College football scores, highlights, games today: NC State survives tough test, Missouri and UCF cruise

Recapping the action highlighting the Week 1 college football slate on Thursday

Week 1 of the 2023 college football season kicked off with a bang on Thursday night with several notable matchups highlighting a stretch of five consecutive days of action. While the slate featured its share of blowouts, there were some big-name squads in action and a couple of marquee matchups to enjoy.

Minnesota stole the show with an ugly but dramatic 13-10 victory over Nebraska. Dragan Kesich drilled a 46-yard field goal as time expired to complete an improbable rally for the Gophers, who trailed 10-3 until scoring their first touchdown with 2:32 remaining. The late blown lead made for a rude introduction to the Big Ten for first-year Nebraska coach Matt Rhule.

In the evening's other marquee matchup, No. 14 Utah outlasted Florida 24-11 as the Utes' stingy defense came up with big plays in timely moments to help atone for the absence of star quarterback Cam Rising. Among the other Power Five teams in action was a UCF squad that thrashed Kent State 56-6 in its first game as a member of the Big 12. The Knights racked up 723 total yards, including 389 on the ground.

NC State wasn't quite so prolific, but the Wolfpack survived a tough UConn test for a 24-14 win over the Huskies in one of the evening's more closely contested games. The Huskies jumped ahead 7-0 early but struggled to generate offensive momentum for the rest of the night against their ACC opponent.

CBS Sports was with you the entire way on Thursday keeping you updating with all the scores and highlights from the action below. 

College football scores, schedule: Week 1

Wake Forest 37, Elon 17 -- Recap
UCF 56, Kent State 6 -- Recap
NC State, 24 UConn 14 -- Recap
No. 14 Utah 24, Florida 11 -- Takeaways: Utes get revenge on Gators
Minnesota 13, Nebraska 10 -- Gophers rally late to stun Huskers
Missouri 35, South Dakota 10 -- Recap
Arizona State 24, Southern Utah 21 -- Recap

[Aug 31, 2023 at 11:48 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Rashada impressing in debut

HALF: Arizona State 21, Southern Utah 7

Arizona State true freshman quarterback is putting together a dominant performance in his college football debut against Southern Utah. The highly-touted recruit completed 12-of-16 passes for 182 yards and two touchdowns in one half of action, and completed the first three passes of his career to set up a touchdown. 

However, Rashada's first career touchdown pass was even more impressive. Facing fourth down, Rashada rolled right and launched an arcing touchdown pass to receiver Xavier Guillory through two defenders that traveled 55 yards downfield. Rashada beat out former Notre Dame starter Drew Pyne for the starting quarterback job, and is flashing why. 

[Aug 31, 2023 at 11:37 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Minnesota completes comeback

Final: Minnesota 13, Nebraska 10

What a way to usher in the 2023 Big Ten football season. Dragan Kesich hits the 47-yard field goal attempt to deliver Minnesota a walk-off victory against Nebraska in comeback fashion. That's one that is going to haunt Nebraska for some time as the pileup of one-score losses continue for the Huskers. It marks the fourth year in a row that Nebraska has fallen in its season-opener, this time spoiling Matt Rhule's debut as coach. 

Quarterback Jeff Sims rushed for 91 yards in his Huskers debut, but his trio of interceptions committed were simply too much to overcome as the Golden Gophers capitalized on those miscues and ultimately rallied late. Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin certainly had a night to remember, accounting for two of those interceptions along the way. 

[Aug 31, 2023 at 11:26 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Minnesota forces another INT

4Q: Minnesota 10, Nebraska 10

What a jarring turn of events. Minnesota forces Nebraska quarterback Jeff Sims into his third interception of the night, and now it's the Golden Gophers who will potentially have a chance to win this thing in regulation. What a comeback this would be for P.J. Fleck and company if they get the job done, while the Huskers are looking to avoid what could be a gut-punch in their opener for yet another year.

[Aug 31, 2023 at 11:19 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Minnesota ties the game with TD on fourth down

4Q: Minnesota 10, Nebraska 10

We are tied. Minnesota goes for it on fourth down, and quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis throws a perfectly-placed pass to Daniel Jackson for the Golden Gophers' first touchdown of the night. What a play in crunch time. For Nebraska, this is an all-too familiar feeling for a program that has just simply struggled in recent years to get the job done in one-score games. The good news for the Huskers: They now get the ball back with a chance to win the game in regulation. 

[Aug 31, 2023 at 11:17 pm ET · Will Backus]

Missouri gets it done

Final: Missouri 35, South Dakota 10

As promised, Missouri went to a new quarterback in the second half of its win against South Dakota, to mixed results. After Brady Cook impressed in the first half, Sam Horn got the nod over the last 30 minutes and completed his first collegiate pass, a 31-yard strike to Mekhi Miller. He also threw the final touchdown of the game to Luther Burden, though Burden did most of the work in taking a screen pass behind the line of scrimmage 15 yards into the end zone. If Missouri's quarterback competition is still ongoing, Cook has a leg up after tallying 189 total yards and two touchdowns. 

