Phone the neighbors and wake the kids -- college football is back. We've dipped our toes into the water the past week; now we're swimmin' in it.
As Saturday goes on, we'll keep you updated right here. We'll follow the legendary Garth Brooks' lead -- we're talking cool stuff, slick stuff, neat stuff. So let the conversation begin.
I'll take that
We've seen blocked punts and blocked punts returned for touchdowns, but it's pretty rare to find a punt kicked into someone stomach and carried into the end zone.
University of Toledo's Cody Thompson blocks a VMI punt and scores a touchdown in the first quarter. THE Blade/Jeremy Wadsworth @BrianBuckey @toledonews @toledosports pic.twitter.com/tRX7g5ceOw
โ Jeremy Wadsworth (@jwadsworth76) September 1, 2018
Another rare but always welcome development is the lineman pick-six!
THE BIIIIIIIG MAN WITH A BIIIIIG PICK SIX ๐ค๐ค๐ค pic.twitter.com/uu7RK7adam
โ Arizona State Sun Devils (@TheSunDevils) September 2, 2018
Go for Tua
The offseason's most talked-about mystery was resolved Saturday when Tua Tagovailoa took the field on Alabama's first possession instead of Jalen Hurts. The national championship hero picked up right where he left off in January, completing all four passes he attempted while leading the Tide right down the field into the end zone.
Speaking of the national championship, luckily for Alabama, UCF is willing to share with the Tide.
Someone flew a UCF 2017 Co-National Champions banner over the Alabama-Louisville game site. (via @SpecSports360) pic.twitter.com/fyqnvgnEP6
โ College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) September 1, 2018
Sorry, wrong text
The Lane Train pulled out of Norman after losing to Oklahoma by 46 points, but the FAU Alumni Association must have been left behind.
After losing to Oklahoma 63-14, FAU sent a mass text to alumni celebrating their victory. (via @R_DESINORD) pic.twitter.com/6k2eWdXBXr
โ College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) September 2, 2018
The Alligator Rock
It's safe to say new Florida coach Dan Mullen is excited to be back in The Swamp.
Gators up 31-0@CoachDanMullen right now: pic.twitter.com/BZxUnvkZ8C
โ SEC Network (@SECNetwork) September 2, 2018
So excited, in fact, that he brought back the Tebow jump pass.
Sideline doodad watch
Boise has gone next-level with this deal, upgrading from a mere belt to luxurious shiny padded seating for that special person.
Last year, #BoiseState had the turnover belt.
โ Jay Tust (@KTVBSportsGuy) September 1, 2018
This year... they have the turnover THROOONE!!! pic.twitter.com/UxPN0UFDPu
Memphis sees your throne, Boise, and raises you a Ric Flair-style robe.
If you're at the Memphis game tonight or any game this season you may see their new turnover celebration item. I was asked several months ago to create this Ric Flair style robe for the football team! Such a fun project! #GoTigersGo #createdbycarrie @TigersAthletics @MemphisFB pic.twitter.com/3aweJPfCiz
โ Carrie Rudy (@cre8dbycarrie) September 2, 2018
Georgia's gold, spiky "Savage Pads" aren't new, but the Dawgs got a bone as an accoutrement. No word on if it has its own name.
The Savage Pads are BACK. @FootballUGA ยป https://t.co/cg62J1LDKR pic.twitter.com/j7jdZvR379
โ Southeastern Conference (@SEC) September 1, 2018
Ole Miss wide receivers broke out their own position-specific belt, which says NWO, for "Nasty Wideouts."
Current mood in Houston: #HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/c2oRSzMYGY
โ SEC Network (@SECNetwork) September 1, 2018
On Thursday night, Tulane debuted its festive turnover beads in what we assume will be the first of many new baubles for taking the ball from the other guy.
Mark Jones and Dusty Dvoracek are as stunned as anyone by Texas Tech wideout T.J. Vasher's highlight-reel catch.
Let the award campaigning begin
Oklahoma wide receivers Marquise Brown and CeeDee Lamb, both on the preseason watch list for the Fred Biletnikoff Award, (probably Googled who he was then) wore his jersey for postgame interviews.
Marquise Brown is wearing a Biletnikoff jersey. He said he and CeeDee Lamb both wore them walking into the stadium today. #Sooners pic.twitter.com/4uBsXiWkY3
โ Abby Bitterman (@abby_bitterman) September 1, 2018
The Iowa Wave returns
The most wholesome tradition in college football returned as Kinnick Stadium fans waved at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital at the end of the first quarter.
As promised, NIU players joined in.
C'mon, ref!
Florida Atlantic couldn't do anything to stop Oklahoma on Saturday in a 63-14 loss, but this official could.
Pretty, pretty, pretty good
Jeshaun Jones, a true freshman, had himself quite a first half in his first game at Maryland, with three touchdowns using his arms, legs and hands. I mean he has to use all those on every play, but you get it.
A memorable grab
There was a lot of offense in Houston, where Ole Miss beat Texas Tech 47-27 at NRG Stadium.
But no defense could account for Tech's T.J. Vasher channeling Odell Beckham Jr., giving us a candidate for catch of the year in the first quarter of Game 1.
Tua Tagovailoa throws for 195 yards and two scores and runs for another as Alabama dominates the first half 28-0.
If you've enjoyed Saturday's fare, don't forget to save some room for dessert on Sunday and Monday.
No, 8 Miami Hurricanes vs. No. 25 LSU Tigers (AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas)
7:30 p.m. ET, Sunday, ABC and WatchESPN
No. 20 Virginia Tech Hokies at No. 19 Florida State Seminoles
8 p.m. ET, Monday, ESPN and WatchESPN
Please take note that our Southern gentlemen, Marty & McGee, will be talkin' some ball while flying through the sky on the Goodyear BlimpCast over Doak Campbell Stadium, part of the Labor Day MegaCast on ESPN3 and the ESPN App.