These are our favorite moments, highlights from DII football opening night

Thursday night saw the DII football season commence. With both the defending champion Texas A&M-Commerce and reigning national runners-up West Florida in action, along with quite a few top 25 teams, there was plenty of excitement to go around.

Let's take a look at some of our favorite moments from opening night.

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No. 22 Carson-Newman carried a three-point lead into the half, but No. 2 West Florida's backup quarterback Sam Vaughn connected with Lee Walker for the go-ahead touchdown in the third quarter, sealing the Argos first win.

Argos first touchdown of the season!

— UWF Football (@UWFFootball)

Unranked Texas A&M-Kingsville had the reigning champs on the ropes, up 16-0 in the third quarter. But, the Lions came roaring back and forced a double-overtime thriller to open the season 1-0.

We can all say that is back in action!! The final score after 2OT, No. 1 Texas A&M-Commerce defeats Texas A&M-Kingsville 37-36.

— NCAA Division II (@NCAADII)

For the second straight season, No. 4 Indiana (Pa.) and No. 15 Ashland played a thriller right down to the wire. Last season, a game-winning field goal as time expired gave the Crimson Hawks the win. This season, Ashland's late comeback was thwarted by some big D to preserve the 21-17 victory for IUP.

Ogi to the HOUSE! 😤

We trail by four with 4:22 to play.

— Ashland University Eagles (@goashlandeagles)

SACK! DEANDRE EASTERLING!

— IUP Football (@IUPfootball)

MORE: 17 impact players for the 2018 season 

The Bulldogs are breaking it out early. Minnesota Duluth opened with a commanding 49-3 victory over Minot State and flashed some hardware early in 2018.

Turnover chain is in full effect

— UMD Football (@UMD_Football)

No. 10 Grand Valley State avenged its 2017 opening night loss to No. 13 UIndy in dominating fashion. Bart Williams looked sharp, leading the Lakers to a 30-7 victory, with plays like this perfectly placed pass.

Here's Bart Williams finding Austin Paritee, who makes the tough grab to give the Lakers a 10-7 lead with just before half!

— GVSU Football (@gvsufootball)

It was a back and forth battle in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association opener between No. 5 (tie) Fort Hays State and No. 18 Central Missouri. A timely interception sealed the deal for the Tigers, who haven't lost in the MIAA in over a year. 

INSTANT REPLAY: Tanner Hoekman intercepts a Mules pass to seal a 20-16 Tiger victory!

— FHSU Athletics (@fhsuathletics)

MORE: 5 DII showcase games we're excited about | Complete schedule 

Speaking of the MIAA, how about this video-game-like punt return from Pittsburg State's Kiante Hardin?

KIANTE HARDIN!

The Webb City product had this 59-yard punt return TD for Pitt State in their season opener against UCO.

— Jacob Lenard (@j_lenard)

Lenoir-Rhyne had upset on its mind, but a huge 22-point fourth quarter moved No. 12 West Alabama to 1-0.

FB | Tigersw tack on 7 more | 47 yd TD pass to | with the PAT | 12:53 left | UWA 29, LRU 19

— UWA Athletics (@UWAAthletics)