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The 2022 college football season has finally arrived ... sort of. With 22 of the 131 FBS teams in action, Week 0 brings several games that will give fans a primer of what's in store for the months to come. While there are no teams from the AP Top 25 taking the field Saturday, there are a few compelling storylines that will be part of the slate.
The biggest game of the day is a Big Ten matchup between Nebraska and Northwestern in Ireland with both teams looking to bounce back from lackluster 2021 campaigns. Also in action from the Power Five ranks will be Florida State, Illinois, North Carolina and Vanderbilt. Capping the night off is a unique nonconference showdown with Vanderbilt traveling to Hawaii in the first game for Rainbow Warriors coach Timmy Chang.
There are a handful of other games in between with CBS Sports Network airing live action from noon until after midnight. CBS Sports will be here every step of the way to update you with the latest scores, highlights and storylines throughout the day. All times Eastern
Western Kentucky 38, Austin Peay 27 -- Recap Northwestern 31, Nebraska 28 -- Takeaways UNLV 52, Idaho State 21 -- Recap Illinois 38, Wyoming 6 -- Recap FAU 43, Charlotte 13 -- Recap Vanderbilt at Hawaii -- CBS Sports Network -- GameTracker
Check out the entire Week 0 scoreboard
Q4: North Carolina 35, Florida A&M 24
Seven different Florida A&M receivers have at least one catch of 15 or more yards, and quarterback Jeremy Moussa has 262 yards and two touchdowns to keep it a two score game headed into the final frame. Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye, who is making his first college start, had four touchdowns in the first half. However, he isn't getting much help from his defense, which is having trouble getting pressure despite Florida A&M only having seven healthy offensive linemen. Tar Heel fans can't feel good about Gene Chizik's defense after the first three quarters of the season.
Drake Maye's debut has been nothing but awesome 🎆@UNCFootball pic.twitter.com/mHFuLMxzGH
FAU used a balanced offense to dominate Charlotte in one of the most lopsided games of the day. Quarterback N'Kosi Perry threw for 256 yards and a score and Larry McCammon rushed for 118 yards and a score to pace the Owls to the win. Justin McKithen added a 63-yard pick six just before the half in what seemed more like a 60-minute victory lap than a competitive football game.
THAT'S A JUSTIN MCKITHEN PICK 6 😤 @FAUFootball pic.twitter.com/OFyzjUXaUs
Half: North Carolina 28, Florida A&M 14
The Tar Heels cashed in a pick by Storm Duck late in the first quarter with a two-yard pass from freshman Drake Maye to star wide receiver Josh Downs to build a two-score lead as the two teams headed to the locker room. Maye has been stellar in his debut, throwing for 177 yards and four touchdowns in the half. The Rattlers hung tough, though. Quarterback Jeremy Moussa has taken advantage of a poor pass rush and the absence of Tar Heels defensive back Tony Grimes to stay within arm's reach. It is concerning that North Carolina's defense has struggled considering the Rattlers have seven eligible offensive linemen, and lost one lo injury late in the first half.
.@DrakeMaye2 out here lookin' like @PatrickMahomes 👀 @UNCFootball pic.twitter.com/zfbrhlvIsz
The Seminoles cruised in their first game of 2022 as three running backs cleared 100 yards rushing. Florida State rushed for 406 yards and six touchdowns in an impressive performance. Quarterback Jordan Travis posted 207 yards on just 15 pass attempts, but only threw one pass in the second half. While the win doesn't mean much, it's a stark improvement from losing 20-17 in an FCS matchup against Jacksonville State last season.
Q2: North Carolina 14, Florida A&M 7
North Carolina came off the deck late in the first quarter when Drake Maye, who is making his first start in college, found Bryson Nesbit for a 23-yard touchdown. Surprisingly, it was a much-needed score. The Rattlers barely had enough players to make the trip to take on the Tar Heels, but you wouldn't know it based on the way the first quarter went. Vanderbilt transfer Jeremy Moussa found AJ Davis for a 17-yard touchdown with 2:30 to play. That pass came after star Tar Heels cornerback Tony Grimes went out for the game with an upper body injury. Maye has looked sharp in his first significant action, throwing for 99 yards and two touchdowns so far.
