B&S week 3 game by game recaps
Florida shows fight, Alabama looks beatable, and Auburn takes their first L in a raucous Happy Valley.
By: Bossman Slim, The Hammer, The Waco Kid
Sean Clifford and the Nittany Lions conquered an SEC beast. (Randy Litzinger, Getty Images)
Another great Saturday of football is in the books. There were terrible refs, incredible plays, and some teams that showed real fight.
Let’s take a look at how the crew fared this week:
Bossman Slim: 10-2; 31-7 overall
The Hammer: 11-1; 33-5 overall
The Waco Kid: 11-1; 33-5 overall
Bossman Slim has fallen a few games behind the pack thanks to the Mississippi State and Auburn losses this week. Call him whatever you want, but you can’t say he’s not a homer, picking every SEC team to win this week. The Hammer and The Waco Kid continued their hot streaks with no sign of cooling off.
The Waco Kid has been put in the corner by The Man. He’s almost done with his portion, and when he is, we’ll update the article. Let’s hit the recaps.
Early Games
#7 Texas A&M 34 - New Mexico 0
Bossman Slim: Calzada and the offense got more footing this week and jetted out to a 14-0 lead. The offensive torrent slowed from there, but the Aggies still won in convincing fashion. That defense is now the #1 defense in the country, and are the reason A&M will be in every game they play this year. The defense is playing championship football - the offense still has plenty of work to do. Arkansas awaits next week for a showdown in Jerry World that should be a great game.
The Hammer: This one went about as expected. Zach Calzada looked much better after a full week of practice as QB1. It was good to see former 5-star recruit Demond Demas have a good game. Demas hauled in 2 catches for 100 yards, including a 70-yard touchdown on a deep post thanks to a Lobo coverage bust. A&M desperately needs players to stretch the field, maybe Demas can be that guy. The Aggie offensive line was banged up but still needs work with Arkansas looming. Terry Wilson and the New Mexico offense had no chance against the Aggie defense. That unit should keep A&M in every game this season because they are suffocating opposing offenses.
The Waco Kid: You do not go into College Station, Texas and expect a win as a small-time program. Most likely athletes will be playing in a stadium with more fans than they have ever seen in their lives. The fans aren’t just there either, they are shaking the stadium, constantly yelling and chanting and giving no one a break…during the game. They didn’t call old Kyle Field the “Hate Barn” for nothing. After the game though, it may be one of the most welcoming communities in the SEC. Don’t believe me? Head down to Texas and catch a glimpse of it for yourself, once the game has been called, all bad blood has left the student body. Unfortunately for New Mexico they got to experience the wrath of the Aggies rather than the welcoming. It was not an overwhelming win but in Zach Calzada’s first start, he threw for 275 and 3 scores while phenom Isaiah Spiller made more of an All-American case by rushing for 117 and a TD. Hollywood Demas made his first real debut and did not disappoint with 100 and a tuddie. A&M moves on to stronger competition against Arkansas. The defense will hold but Calzada will have to score 21 to ensure an A&M win. Could be one for the ages.
Kentucky 28 - Chattanooga 23
Bossman Slim: Uh, guys? I had no plans to watch this game and didn’t watch most of it because it should have been a full-on blowout. Instead, Kentucky was battling Chattanooga well into the 4th quarter. After a big win against Mizzou last week, Big Blue wasn’t focused or well prepared and it nearly cost them. Kentucky has no time to waste as SEC play starts next week with South Carolina.
Mark Stoops rally’s the troops at halftime.
The Hammer: What the hell happened here? I’m serious. I didn’t really watch any of this game because I thought the Wildcats would dominate. Kentucky almost fell victim to a monster letdown after an emotional win over Mizzou the week prior. After running wild against Mizzou, the Wildcats couldn't run the ball on Chattanooga to save their lives. Bizarre. Just be glad you squeaked out a win here and move on Big Blue Nation.
The Waco Kid: Yikes. Not a good look for a program that is supposed to be rising. I do not care who you are, Chattanooga is not a team that should be competing against D1 competition. QB1 Will Levis threw a couple of picks that you never want to see against a team like the Mocs. The Cats may be 3-0 but starting next week they will need to pick up production to be considered a viable team.
Missouri 59 vs SE Missouri State 28
Bossman Slim: Mizzou got their frustration out on tiny SE Missouri State. Good win for the Tigers, they did what they were supposed to do. A sneaky road game at Boston College looms next week.
