Punt Return Touchdowns, Hail Mary Highlight Football’s Week 1 Openers
Illinois, Minnesota start with wins, 15 more kickoffs this weekend
Week 1 of college football season is officially here, and Minnesota and Illinois opened their seasons with Thursday night home victories.
Ground Game Powers Gophers to Blowout Victory
In Minneapolis, the Golden Gophers jumpstarted the season with a dominant win over Eastern Illinois, defeating the Panthers 59-7. Senior Darius Taylor ran for three first-half touchdowns, while Javon Tracy set the program record by returning two punts for touchdowns. Check them both out right here .
Junior quarterback Drake Lindsey completed 19 of 24 passes for 264 yards and a score in Minnesota’s blowout win. Read the full recap here.
Houser’s Huge Orange and Blue Debut
Closing out the evening in Champaign, Illinois secured a 42-23 win over UAB, marking the program's sixth consecutive season-opening victory. Transfer quarterback Katin Houser was lights out in his Fighting Illini debut, completing 13 of 17 passes for 182 yards and three touchdowns while also adding a score on the ground. One of the touchdowns came at the buzzer with Hauser hauling a Hail Mary lob to Ty Robinson to end the first half.
Senior wide receiver Collin Dixon had six catches for 70 yards and two touchdowns (a career-high), while running back Ca'Lil Valentine had 88 yards and a score of his own. Read the complete recap here.
Week One Continues
The remaining 15 programs take the field starting with No. 14 USC, Michigan State, and Purdue on Friday night. We took a peek at some of this weekend’s matchups.
No. 2 Oregon opens the season at Autzen Stadium against reigning Mountain West Champion Boise State. The Ducks return stars on both sides of the ball, headlined by QB Dante Moore. Tune in to watch the Ducks on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS.
No. 17 Washington welcomes in-state rival Washington State to Husky Stadium for the Apple Cup. With bragging rights and early-season momentum on the line, the Huskies look to defend home turf against a spoiler-minded Cougars squad. Watch the Pacific Northwest clash at 4:00 p.m. ET on NBC on Sunday.
For the first time in 10 years, college football returns to the iconic Lambeau Field when Wisconsin faces No. 4 Notre Dame in the Shamrock Series. Last time the Badgers played in Green Bay, they upset No. 5 LSU 16-14. Watch the Badgers face the Irish at Lambeau on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC.
Defending CFP Champion No. 6 Indiana also kicks off tomorrow against North Texas. Check out everyone's opening matchups and the viewing information on the Big Ten football schedule.
Photo from gophersports.com .