new, no-huddle spread attack. Starter Kodi Burns completed 4-of-9 for 15 yards, while Chris Todd was 9-of-18 for 70 yards.

• In the first quarter of the Commodores’ 34–13 win at Miami (Ohio), cornerback D.J. Moore had a 91-yard punt return and was credited with an interception, a sack and a forced fumble. With the Commodores banged up at wide receiver, expect Moore to see significant action on offense this week vs. South Carolina.

• It’s been a while since we’ve seen so few playmakers wearing a Louisville uniform. The Cards managed 205 yards of total offense and failed to score a touchdown for the first time since 2000.

• Colorado freshman tailback Darrell Scott split carries with starter Demetrius Summer in the Buffs’ 38–17 win over Colorado State. Scott, arguably the top running back recruit in the nation, picked up 54 yards on 11 carries for a solid 4.9-yard average. The most impressive ball-carrier in the game, however, was CSU senior Gartrell Johnson, who battered his way for 95 yards on 12 carries.

• Huge win for Buffalo and coach Turner Gill. The Bulls rolled past visiting UTEP 42–17 Thursday night behind the highly efficient play of quarterback Drew Willy. The senior threw four touchdowns (and no picks) on only 16 attempts.

• Rice quarterback Chase Clement was superb in the Owls’ 56–27 win at home vs. SMU. He completed 24-of-37 attempts for 258 yards and six touchdowns (against a woeful Mustang defense).

• Stanford has struggled to run the ball in recent years, but the Cardinal rolled up 210 yards on the ground in a key Thursday night win over Oregon State. Toby Gerhart led the way with 147 yards and two scores on 19 attempts.

• The struggles continue for Chuck Long at San Diego State. The Aztecs dropped a 29–27 decision to Division I-AA (or FCS) Cal Poly

• Put Mike Sherman at the top of the list of coaches who struggled in their debut. Texas A&M's disappointing loss at home to Arkansas State ended the Aggies' 20-year streak of winning their opener. The Aggies were out-gained 415-303 and shut out in the second half. Oops.