Week 1 reshapes playoff chatter

Week 1 exposed gaps for top teams while LSU offered a glimmer of relief for the SEC.

LSU wins at Clemson shields SEC from rough start in Week 1

Week 1 did not settle every question, but it exposed clear fault lines. LSU beat Clemson, snapping a five-game Week 1 drought against the Tigers and giving the SEC a needed shot of relief. Texas returned to the field as the preseason No. 1 but fell 14-7 at Ohio State, a result that upends early momentum for the favorites. Alabama also hit a snag, losing 31-17 to Florida State, with the Tide unable to sustain a ground game and repeatedly checked by a misdirection attack that left Alabama on its heels for most of the afternoon.

Alabama’s loss draws attention to up front balance and quarterback development, while Texas’ fragile protection and limited offensive punch raise questions about how quickly they can mature into playoff contenders. LSU’s win over Clemson offers a bright spot for the SEC, but the conference still faces a harsh reality: one strong opener does not erase a shaky start across several programs. The weekend also highlighted the depth of the Big Ten and a few early signs from the American Conference, where South Florida and Tulane delivered convincing wins. If the playoff committee weighs tougher schedules more heavily this year, the SEC will need more than rhetoric to prove it can stack up against the top nonconference tests. Week 2 will be a true test of whether these early results were a blip or a trend.

Highlights

The early season tempo will shift quickly as schedules tighten and the stakes rise.