College football’s opening slate drew sharp attention as Boise State-South Florida and other Thursday matchups set the stage for a full weekend. The bigger storyline loomed in Tallahassee, where Alabama faces Florida State amid fresh injury concerns.

Defensive lineman Tim Keenan’s ankle setback, combined with Jam Miller’s absence, raised questions about the Tide’s depth against a Seminoles rushing attack that features veteran Roydell Williams and promising freshman Usman Cromer. Hosts noted Alabama should weather early games without the pair, but emphasized the urgency of containing Florida State on the ground.

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Auburn’s trip to Baylor commanded equal intrigue, with Jason Caldwell of Auburn Undercover stressing the contrast between Baylor’s veteran offense and Auburn’s untested defense. Quarterback Jackson Arnold’s debut, wide receiver depth, and the health of Eric Singleton stood out as key variables. Caldwell also underscored Auburn’s emphasis on protecting the football after turnover issues last season. Off the field, Alabama’s quiet Nike contract extension sparked debate.

Athletic director Greg Byrne called it “in line with one of the top programs in the country,” a phrasing that Longshore and McKnight dissected as underselling the Crimson Tide’s stature. Together, the themes framed a weekend of high stakes on the field and a reminder of the business pressures shaping college football’s future.