As we wrap up week one of the 2021 college football season, it is time to highlight a few performances from this spectacular opening Labor Day weekend of college football. What a joy it was to see fans in the stands once again. The crowd noise, the atmosphere, the cheerleaders and band. Man, I missed it. Let’s remain steadfast and proactive with this Delta variant and Covid-19 in general so we can continue to do this all fall. Deal?

Chez Mellusi

Sep 4, 2021; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Chez Mellusi (6) rushes with the football as Penn State Nittany Lions cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (9) defends during the first quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The former Clemson running back secured the starting job as a transfer this summer and made the most of his debut for the Badgers. Though he couldn’t push them to victory, he was very effective going for 121 yards on 31 touches for a touchdown. Great to see him emerge from the Tigers loaded RB room to find what appears to be a favorable landing spot.

UGA Defense

Georgia’s ferocious defense sacked Clemson’s DJ Uiagalelei seven times Saturday night in Charlotte to guide the Bulldogs past the Tigers. (Photo: Getty Images)

Kirby Smart’s defense reeked havoc on Clemson’s offensive line Saturday night paving the way for an old school heavyweight bout. The 10-3 slobber knocker drew quite the national audience as ESPN’s featured game of the week and host of College Gameday. Clemson was held out of the end zone and limited to just two yards rushing on the night. While the Tigers’ offensive line needs a great deal of work moving forward, they were also just simply overmatched against an elite unit for UGA.

McKenzie Milton

Former UCF quarterback McKenzie Milton made his amazing comeback Sunday night for Florida State sparking a touchdown drive on his first possession. (Photo: Via The Athletic)

What a story. What a moment. On a night FSU honors the late Bobby Bowden, it just felt like the night had some special magic to it. Milton’s improbable return to the field Saturday night–all because of Jordan Travis’ helmet coming off–nearly led to a historic Seminole comeback and top ten victory. In his first action since 2018 when he suffered what seemed to be a career-ending and life altering injury, he looked as good as ever as his nervous parents watched on Sunday night in a capacity prime time crowd at Doak Campbell Stadium. Can’t wait to see this duel between him and Jordan Travis unfold. But make not mistake about it, there is no heated rivalry.

“I couldn’t get the smile off my face. To see him run on the field, it gave me chills. He’s a great dude, I’m so happy to see him on the field performing, and I’m blessed to have him on my team,” Travis said of his teammate in the quarterback room.

Unfortunately, the moment was spoiled by the signal caller on the opposing sideline at Bobby Bowden Field…

WEEK 1 MVP: Jack Coan QB, Notre Dame

Notre Dame’s Jack Coan looks for an open receiver during the Irish’s thrilling overtime triumph over Florida State Sunday night in Tallahassee. (Photo via FanSided)

Perhaps making Wisconsin feel some type of way about his departure, the Fighting Irish’s new quarterback was special in his debut in Tallahassee Sunday night. He was 26-of-35 passing for 366 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. In what became an instant viral sensation, maybe Coan and work with this teammates to do their jobs before they all get killed:

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