College football scores, rankings, highlights: Alabama, USC, Oklahoma cruise to dominant Week 1 wins

NCAA football scores and highlights from the full slate of Week 1 action on Saturday

The first full Saturday of college football arrived in style with upsets, stellar debuts and statements made by national title contenders. No. 2 Ohio State and No. 5 Notre Dame met in the headlining showdown of the opening week with the Buckeyes holding on for a 21-10 win. Reigning national champion No. 3 Georgia also took the field, making an emphatic statement with a 49-3 win over No. 11 Oregon. Many of the notable teams from around the country were also in action on Saturday. 

No. 14 USC was surgical in Lincoln Riley's first game as a head coach -- a 66-14 home win over Rice. Heisman Trophy candidate Caleb Williams threw for 249 yards, scored two touchdowns through the air and had six carries and 68 yards on the ground in his first game since transferring from Oklahoma with Riley. Granted, it was Rice, but it has been a long time since we have seen a Trojans team take care of business like the powerhouse that it used to be. 

Elsewhere, No. 1 Alabama sprung the 55-0 shutout on Utah State at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Bryce Young topped the 100-yard mark through the air and on the ground, and accounted for six total touchdowns (five rushing, one passing) in a Heisman-like performance. The defense was dominant as well, holding the Aggies to 136 yards on the evening 

Did you miss any top 25 action? Here's a recap of everything that went down on Saturday featuring the ranked teams from around the nation. 

College football scores: Week 1

No. 6 Texas A&M 31, Sam Houston 0  -- Recap
No. 8 Michigan 51, Colorado State 7 -- Recap
No. 13 NC State 21, East Carolina 20 -- Recap
Arizona 38, San Diego State 20 -- Recap
No. 3 Georgia 39, No. 11 Oregon 3  (Atlanta) -- Takeaways, recap
No. 9 Oklahoma 45, UTEP 13 -- Recap
No. 19 Arkansas 31, No. 23 Cincinnati 24 -- Recap
No. 14 USC 66, Rice 14 -- Recap
Florida 29, No. 7 Utah 26  -- Takeaways, recap
No. 1 Alabama 55, Utah State 0 -- Recap
No. 2 Ohio State 21, No. 5 Notre Dame 10 -- Takeaways, recap
Check out the entire Week 1 scoreboard

Check these out ...

• College football rankings: Oregon drops in Top 25
• Dodd: Florida on the rise under Billy Napier
• Overreactions: Georgia is top dog, but Texas A&M has work to do
• Jaxon Smith-Njigba injured: Buckeyes star WR leaves Notre Dame game
• Where is everyone? Rose Bowl attendance hits all-time low
• WATCH: LeBron, Bronny James fire up Ohio State crowd
• WATCH: Mack Brown dances after high-scoring win 
• UNC vs. App State gets wild: Heels, 'Eers trade haymakers in second half
• NC State survives: East Carolina misses late extra point, field goal in failed upset bid
• Iowa offense on-brand: Hawkeyes fail to score TD in 7-3 victory

[Sep 3, 2022 at 10:55 pm ET · Barrett Sallee]

Alabama rolls

Final: No. 1 Alabama X, Utah State 0

The top-ranked Crimson Tide had no problem with the Aggies on Saturday night in Tuscaloosa. Quarterback Bryce Young was sensational with 195 passing yards, five passing touchdowns, 100 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. The defense held Utah State to just 136 yards and 3 of 17 on third down in a masterpiece. There's no doubt that coach Nick Saban's crew deserves that No. 1 ranking after a complete performance in the opener.

[Sep 3, 2022 at 10:40 pm ET · Barrett Sallee]

Florida springs the upset

Final: Florida 29, No. 7 Utah 26

One of the biggest matchups of the day turned into an instant classic. Florida coach Billy Napier became the first Gator coach to beat a ranked team in his first game as Florida's head coach in a nail-biter in The Swamp. Amari Burney picked off Cam Rising in the end zone with 22 seconds to play to preserve a three-point lead and seal what was a tremendous game from potential star quarterback Anthony Richardson. The redshirt sophomore threw for 168 yards, rushed for 104 yards and scored three touchdowns on the ground -- including the game-winner with 1:29 to play. 

[Sep 3, 2022 at 9:21 pm ET · Barrett Sallee]

Bryce Young is dealing

Halftime: Alabama 41, Utah State 0

Young and the Crimson Tide have absolutely dominated the Aggies, and Young's quest to repeat as the Heisman Trophy winner is clearly underway. The junior has 195 passing yards, five passing touchdowns and 96 rushing yards in what has been one of the most impressive halves of his career. A big-time bright spot has been receiver Traeshon Holden, who has 70 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns on five receptions. There was a lot of buzz around Holden before the season, and we've seen why in Bryant-Denny Stadium.

