USC, UVA, NC State, NC, TCU ... and 6 Other Things.

I've always loved how through all the trends, new this, and new that ... I've always loved how USC has still worn those black cleats. There's just something timeless about that look.

Not sure if it was the NC State defense or what, but that Virginia offense looked really good yesterday. My hope is that they don't put too much of the running game on Beau Pribula because when they begin going up against some of the ACC power teams, things could get ugly.

DALL landed Broderick Jones from PITT late yesterday. Not sure how much help he'll give them this year, but he will give them some added depth and that's always a good thing.

At certain points last night, I couldn't tell the difference between Florida State and New Mexico State. That's how far the once mighty Seminoles have fallen.

That TCU offense looked timid against North Carolina in Ireland. My guess is that as the season progresses, they'll open up the playbook a little more ... at least that's my hope. Not having Jordan Dwyer, the Frogs top receiver, may have played a role in that decision.

I'm not ready to say Bill Belichik has it all figured out in Chapel Hill, but I am ready to say his team looked a lot better yesterday than they did at any point during the 2025 season. Having Bill call the defense didn't hurt.

I keep thinking North Carolina State QB CJ Bailey is going to pull it all together, straighten up and fly right. After seeing him yesterday I can't decide if he's just overhyped or just doesn't have enough talent around him.

The way Virginia played in that season opener bodes well for the 2026 season. Everyone is pointing to Miami and SMU as the teams to watch. Well, with that performance, the Virginia Cavaliers put their names in the mix.

Hated to see former Texas Longhorn Quinn Ewers get shipped to JAX. With Trevor Lawrence in that room, he'll never get a chance at a starting spot, at least not with the Jaguars. In MIA, there was a shot.

It's been a rough run for Mazi Smith. First, he was labeled as a bust in DALL. Next, DALL sent him packing to NYJ and today, word comes that the Jets have waived him. Yeah, he's had a rough go of it here of late.

The Jets also released former NE QB Bailey Zappe. Zappe, a fan favorite in Foxborough, has talent and I'm sure he'll catch on somewhere soon. But with Cade Klubnik and Brady Cook, two young backups, I kind of figured Zappe would be kept around.