“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” – Robert Brault
Alabama Head Football Coach, Kalen DeBoer, said after his team’s big road win that “small things in the second half made the difference–impressed by those.” Chapter 3 of the 2024 College Football Season has concluded. It is now time to highlight some of the most impressive and some of the almost impressive teams so far.
Most Impressive Teams
Alabama-
Alabama looked impressive. QB #4 Milroe is a force. This team has played sound defense, and showed explosiveness in the last 5 quarters of football. 42-10 road win against Wisconsin.
Georgia-
“When you take the field on a Saturday, you better be the most excited team to play, if not, you’ll get beat…there’s no substitute for effort.” That’s what TCU Head Coach said from the podium this past week in leading up to the home game against UCF, and I think it applies to this game. UGA still has a wagon of a team, but they perhaps were simply not motivated to play in Lexington. I saw a lack of energy and 60-70pct effort on most plays until the 4th quarter. If they would’ve lost this one, placing them on this list would have been difficult, but finding a way to win after looking as bad as they did is impressive. UGA 13 @ UK 12. Ugly. Bad. Move on.
Miami-
This is a team that impressed me in week one, albeit it was against the worst Gator team I’ve ever seen and has continued to dominate their weak schedule since. Miami dominated in every phase against the Gators and won in the swamp 41-17, with Florida scoring a late 4th quarter TD to help the scoreline. It was impressive. Similar to other teams on this list, they are simply dominating the teams they are supposed to. The Cam Ward, Xavier Restrepo connection is fun to watch. Ball St 0 @ Miami 62
Mississippi-
It starts with the defense. Everyone knows Lane Kiffin has this offense clicking to perfection to this point. Furman, MTSU, and Wake Forest have tallied 9 points against the Rebel defense. Wake Forest being shut out in the second half at home was the most impressive. This team’s schedule will take a nasty turn for the difficult beginning October 12, so getting to that point undefeated is paramount. Keep clickin Kiffin. Mississippi 40 @ Wake Forest 6
Tennessee-
I don’t care if it was against Kent st. Everybody plays a Kent St once or twice in a season. Nobody scores 65 first half points and runs up 500+ yards of offense in one half though. Another team on this list with a near perfect start to the season. The Vols impressed me the most in week 2 as they beat NC State in Charlotte 51-10. The offense and defense of this squad are playing as well as anyone—well enough to be considered the number 1 team. Kent St 0 @ Tennessee 71
Texas-
Texas dominating ‘QB less’ Michigan in week 2 in the Big House 31-12 is their best win and only true test so far. The way their offensive line imposed their will on the stout Wolverine defensive line impressed me the most. Texas was able to dominate UTSA at home yesterday even with starting QB Quinn Ewers leaving the game early. Have no fear, the Longhorns have a Manning. Little Archie looks up to the challenge to lead this Title contending Longhorn side as long as Ewers is injured. UTSA 7 @ Texas 56
There are other teams are working towards getting on this list:
- Ohio St- I have not watched either of OSU’s dominant wins over Akron or WMU.
- Utah (with Rising)- Many questions with this borderline elite team.
- Missouri- Defensive pressure on QB impressed, but secondary lacked discipline at times.
- USC- I did not watch the Sunday afternoon game between USC/ LSU Week 1
- Oregon- Solid against Oregon St, but lack luster week 1 and 2 against inferior opponents.
- LSU- The defense not finding an answer for the South Carolina running game on Saturday was concerning.
It is a long season with so much yet to unfold, but these are the teams that have impressed me the most through Week 3 of the college football season. Well, all but one. I had to save the best for last.
The story of the day Saturday was the Memphis Tigers defeating Florida St in Tallahassee. I cannot believe my hometown Tigers are 3-0, and on the flipside, I cannot believe a Mike Norvelle team is 0-3. Two programs trending in different directions. I was most impressed with the Tigers defensive pressure and ability to control the game by moving the ball on the ground. This Tiger team has what it takes to win, there is no doubt. With a somewhat vanilla schedule the rest of the way, running the table is in the realm of possibility as long as they can avoid the pesky slip up. It is very important to me to highlight the ‘hometown Tigers’ for one special reason not related to my past geography or their warranted success on the field. My sweet grandmother who passed in ’23 was truly one of the most loyal supporters of the Memphis Tigers.
Long ago, during my adolescence, I recall a conversation between us. Well, less of a conversation and more of me blabbing all of my talking points that I had memorized from reading the Commercial Appeal, watching College Gameday or what the Saturday Night ABC Primetime highlights taught me. I’d rambled on and on about all of the players and teams I liked at the time, and she patiently listened until I finally ran out of air or ideas. She was such a cool lady. She affirmed the points that she agreed with and didn’t disagree with much, but since I hadn’t once mentioned the Tigers, she did ask me with concern and raised eyebrows, “But you’re still rooting for the hometown Tigers aren’t you?” I said then and the many times she asked me since, “yes ma’am.” She would’ve loved to see her Tigers show the courage this team showed on the road against a desperate Seminole team on Saturday as they scratched out the 20-12 win. The 4th down conversion by the Tiger offense with 6 minutes to go in the game is the type of courage she would’ve appreciated.
We all have special people in our lives and special stories to tell, and I am grateful to have the memory of one special lady that is smiling from the Great Beyond. For my late Mama Ginny and for the hometown Tigers, Go Tigers!
Will the Tigers continue their undefeated start to this season? Who knows. I’m just here weighing in from the fringes and hoping to be entertained each week. If you ask me who the number team in all the land is after week 3, I’ll tell you Texas, but I’d love to just say, It doesn’t matter. Not yet at least. Texas, UGA, Ohio St, Oregon, Tennessee, etc—just keep winning. Keep impressing. Some of these impressive teams play each other in the coming weeks, so the drama is just beginning. Chapter 3 rarely finishes the book.
Until next time,
Find the Humor and keep on Movin’
Whit W.