So many things have changed at Dillon High and the first day of school is the real test. Matt stands by as his world comes crashing down, while Landry still copes to make sense of his. All eyes seem to be focusing on Smash, while Tami tries to adjust to having a teenager and a newborn.

Matt and Smash have a hard time listening to their coach as they prepare for their first game of the new season. Coach Taylor heads back to Dillon to check on his family and finds out just what is happening to the Panthers since he's left.

Key evidence comes in implicating Landry; when Tami's sister visits to help her with the baby, she stirs things up in the house; Riggins must prove to coach Taylor that he wants to be a part of the team.

As Smash sets out on his first recruitment trip, Saracen asks his cheerleader girlfriend for an open relationship.

Tami and Coach Taylor look into day care for Gracie, but find themselves having a tough time letting go. Meanwhile, Lyla starts working as a deejay on a Christian radio station and, despite being ridiculed by Tim Riggins, she is able to strike a chord with him. Elsewhere, Matt Saracen discovers that he is actually in love with his grandma's at-home nurse, while Brian "Smash" Williams learns that those close to him may not be ready for interracial dating.

Despite some doubt, Coach makes Vince quarterback. Tami struggles to comfort Julie who's grieving over Matt's sudden departure. Tim has a confrontation with Becky's dad. Luke is badly injured. Landry makes a play for Jess.

Coach talks tough to shady characters when trying to clean up a park ridden with drugs and gang violence. Becky discovers she's pregnant. Jess's relationship with Landry is heating up. Julie makes a new friend.