The first Saturday of the college football season saw a record-setting day in Ireland and an impressive debut in Columbus. Here’s a look at what you need to know from Saturday’s early games…

J.T. Barrett & Ohio State struggle early, rebound late to win vs Navy

Ohio State trailed Navy late in the 3rd quarter, but outscored the Midshipmen 21-3 down the stretch to secure the win. A big reason was J.T. Barrett who completed all four of his passes in the second half including a pair of touchdowns.

In the first half, Barrett threw no touchdowns and an interception with only 96 passing yards as he posted a 30.4 QBR. His big second half saw him post a QBR of 99.9 which is the highest possible number a quarterback can get.

Christian Hackenburg sets a Penn State record

Last year’s Big Ten Freshman of the Year Christian Hackenberg became the first player in Penn State history to throw for at least 400 yards in a single game as he and the Nittany Lions defeated UCF at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland.

Geno Lewis (173) and DaeSean Hamilton (165) each posted 100-yard receiving games. It was the first time Penn State had multiple receivers with at least 100 yards receiving in the same game since November 22, 2008 vs. Michigan State (Deon Butler and Jordan Norwood).

Devin Gardner’s big day paces Wolverines revenge

Michigan’s Devin Gardner attempted only 14 passes in the win, but he completed 13 of them including three touchdown passes to TE Devin Funchess. Gardner’s 92.9% completion percentage was the second-highest in Michigan history by a player with at least 10 attempts. Michigan fans have to hope Gardner’s career finishes better than the man who owns that record – Tate Forcier.

All three Funchess touchdowns in Saturday’s win came in the first half making him the first Wolverine to do that since Mario Manningham at Notre Dame in 2006.

Note to FBS schools – Stop scheduling North Dakota State

North Dakota State vs FBS Opponents
Last 5 Years

North Dakota State – three-time reigning FCS champion and No. 1 in the preseason FCS coaches poll – routed Iowa State in Ames, 34-14. It’s the second straight year that Iowa State lost to an FCS opponent (2013 vs N. Iowa) and the fifth straight year NDSU knocked off an FBS foe with all five wins coming on the road.