He sold the fake so well 🙌 Drake Maye finds Kamari Morales for @UNCFootball's first TD of the season! pic.twitter.com/w7fxM9JrCj
The Seminoles are taking care of business against an overmatched Dukes team and have 359 total yards at the half. Quarterback Jordan Travis has completed 10-of-14 passes for 159 yards passing, while running backs Treshaun Ward and Lawrence Toafili have combined for 142 yards rushing and two touchdowns on just 16 carries. No Dukes player has more than 34 yards.
A thing of beauty from Jordan Travis to Johnny Wilson 🤩@FSUFootball pic.twitter.com/4lwqts6pYO
The Aggies survived a major upset bid from UConn as the defending Mountain West champs nabbed a late interception off UConn quarterback Zion Turner to pull away. Logan Bonner was masterful with 281 yards passing and three touchdowns, including a game-clincher late in the fourth. Running back Calvin Tyler added 161 yards rushing. However, the Huskies caused major issues thanks to a 190-yard monstrous performance from running back Nathan Carter. The Huskies had not won an FBS game since 2019 heading into this game.
The Fighting Illini were two-touchdown favorites heading into the game, and Illinois bettors didn't sweat much in its opening day win over the Cowboys. A stout defense held Wyoming to just 222 yards and 1-of-12 on third-down in an old-school beat down that resembled those of coach Bret Bielema's glory days at Wisconsin. Starting quarterback Tommy DeVito was 27 of 37 for 192 yards and two touchdowns in an efficient performance that was balanced Chase Brown's 151 rushing yards and three total touchdowns. It's clear that this team has taken on the identity that Bielema desires. If DeVito becomes more of a weapon through the air, this team could surprise the college football world.
Have a day, Chase Brown 😳@chasebrown____ x @IlliniFootball pic.twitter.com/ALwBRGjOhS
UConn hasn't beaten an FBS team since 2019, but the Huskies are getting close to defending Mountain West champs Utah State in Jim Mora Jr.'s debut. Running back Nathan Carter has 190 yards rushing and linebacker Jackson Mitchell has been all over the field defensively to keep the Aggies under control. There are about seven minutes remaining in the game, but the Huskies need to get a stop.
Illinois extended its lead with Tommy DeVito's second touchdown of the day and the Fighting Illini defense has continued to stand tall the few times when Wyoming has gotten a scoring opportunity. With an ongoing drive that has reached inside the 10 yard line, Illinois is poised to add another score here at the start of the fourth quarter and put this season opener away. If the current status holds, Bret Bielema will move to 2-0 in Week 0 as the Illinois coach and the new offense -- which has showcased not only the Chase Brown running we knew but a versatility that wasn't always present in 2021 -- will move on to a key Big Ten opener against Indiana on Friday night.
The Aggies looked sluggish in the first half, but finally got back on track with 24 unanswered points in the second quarter to take a 10-point lead at the half. Utah State quarterback Logan Bonner has completed 13-of-18 passes for 191 yards and two touchdowns , while running back Calvin Tyler Jr. added 83 yards rushing. UConn running back Nathan Carter has been sensation with 146 yards rushing in the first half alone, but the offense has struggled since starting quarterback Ta'Quon Roberson suffered a knee injury.
The Seminoles' opener against Duquesne at Doak Campbell Stadium has been pushed back 90 minutes by inclement weather in the area. Things have finally started to clear up, and the game is expected to now have a 6:30 p.m. ET start on the ACC Network. Players are back on the field for pregame warmups.
The Illini defense allowed just 118 yards to a Cowboys team that was decimated by graduation and transfers, and Chase Brown scored touchdowns through the air and on the ground to give Bret Bielema's squad a two-score lead at the break. Simply put, this is Bielema ball at its best. The Illini have owned the line of scrimmage and quarterback Tommy DeVito has been an efficient 18 of 27 through the air to keep the Cowboys in check.
✌️ TDs for 2️⃣@chasebrown____ x @IlliniFootball pic.twitter.com/D6zX5wpIBZ
Third-year quarterback Doug Brumfield is putting on a masterclass for UNLV in a dominant performance against FCS Idaho State. Brumfield has completed 20-of-24 passes for 351 yards passing and four touchdowns to give the Rebels a dominant halftime lead. Eight of his passes went for 182 yards and two touchdowns to sophomore Ricky White, which virtually doubles his career production. The Rebels have not scored 45 points in a full game since Aug. 31, 2019, a 56-23 win over Southern Utah.
