College football is back!

If the 2013 season as a whole lives up to the precedent set by the opening night of college football, we're all in for a real treat.

South Carolina-North Carolina was the marquee match-up of the night, and it provided the predictable blandness we've come to expect from this program as we've so often seen in recent years when the Gamecocks open the schedule with a Thursday night primetime game on ESPN. Thankfully other games provided all the fireworks the audience was craving.

Ole Miss-Vandy was a barnburner. While Robert Nkemdiche was perhaps a slight disappointment in his debut (just as fellow former No. 1 prospect Jadeveon Clowney was in Columbia on the same night), the game lived up to its billing as a match-up of two SEC programs on the rise. Jordan Matthews continues to cement his reputation as perhaps the best receiver in the conference. I'm also curious to see how James Franklin rallies the team in light of that gut-wrenching loss to start the season, not to mention the cloud that continues to hang over his program in light of off-field issues that have sullied the program's good name.

The Rebels still figure to drop at least 3-4 games this fall, but Hugh Freeze appears to be building something special in Oxford. This stat that popped up on Twitter seems to bode well for Ole Miss, in the aftermath of their 39-35 triumph in Nashville last night.

This was Vandy's 5th home loss under Franklin. Others: Georgia (10-4), Arkansas (11-2) in 2011, SCar (11-2) and UF (11-2) in 2012.
— Paul Myerberg (@PaulMyerberg) August 30, 2013

Utah-Utah State also provided some high drama out west around the same time Ole Miss-Vandy was reaching its dramatic conclusion. The Utes held on for a 30-26 win. It will be interesting to see if the Aggies can continue their level of play in the post Gary Andersen-era. I'm sure these numbers were of no consolation to Utah State fans as they exited Rice-Eccles Stadium:

Since October 22, 2011, Utah State has lost four games by a total of 10 points.
— Jason Kirk (@JasonKirkSBN) August 30, 2013

But perhaps the most curious finish of the night took place in the San Joaquin Valley, as Fresno State and Rutgers put together an epic display of offense. Derek Carr's heroics led the Bulldogs back from a seven-point deficit with less than a minute to play as the senior completed 52-of-73 passes on the night for 456 yards and 5 touchdowns. After matching the Bulldogs with a touchdown in overtime, Kyle Flood made the decision to go for two. The play call was eerily reminiscent of another famous try for two points. Like Osborne's failed attempt in the 1984 Orange Bowl, Rutgers wasn't able to convert and Fresno State survived with the victory.

In the little bit of the game I watched, I was impressed with Derek Carr. Early draft projections have him as a mid-round guy, but I think he's got the game to go much higher than that. He may not have the same howitzer for an arm that his brother did, but he's got a similar frame and an excellent feel for the game. Precise accuracy on intermediate throws too. I always thought David Carr got a bit of a raw deal in the pro ranks, going to an awful Houston expansion franchise that couldn't keep him upright in the pocket with any consistency.

Of course, he's made about $50 million in career earnings, so it hasn't all been bad. And he still has a primo gig backing up Eli Manning. Still, I can't help but wonder if he would have developed into a top-line starter had he entered the league to some different circumstances than he did. Perhaps Derek will fair better, and with his performance on Thursday night, I'd say he has a chance to rise as high as the second quarterback taken in the NFL Draft. He's not getting past Teddy Bridgewater at this point, of course.

Travis Rudolph

Alright, so one more top five update for today. West Palm Beach (Fla.) Cardinal Newman wide receiver Travis Rudolph has narrowed his list to five, according to Rivals ($): Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Ohio State and Vanderbilt.

The Gators have long been considered the top dog in the race for Rudolph (6-0½, 188.) However, Alabama and Florida State have been making up ground with the Gators. I wouldn't count out Vanderbilt, and their pitch of immediate playing time for the Under Armour All-American, either. It seems like the opportunity to come in and contribute immediately could be a driving influence on his decision. Ultimately, I don't see the Buckeyes as a major player for his services.



Rudolph has accounted for more than 3,100 all-purpose yards and 43 touchdowns in three seasons at Cardinal Newman. A phenomenal athlete as well, there has been considerable debate as to whether or not Rudolph could develop into a top-flight cornerback at the next level . In fact, Rudolph withdrew his original commitment to Miami as a result of the fact the 'Canes coaching staff seemed to prefer him as a defensive player.

To date, Will Muschamp has done an excellent job loading up his 2014 class with skill athletes who are true football players. At least two – J.C. Jackson (Immokalee) and Chris Lammons (Plantation) – could project on either side of the ball at next level, along with targets Rudolph, Adoree' Jackson (Gardena, Calif.) and Artavis Scott (Tarpon Springs/East Lake), among others. The Gators probably need at least two more skill guys in this class, and Rudolph is clearly one of the prospects for whom they sit prettiest with at the moment.

However, Florida State is making a move following a July summer camp visit to Tallahassee by Rudolph. The Seminoles presently have five receivers committed, but at least two of those prospects are believed to be wavering behind closed doors. Jimbo Fisher is clearly in the market for some more talent at the position. With Ermon Lane's commitment to Florida, Alabama may make Rudolph more of a priority as well, giving the Crimson Tide a chance to dip into the South Florida talent pool for a speedy and athletic receiver once again.

Regardless, the real race for the signature of Travis Rudolph appears to have only begun.