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0 out of 7
John Raoux / Associated press
Alabama made it more interesting than expected, but the Crimson Tide clinched a key victory in Florida. The defending champions lead the winners and losers of week 3.
If September is any indication, however, the 2021 campaign could well be the long-awaited transition year for the sport. Four traditional powers–Clemson, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Oklahoma–each faced another rough performance in week 3.
On the other hand, Cincinnati claimed national attention early on. The Bearcats notched a major victory early on Saturday–a severe contract to the performance of several ACC teams.
While the choices are subjective, they focus on key outcomes, best case scenarios, and best or worst times or week 3.
This piece will be updated throughout the evening.
1 of 7
Louisville had a 35-28 advantage late in the fourth quarter, but UCF scored a tying touchdown with 1:21 remaining. On the next drive, Louisville quarterback Malik Cunningham threw an interception.
But within seconds, the Louisville crowd went from a nervous wreck to a merry madhouse.
On the next play, UCF quarterback Dillon Gabriel attempted to hit Amari Johnson on a crossing road. However, the pass deflected into the arms of Louisville linebacker Jaylin Alderman. The freshman sprinted 66 yards for a touchdown, giving the Cardinals a 42-35 lead with 13 seconds left.
The most ridiculous part? Before his game-changing interception, Alderman hadn’t recorded any snap.
Fairly efficient day, I would say.
2 of 7
Sue Ogrocki / Associated press
After posting 3,191 offensive yards, recording 34 total touchdowns and leading Oklahoma to a Big 12 title last season, Spencer Rattler entered the 2021 season as a Heisman Trophy favorite.
It’s too early to panic. It is not too early to be concerned.
Rattler threw two interceptions, a tighter-than-expected 40-35 win over Tulane to open the year. Although he threw five touchdowns as the Sooners crushed West Carolina last weekend, Saturday brought a poor second-year second performance.
Oklahoma beat Nebraska 23-16 and Rattler had just 6.3 yards per attempt. He finished the game 24 of 34 for 214 yards, throwing and rushing for a touchdown each.
Yes, the Sooners care the most about their 3-0 record. But if Rattler doesn’t improve, neither his Heisman bid nor OU’s unbeaten record will last much longer.
3 out of 7
Darron Cummings / Associated press
At the start of the season, most analysts circled two games on the Cincinnati schedule: September 18 in Indiana and October 2 in Notre Dame.
One down, one to go.
Cincinnati capitalized on an error-filled day for Indiana, creating four turnovers in a 38-24 road victory. The hosts edged out Cincinnati 376-328, but a recovery and a fumble on the goal line–both in the fourth trimester–sparked the Bearcats victory.
Last year, Cincinnati put together a 9-0 regular season. But the college football playoff selection committee never seriously considered the Bearcats due to a perceived lack of schedule strength. While there’s no guarantee that will change in 2021, a road win in Indiana undoubtedly helps Cincinnati’s case.
Start again in two weeks at Notre Dame, and Luke Fickell’s team–at worst–be part of the CFP conversation.
4 out of 7
Doug Murray / Associated press
Let’s be frank: during the slate of the early afternoon, the ACC smelled bad.
Boston College hit Temple and Syracuse rolled Albany. But otherwise, the conference saw No.15 Virginia Tech fall 27-21 to West Virginia, No.24 Miami implode in a 38-17 home shock to Michigan State and Pitt lose 44-41 to Western Michigan.
Virginia Tech was the underdog, but WVU took a 20 point lead. Miami’s tackle was an absolute nightmare, and the offense couldn’t finish practice. Pitt allowed 516 yards.
Bad, horrible and terrible.
The incredibly rosy view is that a non-conference loss doesn’t hurt any of the three Coastal Division title programs. However, none from Virginia Tech, Miami or Pitt inspired much confidence in this realistic possibility.
The ACC’s cynical reputation as a league for Clemson certainly didn’t improve on Saturday.
5 out of 7
John Raoux / Associated press
Fifteen minutes later, Alabama looked poised to clinch a resounding victory over Florida. Bryce Young had three touchdowns in the first quarter and the Crimson Tide took a 21-3 lead.
Although the Gators fought back–and even had the chance to tie–Bama outlasted the hosts for a 31-29 victory.
Obviously, it was not an overall victory. Nick Saban will remain dissatisfied that his side still do not play a solid 60-minute game. And in particular, the running defense was an issue. Florida shredded Alabama for 245 yards and four rushing scores.
But the Crimson Tide went through one of its toughest tests in 2021. On a day when several top teams struggled to fend off poor competition, Alabama claimed a notorious road victory.
Improvement is essential. At the same time, Alabama is one step closer to another college football playoff trip.
6 out of 7
Jay LaPrete / Associated Press
Along with Alabama, the other three teams in the 2020 college football playoffs were Clemson, Ohio State and Notre Dame. But in 2021, none of them looked particularly good.
Clemson amassed just 180 yards in a season opener loss to Georgia. Ohio State had a poor first half in Minnesota before losing at home to Oregon. Notre Dame beat Florida State in double overtime and barely survived at home against Toledo.
Week 3 did not allay the first worries either.
Clemson led Georgia Tech 7-3 at halftime. Ohio State only had a 27-20 advantage over Tulsa–who recently lost to the UC Davis lower division program–in the fourth quarter. Notre Dame held a slim 17-13 lead over Purdue late in the third quarter.
Thanks to a few late touchdowns, Ohio State has survived. Notre-Dame too. At the time of publication, Clemson has remained in the lead.
But if you’re wondering about the benefits of these top-ranked teams–the usual suspects in the CFP race–you’re not alone.
7 out of 7
Jeune Kwak / Associated press
Two years ago, Kedon Slovis got his first chance at USC after a leg injury that sidelined JT Daniels. Slovis flourished as a true freshman, forcing Daniels to leave USC for Georgia.
We’re not saying history is about to repeat itself. Jaxson Dart nevertheless demanded our attention.
Slovis grabbed a bag from USC’s opening practice in Washington state, made his way to the medical tent, and never returned to the field. Dart replaced the third year starter. While it didn’t go well right away–Wazzu held a 14-0 lead midway through the second quarter–Dart pulled off a fantastic finish in the Pac-12 contest.
At the end of the first half, Dart threw Gary Bryant Jr. 38 yards on a 4th and 9. In the third quarter, Dart led three touchdown passes (two passes), which resulted in helped propel the Trojans from a 14-7 deficit to a dominant 35-14 advantage.
Dart added his fourth and final touchdown in the fourth quarter, accumulating 391 yards in his college debut.
If Slovis is in good health, let the quarterback controversy begin. USC is hosting the State of Oregon next weekend.
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