Last season, Utah State won the Mountain West. Conversely, UConn went a combined 4-32 over the past four years with its last FBS win coming on Oct. 26, 2019. Don't tell Jim Mora Jr. and his first-year Huskies that, though. UConn has taken a shocking 14-0 lead over Utah State in the first quarter as sophomore running back Nathan Carter had 110 yards rushing in the first quarter alone. The Huskies outgained the Aggies 180-111 in the first period. UConn is rolling on all cylinders.
WHAT A RUN @_natecarter5 💪 @UConnFootball moves up the field! pic.twitter.com/HI1eKvTRyh
The best way to describe the first quarter of the Illinois-Wyoming game is "sloppy." Chase Brown caught a 14-yard pass from Tommy DeVito to cap off the opening drive with a bang. Unfortunately, the Illini punted and then missed a field goal on the only other drives of the first frame and have let Wyoming -- a 14-point underdog at kickoff -- hang around. Here's a look at Brown's touchdown.
The Fighting Illini open the scoring quick 😤@chasebrown____ x @IlliniFootball pic.twitter.com/NwsqnkDXpA
The first conference game of the season did not disappoint. Northwestern scored the final 14 points of the game after Nebraska tried an onside kick with 9:09 to play in the third quarter to upset the Cornhuskers and avenge last season's blowout loss. Quarterback Ryan Hilinski was 27 of 38 for 313 yards and two touchdowns. More importantly, though, the Wildcats drained more than four minutes off the clock late in the fourth quarter to leave 2:12 for Nebraska and quarterback Casey Thompson to try to tie or win. Thompson was picked off by Xander Mueller at the 27-yard line 1:27 to play to ice it.
🚨 PICKED OFF 🚨 Northwestern is gonna win it in Dublin! 🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/N4OnKx1MmG
The Hilltoppers survived a scrappy upset bid from Austin Peay thanks to a strong fourth quarter from transfer quarterback Austin Reed. The senior led West Florida to a Division II national championship, and threw touchdown passes of 48 and 25 yards in the first minutes of the fourth quarter to give the Hilltoppers a multi-score lead. He finished with 276 yards passing and all four offensive touchdowns on the day.
Governors quarterback Mike Diliello threw for 156 yards and added three total touchdowns, but unfortunately threw a pick-six and late interception that ended Austin Peay's chances. Receiver Drae McCray caught both Diliello touchdown passes. The Governors have not won a game over an FBS opponent since 1987, but still should gain major respect from FCS poll voters for their performance.
After Casey Thompson threw his first interception in a Nebraska uniform, Northwestern responded with perhaps the most impressive drive of the day. Running back Evan Hull strung together runs of 17, 10 and a four-yard touchdown to give the Wildcats the lead for the first time in the fourth quarter.
TOUCHDOWN NORTHWESTERN 💪@NUFBFamily is back on top in the 4th quarter! pic.twitter.com/qCjcGiw7bW
We have a barnburner in Ireland, with Northwestern holding possession down four as the teams switch sides for the fourth quarter. Both quarterbacks -- Ryan Hilinski for Northwestern and Casey Thompson -- have topped the 300-yard mark, both offenses are north of 400 yards and the over has already cashed. This game will fall on Thompson's shoulders. The Texas transfer was money in the first half, but has been just a bit off in the second half with poor timing and errant throws.
4Q: Western Kentucky 35, Austin Peay 27
The wheels started to fall off for Austin Peay, but a fantastic double-pass call by Scotty Walden led to a touchdown and has the game within striking distance midway through the fourth quarter. The Govs needed a spark to get back on track, and suddenly a game with a 32-point line appears ready to go down to the wire.
𝗜𝗧'𝗦 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗞𝗬! 🎩🏈@mikediliello1 ➡️ @_TreyG3 ➡️ @_TheJamesBurns #ChaseTheLion | #LetsGoPeay pic.twitter.com/pupKVpuG86
The Cornhuskers seemed to be putting the game away after going on a 14-0 run in the first three minutes of the third quarter, but a bizarre special teams call suddenly has that momentum in doubt. Nebraska coach Scott Frost called an onside kick after the long Anthony Grant touchdown run, and it was immediately sniffed out by a Northwestern blocker. The Wildcats quickly turned it into a touchdown to cut the lead to four points, followed by a Nebraska three-and-out. Could this be a backbreaking momentum swing?