The Hammer: This is how you should handle an FCS opponent, Kentucky. Mizzou’s offense dominated and this one was over quickly. And don’t be fooled by the 28 points scored by SEMO, 21 of those came in the 4th quarter when Missouri had emptied the bench. Solid performance from the Tigers.
The Waco Kid: We have Bazelek, Badie, one more B and the Tigers become the Triple B’s that the Steelers were never able to convert into extreme success. The difference, this is college football with a potent air attack and a gritty ground game, the Mizzou team could become a challenger in the East. Still it was SE Missouri State so let’s see how they reacclimate to the SEC. Bazelek went for 3 TDs and Badie added 2 more on the ground. This is an underrated team and will catch a few by surprise throughout league play.
Tennessee 56 - Tennessee Tech 0
Bossman Slim: It was Tennessee Tech, so it’s hard to judge too much, but Hendon Hooker might be the answer for this team at QB. He played well on Saturday and admirably in relief of Joe Milton against Pittsburg. The reckoning is coming next Saturday as the Vols roll into The Swamp against a Gator team that looks like it could challenge Georgia in the East.
The Hammer: Another good performance against an FCS team from a SEC East program not named Kentucky. The Vols took care of business on Saturday and I think they found their starting quarterback. Hendon Hooker looked sharp, albeit the competition was bad, but you can’t go back to Milton at this point. Let Hooker show what he can do, he’s been better thus far. Can he beat Florida? Probably not. But he’s earned the right to start in that game.
The Waco Kid: I saw Hendon Hooker come in and changed the channel. He took the game and ran with it. Most likely becoming the starter as stated in my preview. The Vol defense held Tech to fewer points than I expected but at the end of the day, this was no competition. Joe Milton is done in Knoxville, barring a Hooker injury, and will be in the transfer portal as soon as available.
Midday Games
#1 Alabama 31 - #11 Florida 29
Canadian John Metchie gives the stiff arm to a Gators defender. (Photo: James Gilbert, Getty Images)
Bossman Slim: What a game. I watched this on my phone driving in Colorado. I don’t recommend it but it wasn’t a bad way to watch a game as I looked at the mountains and a beautiful bare-knuckle SEC brawl on my phone, and occasionally at the road. Sorry, Mom. It’s for the blog. Alabama got off to a hot start and it looked like this one would be over at halftime. Instead, Emory Jones and the Gators’ offense settled down while the Gators’ defense clamped down. The missed extra point came back to haunt Florida, and the two-point conversion zone-read was poorly executed. Hand the ball off, Emory! Two major takeaways from this game: Alabama can be beaten (it might be a free for all this year - LET CHAOS REIGN) and Florida can play with anyone, no matter who is at QB. UF has Tennessee in the Swamp next week while Alabama gets a breather with Southern Miss before a titanic matchup with Ole Miss.
The Hammer: Such a fun game. Seeing Bama in trouble and actually look mortal for the first time in a long time was awesome. Florida somehow took Alabama to the wire by dominating them in the trenches. Emory Jones is clearly limited in the passing game, but Dan Mullen found a way to attack the Tide on the ground, and it worked. After digging themselves a 21-3 hole, Florida dominated the rest of the game but came up just short. I wish Anthony Richardson would have been healthy because he should have been in the game for that two-point conversion attempt, if not in other circumstances. I didn’t hate the two-point conversion call as much as others, that play had worked well, but the execution was poor. I’m not sure if there was a miscommunication between Jones and the running back, or if Jones was planning to ride out the read that long, but it was bad. Tough loss for Florida but they showed what they can do. Meanwhile, Alabama looks beatable. At least in Bama terms because they are still the best team in the country, but not invincible.
The Waco Kid: Way too close of a game for a team that has been completely dominant throughout the season. Let’s chalk this one up to Dan Mullen knowing how to handle a Saban team and move past because if you analyze too much there might not be much to enjoy. The only thing this game showed was Bama can be beaten, UF may have a shot against Georgia and the SEC Championship could be up for grabs.
#20 Arkansas 45 - Georgia Southern 10
Bossman Slim: 3-0. Fayetteville is high on the Hogs and the country is taking notice, as the Razorbacks have climbed to #16 in the AP Poll. Arkansas can run the damn bull, but KJ Jefferson has to improve as a passer. The Hogs have A&M next week, who has the #1 defense in the country. They can stuff the run and defend the pass. If A&M makes Arkansas one-dimensional, it’s over. Hogs must have both a passing and running threat to get their biggest win in years next week.