[Aug 31, 2023 at 11:12 pm ET · David Cobb]

Utah starts strong

Final: Utah 24, Florida 11

No. 14 Utah got its revenge for last season's Week 1 loss at Florida on Thursday night as the Utes opened the 2023 campaign by squeaking out a 24-11 victory over the visiting Gators. Florida out-gained Utah 346- and finished with an 17- edge in first downs. But the Gators struggled under the weight nine penalties, and an untimely interception. UF never seemed interested in establishing the run as Wisconsin transfer quarterback Graham Mertz completed 31 of 44 passes. Utah turned to Bryson Barnes and Nate Johnson to split quarterbacking duties with veteran Cam Rising unavailable. Timely defensive stops played a huge role for the Utes as Florida converted on just 1 of 13 third downs and 2 of 5 fourth downs.

[Aug 31, 2023 at 11:07 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Minnesota forces critical turnover 

4Q: Nebraska 10, Minnesota 3

Talk about a major momentum swing late in the game. Just when it looked like Nebraska might have a chance to go up by two scores and put things away, the Minnesota defense comes through with a forced fumble and the Golden Gophers take over. It marks the third time tonight that the Huskers have turned the ball over, and this one at a critical time in the ballgame. Don't go anywhere, because we could be on our way to a frantic finish in Big Ten country.

[Aug 31, 2023 at 10:45 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

NC State survives UConn

FINAL: NC State 24, UConn 14

NC State's offense never quite got on track in Week 1, but the Wolfpack used a late interception by Payton Wilson to neutralize the threat and escape Storrs, Connecticut, with a 1-0 start. Transfer quarterback Brennan Armstrong showed flashes of brilliance in his first start for NC State, throwing for 155 yards, rushing for 96 yards and adding two scores. 

UConn scored the first points of the game and were led by 99 yards and two scores from speedy running back Victor Rosa. Rosa broke away for a 71-yard touchdown in the third quarter to keep the game within reach, but NC State took advantage of a lengthy kick return to score a game-clinching touchdown. 

[Aug 31, 2023 at 10:40 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Nebraska extends lead early in fourth quarter 

4Q: Nebraska 10, Minnesota 3

Could Nebraska be closing in on a victorious start to the Matt Rhule era? It adds to its lead with a field goal, but that's going to sting some considering the Huskers advanced the ball within the Minnesota 10-yard-line and couldn't find the end zone. It remains a one-score game, and those types of contests have not been friendly to Nebraska in recent years. Thus far, the Husker defense has held the Golden Gophers offense out of the end zone. Strap in for what could be an exciting finish in the Twin Cities. 

[Aug 31, 2023 at 10:32 pm ET · David Cobb]

Utah up big

Start 4Q: Utah 24, Florida 3

Florida's miscues continued to mount in the third quarter as Utah pushed its lead to 24-3. The Utes have out-gained UF just 244-240 but have been nasty defensively when it counts. The Gators are 0 for 9 on third downs and have just 12 yards rushing. Florida's 7 penalties for 30 yards have also been costly. Bryson Barnes and Nate Johnson have been adequate at quarterback for Utah in place of Cam Rising, who did not dress (knee).

[Aug 31, 2023 at 10:18 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Wake Forest moves to 1-0 

Final: Wake Forest 37, Elon 17

That's all she wrote from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, as Wake Forest comfortably wins its season opener over Elon. The Phoenix tacked on a field goal in the closing seconds of play, but that certainly wasn't changing the outcome. Demon Deacons quarterback Mitch Griffis passed for 329 yards and three touchdowns in the victory, though he did commit an interception that was returned by Elon for a touchdown. Defensively, Wake Forest forced the Phoenix offense into a pair of turnovers while limiting it to just one trip to the end zone. Next up for the Deacs is a Week 2 home game against an SEC opponent when Vanderbilt rolls into town on Saturday, Sept. 9. 

[Aug 31, 2023 at 10:06 pm ET · David Cobb]

UCF cruises

4Q: UCF 42, Kent State 6

John Rhys Plumlee's night appears to be over early in the fourth quarter after he threw for 281 yards and ran for 100 to lead the Knights in a relatively easy opener against Kent State. The Golden Flashes are in Year 1 under Kenni Burns and weren't particularly competitive defensively. With 10 minutes still remaining, the Golden Knights have accumulated 649 total yards.

