After falling behind 17-0, Virginia Tech showed their resilience and mounted a comeback, outscoring Vanderbilt 20-3 in the second half to draw even in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Tyron Drones displayed composure and led the Hokies' offense effectively, despite struggling to run the ball effectively. Meanwhile, Vanderbilt's offensive momentum faded with a series of three-and-outs in their recent possessions.

While Virginia Tech struggled to establish a running game, they found success in moving the ball through the air. Quarterback Tyron Drones connected with Bhayshul Tuten for an 11-yard touchdown pass, which helped them tie the game. On the other hand, Vanderbilt's early offensive dominance dwindled, and their inability to sustain drives became apparent.

In a separate game, the Iowa Hawkeyes saw their true freshman wide receiver, Reece Vander Zee, shine on the field. Vander Zee made an impact by catching four passes for 61 yards and two touchdowns, helping the Hawkeyes secure a comfortable lead of 26-0 against Illinois State. This breakout performance showcased the talent of the young receiver, as no Iowa wide receiver had recorded more than one touchdown catch last season.

Tennessee also enjoyed a successful start to their season with quarterback Nico Iamaleava making his first career start. The former five-star recruit displayed his skills, completing 22 of his 28 pass attempts for 314 yards and three touchdowns. Iamaleava's impressive performance and connection with wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. contributed to Tennessee's offensive success. Although questions regarding the level of competition may arise, Iamaleava's debut exceeded expectations and provided a solid foundation for their offense.

In Nashville, the game between Vanderbilt and Virginia Tech remained tightly contested. The Hokies managed to close the scoring gap by marching 83 yards for a touchdown on their opening possession of the second half. However, Vanderbilt showcased their strong kicking game with a successful 53-yard field goal by redshirt freshman Brock Taylor, making it a two-possession game.

In a weather-related suspension, the game between Penn State and West Virginia was halted at halftime due to lightning. Penn State held a 20-6 lead at the conclusion of the first half, thanks to a late touchdown pass from quarterback Drew Allar to wide receiver Harrison Wallace III. West Virginia had an opportunity to close the gap with the ball in their possession at the start of the second half.

During the first half, Penn State capitalized on a late surge to gain control of the game against West Virginia. A field goal by West Virginia in the closing seconds of the half gave them a chance to stay within reach. However, defensive breakdowns allowed Penn State's Allar to connect with Omari Evans for a 55-yard catch, setting up an 18-yard touchdown pass to Harrison Wallace III. Penn State's offense, led by Allar's three touchdowns and Wallace's exceptional performance, outshone the struggling West Virginia team.

Meanwhile, Iowa's offense struggled to find its rhythm in the first half against Illinois State. In seven drives, the Hawkeyes managed only two field goals and failed to convert on a fourth down. Quarterback Cade McNamara's performance fell short, with a low completion rate and modest yards per attempt. However, Iowa's defense held strong, limiting Illinois State to under 100 yards.

The Vanderbilt Commodores came out strong in the first half, building a significant lead of 17-0 against Virginia Tech. This surprising performance showcased the impact of New Mexico State transfer quarterback Diego Pavia, who brought a dual-threat dynamism to Vanderbilt's offense. The defense also demonstrated their strength, leaving Virginia Tech unable to establish a successful running game until late in the half.

Penn State felt confident in their wide receiver, Harrison Wallace, and their faith seemed justified in their game against West Virginia. Wallace made an immediate impact with four catches for 99 yards and a touchdown, outperforming the rest of the receiving corps. This solid start showcased Wallace's potential and the wisdom in not heavily relying on transfers.

In an exciting turn of events, Penn State's offensive coordinator, Andy Kotelnicki, made strategic adjustments that led to the Nittany Lions' first scoring drive against West Virginia. Utilizing motion and creative play designs, Penn State unlocked their offense and found success with a long touchdown pass to Wallace. This play showcased the synergy between quarterback Drew Allar and offensive coordinator Kotelnicki.

Fernando Mendoza took the reins as the starting quarterback for Cal as they kicked off their ACC era against UC Davis. However, North Texas transfer Chandler Rogers is expected to see playing time as well. The starting job at quarterback remains up for grabs, as both players bring different levels of experience and skills to the team.

The game between Vanderbilt and Virginia Tech provided a thrilling showdown, resulting in a hard-fought 20-20 tie. Virginia Tech's comeback after trailing 17-0 displayed their determination, while Vanderbilt struggled to maintain their early offensive dominance. The performances of Wallace, Drones, and Iamaleava showcased the potential of their respective teams, leaving fans excited for the upcoming games.