College football Saturdays are a whirlwind of excitement, and Week 1 was no exception. As we dive into the action from the weekend, let's dissect what made headlines and what you might have missed.

1. Julian Sayin Shines in His Debut

When Ohio State faced Texas, all eyes were on Arch Manning, but it was Julian Sayin's steady performance that deserves recognition. With just 126 yards and a touchdown, traditional stats don’t reflect his poise. Mistakes? Hardly. His only misfire was a dropped pass, and he displayed a cannon for an arm without turning the ball over. Buckeye fans may be witnessing the dawn of a new quarterback legend.

2. Ryan Day's Coaching Evolution

In the span of five games, Ryan Day has transformed his reputation. Once criticized for not winning crucial matches, he now has Ohio State on the brink of a national title run, showcasing remarkable leadership and strategic acumen.

Bonus Take on Ohio State

Doubts about Matt Patricia as defensive coordinator were silenced as Ohio State’s defense left Manning perplexed. Linebacker Arvell Reese emerged as a standout player, proving invaluable on the field.

3. Arch Manning: The Downfall

Social media was ablaze with reactions following Manning's lackluster first start. While it might not have been pretty, labeling him a bust is hasty. Flashing skills in the fourth quarter indicated potential, and as the season unfolds, he'll find his footing and ignite Texas's offense.

4. Alabama's Shocking Loss

Alabama's loss to Florida State was a disaster. The Tide couldn't compete physically, and even in moments of hope, Florida State struck back hard. This loss raises serious questions about Alabama’s future.

5. Kalen DeBoer Under Fire?

How low is Alabama’s standard if the buyout for coach Kalen DeBoer is trending? His tenure has already seen four losses to unranked teams. If the Tide finish 8-4, could they consider significant changes? Speculation is rife.

6. Enough with Alabama's Excuses

While last year is in the rearview mirror, the ongoing narrative around Alabama's strength of schedule needs to end. This year's team has shown vulnerabilities. Do they deserve a pass for poor performances in big games?

7. Florida State: A New Era

Florida State turned heads by defeating Alabama, signaling a fresh start. Coach Mike Norvell's squad, bolstered by 23 transfers, showed resilience and battle-hardened spirit. They are now a formidable force to watch in the ACC.

8. LSU Breaks the Streak

After five consecutive season-opening failures, LSU finally triumphed over Clemson, marking a turning point for Coach Brian Kelly. With star quarterback Garrett Nussmeier leading the charge and a rock-solid defense, the Tigers are positioned for a playoff push.

9. Clemson’s Disappointment

Clemson's offensive struggles left fans disappointed. Despite high hopes for quarterback Cade Klubnik as a Heisman contender, the performance against LSU was far from inspiring.

10. Miami: A Different Team?

Could Miami really be better than last year? Their decisive win over Notre Dame showcased a cohesive team with a revived defense. With quarterback Carson Beck back in form, they look set to disrupt the competition.

11. CJ Carr’s Emerging Potential

In his first start for Notre Dame, CJ Carr displayed promise during a thrilling comeback attempt against Syracuse. Despite room for improvement, his performance hints at a bright future for Irish fans.

12. Tulane’s Path to the CFP

After Boise State’s shocking loss, Tulane has emerged as a Group of 5 contender for the College Football Playoff. Watch out for quarterback Jake Retzlaff—he might just lead them to new heights.

13. South Carolina’s Alien Trio

Nyck Harbor and his fellow teammates are electric. As South Carolina gears up for a competitive season, their potential cannot be overlooked.

14. Oklahoma vs. Michigan: A Showdown Looms

As both teams gear up for a premier matchup, early performances set the stakes high. The night game promises to be a thrilling event for college football fans.

15. Oklahoma’s Hurdles Ahead

Oklahoma's push for a playoff spot relies heavily on their depth and skills, especially in their upcoming match. Key questions remain about their readiness against top-tier defenses.

16. Jackson Arnold's Next Steps

Arnold's debut at Auburn was productive, but consistency will be crucial as they enter tougher SEC games. He must adapt his game to lead effectively.

17. Nico Iamaleava’s Regrets

Moving from Tennessee to UCLA hasn’t panned out well for Iamaleava. Faced with increased scrutiny and fewer resources, his situation poses tough challenges.

18. Tennessee's New Hope with Aguilar

Joey Aguilar's strong performance at Tennessee signals a potential shift for the Volunteers. With an explosive start, he could be the player they need to revamp their offense.

19. California’s Surprising Talent

California's freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele turned heads with an impressive showing against Oregon State. Could they be this season’s unexpected contender in playoff discussions?