The Hammer: Dominant performance by the Razorbacks. Sam Pittman has these guys locked in. What could have been a letdown/look ahead game sandwiched between an emotional win over Texas and a big matchup with Texas A&M, who Arkansas has lost 9 straight games against, but the Hogs dominated from start to finish. KJ Jefferson even had success through the air going 13/23 for 366 yards and 3 touchdowns. Can Jefferson throw it against A&M, who hasn’t given up a receiving TD yet this year? We’ll see - that’s a tough challenge but that performance should go a long way for his confidence. Good to see the Hogs take care of business.
The Waco Kid: KJ Jefferson is a beast and nailed it this past week in the passing game. This was a warm-up game as the Fayetteville faithful look ahead to next week against A&M. Arkansas being ranked is just what the Aggies need to jump Penn State in the rankings. I mean if the Nittany Lions beat #23 Auburn, moved into the #6 spot, and Texas A&M beats #16 Arkansas why wouldn’t they jump ahead? They won’t because of the long line of old historical asses that need to be kissed by those voting in the polls. For example, Texas is not ranked this week, if they handily beat an unranked Texas Tech team they will jump to #24 in the polls. Oklahoma has remained at #4 after barely beating subpar teams (TULANE and Nebraska) and blowing out one that I have never heard of, while others win by 7+ and drop in the rankings. But forget all of that the Razorbacks continue to win and Sam Pittman has the jukebox so loud, at this point, anything is possible. Always love the upcoming matchup between the Hogs and Aggies, and can’t wait for this one.
Memphis 31 - Mississippi State 29
Bossman Slim: My oh my. Mississippi State got absolutely robbed. As the old saying goes though, you should never put the game in the hands of the refs. Hail State didn’t do enough to win this game against an opponent they should have beaten. WITH THAT SAID - they got royally, totally, insanely screwed. Better put it behind you, fast. LSU comes to town next week and they may have figured things out - and you know Coach O wants to settle the score after last year’s opening weekend loss at the hands of the Pirate.
The Hammer: We witnessed a highway robbery on live television this weekend. Mississippi State was the victim of several egregious calls that spotted Memphis 7 points and the ball after an onside kick was not awarded to the Bulldogs. I feel for the Mississippi State players, coaches and fans because that sucks. However, you can’t put yourself in that position. Mississippi State should be better than Memphis and they ended up falling victim to some tough calls in the end. Will Rogers had a solid game going 50/67 for 419 yards and three touchdowns, but man that offense is still finding its groove. I mean, the kid threw 67 times for goodness sake!! And you only manage 29 points from that. They just don’t have a downfield passing game right now, it’s more of a death by 1,000 shallow crossing routes approach, and it’s hard to string together long drives throwing it that much. Tough loss for the Bulldogs and it won’t get any easier from here.
The Waco Kid: The Pirate may not always win but when it comes to his first mate betting on the game, I seldom lose. We saw bad calls, I understand but this is not a team that should be allowing an AAC squad to keep it close. The fact they did, means MSU has a long way to go before becoming an upper-echelon program in the best conference in America. Like I said there is always a transition period for Leach when he enters a new system and it may take a year or two longer than usual but his team is competing for him. You can’t ask any more from QB Will Rogers, dude screwed around and passed for over 400 and 3 scores, but as predicted Seth Henigan is no slouch either. Henigan and the refs were able to do just enough to squeak by the Bulldogs. Mississippi State is looking at unfavorable matchups the next few weeks, with LSU being the only team they could beat. But an October 23rd matchup with Vanderbilt could be exactly what they need. Look out for State next week, I think the matchup with the Bayou Bengals in Starkville could play out in their favor. After all, all they really need is more cowbell.
Late Games
#2 Georgia 40 - South Carolina 13
Bossman Slim: I almost had it. I predicted 38-13. That’s why they pay me the big bucks. JT Daniels had a great game and Georgia had a field day, racking up 491 total yards and 5 total TDs. The way UGA looks with their schedule, they should get through everyone until the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party on October 30th. South Carolina is bad. Beamer has a multi-year rebuild on his hand, if they let him stay that long.
The Hammer: Shout out to @ColonelZebuliah for his effort before going down with injury and surrendering his duties back to Luke Doty. We knew this game was going to be a mismatch and it played out that way. Georgia is too talented for a team like South Carolina to pose much of a threat. If you’re a Dawg fan, you can sleep easy after seeing JT Daniels push the ball downfield in this game too. As more Georgia weapons on the outside return from injury, expect more and more of that. It’s looking like a great year in Athens.