[Aug 31, 2023 at 9:56 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Nebraska on top in a hurry out of halftime 

3Q: Nebraska 7, Minnesota 3

Yep, that just happened. Set up nicely from a lengthy kickoff return, a broken trick play turned into Nebraska's first lead of the night -- and the first touchdown by either team this evening -- as Jeff Sims found Alex Bullock wide open in the end zone for the score. It hasn't been the greatest showing tonight through the air by Sims, but he'll certainly take that one as the Cornhuskers are now on top early in the second half. 

[Aug 31, 2023 at 9:37 pm ET · Will Backus]

Missouri handling South Dakota

Half: Missouri 28, South Dakota 3 

Missouri scored on four of its six first half possessions and only punted once to open up a comfortable lead against South Dakota. Though coach Eli Drinkwitz said the Tigers would play multiple quarterbacks, it was all Brady Cook in over the first 30 minutes. Mizzou was smart to stay with the hot hand -- Cook didn't throw his first incompletion until just over a minute into the second quarter. The starting signal caller also got it done with his legs, jumping through would-be tacklers and rushing for a 15-yard touchdown to give the Tigers a four-possession lead with about 30 seconds left in the half. 

[Aug 31, 2023 at 9:31 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Minnesota leading Nebraska in defensive struggle

Halftime: Minnesota 3, Nebraska 0 

If you like low-scoring affairs, you're getting your wish here. The only points of the game thus far have come via a Minnesota field goal in the second quarter. Nebraska looked poised to at least tie the game after reaching the goal line in the final seconds of the half, but a costly false start was followed by Cornhuskers quarterback Jeff Sims throwing his second interception of the night. The Georgia Tech transfer has been effective on the ground with nine carries for a game-leading 81 rushing yards, but he's just 5-for-9 through the air with a pair of interceptions. Nebraska will get the ball to start the second half. 

[Aug 31, 2023 at 9:30 pm ET · David Cobb]

Utah in command

Half: Utah 17, Florida 3

Florida struggled with some untimely penalties and lackluster special teams play in the first half as the No. 14 Utes took an early lead on their visitors from the SEC. Utah starting quarterback Cam Rising did not dress as he continues recovering from an ACL. Bryson Barnes and Nate Johnson split the QB duties in Rising's absence, and each produced some big-time plays. Graham Mertz made some nice throws for UF in the first half, but the Gators struggled to finish on the two occasions they surged deep into Utah territory.

[Aug 31, 2023 at 9:06 pm ET · David Cobb]

FCS teams hanging around

Rhode Island is tied 21-21 with Georgia State in the third quarter, St. Francis-Pa. is down just 21-17 against Western Michigan and Arkansas Pine-Bluff is down just 14-7 midway through the second quarter at Tulsa. Good showing show far from those FCS squads against Group of Five foes.

[Aug 31, 2023 at 8:49 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

NC State in fight with UConn

HALF: UConn 7, NC State 7

NC State is in a tight game against UConn after kicking a go-ahead field goal to end the first half. The Huskies got off to a quick start, scoring the first touchdown of the game on a 12-play drive capped off by a Victor Rosa run. NC State quarterback Brennan Armstrong has thrown for 84 yards and rushed for 37 yards and the touchdown in his debut, but the Wolfpack and Huskies traded five consecutive scoreless drives before the final drive of the half. 

[Aug 31, 2023 at 8:43 pm ET · David Cobb]

UCF in command

Half: UCF 28, Kent State 3

UCF scored touchdowns on four of its six possessions in the first half while taking a commanding lead on Kent State. Of slight concern, John Rhys Plumlee threw an interception and lost a fumble in the first half. But the veteran UCF quarterback also completed 14 of 18 passes for 154 yards and two TDs while running for 90 yards and another score. The Golden Flashes did pick up eight first downs in the opening half but struggled to complete drives.

[Aug 31, 2023 at 8:35 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Utah starts with bang

1Q: No. 14 Utah 7, Florida 3

Utah is without starting quarterback Cameron Rising and tight end Brant Kuithe, but the Utes wasted no time showing off their backup. On his first play of the season, backup Bryson Barnes launched a pass and connected with receiver Money Parks for a 70-yard touchdown to give Utah an early lead. Barnes has completed his first four passes, but Florida responded with a field goal after a handful of rough drives.  

[Aug 31, 2023 at 8:35 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Scoreless in the Twin Cities 

End 1Q: Minnesota 0, Nebraska 0 

So far, it's been a defensive struggle between Nebraska and Minnesota as the pair of Big Ten West foes sit scoreless in the Cornhuskers' first game under coach Matt Rhule. This has been a quick moving game through one quarter, too. Nebraska's offense only saw the field once in the first quarter, a drive that went 32 yards before stalling in a punt. Minnesota's offense is currently in the midst of what is just its second drive of the night, and has a chance to get on the scoreboard first after entering Nebraska territory. 

