B&S Week 3 game-by-game recaps
Some great games again this weekend, some sighs of relief out of Fayetteville and Gainesville, and some cries for help from the Plains.
By: The Hammer, Bossman Slim
LSU gutted out a win over Mississippi State, pulling away late in the game. (Photo via LSU Football)
I guess we need to start previewing the FCS games? We heard the sigh of relief from Fayetteville hundreds of miles away. Bobby Petrino’s homecoming almost ended in disaster for Sam Pittman’s Hogs, but they dismissed Missouri State in the 4th quarter. Classic look-ahead as Arkansas has A&M in Jerry World next week.
With all the upset alerts around college football again this weekend we had to keep our head on a swivel…like App State??? Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with Appalachian State. Unbelievable finish. Touchdown Jesus also saved Notre Dame in South Bend as Cal nearly walked off with a Hail Mary of their own. College football is the best.
Let’s check out how the crew fared this weekend:
There’s a reason we don’t work in Vegas. Do we have an idea of what we’re talking about? Yes. Are we winning thousands betting? No. But we vow to get better. Maybe.
The Waco Kid had to deal with a few things offline, so Bossman and Hammer are handling the recaps this week. Let’s dig in.
#1 Georgia 48 - South Carolina 7
Bossman Slim: The Dawg machine rolls through Columbia, and the Tombstone Bennett for Heisman campaign is now getting full-throated support from many in the media. We tweeted it first! This one was out of hand almost as soon as it kicked, and Stetson Bennett was talking with women in the stands in the 3rd quarter. Shane Beamer was asked if he thought his team quit in this game and he gave it to the reporter after the game. Georgia is elite, on an island of their own at the top of college football right now. Alabama may have something to say about that by year's end, but Georgia is CFBs top bully right now.
The Hammer: This one played out about how I expected as Georgia continues to show why they are the number one team in the country. At the moment, I’m not sure it’s close. The Dawgs dismantled South Carolina and silenced the Gamecock crowd early. Stetson Bennett is about to start getting Heisman buzz, and Brock Bowers reminded everyone why he is the best tight end in the nation. I’ve been saying it for weeks but South Carolina is in trouble with that offensive line. They need improvement from that group quickly unless they want their season to really get away from them.
#20 Ole Miss 42 - Georgia Tech 0
Bossman Slim: Wow, Georgia Tech is BAD. I expected the Rebels to run hard against the Yellow Jackets behind Zach Evans and Quinshon Judkins, and that’s exactly what they did. Them boys FEASTED on the dying light of the Geoff Collins era in Atlanta, showing no mercy. The Rebs ran for 316 yards and SIX TDs on the ground, with Evans accounting for 134 yards and 2 TDs and Judkins adding 98 yards and 2 TDs. Evans averaged 7.4 YPC and Judkins was over 5 YPC. Wild. Jaxson Dart had an efficient day through the air but did surrender one pick, something Kiffin will have to work out. I think we know what this offense is based around now: the Rebs are going to run it down your throat. Good luck stopping them. The Rebels take on Tulsa next week in Oxford before a showdown with Kentucky in Week 5.
The Hammer: Great win for the Ole Miss Rebels and Lane Kiffin. They suffocated Georgia Tech on defense, and the offense ran roughshod over the Ramblin’ Wreck. Zach Evans led the way on the ground with 134 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries. Overall the Rebels ran for 316 yards in the contest. Jaxson Dart seems to have solidified himself as the starter, and he played alright. Ole Miss really didn’t need anything from Dart because of how well they ran the ball. If Dart can step up when they need him to down the road, this Ole Miss team will be dangerous. It’s going to be hard enough for teams to stop this rushing attack.
#22 Penn State 41 - Auburn 12
Bossman Slim: I mentioned this in our Biscuits & SEC Preview show with Steven Willis this week that the season could spiral quickly for Auburn if they didn’t get it right this week, and that Bryan Harsin could be gone by mid-season. After this one, that looks like it’s going to happen. Auburn is a proud program and they do not like watching a Big Ten school come into Jordan-Hare, dismantle their team, and start chanting SEC. The offensive line can’t block anyone, the QBs, while showing a few flashes, are still making critical mistakes and the defense just isn’t there. The Tigers had zero sacks in this game and can’t buy a turnover. It could get ugly on the Plains, fast. Harsin and co. host Mizzou next week in an absolute must-win game - Mizzou might be the 2nd worst team in the SEC next to Vandy.
