Jacksonville State Clinches Victory in FBS Debut Against UTEP

In a significant shake-up of the collegiate athletic landscape, the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) announced on Friday that it is expanding its membership to include Southern Methodist University (SMU), Stanford University, and the University of California, Berkeley (Cal). This expansion increases the ACC's total membership to 18 schools, effective from the academic year 2024-25. SMU will officially become part of the ACC on July 1, 2024, with Stanford and Cal joining a month later on August 2, 2024. All three schools will have full voting privileges in the ACC’s board of directors. The announcement marks a pivotal moment in college sports, bringing notable changes to the traditional geographic and competitive alignments. Stanford and Cal's departure from the Pac-12 Conference is particularly impactful, leaving the 108-year-old conference with just two remaining schools, Oregon State and Washington State. The shake-up further illustrates the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics and represents the latest step in what has been a series of shifts among conferences over the years. While Stanford and Cal join the ACC from the West Coast, the inclusion of Dallas-based SMU marks another significant geographic expansion for the ACC, which has roots in North Carolina's Tobacco Road. The move effectively stretches the ACC’s footprint westward, adding new dimensions of competition and viewership. Notre Dame, located in Indiana, was previously the westernmost member of the ACC, while Louisville held that title among football members. Interestingly, a straw poll conducted over three weeks ago indicated some initial resistance to the expansion from ACC schools like Clemson, Florida State, North Carolina, and N.C. State. However, the stance of N.C. State changed, allowing for an official 12-3 vote that approved the new additions. Financial incentives appear to be a driving force behind these seismic shifts. The ACC and its current member schools are expected to benefit from a new pool of revenue. SMU will forgo broadcast media revenue for its first nine years in the conference, while Stanford and Cal will earn partial shares for the first several years. This financial arrangement aims to close the revenue gap between ACC schools and their counterparts in other major conferences like the SEC and Big Ten. The addition of these schools to the ACC is part of a broader trend in the world of college sports, as conferences expand to strengthen their competitive and financial standings. Even if major schools like Florida State or Clemson were to leave the ACC, the conference now has the "heft," in numbers and prestige, to maintain its standing. For the schools involved, the move also aligns with their broader institutional objectives. SMU, for example, sees joining the ACC as the culmination of a long-term quest to become a part of a Power Five conference. Overall, the expansion reflects the dynamism and complexity of contemporary college sports, offering new opportunities and challenges for the ACC and its new members as they navigate an ever-changing landscape. 

In a highly anticipated rematch of last year's close contest, the Utah Utes managed to deliver a surprising 24-11 defeat to the Florida Gators, all without the presence of their starting quarterback Cam Rising. Thursday night's game at Rice-Eccles Stadium saw the Utes employ a two-quarterback strategy that effectively outmaneuvered the Florida defense and helped them open the season with a significant victory. Cam Rising, Utah's usual starting quarterback, was sidelined as he continues his recovery from offseason ACL surgery. In his absence, Utah’s head coach Kyle Whittingham and offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig utilized a two-quarterback system featuring Bryson Barnes and Nate Johnson. The strategy paid off, keeping the Gators off balance and setting the tone for the game right from the beginning. Bryson Barnes, a junior pocket-passer, wasted no time in making his mark. The game's opening drive saw him connect with wide receiver Money Parks for a 70-yard touchdown, setting the tone for Utah's dominance. Barnes went on to complete 12 of his 18 pass attempts for 159 yards, throwing one touchdown and adding another on the ground. Nate Johnson, a redshirt freshman with a knack for dynamic plays, proved equally effective. Johnson's most significant moment came in the second quarter when he zigzagged through the Gators’ defense for a 27-yard touchdown run. With 45 yards on six carries, Johnson ended up as Utah’s leading rusher for the game. While Utah capitalized on its opportunities, Florida seemed to stumble at critical moments. Penalties like false starts and delays of game hampered the Gators' efforts in the red zone, resulting in only three points from as many trips inside Utah’s 20-yard line before the fourth quarter. Florida’s redshirt junior quarterback Graham Mertz, a Wisconsin transfer, did complete 70% of his passes for 333 yards. However, he also threw an interception, and the Gators managed just 13 rushing yards for the game. Florida's execution was often marred by mental errors, including penalties for illegal formations and even one instance where two players wore the same jersey number on the field. Head coach Billy Napier acknowledged the need for better execution, stating that the coaching staff also needs to improve. The Gators, who started the season 0-1 for the first time since 2017, will look to bounce back against McNeese in their home opener on September 9. On the other hand, the Utah Utes have positioned themselves strongly as they chase a third straight Pac-12 title, even as they anticipate the return of Cam Rising to the lineup. Despite being shorthanded, Utah's successful two-quarterback experiment and robust defensive play make them a team to watch as the season progresses. Meanwhile, Florida will need to reevaluate and make significant adjustments if they hope to live up to the high expectations set for them this year.