The 2026 college football season kicked off on Thursday, September 3, marking the beginning of a thrilling week of action that will continue until Monday, September 7. This opening week coincides with Labor Day, providing fans with an exciting array of matchups after a long offseason. Last season, Indiana triumphed over Miami to claim the national championship, setting the stage for an eagerly anticipated new year.
On the first night of competition, two teams ranked in the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll made their season debuts. No. 25 Missouri showcased a dominant performance, defeating Arkansas-Pine Bluff with a score of 54-14. Meanwhile, No. 21 Utah also had a successful start, overpowering Idaho 66-14. These victories are significant as both teams aim to solidify their standings in the early part of the season.
One of the most thrilling moments of the night came from Colorado, who pulled off a stunning upset against Georgia Tech. The game concluded dramatically with a walk-off blocked field goal, securing a narrow 14-13 victory for the Buffaloes. This win not only marks a strong start for Colorado but also highlights the unpredictable nature of college football, where surprises can happen at any moment.
In another noteworthy upset, UMass achieved its first victory over a Power Four conference team since joining the FBS in 2012, defeating Rutgers 37-21. This win is a significant milestone for UMass, signaling potential growth and competitiveness within the program.
As the night progressed, several other teams also secured convincing wins. UCF dominated Bethune-Cookman, finishing with a staggering score of 73-6. Wake Forest triumphed over Akron with a score of 38-16, while Delaware showcased their strength against Merrimack, winning 42-7. Kennesaw State and Buffalo also recorded impressive victories, with Kennesaw State defeating West Georgia 47-0 and Buffalo edging out Albany 27-17.
The complete list of scores from September 3 includes:
- UMass 37, Rutgers 21
- UCF 73, Bethune-Cookman 6
- Wake Forest 38, Akron 16
- Delaware 42, Merrimack 7
- Kennesaw State 47, West Georgia 0
- Buffalo 27, Albany 17
- No. 25 Missouri 54, Arkansas-Pine Bluff 14
- Colorado 14, Georgia Tech 13
- Minnesota 59, Eastern Illinois 7
- No. 21 Utah 66, Idaho 14
- Illinois 42, UAB 23
As fans look forward to more thrilling games throughout the weekend, the excitement surrounding college football is palpable. The diverse array of matchups scheduled for the coming days promises to deliver more unforgettable moments as teams vie for early-season supremacy.
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