The Waco Kid: A co-worker at my day job asked me the other day what I thought about the Georgia football team this year. I told her if they are going to win it any year, it will be this one. But that’s the story of UGA right? Always the one or two that slipped through their fingers because of miscues. It is like watching a scooby doo re-run once a year; “We would have gotten away with it too if it hadn’t been for those pesky teams from Alabama.” I mean c’mon there’s the Auburn deflection reception or what about the Tua Tide revive in overtime for the Natty? For the Dawgs, year in and year out, all roads somehow lead through the Heart of Dixie, with the occasional pitstop in Gainesville. That didn’t matter this week because JT Daniels torched the more southern of the Carolinas with 3 scores and over 300 yards, and is looking to roll the competition until October 9th. Circle that date and the 30th on your calendar because if Kirby’s team can pull off wins in both weeks, Atlanta will be where their fate is sealed. PSA: colleges in South Carolina, don’t schedule the Red and Black.
#10 Penn State 28 - #22 Auburn 21
Bossman Slim: I was feeling good about the Tigers. This was a great game to watch. A smashmouth, knockdown, drag-out, punch for punch bout. With the backdrop of a Happy Valley white out. Man, have you missed football and full stadiums? I sure have. I won’t take it for granted ever again, that’s for sure. Bo Nix played a decent game, but not enough to get the win. Tank Bigsby is a grown man. Just hand him the rock. Jarquez Hunter can play football too. Auburn can be a scary team this year if they keep improving. The SEC West is wide open - don’t count out the Tigers. Penn State could also challenge Ohio State in the Big 10, and WR Jahan Dotson is one helluva football player. He’s going to be fun to keep an eye on all year. Auburn gets cupcake Georgia State next week before a showdown with LSU.
The Hammer: I’d like to point out that I was the only one among my esteemed colleagues to pick the Nittany Lions in this one. You can’t trust Bo Nix on the road. Nix didn’t necessarily play badly, and he didn’t turn it over which is big for him, but he wasn't able to make enough plays for his team to win. In his defense, the Auburn wide receivers struggled a little too. It’s not like Nix was missing wide-open receivers. Credit Penn State for covering well in the secondary and doing enough to limit Tank Bigsby and Jarquez Hunter, although they both got theirs. This was just an awesome game and I really do think it came down to QB play. Both defenses came to play and it was a physical game. Sean Clifford was better and made more big plays than Nix. I came away from that game pretty bullish on Auburn though. They aren’t going to win the SEC West, but they also aren't going to get blown out either. This team is tough, physical and will run the ball. Early returns on Hardass Harsin seem positive.
The Waco Kid: I bet the Hammer pointed out that we picked Auburn and he didn’t. Yep, not even one sentence in. I won’t lie I probably would have picked Penn State too, but this being an SEC blog I will (almost) always take the conference team in a close game. That being said I have repeatedly voiced my concerns that I do not think Bo Nix is at that point of being an honest-to-goodness winner. He has the athleticism and it seems Bryan Harsin has unlocked a next-level Bo but until I see a full season of no breakdowns or tantrums I will always be hesitant. Tank Bigsby carried the team against PSU, with 102 yards rushing and two tuddies, and was almost able to take the W, however the passing attack of Clifford the big red dog was too much for the Tigers to control. I am still unsure of the Nittany Lions because they beat an over-ranked Wisconsin team and a War Eagle team that has not been tested. All I know is that if any team in the top 15 beats Auburn handily they better be ranked ahead of Penn State the next week. When this happens we can at least sleep soundly knowing that the B1G will graciously bow out and accept they are not a part of the playoffs……...
LSU 49 - Central Michigan 21
Bossman Slim: Maybe LSU finally got it going. I got a text from an LSU friend before the game that he thought they would lose to the Chippewa’s. The spirits are down in Baton Rouge, but this week the offense sure looked better than it has all year - have they meshed, for good? Can we put the first two games behind us? LSU fans better hope so...Mississippi State is no easy out, and they’re on tap, with Auburn as the chaser.
The Hammer: The LSU offense is alive! Max Johnson came out slinging in this one, and the Tigers did exactly what they needed to: get out to a fast start and crush the Chippewa’s hopes early. I was doubting Ed O and LSU heading into this one and they proved me wrong. Max Johnson played awesome, throwing for 5 TDs and 372 yards. LSU even ran the ball better, although they hardly tried to run it. They were out for blood and running the ball wasn't going to score them points fast enough. This does not mean LSU is right back in contender status for the SEC West, but it was a good step towards getting back there. If the Tigers’ offense can do that against Mississippi State, then I might be back on board.
