The University of Texas Longhorns had a big game against UTSA in Week 2 and a stellar performance from Arch Manning in place of the injured Quinn Ewers. After the game, Texas was named the No. 1 team in the nation in the latest AP Top 25 College Football Poll.
That was the turning point of the weekend. Texas beat UTSA 56-7 to vault to the top of the rankings. Georgia struggled against Kentucky and dropped to No. 2.
Some teams and players performed better than others, while some performed worse.
Read on for winners and losers from the weekend's college football games.
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Award Winners
University of Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) runs for a 67-yard touchdown against UTSA during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
LSU: Clearly there's some kind of curse on the LSU bench during these games. After trailing multiple times by South Carolina on Saturday, the Tigers finally overcame a 17-point deficit with a rushing attack. When the Gamecocks' final field goal deflected left of the goalpost and the game should have gone into overtime, there was a sense of relief on the LSU bench. If Brian Kelly was going to continue to turn the Tigers into a powerhouse, they couldn't lose that game.
University of California, San Francisco: How about the Knights! UCF looked like they were in trouble after trailing TCU by 21 points, but Gus Malzahn must have given a great speech on the sideline in the third quarter with the team down 28-7. After a furious comeback, KJ Jefferson threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to Kobe Hudson with just 42 seconds left in the game to seal the comeback victory. The Knights face Florida in two weeks, a game that could put an end to Billy Napier's tenure as head coach of the Gators.
Washington: The Cougars had a solid showing in the newly reborn Pac-12 on Saturday afternoon in the “Apple Cup,” but the game was full of drama as Washington State held off the Washington Huskies on a fourth-and-goal at the 1-yard line to seal the win — a great way to win a rivalry game.
Archie ManningThe Texas Longhorns didn't want to see their Heisman Trophy front-runner, quarterback Quinn Ewers, go down with an abdominal injury in the second quarter. But Manning, the nephew of NFL greats Peyton Manning and Eli Manning, made the most of his relief in the game against UTSA, throwing four touchdown passes and a 67-yard rushing score in his best collegiate performance. Of course, Ewers is still the team's starter, but head coach Steve Sarkisian said they don't know yet how serious the abdominal strain is, and there's a chance Manning could step up in his first career start next week. Either way, Longhorns fans can now see what the future holds, and it's very bright.
Notre DameThe new College Football Playoff format allows teams to make mistakes. Last week, Notre Dame lost to Northern Illinois on a walk-off field goal, but Notre Dame bounced back in style to beat Purdue, 66-7. The Fighting Irish were supposed to blow the Boilermakers away, but this was a win to get their season going again.
Texas head coach praises Arch Manning for taking over for injured Quinn Ewers: 'Really proud' of him
loser
Florida State coach Billy Napier, left, and Texas A&M coach Mike Elko exchange greetings before an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Gainesville, Florida. (AP Photo/John Laux)
FloridaOh my goodness, things are only getting worse for Billy Napier in Gainesville. Heading into a crucial game against Texas A&M, things were looking good for the Gators, forcing the Aggies to use backup Marcel Reid. But the Aggies and their backup QB ran all over Florida, and fans booed head coach Billy Napier at halftime and after the game. Florida's football program is in such a bad place that they will likely be looking for a new head coach.
Florida: The situation in Tallahassee is now just a laughing matter because Memphis came to town, got a check for $1.3 million, and pushed the Seminoles to an 0-3 season. There is nothing else we can say to make this situation look good. Florida State is a bad football team with really good players. They screwed up on quarterback DJ U in the offseason (they should have just paid Cam Ward) and spent too much money on the wrong players. The chemistry is gone and Mike Norvell went from an undefeated regular season in 2023 to an undefeated start to the 2024 season. It's crazy how things have turned out.
Vanderbiltt: What are you doing, Commodores? Everyone believed you would start 3-0 after your trip to Georgia State. Vanderbilt came into the game as an 8.5-point favorite and ruined all the goodwill you had to start the season 2-0. Georgia State scored with 15 seconds left in the game to pull off the comeback against the Commodores. The over/under for wins to start the season was 2.5 wins, but you'll need to work to secure your third win. Vanderbilt disappointed on Saturday.
Colorado wide receiver Travis Hunter, left, talks with quarterback Shedul Sanders during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Colorado State University, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Fort Collins, Colorado. (AP Photo/David Zarbowski)
Shedul SandersSanders was a big factor in the Colorado Buffaloes' win over the rival Colorado State Rams, throwing for 310 yards and four touchdowns. However, after the game, Sanders refused to shake hands with Rams QB Braden Fowler-Nicolosi, telling Fowler-Nicolosi “I saw you talking trash on Instagram” and “Don't mess with me” as he walked out. Sure, the Rams provided motivational message board fodder for the Buffaloes heading into the game, including Fowler-Nicolosi. However, Sanders has had his fair share of vocal venturing this season, and this was another moment that may have put some people off after a dominating performance. Win or lose, Sanders has a buzz moment that's not the best for the Buffaloes after the game.
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Fox News Digital Sports' college football winners and losers are announced by Fox News Digital Sports staff and OutKick.com Staff
