1. DeBoer prevails in first true test as coach of the Tide
Kalen DeBoer and the 4th ranked Tide hosted Kirby Smart’s 2nd ranked Georgia Bulldogs in a heavyweight clash on Saturday night. This game had more build up than any game so far this season and all eyes were on Tuscaloosa. DeBoer had his players fired up coming out with 28 unanswered points putting the Dawgs in a terrible position. Carson Beck and the Dawgs came storming back with 19 unanswered points in the 4th quarter to take a 34-33 lead. Dillon Bell’s 67 yard lead taking touchdown with 2:31 appeared to be the play of the game. Not even 20 seconds later 17 year old freshman phenom Ryan Williams caught a 75 yard game winning touchdown. Although Georgia lost this game their second half adjustments show the Tide will not want to face them again.
2. Mark Stoops and the Wildcats stun Ole Miss
The unranked Kentucky Wildcats entered Vaught Hemingway Stadium as 17.5 point underdogs facing Lane Kiffin’s 6th ranked Rebels. Ole Miss opened the game with a statement drive scoring in just over 2 minutes. The Cats answered back with a field goal and the two team’s offense remained pretty calm the rest of the game. Kentucky with touchdowns from Dane Key and Josh Kattus fumble recovery touchdown was enough to beat the Rebels. The key takeaway for the college football world is after two incredible defensive performances for the cats against elite competition, the Kentucky defense is elite. Their only poor performance came against South Carolina in a 31-6 thrashing where the offense’s inability to move the ball killed the morale of the defense. Mark Stoops appears to have a team that can’t be overlooked and will need your best effort to beat.
3. Jeff Brohm continues to struggle against high level opponents
The Cardinals entered Saturday ranked 15th in the AP poll and were set to face off against the 16th ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Head coach Jeff Brohm has had lots of success against mediocre competition in his first two seasons leading the Cards. But when faced with high level teams and non ACC teams Brohm has seen less success. With losses to Kentucky, Notre Dame, USC, and Florida State skeptics are starting to question Jeff Brohms ability to beat high level competition. There is no doubt he has exceeded expectations in his time at Louisville but until they can start winning these games Louisville will remain good not great.
4. Ashton Jeanty continues quest for the Heisman
The heisman hopeful running back for the Broncos has been on an absolute tear to open up the 2024-25 season. Jeanty has already rushed for 845 yards and 11 touchdowns through four games. Jeanty had 26 carries for 259 yards and 4 touchdowns against Washington State. The Bronco running back had his way against the cougars and will look to continue his dominance going forward. The junior doesn’t receive nearly the amount of recognition he deserves and is a true contender to take home the heisman trophy.
5. Penn State’s defense stifles Illinois
The undefeated Penn State Nittany Lions hosted the undefeated Illinois Fighting Illini for a Big 10 clash. The Nittany Lions boast a top 15 defense in nearly every category and they lived up to this on Saturday. Penn State’s ability to completely shut down the run made the Illinois road upset nearly impossible. Illinois rushed for just 34 yards and lost 2 fumbles in this Big 10 battle. The 4-13 3rd down efficiency for Illinois coupled with 9 offensive penalties lead to their pitiful offensive performance. James Franklin doesn’t have an elite offense but it appears their defense can make them more than competitive in the Big 10.