The Waco Kid: For Louisiana babies born during the past 3 weeks, this is the best LSU football team of all time. What a world those kids must live in. There has never been a time in this university’s storied history that allowing 21 points to Central Michigan should be an acceptable accomplishment. While Louisiana State finally came alive on offense, I am not sure how you justify having two of the best cornerbacks in the NCAA and allowing the Fightin’ Chippewas to throw for over 200 yards and 2 touchdowns on you. On the flip side, Max Johnson had a heck of a day throwing for 372 yards and 5 scores for the Bayou Boys. That is the type of production you can build on. But it does not matter because ultimately if the defense cannot find a way to step up production, Coach O and the Baton Rouge Rowdies will lose their shot at witnessing another GREEEAAATT Tiger season.
#17 Ole Miss 61 - Tulane 21
It didn’t really matter what happened on the field for Tulane after they rolled these out. (Photo: @GreenWaveFB)
Bossman Slim: I picked this one Rebs 45-20. I was right about Tulane, but man, this Ole Miss offense can SCORE. I didn’t give them enough credit. Matt Corral is building a Heisman campaign through the air and on the ground. The man lived in the endzone on Saturday night. This Ole Miss defense is improving too, which will put them square in the thick of the West race. A&M and LSU? Lookout. But first…they have a bye week and then a colossal game with Alabama in week 5. We’re going to find out soon enough what the Lane Train is made of.
The Hammer: Matt Corral is that dude. He’s the best quarterback in the country. Corral did whatever he wanted against the Green Wave, going 23/31 for 335 yards, three touchdowns AND carried the ball 13 times for 68 yards and 4 touchdowns. You read that right - 7 total TDs. Those stats remind me of my old created players on NCAA football 2007. Just a ridiculous performance from Corral and this Ole Miss offense. I thought this would be a good test for the Rebel defense as well, given how many points Tulane put up on OU (the Alex Grinch led defense that I was told all offseason was sooo much better than in years past..) and Morgan State, so give the land shark defense credit here. They only gave up 305 total yards and forced Tulane into a 1/11 third-down conversion rate. If that defense can keep up performances like this one, watch out cause Ole Miss could find themselves in the CFP conversation.
The Waco Kid: This was not nearly as close as I had thought it may be. Kiffin must have seen my take on the game and wanted to make a point. Game-Set-Match. The disrespect for the Ole Miss offense was real in this projection. I had them only scoring 38 and barely beating Tulane by a field goal. Instead, LK’s Corral came out guns a blazin’, and shot up the place to the tune of 7 TDs, four grounded bullets and 3 flying rounds. Get the yellow tape out because this one was a slaughter. I thought Tulane could make things interesting but they proved unable to hang with the Reb O. Mississippi makes for an intriguing team moving forward, they could make moves, or their defense could push them back down the ladder of success. Only time and SEC matchups will tell.
Stanford 41 - Vanderbilt 23
Bossman Slim: David Shaw is quickly going from the “for sure getting fired” back into the “safe” category. The Cardinal lost to Kansas State to start the year, but have reeled off two straight P5 wins, and one against former giant of the sport, USC. Not to brag again, but I had this one as 41-17 Cardinal, right in the neighborhood. It’s going to be a long year in Nashville, and maybe a little brighter in Palo Alto than expected.
The Hammer: Well, that's Vanderbilt football for you. Ken Seals turned in another subpar performance only throwing for 120 yards on 16/37 attempts with one TD and one interception. This was just a game where one team has been coached by the same guy for a decade and has an identity, while the other team is under a first year head coach and has no idea who they are yet. Stanford is better and way further along than Vandy and Clark Lea right now. Vanderbilt will beat UConn on October 3rd, but aside from that I don’t see them getting in the win column much this year.
The Waco Kid: What a shocker, Vanderbilt lost for the second time in the span of three weeks. This team has not been over .500 in any season since 2013. And even that was short-lived, winning over half their games for only a two-year span. The SEC should have traded Vandy to the Big 12 for Texas, to make sure both football programs knew their worth and relevance. Stanford’s rush game wasn’t bad, totaling over 200 yards and 3 TDs between a committee of backs. In the end this one was exactly what we expected; two teams no one cared to watch, playing in a game that had no effect on the state of college football, wasting the time of football fans all across Nashville. Though judging by the pictures of Vanderbilt Stadium, everyone was already on Broadway anyway.