Around CFB Week 3

Florida State’s Fast Start

It’s been no secret that Florida State has struggled mightily in the years since Jimbo Fisher left for Texas A&M. Head Coach Mike Norvell has only managed a 10-13 record since leaving Memphis for the Seminoles in 2020. However, Florida State is now 3-0, something they haven’t done since 2015, after a 35-31 win last night at Louisville.

Unfortunately for the Noles, starting quarterback Jordan Travis was injured in the game and Norvell didn't update his status after the contest. Backup Tate Rodemaker played well after a shaky start finishing 6-of-10 passing for 109 yards and two TDs.

Big Ten vs. SEC

Regardless of which conference you think is better, it’s always exciting to see the two conferences compete on the field. No. 22 Penn State travels to Auburn to face the Tigers at 3:30 on CBS. Penn State is coming off a dominant win against Ohio, while Auburn faced a scare from San Jose State last weekend.

Anytime a team from the Big Ten ventures into SEC Territory-- I’m locked in-- so make no mistake about it, this will feel like a bowl atmosphere this afternoon on The Plains.

Penn State has lost 6 of their last 7 against SEC teams, so the Nittany Lions need to get over the hump against a Tiger team that isn’t well thought of nationally. 

The Real ATM

Coming into the season, Texas A&M had the No. 1 recruiting class, and it looked like the Aggies might be able to make a run at Alabama in the SEC West. However, the offense has been sluggish, averaging just 22.5 points per game so far. 

Jimbo Fisher’s seat is heating up, but the Aggies are in a pickle, given his contract. With the high expectations fans have for that program-- the financial investment-- and now the fear of being surpassed by Texas once the Longhorns enter the SEC-- this game feels like a must-win against No. 13 Miami.

Imagine being in Aggieland today and watching College GameDay from Boone, NC. App State took the win last week-- and GameDay from Texas A&M-- OUCH!

As Swanny noted on the show this week, Fishers’ record is actually worse than Kevin Sumlins’ at this point in his time as the head coach in College Station. That’s not exactly a resounding review for a fan base that feels incredibly frustrated with the program.

Saturday marks the first 2022 road game for Miami, which plays four of its first five at home. Hurricanes’ QB Tyler Van Dyke is completing 73 percent of his pass attempts.

The Aggies will look to right the ship tonight at 9:00 on ESPN, but even with Max Johnson taking over at quarterback, it sure feels like there is a lot to prove from the Maroon and White.

Must Watch Games

No. 1 Georgia at South Carolina, 12:00 on ESPN

Good old-fashioned southern football today gets underway at noon in Columbia as the Georgia Bulldogs cross the Savannah River to face the South Carolina Gamecocks. To everyone in these parts, this is one of the great matchups to watch-- regardless of how ugly it might be. 

South Carolina is facing a giant this afternoon, and Shane Beamer has the right attitude-- but not the horses to compete. Perhaps in a few years, this one will be closer, but today I’d expect the Dawgs to deliver a dominating performance.

No. 6 Oklahoma at Nebraska, 12:00 on Fox

Brent Venables takes the Sooners on the road to Lincoln, NE, to face an old-school rival in Nebraska. The Huskers fired Scott Frost after their loss to Georgia Southern last weekend, and Big Red Nation looks to turn the page from what once felt like a “perfect hire.” 

Look for Venables and Company to send a message that Nebraska isn’t going to be ready for big-boy college football anytime soon.

No. 12 BYU at No. 25 Oregon, 3:30 on Fox

BYU travels to Oregon in one of two ranked matchups this weekend-- the other is the aforementioned contest in College Station. BYU can solidify itself as a favorite for a New Year’s Six Bowl Game with a win.