ESPN staff
Week 1 of college football is here and we’ve already seen our fair share of theatrics in the new season.
The North Carolina Tar Heels and Appalachian State Mountaineers had an offensive explosion in the fourth quarter, scoring a combined 62 points with Appalachian State accounting for 40. Despite the Mountaineers’ comeback effort, North Carolina emerged victorious 63-61.
The No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs began their title defense in dominant fashion, defeating the Oregon Ducks 49-3. Upsets also occurred with two FCS teams, the Delaware Blue Hens and William & Mary Tribe, knocking off FBS opponents.
All the action across the college football landscape didn’t go unnoticed on social media. Fans, team accounts and more had a lot to say about Week 1 — and some used the art of trolling to get their message across.
From clever puns to flat roasts, here are some of the best college football trolls from an exciting Week 1.
The Bulldogs jumped on Oregon early, having built a 25-point lead at halftime. Oregon quarterback Bo Nix, who transferred from Auburn this offseason, threw two interceptions in his Ducks debut. In four career games against UGA, Nix has struggled, completing just 56% of his passes for 812 yards and one touchdown. He has been sacked nine times, thrown four interceptions and now has an 0-4 record against the Bulldogs.
Georgia’s mascot, Harry, had the perfect joke for the former SEC quarterback. Another ATL mascot, Blooper of the Atlanta Braves, joined the trolling with a barb of his own.
Bo Nix is back like never before.
— Hairy Dawg (@UGAHairyDawg) September 3, 2022
ducks here walking dawg
— 🍦Blooper🍦 (@BlooperBraves) September 3, 2022
According to ESPN Stats & Information, the combined 62 points in the fourth quarter by North Carolina and Appalachian State were the most scored during a final frame in FBS history, beating the previous mark of 61 by the San Jose State Spartans against Hawaii ‘ of the Rainbow Warriors in 1999. The Highlanders attempted a pair of late 2-point conversions, but failed on both, giving the Heels a narrow win.
The late-game drama couldn’t stop coach Mack Brown’s dance moves as he and the players celebrated in the locker room after the game.
Dancing is back 🕺🏼#Unusual pic.twitter.com/HX2HCdXMks
— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) September 3, 2022
The Southern Miss Golden Eagles were overwhelming favorites to win, but found themselves in the first game of the schedule in four overtimes after blowing a late lead in regulation to the Liberty Flames.
Liberty boasted that they beat the odds as the game was final.
— Liberty Football (@LibertyFootball) September 4, 2022
The Arizona Wildcats never looked back in their one-sided affair against the San Diego State Aztecs, and took to Twitter with a light post-game post.
— Arizona Football (@ArizonaFBall) September 3, 2022
Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback KJ Jefferson had a field day, throwing for 223 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran for 62 yards and a score. His four-touchdown day along with two defensive turnovers helped Arkansas beat the Cincinnati Bearcats at home. Cincinnati is now 6-37-1 all-time against teams in the SEC.
With a loss on Saturday, Cincy’s chances of making another run in the College Football Playoff took a big hit. Being a Group of 5 team, the Bearcats have a tougher road to reach the CFP. They had to go undefeated in the regular season to accomplish that last year.
The Razorbacks’ Twitter account added salt to the wound with a post-game tweet showing a group of distraught Cincy fans and words of encouragement for Cincy’s playoff hopes.
There’s always next year pic.twitter.com/QDkxmgYVpm
— Arkansas Razorback Football (@RazorbackFB) September 3, 2022
The Blue Hens gave rookie coach Ryan Carty a big first win Saturday, upsetting the Navy Midshipmen. Delaware committed three first-half fumbles and stopped Navy on its final drive to secure the win. It was the Blue Hens’ first win against an FBS opponent since 2007 against the Midshipmen, incidentally.
After the game, the Blue Hens’ Twitter account had the perfect phrase to sum up their day at the expense of Navy.
Smooth sailing 😎 pic.twitter.com/Pdrpp4hyGz
— Delaware Football (@Delaware_FB) September 3, 2022
Before Auburn’s game with Mercer, the Tigers showed off their artistic skills with an image of their mascot sitting by the fireplace in anticipation of the contest.
Trolling is in the details, as the image shows a bear, Mercer’s mascot, turned into a rug at Tiger’s feet.
It’s officially here! @AuburnFootball is back! #WarEagle pic.twitter.com/ViRiUvxoj5
— Auburn Tigers (@AuburnTigers) September 3, 2022
Backyard Brawl returned after an 11-year hiatus and did not disappoint. Pittsburgh and West Virginia combined for 49 points in the second half, but a late pick-six sealed things for the Panthers.
After the game, the Panthers told the Highlanders to hit the “Country Roads” back in Morgantown.
GET. THEY. HOME.#H2P » #BeatWVU pic.twitter.com/9348BqW24c
— Pitt Football (@Pitt_FB) September 2, 2022
