Five Stories from Week 1

While for the most part week 1 is the time for programs to get their teams ready to go for the bulk of the regular season, the opening weekend did provide us with some insight as to what some of the major stories of the year may turn out to be.

1. The Tide Rises Again

Alabama was incredibly impressive in its dismantling of Clemson. However, the beauty of the win was not the victory itself, but the way that the Crimson Tide pulled it off. They absolutely dominated both sides of the line, outrushing Clemson 239-0, and possessing the ball for over 41 minutes. What this points to is the likelihood for Nick Saban's team to at least make a run at the SEC West title, and given the history and intrigue in Tuscaloosa, it would be a big national storyline.

2. The ACC - America's Newest Whipping Boy

It would not have surprised many college football fans if either Clemson or Virginia Tech lost this past weekend. The ACC's perceived heavyweights each faced a tough test in week 1. However, for them to each lose was a damaging blow to the ACC's national reputation, even more so given each game's circumstances. Clemson was obliterated by Alabama, and Virginia Tech lost on a Beamerball specialty - the blocked punt. To make matters worse, the Hokies look like a program in disarray with Frank Beamer pulling the redshirt off of Tyrod Taylor just weeks after choosing to keep the talented sophomore on the sidelines this year. If the Hokies cannot stabilize the quarterback position they may be in for a long season.

3. Steve Spurrier's Quarterback Carousel

The main story following South Carolina's spring game was performance of the quarterbacks. Tommy Beecher and Chris Smelley combined for 8 interceptions, and Beecher's first half on Thursday did not do anything to quell the fears of Gamecock fans. However, Smelley came on and led an efficent offense in the second half against NC State. South Carolina's defense has the talent and experience to lead the Gamecocks to a New Year's Day bowl. Whether or not they make it there comes down to the Ol' Ball Coach's specialty - quarterback play.

4. The Battle for L.A.

While it is too early to proclaim UCLA back as a perennial Pac-10 contender, the win over Tennessee on Monday was the perfect start for Rick Neuheisel. If the Bruins can get a steady performance this season from Kevin Craft, and solid defensive and special teams play, they may take a large step forward towards challenging USC in the future. Regardless, the annual USC/UCLA matchup will have a little extra spice this season.

5. Who Will Win the Heisman?

Tim Tebow did enough to lead the Gators to victory, but his numbers were nowhere near his Heisman standard from a year ago. It seems that Florida will be able to generate a running game this year from sources other than their quarterback. However, even potentially without Tebow, the Heisman race should be a good one. As of now the early leader has to be Chase Daniel, who picked apart Illinois, and will likely be involved in a few shootouts this season. There will obviously be other candidates, but right now Daniel has the edge.