[Sep 3, 2022 at 8:31 pm ET · Barrett Sallee]

Alabama is cruising

12:19: Alabama 24, Utah State 0

The Alabama redemption tour is off to a good start, as the Crimson Tide have jumped out to an early lead against the Utah State in Tuscaloosa. Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young is 13 of 17 for 130 yards and three touchdowns, including two to Georgia transfer Jermaine Burton, to establish themselves as the unquestioned top team in the nation. Utah State has just 41 total yards and Will Anderson Jr. has a tackle for loss in what is rapidly becoming a blowout.

[Sep 3, 2022 at 7:46 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Houston survives instant classic

Final: No. 24 Houston 37, UTSA 35

It took two clutch field goals and three overtimes, but Houston started its 2022 campaign with a win over the reigning Conference USA champions. Clayton Tune threw for 206 yards, ran for 51 yards and posted four touchdowns, but none were bigger than his triple-OT leap into the end zone that ended up being the game-winner. Frank Harris played an admirable game for UTSA, but his pass to Zakhari Franklin fell out of the back of the end zone. Harris threw for 337 yards and three touchdowns and added another 63 yards rushing. Two UTSA receivers cleared 100 yards receiving -- Joshua Cephus and Franklin.

[Sep 3, 2022 at 7:06 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Overtime in San Antonio

[Sep 3, 2022 at 6:55 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Arizona picks up big win

Final: Arizona 38, San Diego State 20

Last season, Arizona was 1-11 and San Diego State won 12 games. What a difference a year makes for Jedd Fisch and his program. Transfers led the day with receiver Jacob Cowing posted eight catches for 152 yards and three touchdowns in a sensational performance. Wazzu quarterback transfer Jayden de Laura added 299 yards passing and four touchdowns, while the defense held San Diego State to 62 total yards passing. It was a complete team performance, and an important moment that Fisch should be able to build on with Mississippi State and North Dakota State coming up in the next two weeks. 

[Sep 3, 2022 at 6:46 pm ET · David Cobb]

Nebraska gets separation

6:35 4Q: Nebraska 31, North Dakota 17

The Cornhuskers go 89 yards on 11 plays with Ajay Allen finishing the drive with a 14-yard TD run. He's been a nice compliment to Anthony Grant today. Combined, the duo is over 200 yards. Take a deep breath, Nebraska fans. A few minutes still remain, but it appears you're going to avert a total disaster.

[Sep 3, 2022 at 6:44 pm ET · David Cobb]

Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Miami all cruising

Ole Miss takeaway: the running game looks good against a decent Troy team.
Oklahoma takeaway: the offense scored TDs on six of its first eight possessions while starters played.
Miami takeaway: gave up a few too many explosive passing plays and yards after the catch. But you can't be mad when you score 70 points.

[Sep 3, 2022 at 6:33 pm ET · David Cobb]

Good finish coming

End 3Q: Arkansas 24, Cincinnati 17

After a combined 27 points in the third quarter, Arkansas enters the fourth with 7-point lead. But the Bearcats seem to be figuring things out offensively a bit. Ben Bryant just hit Charles McClelland with a 30-yarder to the edge of the red-zone. Will be 2nd-and-long for Cincinnati after a sack on first down when the fourth quarter begins.

[Sep 3, 2022 at 6:25 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Houston ties it up

[Sep 3, 2022 at 6:21 pm ET · David Cobb]

Nebraska clinging to lead

Late 3Q: Nebraska 24, North Dakota 17

North Dakota, not to be confused with the much-better FCS team North Dakota State, remains a threat in Lincoln. Nebraska has the football late in the third quarter after forcing a punt. But this game was 17-17 just a few minutes ago, and the Cornhuskers are among the least trustworthy teams in the country when it comes to performance in close games. Keep an eye on this one.

[Sep 3, 2022 at 6:11 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Down to the wire in San Antonio

4Q: UTSA 21, Houston 14

The Roadrunners won Conference USA last season, and are one quarter away from pulling a ranked upset on the road against the No. 24 Cougars. UTSA quarterback Frank Harris has been masterful with 244 yards passing, 46 yards rushing and a touchdown for the Roadrunners to easily win his matchup against Clayton Tune. However, a pair of touchdowns from All-America contending receiver Nathaniel Dell has kept this game close. 

