College football week 2 is in the books. After every week fans can take away things from what happened on the field. Here are 5 things learned from college football week 3.
Related:Â 5 Things to watch in college football week 3
1. UNLV is a Threat for an Auto-Bid in the CFP
UNLV notched a big win in week 1 over Houston, which officially put them on the map for the 2024 season. They then dominated Utah Tech in week 2. In week 3, they had a Friday night game at Kansas. The Rebels won a close one against the Jayhawks for their second power four win of the season.
With the win, UNLV has put themselves as the frontrunner for the group of five spot for the CFP. The two power four wins are nice, but they also have enough of a tough schedule to rise up the rankings when the CFP Committee starts releasing their rankings. The Rebels still play another power four team in Syracuse and will have some tough Mountain West games. With no or one loss, the Rebels will be in the mix to be the group of five representatives.
2. Kansas State’s Skill Positions Will Create Matchup Problems
Kansas State struggled with Tulane in week 2, but really rebounded well in week 3. They defeated a ranked Arizona team 31-7. This was a big step for the Kansas State offense, as young quarterback Avery Johnson is still finding his footing. He played solidly and will be an x-factor, but they also have some skill position players to note.
Dylan Edwards transferred in from Colorado and showed his skill on a punt return touchdown. He also had 41 rushing yards and three receiving yards. Star running back DJ Giddens was the second-leading rusher behind Johnson with 86 and also had a touchdown. While the Wildcats don’t have a true number one receiver, they have several options that will be tough to match up with in the Big 12.
3. Georgia had their Clunker
Georgia was expected to defeat Kentucky by over three touchdowns this weekend. The Wildcats looked awful against South Carolina in week 2, but Georgia was only able to win by one point on the road. While the game will bring up some concerns about the Bulldogs, Georgia has been here before.
Over the last few seasons, Georgia has had some close calls, whether it be against Kentucky or Missouri. They usually are able to focus and get things right. The Bulldogs played decently on defense, although their defensive line did give up a lot of room to Kentucky rushers. They’ll have to find a way to make the offense more effective, as they struggled to sustain drives.
4. Alabama is Starting to Figure Things Out
In week 1, Alabama steamrolled Western Kentucky. For the week 2 matchup, the Crimson Tide defeated USF, but it was a closer game than a lot of people thought. In week 3, Alabama traveled to Wisconsin. While they were favored by over two touchdowns, they did even better than that, winning 42-10.
One thing that improved for Alabama was the health of their offensive line. Kadyn Proctor returned at left tackle, which helped them greatly. There was more than that though. The defense was lights out and Jalen Milroe got more comfortable in the new offense and with some of his new receivers. It might be too much to expect Alabama to win the SEC, but is definitely in the realm of possibility.
5. There is a Texas A&M Quarterback Controversy
Conner Weigman was a highly-touted recruit for Texas A&M. He has struggled with injuries and inconsistent play, despite showing some flashes of why he was so coveted as a high school player. In the Aggies’ loss to Notre Dame in week 1, Weigman didn’t play well. His play isn’t the only thing wrong with the team, but Weigman may not give the team the best chance to win.
Weigman was out for week 3 against Florida. Marcel Reed stepped in and played well for the Aggies, getting them the road win. Reed finished with 187 passing yards, 83 rushing yards and three total touchdowns. Whether he is the long-term answer for the Aggies is up for debate, but right now, he seems to be the better option for Texas A&M.
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