CFB Week 3: Winners and Losers
Week 3 brought us a couple of nail-biters in the SEC, more woe in Florida and a powerhouse where normal service was resumed. Let’s take a look at College Football’s Week 3 Winners and Losers.
Winners
Kentucky
There are no moral victories in College Football. But Kentucky fans can rest easy knowing they made my list of winners this week. Losing by 1 to a Georgia team who were many’s favourites for the National title was super-impressive. If only Brock Vandagriff could have provided more firepower against his former team, the Wildcats would have blown the whole thing wide open. As it is, we’ve seen the cracks in the Bulldogs, but we all know Kirby Smart is a master of filling and papering over. This might be the closest shot anybody has at them. Fair play, though, Kentucky, you gave it your all!
Alabama Defense
This new Alabama team gave us somewhat of a throwback on Saturday. It looked like a Nick Saban outfit as they hammered Wisconsin. The Tide gained 181 yards on the ground, and the defense matched that energy. Linebackers Deonte Lawson and Jihaad Campbell are forming a special partnership, while edge rusher Quandarrius Robinson took his sack total to 3 on the season. It feels like Alabama has playmakers everywhere, and if Jalen Milroe plays like he did on Saturday, they should be a contender.
Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter and the entire offensive line.
— Jake Schwanitz (@JakeDNVR) September 15, 2024
Leadership. pic.twitter.com/pSPlgAKs9i
Colorado Offensive Line
You can always depend on the Sanders’ and Colorado to provide some awkward publicity stunt. Having their starting offensive line looming over the press conference, looking like a police identity parade, was unexpected, to say the least. Credit where credit’s due, though. After conceding six sacks against Nebraska, they reduced that to one against in-state rivals Colorado State. If that trend continues, Shedeur’s quest for round 1 draft status remains alive.
Avery Johnson and the K-State offense
The emergence of Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson electrified Friday night. I’d expected a close one as the Wildcats took on Arizona, but it was a comfortable night for K-State, running out 31-7 winners. Johnson showed off his speed as a runner and his gun of an arm. The defense did their bit as well, keeping Noah Fifita and Tetairoa McMillan in check, which is no easy feat. The Big 12 appears to have a solid favourite on this form.
Losers
Brian Kelly
LSU got away with one against South Carolina on Saturday. The Tigers would have been in trouble if not for an injury to the Gamecocks starting quarterback LaNorris Sellers. Not only that, but there were also fumbles, blocked punts, and an interception. It was sloppy on offense and a mess once more on defense. They won’t luck out against most SEC opponents if they turn in performances like this.
Davis Warren
I’m not sure what Michigan saw in Davis Warren to convince them he was a better option than Alex Orji in the offseason, but what they saw Saturday showed it couldn’t be any worse. Warren was 11 of 14, with his three incompletions all ending up in the hands of the opposition. Orji’s athleticism might help somewhat, but the playoffs feel a long way away, even after another victory.
Billy Napier
Napier should probably have a permanent spot in this section until he’s shown his marching orders in Gainesville. There was a slither of hope for Florida, given that Texas A&M was missing their starting QB, Conner Weigmann. But Napier and the Gators failed to capitalise, with backup Marcel Reed dominating through the air and on the ground. Allowing the Aggies to rush for over 300 yards shows the lack of fight in this team. Flip-flopping between QBs shows the lack of direction. It’s time to stump up the cash and move on, I’m afraid.
Mike Norvell
Things were no better elsewhere in Florida as the Seminoles continued their horror start to the season. This time, it was an embarrassing loss for head coach Mike Norvell, who saw the team he crafted and built come into Tallahassee and bully him. Norvell seems to have an unwavering commitment to DJ Uiagaleiei, but a continuation of performances like this and surely the figurehead will have to be pulled?
Rory-Joe Daniels
NFL & Cfb contributor
AS A LONG-SUFFERING CINCINNATI BENGALS FAN, RORY HAS FOLLOWED THE NFL FOR OVER 20 YEARS. HIS PASSION FOR THE DRAFT LED HIM TO GET ENTANGLED WITH COLLEGE FOOTBALL AND HE HAS BEEN WRITING ABOUT PROSPECTS AND THE CFB LANDSCAPE EVER SINCE.