Nebraska attempts the onside kick but Northwestern comes up with it pic.twitter.com/XRVWZ8owok
The fans at Aviva Stadium are watching a treat between these two Big Ten teams. The Cornhuskers ripped off a 75-yard drive on its first drive of the second half, which culminated with a three-yard run by Anthony Garcia. The former junior college player of the year has provided some much-needed balance for the 'Huskers offense with at team-high 14 carries for 44 yards. Northwestern's defense doesn't seem to have much for Scott Frost's offense, which has put a ton of pressure on Wildcats quarterback Ryan Hilinski.
The Cornhuskers take back the lead! 🙌 Anthony Grant punches it in for @HuskerFBNation 💪 pic.twitter.com/u2eZkvjPvb
Nebraska needed a big play on third-and-8 from its own 24-yard line, and Thompson was happy to oblige. The Texas transfer scrambled for roughly 12 seconds to find a wide open Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda for a 58-yard gain to change the momentum early in the third quarter. Check it out.
Casey Thompson is gonna be a lot of fun to watch, you all. 🤯 @LilThurm x @HuskerFBNation pic.twitter.com/wZf5n0PEED
The Wildcats made a huge statement just before halftime. Quarterback Ryan Hilinski sliced and diced the Nebraska to the tune of 82 yards on 13 plays in 3:15 to score with under one minute to play. Hilinski is 20 of 23 for 214 yards and two touchdowns on the afternoon, with the second coming to Donny Navarro III in the back of the end zone to cap off that drive and send it to the break. Two takeaways so far. First, the Nebraska offense is just fine. Coach Scott Frost and offensive coordinator Mark Whipple have done a great job getting Casey Thompson in rhythm. But, the Nebraska defense has been horrendous in pass coverage and left multiple wide receivers wide open.
Northwestern takes the lead! 🙌 What a drive by the @NUFBFamily offense 🔥 pic.twitter.com/UXsP5kNf1Z
HALF: Western Kentucky 21, Austin Peay 17
Austin Peay entered its matchup against Western Kentucky as 32.5-point underdogs, but the Governors have been playing out of their mind in the first half against the Hilltoppers. Quarterback Mike Diliello had a pick-six early, but responded with a 44-yard touchdown pass and a one-yard touchdown run with 18 seconds left in the first half. Western Kentucky transfer quarterback Austin Reed has played well with 102 yards and two touchdowns in the first half, but the game is still too close for comfort.
The Governors have just one win over an FBS team in program history -- a victory over Kansas State in 1987.
Q2: Western Kentucky 21, Austin Peay 17
The first big defensive play of the season came on CBS Sports Network. Upton Stout jumped a route and went 32 yards untouched for a pick six. It provided much-needed momentum for a Hilltoppers team that definitely looked in "Week 0 form" in the first quarter. Austin Peay added a touchdown late in the second quarter to make it a one-score game in what has been a wildly entertaining first half.
PICK. SIX. @WKUFootball pic.twitter.com/zAVRCS99gI
The Wildcats quarterback threw off of his back foot and found a wide open Raymond Niro III for a 43-yard touchdown to cap off a four-play, 75-yard drive. It was a huge drive for Northwestern since its defense has been struggling mightily. Could we have a shootout between Big Ten teams? That'd be quite the start to the season.
WIDE OPEN@rayniroIII hauls in the first TD of the season for @NUFBFamily 💪 pic.twitter.com/KSTDezIKnB
Northwestern translated good field position into a field goal midway through the first, but the Cornhuskers got rolling on their third drive of the game. Quarterback Casey Thompson punched it in from one yard out to make it an 11-point game. Thompson's run finished off a 14-play, 80-yard drive that was a beautiful mix of running and passing that looked more like the offenses Frost ran at UCF than he has since moving to Lincoln. Nebraska's defense looks thoroughly lost, and the offense needs to get seven right now. Otherwise, this could get out of hand.
Nebraska fans have a lot to be excited about with Casey Thompson 🔥 He runs it in an makes it 14-3 in the first half for @HuskerFBNation pic.twitter.com/7QvFNHV3er
Ok, so maybe we should play every game in Ireland.
Beer/alcohol is free right now at Aviva Stadium because the internet is down 😂😂 Irish hospitality is top notch! #Huskers
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