The Hammer: Well, I feel like a fool for picking Auburn. Honestly, the Auburn offense looked about how I expected, but I was banking on their defense keeping it close and something wild happening late like a special teams or defensive TD to give Auburn the win. Not so fast, my friend. Penn State’s offense moved the ball on Auburn all day, especially on the ground where the Nittany Lions ran for 245 yards and five touchdowns on 39 carries. The duo of Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen was lethal for Penn State. Things look really bleak for Auburn after that one. The offense is what we thought it was: terrible. But apparently, the defense is vulnerable as well. I thought the Auburn front seven could cause trouble and keep them in this game, but they got pushed around and didn't record a sack. Speaking of sacks, Auburn’s offensive line allowed 6 sacks and 11 tackles for loss. Harsin might be fired by mid-season at this rate.
Vanderbilt 38 - Northern Illinois 28
Bossman Slim: Clark Lea had given Mike Wright the dreaded vote of confidence last week after the Commodores loss to Wake Forest last week, but by Wednesday, he had changed his mind. Freshman AJ Swann got the start for Vandy and it’s his team now. Swann threw for 4 TDs and 255 yards, leading the Black and Gold to a good win on the road. Ray Davis also added 116 yards and a TD on the ground. With Swann at QB, Vandy may have a chance to sneak up on an SEC foe this year - looking at you, Mizzou. Vandy gets Alabama, Ole Miss, and Georgia in the next three weeks, so Vandy fans can go into hibernation for a few weeks until Mizzou on October 22.
The Hammer: How about those Commodores? I knew having Northern Illinois favored was a mistake and Vandy went on the road and took care of business. Apparently, I wasn't paying close enough attention to Vandy cause Mike Wright lost the starting QB job and Clark Lea gave the nod to youngster AJ Swann. And Swan delivered, throwing for 255 yards and 4 touchdowns on 18/28 attempts. As an SEC team should do against an opponent like Northern Illinois, Vanderbilt won the battle in the trenches. The Commodores ran for 173 yards as a team and did not allow a single sack or tackle for loss. Give Clark Lea and this coaching staff credit for making big strides after a terrible first year in 2021. There’s still a long way to go in Nashville, but Vandy is 3-1 right now and that’s a welcome sight.
#2 Alabama 63 - UL Monroe 7
Bossman Slim: Not much to say here. Alabama routs UL Monroe as expected and gets back on track before Vandy comes to town. Another rout is in order next week before a big showdown with Arkansas.
The Hammer: Bama jumped all over ULM and smothered them early. The score is a little deceiving though because the Crimson Tide returned two blocked punts for touchdowns and Will Anderson returned an interception for a TD. Three non-offensive touchdowns are really impressive and shows how much urgency the Tide played with, but it's hard to repeat those sort of things. The offense is still lacking a go-to WR, as evidenced by Jahmyr Gibbs being the leading receiver again with 4 catches for 65 yards. Bryce Young also threw two interceptions. It’s by no means time to sound the alarms in Tuscaloosa, but it’s something to keep an eye on.
LSU 31 - Mississippi State 16
Bossman Slim: Credit here to Brian Kelly and LSU. Mississippi State was in control of this game through the middle of the 3rd quarter, but the Tigers stayed the course and didn’t flinch. LSU held Mississippi State on some questionable decisions by Mike Leach to go for it on multiple 4th downs, and the tide turned when State muffed a punt inside their own 10. After that, the Tigers punched it in to go ahead and they never looked back. Will Rogers was not himself, and a big credit to LSU DC Matt House for getting him out of his comfort zone for most of the night with pressure and mixing up their defensive looks. Jayden Daniels also played a good enough game to win and showed some moxie in a solid first SEC win for Brian Kelly and the Tigers. State gets Bowling Green next week and LSU takes on New Mexico.
The Hammer: Just when you start to believe in a Mike Leach team, they let you down. It’s the circle of life. When you least expect it, Mike Leach’s teams will win in a stunning upset but you can never count on them. It felt like Mississippi State was in control of this game and they actually led the whole game until early in the 4th quarter. Give LSU credit, their defense put the clamps on Will Rogers and the air raid in the second half. They never let Rogers get comfortable in the pocket and covered well downfield. The LSU defensive line gave the Bulldogs trouble and tallied 4 sacks and 8 tackles on the day. Keep an eye on Jayden Daniels too. He’s not lighting up opponents through the air, but he’s playing smart football, making plays with his feet, and doing enough in the passing game. He’s tough to defend. Big win for Brian Kelly and a painful loss for the folks in Starkville.
