Michigan avoids upset on Hail Mary after controversial call
College football is back. Indiana's new stars shined, new coaches got their debut wins and Oregon had a battle with Boise State.
The opening weekend of college football was a wild ride, folks! We've got a lot to unpack, but let's start with that thriller in Ann Arbor. Michigan's escape against Indiana is a great reminder that complacency can be a team's worst enemy. The Hoosiers' new-look offense, led by quarterback Tayven James and receiver Javon Swinton, gave the Wolverines all they could handle. That Hail Mary touchdown was the difference-maker, but it's the controversy surrounding the play that's got everyone talking.
The play call - or lack thereof - on the previous down will be debated for a while. Indiana coach Curt Mallory's decision to challenge the spot of the ball was a bold one, but ultimately didn't go their way. For Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh, it's a valuable learning experience for his team. The Wolverines' performance was far from perfect, but they found a way to win. That's what championship teams do. As for Indiana, this close loss is a promising start to the season. New coach Curt Mallory has his team competing at a high level, and with talent like James and Swinton, they're a team to watch in the Big Ten.
So what's next? Oregon's battle with Boise State was an instant classic, with the Ducks coming out on top 34-31. New Oregon coach Dan Lanning got his first win, and quarterback Anthony Brown looked every bit the part of a top-tier signal-caller. Boise State coach Andy Avalos, meanwhile, showed that his team is still a force to be reckoned with in the Mountain West. We'll be keeping an eye on both of these teams as the season progresses. One thing's for sure: college football is back, and it's going to be a wild ride!
Originally reported by espn.com. CoachNews adds analysis for sports & fitness readers.