[Aug 31, 2023 at 8:25 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Wake Forest cruising 

Half: Wake Forest 24, Elon 0 

It's all Wake Forest through the first 30 minutes of this one. Demon Deacons quarterback Mitch Griffis has completed 11 of 14 pass attempts for 230 yards and three touchdowns, including an absolute beauty of a strike to Jahmal Banks that gave Wake Forest a 17-0 edge. It looked as if Elon's offense – which was held to negative yardage into the second quarter – might finally have something going late in the half, only for quarterback Justin Allen to get picked off in the end zone. With that, the shutout remains intact for coach Dave Clawson's squad. 

[Aug 31, 2023 at 8:11 pm ET · David Cobb]

Wolfpack in a battle

Start 2Q: NC State 7, UConn 7

NC State entered tonight's game as a 14.5-point favorite at UConn, but the Wolfpack are in a battle. The Huskies scored promptly on their first possession. NC State responded with a 9-play, 66-yard touchdown drive of its own as Virginia transfer Brennan Armstong makes his NC State debut. Check this one out on CBS Sports Network.

[Aug 31, 2023 at 7:55 pm ET · David Cobb]

Matt Rhule era begins

The Matt Rhule era of Nebraska football gets underway at 8 p.m. Eastern as the Cornhuskers begin the 2023 season at Minnesota in a high-stakes Big Ten West battle. Nebraska hasn't reached a bowl game since 2016, and an early upset would go a long way toward changing that. Here is more on the Cornhuskers' reboot under Rhule from senior writer Dennis Dodd, who traveled to Lincoln in the spring to get a peek behind the scenes at what's brewing.

[Aug 31, 2023 at 7:48 pm ET · David Cobb]

UCF up early

End 1Q: UCF 14, Kent State 3. 

The Golden Knights jumped out to a 14-0 lead behind throwing and rushing touchdowns from veteran quarterback John Rhys Plumlee. But the Golden Flashes forced Plumlee to fumble on UCF's third possession. This is an entirely overhauled Kent State team under first-year coach Kenni Burns, and the Golden Flashes moved the football well on their second series to set up a 45-yard field goal from Andrew Glass.

[Aug 31, 2023 at 7:40 pm ET · David Cobb]

Nebraska vs. Minnesota prediction

There wasn't much relevant tape available for the defensive staffs to study ahead of this game since both schools have new coordinators and new starting quarterbacks along with some new skill talent. Thus, the advantage of surprise lies with the offensive coordinators for a game that is expected to be played in great weather. Minnesota, in particular, should be less run-heavy this season after the departure of star running back Mo Ibrahim. The Gophers have quietly assembled one of the Big Ten's best pass-catching units and should be willing to air it out enough to facilitate a game with some offensive action. Prediction: Over 43 — David Cobb

[Aug 31, 2023 at 7:25 pm ET · David Cobb]

Florida vs. Utah prediction

It doesn't really matter whether Rising plays because the Utah defense will keep the Gators offense in check for a full four quarters. Yes, Florida's running back duo of Montrell Johnson Jr and Trevor Etienne are great, but the Utes defense will key on them and force Mertz to beat them with his arm. He isn't capable of doing that. The Utes offense will do enough to control it from the outset and pull away for a double-digit win in the fourth quarter. Prediction: Utah (-6.5) — Barrett Sallee

Read the full game preview at this link.

[Aug 31, 2023 at 6:58 pm ET · David Cobb]

National Expert Picks

Following yet another offseason where conference realignment and typical college football controversies dominated the conversation, it's time to concentrate on what actually matters: the 2023 season. There's no better way to do that than with a series of prognostications, so CBS Sports is here to do our parts with predictions, expert picks and plenty of opinionated takes with just days until Week 1 ramps up.

Here are the CBS Sports expert picks for the national landscape.

[Aug 31, 2023 at 6:49 pm ET · David Cobb]

SEC Preview

The SEC is going to look notably different 12 months from now, so consider the 2023 season a series finale of sorts for the conference that claims, "It Just Means More." If prognosticators are to believed, "more" in that phrase might be referring to national title won by two-time reigning champion Georgia, which enters this season without many of the starters that led it to glory the last couple of years but with plenty of hype to potentially become the first team to three-peat in the wire service era.

Here are the CBS Sports expert picks for the SEC.

[Aug 31, 2023 at 6:41 pm ET · David Cobb]

Pac-12 Preview

The end of an era awaits the Pac-12 as the once-proud bastion of West Coast college sports grapples with the looming departures of eight premier brands following the 2023 season. Before the collection of longtime league foes breaks apart, however, there is one final football season on deck -- and it's shaping up to be one to remember. Six Pac-12 schools finished in the top 18 of the final College Football Playoff Rankings last season, and many of the marquee players who helped drive the league's return to relevance are back in 2023.

Here are the CBS Sports expert picks for the Pac-12.