#15 Tennessee 63 - Akron 6
Bossman Slim: The Zips didn’t stand a chance, and Tennessee shot off like a rocket in this one, doing whatever they wanted on offense all night. Good tune-up win for the Vols ahead of a big showdown against the Florida Gators next week in Neyland. Tennessee can win that game, and it’s already a sold-out affair in Knoxville. Circle that one for your viewing pleasure next weekend. You can catch that one at 3:30 ET on CBS with Brad and Gary.
The Hammer: The Tennessee offense is so dang good. Hooker is in complete control, they have weapons on the outside and they ran the ball pretty well on the day. The Vols are a really good team right now. We’ll see how they do against Florida next week but as of now, The Vols should be pretty heavy favorites.
#18 Florida 31 - South Florida 28
Bossman Slim: So can we all agree at this point that the Utah win was a fluke, right? Hammer said it in Week 2, maybe Utah got caught off guard without much tape on Anthony Richardson. In the last two games, Richardson has come crashing back to earth as defenses have figured out how to make him uncomfortable. He’s also forcing the ball and making bad mistakes. Florida should not be on their heels with South Florida knocking on the door for the win late in the 4th quarter. The Bulls are not a good football team. If a few plays break another way, Florida would be staring at 0-3. But the Gators will still be ranked after getting a W and sit at 2-1, but this team looks shaky right now. They have one week to get it on track because Tennessee is chomping at the bit to batter them in Neyland next week.
The Hammer: This was ugly. Be thankful the team actually pulled this win out, Gator fans, otherwise you’d be the next Texas A&M. But this was really ugly, make no mistake. USF really isn’t a very good team, but Florida let the Bulls run for 286 yards. It was the worst the Gator front seven has looked all season. And offensively, Anthony Richardson looks lost. He’s just not accurate enough down the field and he continues to turn the ball over. Teams are keying on the Gator run game and so far, Richardson can’t make them pay in the passing game. The news for Gator fans is they are still 2-1, which is a record every Gator fan would have taken preseason given their opponents in the first two weeks.
#24 Texas A&M 17 - #13 Miami 9
Bossman Slim: Wow, that was an ugly game. Looking at the box score, you’d think that Miami should have won this contest, and you would probably be right. A&M gritted out a win over the Hurricanes relying on their defense that bent but didn’t break and on their special teams, which blocked a field goal and recovered a muffed Miami punt early in the game, where A&M punched the ball in a few plays later. Max Johnson wasn’t flashy and his stats were “mid,” as the tink tock kids say, but he provided poise and confidence that was lacking in the first two weeks with Haynes King under center. They also relied heavily on their playmakers in Devon Achane and Ainias Smith, who accounted for nearly all of the Aggies offensive production. A&M has a lot to work on if they want to beat top 10 Arkansas next week in Arlington, but that game doesn’t look as intimidating after the Hogs weak performance against Missouri State.
The Hammer: This was a generally ugly game that went down to the wire. I have a feeling that’s how a lot of A&M’s games will go given how this offense looks. Max Johnson brought some poise to the QB position, as he took care of the football and looked way more comfortable than Haynes King did, but the offense still struggled to be consistent. Yet again, the Aggies defense bailed them out and won this game. Well, defense and special teams recovered a muffed Miami punt that led directly to a TD and blocked a Hurricane field goal attempt. Both teams were who we thought they were in this one. A&M won behind a great defensive performance and their offense still stinks. Miami and Tyler Van Dyke were overrated. Miami moved the ball but could not punch it in when they got down in the red zone, and Van Dyke was erratic, completing just 21/41 attempts. I know Van Dyke was without his leading wide receiver in this one, but A&M’s secondary was completely wrecked by suspension, injury, and targeting penalties. The Aggies were missing five key contributors in the secondary by the end of the game, and Van Dyke still couldn't take advantage. There were multiple true freshmen from A&M’s most recent recruiting class making plays on the back end in key moments. Guys like Bryce Anderson and Jared Kerr stepped up, and Miami still couldn't find any space in the passing game. Good win for the Aggies after the App State debacle, but still much to work on.