College Football: Recap of Week 3
Saturday Spotlight: Georgia vs. Tennessee
Earmarked as the game of the week, Georgia versus Tennessee did not disappoint. There was a flurry of offense to start the game that carried throughout the contest. Tennessee sprinted out to an early 21-7 lead in front of the home crowd. However, Georgia managed to claw their way back in the game thanks to a gutsy fourth down call at their 48-yard line; Gunner Stockton connecting with Zachariah Branch for the conversion. Then doing it later again on the drive for a 36-yard touchdown to bring the game within one score early into the second quarter.
After the break, both teams were locked into a back-and-forth affair through the remainder of regulation. However, Tennessee had multiple chances to seal the game. First, midway in the fourth quarter, Joshua Josephs made a terrific play to beat Georgia for a sack, stripping the fumble loose from Stockton to set up Tennessee for a two-score lead, ahead 35-30. Yet, the Bulldogs’ defense held firm to limit Tennessee to a field goal.
From there, Stockton led Georgia on a 75-yard game-tying drive and found Branch again for the two-point conversion to even the game. Yet after orchestrating a methodical drive, Tennessee was set up Georgia’s 20-yard line for the game-winning kick. Unfortunately, a false start penalty moved Tennessee back five yards before Max Gilbert missed from 43 yards out.
In the overtime period, Tennessee went three-and-out, settling for a field goal. Meanwhile, Georgia scored from the goal line after a 21-yard run by Nate Frazier put the Bulldogs up deep in the red zone. Both quarterbacks played great games, and last Saturday could have set up a possible rematch in the future. The Volunteers have to be kicking (pun intended), but overall very narrowly pulled off a big upset in the SEC.
Upset Special: Texas A&M over Notre Dame
Heading into Saturday, one of the biggest concerns has been Notre Dame’s ability to command the trenches. Once again against Texas A&M, they failed to do so, and it cost them dearly.
Notre Dame was unable to get pressure on Marcell Reed, and he hit them for multiple big plays. Mario Craver put on a show as he had seven receptions for 207 yards. Le’Veon Moss also churned out 81 tough yards on the ground to give the Aggies a more balanced attack.
For the Fighting Irish, Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price ran the ball well and combined for 162 yards. CJ Carr also did a much better job this week managing the game. However, the key story of the loss for Notre Dame is Coach Freeman’s bizarre decision to attempt a two-point conversion after taking a 40-34 lead with just under three minutes left in the game. As fate would have it, the Aggies went on a long touchdown drive by Reed on 4th-and-goal from the 11-yard line.
It’s not the same team you expect to see from Notre Dame. The defense isn’t getting pressure, and they are allowing far too many explosive plays. Although the game was close, it’s a far different team than the one that played in the championship last season. Hats off to Texas A&M for upsetting a Notre Dame team that has forgotten how to close games.
Who helped themselves the most in Week 3?
For the better part of the last 20 years or so, Georgia Tech and Vanderbilt have been cemented as one of the less prestigious college football programs in their respective conferences. However, over the last year or so, they managed to strike lightning. And this past Saturday, it appears lightning struck twice.
After knocking LaNorris Sellers from the game, the Commodores dominated on the road at South Carolina, 31-7. Vanderbilt’s defense forced multiple turnovers and grounded the high-flying Gamecocks, who scored zero points after their opening drive
As for Georgia Tech, they sent shockwaves through the NCAA after defeating Florida State in Week 0 last season and then had another stunning upset over Miami later in the year. This time, the Yellow Jackets are at it again, taking down Clemson and improving to 3-0.
Both teams exchanged touchdown drives in the fourth quarter before Georgia Tech marched down the field, and Adam Birr made the game-winning kick from 55 yards. The win gives Georgia Tech its first win over Clemson since 2014. Per usual, Georgia Tech pounded the football to win the time of possession battle, and Haynes King was terrific. He threw for 211 yards and added another 103 rushing.
Looking at Georgia Tech’s schedule, they don’t have a ranked opponent until their season finale against Georgia. As for Vanderbilt, they have a rocky road ahead. Yet, if they can navigate their conference like they did last season, they could end up in a position to win their second consecutive bowl game – a feat they have done since the 2012 season.
It’s not practical to see either team as a national contender in college football. However, they have proven to be giant killers against quality opponents in their conference and could make a lot of trouble for title contenders during the season. Both are now undefeated and gave themselves a big boost in the standings and in the eyes of the college poll voters, and they helped themselves the most last week.
College Football: Week 4 Spotlight and Upset Special
Saturday Spotlight: Texas Tech at Utah
It is going to be a raucous environment at Salt Lake City when undefeated Texas Tech plays against Utah. The transfer portal has been good to the Red Raiders. Instantly, they have remade their defense through incoming players, and the results have come immediately. Their defense has allowed 14 points in each of the team’s first two games. Georgia Tech transfer Romello Height has provided an immediate spark as an edge rusher. Offensively, Behren Morton has gotten off to a fast start this season, throwing for 11 touchdowns to just one interception. Texas Tech’s offensive line has done a great job of keeping Morton clean and opening holes for Cameron Dickey and Adam Hill.
Meanwhile, for Utah, quarterback Devon Dampier is the Utes’ most important player. He leads the team in both passing and rushing. However, Utah has three other players who have over 100 yards rushing this season, which includes freshman tight end Hunter Andrews. highlight stars on Utes’ defense. Expect Utah to set up the passing game by establishing the run. If Texas Tech can hold on early downs, it’ll give Romello Height a chance to leave his mark on the game.
Upset Special Illinois over Indiana
Despite being the higher-ranked college football team, Illinois is an underdog on the road versus its conference rival, Indiana, in Bloomington. Historically, Bret Bielema is inclined to run the ball heavily. Yet now he’s opened the offense up and entrusted quarterback, Luke Altmeyer, more this season, and the offense has been more balanced because of it.
Reaping the rewards has been receiver Hank Beatty, who has nearly eclipsed his season totals from last season and this year has 15.2 yards per reception. He is the go-to guy for Altmeyer and will have an impact on the result of the game. Beatty has excellent hands and is a polished route runner, and will show up all over the field. Edge rusher Gabe Jacas has been on a tear this season. Expect that to continue versus Illinois. Also, look for Matthew Bailey to make a big impact near the line of scrimmage. The Fighting Illini beat the Hoosiers, the books and win a slugfest 17-14.
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