Marquee matchups gave college football one of its best opening weekends in recent years

A hint of defiance marked Bob Stoops’ voice as he spoke from the podium.

His third-ranked Oklahoma Sooners had just lost their season opener, upset by No. 15 Houston, and Stoops kept that trademark white visor tugged down tightly over his eyes.

“I’ve still got a strong belief in our team,” he said....