Connelly’s Week 1 overreactions: Belichick, Arch Manning, Bama’s debacle and more

The opening week of the 2025 college football season delivered a series of stunning upsets and disappointing performances from highly ranked teams, challenging preseason narratives and highlighting the unpredictability of the sport. Texas quarterback Arch Manning’s much-anticipated debut ended in a loss to Ohio State, where he struggled with accuracy and decision-making, raising questions about his readiness for the spotlight. Similarly, Alabama under new coach Kalen DeBoer fell to Florida State, exposing weaknesses in both offensive and defensive lines that hampered quarterback Ty Simpson. Clemson’s strong defense wasn’t enough to overcome offensive struggles in a loss to LSU, while Notre Dame’s running game faltered in a defeat to Miami. These results underscore the importance of experience and execution, particularly at quarterback, and suggest that teams must quickly address deficiencies to remain in playoff contention. Despite the early setbacks, the season is long, and adjustments are expected, but Week 1 has certainly set a dramatic tone for the year ahead. Arch Manning’s performance was particularly scrutinized, as Ohio State’s defensive strategy focused on containing him in the pocket, challenging him to win with his arm, which he failed to do. His indecisiveness and inaccuracy were evident, with a telegraphed interception that could have been worse if not for an overturned call. For Alabama, the loss underscored the challenges of transitioning post-Nick Saban, with Kalen DeBoer facing early criticism for the team’s lack of physicality. Florida State’s resurgence, led by Tommy Castellanos, added to the surprise, suggesting that the Seminoles are a force to be reckoned with in the ACC. Clemson’s depth issues were exposed by LSU’s tempo offense, indicating that while the defense is elite, the offense may struggle against top competition. Notre Dame’s similar running game problems highlight a need for balance to support their new quarterback. Overall, Week 1 has set the stage for a competitive season, with several teams needing to address key areas quickly. The overreactions may be premature, but the performances provide a clear picture of where improvements are necessary for success.