2020 College Football Week 3 Summary
Three weeks of college football are in the books, and so far things are going as well considering the unpredictable nature of this pandemic. This week, we saw both the Virginia-Virginia Tech and Army-BYU games postponed due to positive COVID-19 tests. In the oncoming days and weeks, we will all find out how other teams could be affected during this period.
As was the case last week, this week was also defined by exceptional quarterback performances, with one particular quarterback who has the potential of becoming a star in the near future.
What Did We Learn In Week 3?
"A win is a win" as they say. For almost three quarters against Tulsa, Oklahoma State barely generated any offense, after starting quarterback Spencer Sanders left the game with an injury. After inserting freshman quarterback Shane Illingworth, the Cowboys were able to generate just enough offense to escape with a victory. Though it was the first game of the season, the Cowboys have a, if they have any aspirations of winning the Big-12 title, let alone a National Championship.
We also learned that Oklahoma State receiver Tylan Wallace is not only the best receiver in the Big-12, he may possibly be the best receiver in the nation..... until Rashod Bateman comes back.
UCF's sophomore sensation Dillon Gabriel put together a monster performance, passing for 417 yards and four touchdowns, as the Knights took down Georgia Tech. Gabriel's ceiling is such that he could soon become one of the top quarterbacks in the nation.
D'Eriq King's transfer may end up being the best thing to happen to the Miami Hurricanes in a long time. His incredible performance against Louisville is an indication that the best is yet to come for a program that has been mired in mediocrity for a while.
When we think of the ACC Conference, we generally think of quarterback Trevor Lawrence and the Clemson Tigers. Well, another name that should soon enter the discussion is University of Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett. On Saturday afternoon, he broke down a talented Syracuse defense, and guided his Panthers to an impressive victory.
Speaking of Clemson, their contest against Citadel became a scrimmage by halftime. To say the least, they deserve to be no. 1 team in college football.
Last week, the Louisiana Ragin Cajuns made headlines following their upset victory to Iowa State. This week, Georgia State almost returned the favor, but narrowly avoided a big upset with a dramatic overtime win.
For Austin Peay, their season so far has been defined by being completely overwhelmed, then blown out. This week, the Cincinnati Bearcats made quick work of the Govenors.
When we talk about the top running backs in the nation, Marshall's Branden Knox is a name that should always be in the conversation. Behind this 138 rushing yards, his Thundering Herd pulled off the biggest upset of the week, beating Appalachian State.
The duo of quarterback Phil Jurkovec and receiver Zay Flowers proved to be too much for Duke's defense, as they lifted the Eagles to victory in their season debut.
Notre Dame dominated South Florida from beginning to end. The most interesting stat line of the contest came from Irish quarterback, Ian Book; four carries, nine yards, three touchdowns.
Week 3 Honor Roll
Dillon Gabriel - UCF D'Eriq King - Miami
Brevin Jordan - Miami Brenden Knox - Marshall
Richie Grant - UCF Cam'ron Harris - Miami
Tutu Atwell - Louisville Elijah Mitchell - Louisiana
Marlon Williams - UCF Destin Coates - Georgia State
Rashad Weaver - Pitt Ulysses Bentley IV - SMU
Shane Buechele - SMU Marvin Moody - Tulane
Malik Willis - Liberty Daniel Joseph - NC State
Kenneth Walker III - Wake Forest Zay Flowers - Boston College