Winners
UMass
The Minutemen won their first opener against an FBS opponent since 1984. Don Brown added many pieces from the portal and showed them off in Las Cruces. There were whispers that UMass would have a better defense but the biggest surprise is the offense. 389 total yards isn’t exactly lighting the world on fire but it’s a lot better than the 265 average from 2022. The Minutemen are likely to come crashing back down to earth next week at Auburn, but they are certainly improved.
Jacksonville State
The biggest winners from Saturday may have been the Gamecocks from Jacksonville, Alabama. After going 9-2 in his debut season at Jax State, Rich Rod’s squad gets the bump up to FBS competition. Not only did they prove that they belong, but they beat a UTEP team that expects to go to a bowl game.
Losers
Navy
Remember when Navy used to give larger program fits? It looks like those days may be over. Granted they played a top-15 team in Notre Dame, but the Irish offense ran through the Midshipmen like Swiss Cheese. To make matters worse the Navy offense could not finish drives when they had some success. Rookie head coach Brian Newberry is going to have to “right the ship” on all sides of the ball to even think about going bowling this year.
USC Defense
There was a time when I thought Alex Grinch was a good defensive coordinator, and I’m not even sure why I ever thought that at this point. Southern Cal wins their season opener against San Jose State, but the defense continues to be an issue. The Trojans gave up close to 400 yards of offense, and if they want into the College Football Playoff it needs to be fixed.
