Week one of the "best regular season in sports" is complete and it was hard, while watching, to not think about the impact of teams' performances on the College Football Playoff selection process. Yes, "that" playoff starts this season and already we've got story lines developing for consideration by the 13-person selection committee.
Here are some initial observations.
Nick and Lane: Okay, there was just something a little unsettling about seeing Lane Kiffin and Nick Saban roaming the same sideline, wondering whether the two could co-exist under the pressure cooker of all that is Crimson Tide football and inflated expectations. Saban lauded Kiffin after the game with his handling of new QB, Blake Sims, and the offensive game plan. Bama's coach was less pleased with his defense who he called out as "soft" at halftime.
Jameis being Jameis: When a big play needed to be made, last year's Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston made it for Florida State, running in from 28 yards for a touchdown when Oklahoma State was threatening to upset the preseason number one team.
Don't schedule NDSU: North Dakota State continued its dominance of FBS teams in week one action, knocking off Iowa State on the road and notching its fifth such FBS victory since 2010. Former Kansas head coach Mark Mangino's debut as ISU's offensive coordinator netted only 14 points against the Bison's defense, all in the first half.
Under the dome: Notre Dame opened in impressive fashion by dominating Rice, in South Bend, 48-17. The headline for the Irish was the return of QB Everett Golson who looked good--14 of 22 for 295 yards passing and 41 yards rushing on 12 carries.
Sign that kid: In case you missed it, here's the YouTube link to the Auburn ball boy who displayed his wheels in going stride for stride with wide receiver Melvin Ray on a touchdown catch.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2181821-auburn-ball-boy-shows-off-blazing-speed-vs-arkansas?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=share&utm_campaign=web-des-art-top-23
Impressive: Oklahoma State's youngsters, Kansas State's Jake Waters, Winston, Nebraska's 29 straight season opener wins, Kenny "don't call me 'Kenny Football'" Hill, the lightning in Gainesville, FL.
Not so much...: Ohio State, South Carolina, Paul Rhoads, Iowa, ESPN's studio crew of Rece Davis, Lou Holtz and Mark May.
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