[Sep 3, 2022 at 6:07 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Texas A&M wins after delay

Final: No. 6 Texas A&M 31, Sam Houston 0

The Aggies survived an inconsistent offensive effort to cruise past their FCS opponent and pitch their first opening day shutout since 1991. Quarterback Haynes King threw touchdown passes of 66, 63 and 43 yards, but also had a pair of interceptions and struggled to produce consistent offense. The Aggies averaged just 3.3 yards per carry in the win, and they'll have to get their offense figured out with tough games against App State and Miami on the schedule. 

[Sep 3, 2022 at 5:48 pm ET · David Cobb]

Offensive explosion

Mid 3Q: Arkansas 21, Cincinnati 14

Cincinnati stuck with Ben Bryant at QB coming out of the locker room, and it has paid off as the Bearcats have now scored twice in the quarter. Bryant just found Nick Mardener for a 35-yard score to answer an Arkansas touchdown as the action heats up in Fayetteville. Not shocking it's taken a second for this Cincinnati offense to get things going in the post-Desmond Ridder era.

[Sep 3, 2022 at 5:33 pm ET · David Cobb]

Nebraska struggling

Half: Nebraska 7, North Dakota 7

A week after another gut-wrenching loss, the Cornhuskers seem to be dealing with a hangover as they struggle with North Dakota of the FCS. Nebraska scored a TD on an 87-yard drive on their first possession but went fumble, punt, missed FG the rest of the half. North Dakota went 80 yards on 16 plays — eating half the second quarter clock — to score with 13 seconds left before the half and tie the game. Nebraska has some serious defensive issues.

[Sep 3, 2022 at 5:27 pm ET · David Cobb]

Miami cruising

Half: Miami 42, Bethune-Cookman 10

The start of the Mario Cristobal era is off and running. Tyler Van Dyke is 10 of 12 for 151 yards, while Thad Franklin and Henry Parrish are each over 60 yards on the ground. The 'Canes scored touchdowns on all five of their possessions in the half and added another score on a 32-yard INT return from Gilbert Frierson. No more turnover chain, though.

[Sep 3, 2022 at 5:26 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Upset alert in San Antonio

Start 3Q: UTSA 14, No. 24 Houston 7

The battle between the two best Group of Five teams in Texas has lived up to all its billing as the reigning Conference USA champion Roadrunners hold a narrow lead over the preseason AAC favorite Houston. UTSA quarterback Frank Harris has done everything for the program, passing for 154 yards, rushing for 52 yards and scoring both touchdowns against an excellent Houston defense. The Coogs have only 131 yards at the half -- they're lucky the lead isn't worse. 

[Sep 3, 2022 at 5:20 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Arizona rolling at half

Half: Arizona 24, San Diego State 10

The offseason hype finally seems to be paying off as Arizona is putting together a tremendous performance against a good San Diego State squad. The Wildcats went 1-11 last season, but quarterback Jayden de Laura has 170 yards and three touchdowns in the first half of his debut. Receiver Jacob Cowing had 79 yards receiving and two scores to lead the team. Defensively, the effort has been strong, holding San Diego State to just 137 total yards in the first half. The Wildcats lost 38-14 against San Diego State last season. 

[Sep 3, 2022 at 5:18 pm ET · David Cobb]

Roadrunners ahead

Half: UTSA 14, Houston 7

In a battle of Group of Five conference favorites coming off 12-2 seasons, the Roadrunners have a halftime lead. The Cougars led 7-0, but UTSA got a couple of explosive play TDs in the second quarter from quarterback Frank Harris. He's 12 of 17 for 154 yards and a TD. Looks like it could be a good second half on CBS Sports Network.

[Sep 3, 2022 at 5:14 pm ET · David Cobb]

Hogs up

Half: Arkansas 14, Cincinnati 0

Cincinnati missed two field goals in the first half and Arkansas punches one in with 17 seconds left on a jump-pass from K.J. Jefferson to Trey Knox. That caps a 7-play, 70-yard drive that took just 57 seconds. Big-time drive for the Hogs. Cincinnati will get the football to start the third quarter. The Bearcats have struggled to move the ball, but an INT and the two missed FGs have hindered them even further. 

