Top Offensive Performances of CFB Week 1

The 2024 CFB football season is fully underway as we reach Week 2 of what could be one of the most exciting seasons to date. For many teams in the top 25, Week 1 opponents consisted of lower-tier FCS and SWAC opponents. But after a gruelingly long offseason, many schools used it as an opportunity to show that they mean business. Week 1 brought plenty of offensive highlights, with 14 out of the top 25 teams putting up 40 or more points.

With that, here are the best offensive performances of Week 1.

5: Vanderbilt Commodores

• The Commodores should expect another packed stadium this weekend when they take on Alcorn St. for their 7:30 kickoff after their OT thriller last week over Virginia Tech.
• Vanderbilt’s offense had plenty of rhythm under new OC Tim Beck and transfer QB Diego Pavia, both coming from New Mexico St.
• Pavia found success through the air and on the ground, going 12-for-16 for 190 yards and a pair of TDs. He also racked up 104 rushing yards and a TD on 26 carries.

4: Penn State

• The Nittany Lions (and their fans) fended off the West Virginia Mountaineers in a dominant 34-12 victory last week.

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• New transfer QB Drew Allar found success without having to be relied on much. He went 11-for-17 for 216 yards and three TDs. He set the tone with a 55-yard TD.
• Questions still surround the new QB and how he’ll perform against tougher defenses. That’ll be put to the test in Week 6 against No. 13 USC and in Week 8 against No. 2 Ohio State.

3: Notre Dame

• The Fighting Irish spoiled the beginning of the Mike Elko era in College Station last week after taking down the No. 20 Texas A&M Aggies 23-13. Despite coming into the game as underdogs with a new QB and Offensive Coordinator, ND was able to secure a massive first road win over an ranked SEC opponent since 2004. 
• The Irish solidified themselves as one of the best defenses in all of CFB, holding Texas A&M QB Connor Weigman to 12-for-30, 100 yards, 0 TD’s and 2 INT’s.
• Despite the rocky start for QB Riley Leonard, he avoided turnovers and moved the ball enough to tack on 23 points.
• ND is favored to win each game on the remainder of their schedule according to ESPN’s Football Power Index.

2: Georgia Bulldogs

• Despite only a 6-0 lead going into halftime, QB Carson Beck lit it up the second half. He closed out the day 23-for-33, with 278 yards and 2 TD in their dominant 34-3 win over Clemson.
• Questions still surround around Clemson HC Dabo Swinney and his reluctance to look for players in the portal. However, it doesn’t take away from the talented and extremely large roster he’s put together.
• The Dawgs are taking on Tennessee Tech for Week 2 and Kirby Smart said he is looking forward to splitting the reps throughout the roster.

Names to look out for this week:

• Sophomore QB Gunner Stockton is set to assume the starting role once SR. Carson Beck leaves.
• Former walk-on JR. RB “Cash” Jones who’s recorded only one TD throughout his career, while recording 26 carries for 226 yards.

1: Miami Hurricanes

• QB Cam Ward and the Hurricanes went down to the Swamp and handled business. This was fueled by a seemingly unstoppable offense in their 41-17 victory over the Gators.

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• Canes fans, rejoice! The Hurricanes solidified themselves as a top 10 team powered by a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate for the first time in over 20 years. All while paired with a barrage of offensive weapons.
• The Hurricanes aren’t just eyeing a playoff berth. They’re looking to secure their first ACC Championship as the rest of their schedule looks tame so far, including only one ranked team — No. 24 Louisville.