College Football Week 1: Eight biggest winners of opening weekend

Sep 5, 2015; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Malik Zaire (8) throws a pass against the Texas Longhorns at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

4. Notre Dame

Malik Zaire was every bit as good as Notre Dame coaches and players have thought but offered a nice rebuttal to any of his doubters after completing 19-of-22 for 313 yards and three touchdowns, including a 66-yard score to Will Fuller. Notre Dame’s single-season record holder for touchdowns had two on the day to go with his seven catches for 142 yards. This could be one of the nation’s best passing combinations in the nation this year.

Tarean Folston left with an injury, but C.J. Prosise filled in admirably with 20 carries for 98 yards. But what was really encouraging was freshmen Josh Adams rushing for 49 yards and two touchdowns on five carries and Dexter Williams rushing seven times for 24 yards in their debut.

The Texas offense they faced didn’t present much of a challenge but the defense led by All-American linebacker Jaylon Smith was nonetheless dominant, allowing only 163 yards and limiting the Longhorns to 2-14 on third down.

Next: Oklahoma