[Sep 3, 2022 at 5:10 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Oklahoma off to solid start

Half: No. 9 Oklahoma 28, UTEP 10

The Brent Venables era is off to a good start as the Sooners have a three-score lead at halftime against UTEP. Dillon Gabriel has been masterful with three total touchdowns and 164 yards passing. The defensive line has been active against UTEP star quarterback Gavin Hardison, posted four sacks and three quarterback hurries. The Miners are finding some space in the passing game with Hardison completing 19-of-26 passes for 175 yards and a touchdown, but Oklahoma has gotten UTEP off the field consistently enough to maintain a large advantage. 

[Sep 3, 2022 at 4:59 pm ET · David Cobb]

Ole Miss ahead early

Early 2Q: Ole Miss 14, Troy 0

Jaxson Dart got the start at quarterback over Luke Altmeyer for Ole Miss and is 6 of 9 for 58 yards in the earlygoing. The running game has been the source of offense for the Rebels thus far, however. Zach Evans just surpassed 90 yards for the game already. The TCU transfer and former 5-star prospect is proving to be a difference-maker in his SEC debut.

[Sep 3, 2022 at 4:57 pm ET · David Cobb]

Cincinnati moving

Late 2Q: Arkansas 7, Cincinnati 0

The Bearcats are trying to get something going before halftime as a 35-yard Charles McClelland run gets them into Arkansas territory. Ben Bryant got the start at QB and the results have been unimpressive thus far. Razorbacks struck first at the 6:18 mark of the first quarter on a 15-yard run by KJ Jefferson.

[Sep 3, 2022 at 4:26 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Arizona rolling

2Q: Arizona 10, San Diego State 3

The Wildcats have quickly put a miserable 1-11 season behind them and are up on the former Mountain West finalists early. Quarterback Jayden de Laura and receiver Jacob Cowing have quickly built a special connection with 46 yards and a touchdown between them. The defense is also playing well, holding the Aztecs to just 62 yards on 16 plays early. 

[Sep 3, 2022 at 4:18 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

UNC escapes App State

Final: North Carolina 63, App State 61

The Gene Chizik era at defensive coordinator is off to an inauspicious start as the Tar Heels needed two late two-point conversion stops to narrowly survive against Appalachian State. The quarterbacks were on fire in this game as UNC starter Drew Maye dropped 352 yards passing and five total touchdowns. However, Chase Brice was even better with 376 yards and an unbelievable six touchdown passes. The Mountaineers scored 40 points in the fourth quarter alone, but it wasn't enough to escape with a home victory. Ten different players caught a touchdown pass on Saturday. 

[Sep 3, 2022 at 3:57 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

NC State ekes past ECU

Final: No. 13 North Carolina State 21, East Carolina 20

The Pirates had an opportunity to tie the game, and then a chance to win the game. Unfortunately, East Carolina missed the extra point with 2:58 remaining and a 42-yard field goal at the very end of the game to fall by one excruciating point against an in-state Power Five rival. NC State quarterback Devin Leary struggled with only 211 yards passing with a touchdown and interception. ECU's Holton Ahlers thoroughly outplayed him as the Pirates outgained NC State. 

[Sep 3, 2022 at 3:48 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Iowa survives SDSU

Final: Iowa 7, South Dakota State 3

The Hawkeyes survived one of the most bizarre football games of the young season thanks to a Herculean effort from the defense. Iowa's offense posted just 168 total yards, including 1.7 yards per carry, against an FCS foe. However, the Hawkeyes used an early field goal and two second-half safeties to find a way to win. South Dakota quarterback Mark Gronowski fought with 87 yards passing, but struggled with consistent pressure from the Iowa defense. Now, all eyes turn to a Week 2 Cy-Hawk matchup against Iowa State. 

[Sep 3, 2022 at 3:37 pm ET · David Cobb]

Catastrophe in Greenville

2:58 4Q: NC State 21, ECU 20

ECU kicker Owen Daffer just missed the game-tying PAT attempt with 2:58 remaining after ECU scratched and clawed back for what appeared to be a game-tying touchdown. Just a gutting miss there. The Pirates have two timeouts left, so it's not over. But that's a lot of wind out of the sails of the Pirate ship with less than three minutes to go. #collegekickers.

[Sep 3, 2022 at 3:37 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Rutgers shocks Boston College

Final: Rutgers 22, Boston College 21

The Golden Eagles entered as a 9-point favorite against a Big Ten opponent missing several starters, but Rutgers put together a physical performance to beat Boston College. BC quarterback Phil Jurkovec threw a pair of interceptions, including one to set up a touchdown in the first half. However, the biggest moment came at the end of the game as Al-Shadee Salaam rushed for 23 and 22 on consecutive carries to get the Scarlet Knights into the end zone for a game-deciding score.