College Football Returns With Upsets and Big Performances in Opening Weekend

College football returned over the weekend with an eight-game opening slate that delivered several notable results, including a major upset in Ireland and convincing wins for USC and Virginia. North Carolina produced the weekend’s biggest surprise, beating TCU 15-10 in Dublin despite entering the game as roughly an 8.5-point underdog. The Tar Heels’ defense shut out TCU over the final three quarters and limited the Horned Frogs to 281 total yards. No. 14 USC was the only ranked team in action and avoided an upset with a 42-26 victory over San Jose State. The Trojans piled up 505 yards, including 341 through the air, but San Jose State kept the game considerably closer than the pregame spread of more than five touchdowns suggested. Virginia also opened with an impressive performance, crushing NC State 34-8. The Cavaliers rushed for 258 yards and finished with 413 total yards while holding the Wolfpack to only 168.

Key Weekend Scores and Performances

• North Carolina 15, TCU 10: Tight end Jelani Thurman led North Carolina with four receptions for 94 yards, while Xavier Lewis recorded two sacks. The Tar Heels held TCU scoreless after the first quarter to secure the upset.
• No. 14 USC 42, San Jose State 26: USC produced 505 total yards and converted nine of 13 third downs. The Trojans controlled possession for more than 37 minutes.
• Virginia 34, NC State 8: Virginia dominated on the ground with 258 rushing yards while holding NC State to just 92 passing yards. The Cavaliers also played turnover-free football.
• North Dakota State 33, Jacksonville State 7: NDSU won its first game as an FBS program, rushing for 209 yards and limiting Jacksonville State to 170 total yards.
• Stanford 37, Hawaii 27: Stanford quarterback Dylan Warren threw for 310 yards, while Micah Ford rushed 25 times for 99 yards and three touchdowns.
• Florida State 34, New Mexico State 17: Ousmane Kromah rushed for 115 yards and a touchdown as the Seminoles accumulated 419 yards of offense.
• Memphis 27, UNLV 21: Memphis overcame a 14-7 halftime deficit with 17 third-quarter points. The Tigers finished with 418 yards, including 195 rushing.

National Championship Futures

The opening weekend featured only one ranked team, meaning there was little movement among the primary national championship contenders. Current consensus markets still have Ohio State, Notre Dame, Texas and Oregon leading the field. According to DraftKings national championship futures betting, the top 10 are:

Team	National Championship Odds
Ohio State	+600
Notre Dame	+600
Texas	+650
Oregon	+750
Georgia	+850
Indiana	+900
Miami	+1000
LSU	+1700
Texas Tech	+2200
Alabama	+2500

Ohio State and Notre Dame share the shortest price at +600, with Texas close behind at +650 at popular sportsbooks. Oregon offers +750, while Georgia and Indiana round out the group priced below +1000. Odds can vary by sportsbook and change throughout the week. The national championship picture should become much clearer during the full Week 1 schedule. Among the biggest upcoming games are No. 2 Oregon hosting Boise State and No. 11 LSU hosting Clemson, while several other leading contenders begin their seasons against less imposing opposition.