Just a few thoughts that ran through my head during this (very profitable) opening week of college football. All of these comments come from watching, first hand, the games listed. I apologize for not taking more discernable notes, I was so fired up sometimes I just put down one word descriptions for what I was feeling at that moment. Here’s my best shot at recapturing the mood as it happened.

Oklahoma State/Washington State: The Cowboys served as my 20* play this week and covered, though it wasn’t always the prettiest game. I figured Gundy’s crew would have a huge advantage offensively here and they did. QB Zac Robinson wasn’t asked to make a lot of difficult throws but was efficient going 20-27. Their most successful pass play was basically a jump ball for Dez Bryant who simply out muscled defenders for the ball. That won’t work against the top tier in the Big 12 but can be a deadly weapon against those bottom feeders that feature small corners. Little Kendall Hunter impressed me with his ability to just grind away yards. He doesn’t appear to be a breakaway threat just yet but seems workhorse-ish, something every team could use particularly when breaking in new skill players elsewhere.

Take note, the Cougars will not move the football unless they can find running room. The line looked spotty at best protecting new QB Rogers and his WRs didn’t seem to know the offense that well with more than a few miscues in routes. RB Tardy looked as close to 100% as he could be after an ACL tear last year but he’ll have a tough time finding holes against eight man fronts. I was impressed with Rogers’ arm but he needs to use a little more touch on the underneath routes (the only ones he figures to have consistently). Too many times he fired the ball right through the hands of open receivers.

Special teams is a major question mark in Pullman. The punter line-drived every kick at the return man allowing plenty of room to run. The kickoff coverage team allowed a TD in a crucial point in the third quarter immediately following the one truly successful offensive drive.

Defensively I was shocked at how fast WSU got to the ball, in gangs, and how solid they were in tackling. I don’t remember more than one or two missed tackles from that bunch.

Quick hitters…

Troy: I was thoroughly unimpressed with new QB Jamie Hampton. I can’t pinpoint why other than he looked a little lost and a little timid. Perhaps that was to be expected with a new system getting its first live game action.

Baylor: New coach, same results. Bears struggled offensively and it’s not a big secret as to why; Kirby Freeman stunk at Miami and didn’t look any better here in Waco. I am excited/intrigued to see Robert Griffin under center instead. He should make the highlight reel a few times this season, albeit in losing efforts.

Florida: Gators chomped a clearly outclassed/rebuilding Hawaii side. Urban Meyer has found a gem in Jeff Demps! He took one to the house 60+ yards in about three seconds flat. He can flat out fly. Gators overall team speed on offense is scary.

Pitt: Wanny had that deer in the headlights look again, surprise surprise. How this team couldn’t find a way to run the football after the first quarter is beyond me.