Get Off My Pylon: Aftermath Of A Crazy First Week Of Football

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The college football season is finally underway, and the week 1 delivered plenty of storylines out West. On the latest Get Off My Pylon podcast, host Matt Zemek broke down the highs, lows, and surprises from Western programs across the Big Ten, Big 12, and Mountain West.

Boise State’s Struggles Without Ashton Jeanty

Boise State fans knew life without Ashton Jeanty would be tough, but Week 1 exposed deeper issues. The Broncos were handled by South Florida, failing to adjust after a solid start. Head coach Spencer Danielson struggled to make in-game changes, and quarterback Maddox Madsen couldn’t spark the offense. Without a reliable passing game, Boise State risks falling behind in the Mountain West race.

Colorado, Utah, and UCLA Head in Different Directions

Colorado dropped a close one to Georgia Tech, but the performance showed promise despite losing stars Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter. If the Buffaloes maintain that fight, a bowl trip is realistic.

Utah, meanwhile, looked dominant behind transfer quarterback Devin Dampier, who shredded UCLA’s defense. The Utes controlled the trenches, reminding everyone why Kyle Whittingham’s teams are so tough. UCLA, on the other hand, looked completely overwhelmed. After losing four NFL-caliber defenders, the Bruins appeared lost under head coach DeShaun Foster. A Week 2 matchup against UNLV may already feel like a must-win.

USC, Oregon, and Washington Meet Expectations

For USC and Oregon, Week 1 was about taking care of business. The Trojans rolled past Missouri State with quarterback Jaden Maiava showing progress, while Oregon’s Dante Moore impressed against Montana State. Both results came against inferior competition, so bigger tests loom. Washington also met expectations, delivering a solid—if unspectacular—win over Colorado State.

What’s Next in Western College Football Week 1 Aftermath

The Mountain West desperately needs a bounce-back after Boise State and UNLV faltered. Meanwhile, Utah and Colorado gave fans plenty of optimism, while UCLA faces early crisis questions. Week 2 will provide clarity on which of these trends are real and which were just opening-week mirages.