It seems ridiculous to talk about the playoffs after Week 1. However, that’s the reality of today’s college football world, where every game matters, and non-conference games can make or break you when the bracket is announced in November. 

Texas Wesleyan has been seeking ways to boost its playoff resume after narrowly missing the NAIA playoffs in two consecutive seasons. The Rams boosted their resume with a 34-24 victory over No. 20 Lindsey Wilson on Thursday. It was a milestone win for Rams head coach Brad Sherrod in his first game at the helm. They will face another challenge this week on the road against Sooner Athletic Conference rival No. 16 Ottawa (Ariz.).

The No. 13 Navarro Bulldogs opened their 2024 season with a 34-20 road win over No. 9 Garden City. The Bulldogs dominated the Broncbusters, led by dynamic wide receiver Tim Burns. The sophomore from Miami Northwestern Senior High School moved from defensive back last year to wide receiver this season. He showcased tremendous speed, gaining 153 yards and three touchdowns on six receptions. Navarro has a bye week before hosting Southwest Junior College Football Conference foe Northeastern Oklahoma A&M.

While some teams boosted their resumes, others were less fortunate. Two Lone Star Conference playoff hopefuls have work to do after Week 1 defeats. Texas A&M-Kingsville had opportunities against Colorado Mesa. However, the Javelinas missed three of five field goals from 31 yards or longer in a 16-13 defeat. The Hogs' offense struggled mightily to move the ball consistently after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter.

Another team whose offensive struggles resulted in a disheartening loss was Angelo State. Fort Hays State scored two touchdowns in the first quarter en route to a 21-7 victory in a game played on Friday afternoon after inclement weather hit Kansas on Thursday evening. The Rams finished with 203 yards of offense and averaged a paltry 3.3 yards per play.

Is Texas Southern the favorite to win the SWAC West?

The Cris Dishman era at Texas Southern began with a 27-9 victory over rival Prairie View A&M in the Labor Day Classic. The Panthers' offense was held without a touchdown for the first time since 2003 as the Tigers' defense stymied it. The victory ended a nine-game losing streak to PVAMU and placed TSU in the driver's seat in the race to win the SWAC West Division. TSU was picked to finish sixth in the SWAC West preseason poll and fifth by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football in the 2024 summer magazine. 

Every team in the SWAC West Division entered the season with questions. Alcorn State, Southern, and TSU have new head coaches. TSU's path to appearing in the SWAC title game remains treacherous, with games against SWAC East powers Jackson State and Florida A&M on the docket.

It’s time to elevate UTPB to national contender status.

The reigning Lone Star Conference champions entered the 2024 campaign with questions at quarterback with last year’s All-American and LSC Offensive Player of the Year, Kenny Hrncir, now co-offensive coordinator for the Falcons. New starting quarterback Dylan Graham made those questions look silly after leading UTPB to a 41-3 victory over Western New Mexico. 

Graham completed 31 of 50 passes for 404 yards and three touchdowns, while Kory Harris led the Falcons rushing attack with 82 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries. The Falcons' offense put up 557 yards against a vastly improved WNMU defense.

The Falcons' defense makes them a contender to play at McKinney ISD Stadium for the NCAA Division II national title in December. UTPB held WNMU’s offense to 118 total yards and five first downs. The Mustangs averaged 2.1 yards per rush attempt and 3.2 yards per pass attempt against a nasty Falcons' front seven, which the WMNU head coach complimented as being “disgusting” in a text message after the game. 

UTPB will face a significant challenge on the road this week against Colorado State-Pueblo. However, if they remain healthy, the Falcons should be considered a favorite in Super Region Four.

No easy money

The Week 1 FCS slate is typically filled with “money” games against FBS competition. Realistically, the game should be an easy victory for teams with more talent and depth, but that’s why they play the games. This year, two teams nearly pulled off massive upsets.

Texas Tech signed a two-game contract to host season-opening games against Abilene Christian in 2024 and 2026. The Red Raiders are paying $375,000 for each game against the Wildcats. However, ACU came ready to play with former Texas Tech defensive coordinator Keith Patterson, now ACU head coach, and multiple Texas Tech transfers on the Wildcats roster. The Red Raiders needed a critical defensive stop to escape with a 52-51 win when ACU chose to try for a two-point conversion and the victory in the first overtime. 

The Wildcats must quickly turn the page and prepare for United Athletic Conference opponent West Georgia, who surprised Samford with a 38-29 victory, at home next week. UWG wasn’t the concern for ACU fans immediately after the game when the team bus was involved in an accident. ACU released a statement stating one student-athlete, two coaches, and the bus driver were taken to the hospital and treated for minor injuries.

ACU wasn’t the only team to nearly upset an FBS opponent. Lamar scored 27 points in the second half, forcing Texas State to hold on for a 34-27 win. The Bobcats paid Lamar $310,000 for the contest. The result proves the Cardinals program is rising in coach Peter Rossomando’s second season and will battle Nicholls and UIW for Southland Conference supremacy.

Quotes of the Week

“We didn’t sign up for close; we signed up for wins, so we want to make sure we get out there and win, and we didn’t do that tonight.” - Lamar coach Peter Rossomando said after the Cardinals' 34-27 loss at FBS Texas State.

“Coach McDowell said it’s not a rivalry until we win one. We just won one. Now, the rivalry begins.” - Texas Southern coach Cris Dishman said after the Tigers' impressive 27-9 victory over rival Prairie View A&M.