DISCLAIMER: I work for a major media affiliate but do not have a vote in the Associated Press poll, so my opinion means virtually nothing. These rankings have nothing to do with preseason polls or last season’s results; they’re based on games that have been played this year only. The rankings will be volatile, especially early in the season.
College football is on full tilt; Week Three provided some awesome games with major playoff implications. This was the best Saturday slate we’ve seen in some time.
Week Three Winners
Alabama – Kalen DeBoer bought himself some breathing room in Tuscaloosa with a dominant win over a Big Ten opponent. The Crimson Tide aren’t fixed, but in a year when style points matter, rolling a name-brand team keeps them in the mix.
Georgia – The Bulldogs’ thriller against Tennessee might go down as the game of the year. A back-and-forth battle capped by a dramatic ending reaffirmed Georgia’s knack for surviving the sport’s wildest moments.
Miami – The Hurricanes dismantled USF in a ranked matchup that never felt close. For a program that’s been searching for consistency, this win was a statement: Miami is back in the national conversation.
Week Three Losers:
Tennessee’s kicker – The ABC Broadcast showd him having a full blown panic attack before he went out for tying try. Sometimes, one missed kick defines a season. For the Vols, the blunder cost them what would have been a massive conference win.
Notre Dame – Once again, the Irish faltered on a big stage. The questions about whether they can hang with the elite programs won’t go away anytime soon.
Sellers’ Heisman bettors – That ticket looks like it belongs in the shredder after this weekend’s performance. Just seven attempts, 94 yards and a loss to Vandy.
My Top 25 After Week Three
- LSU
- Miami
- Oregon
- Ohio State
- Georgia
- Penn State
- Texas A&M
- Utah
- Illinois
- Florida State
- Illinois
- Tennessee
- Oklahoma
- Ole Miss
- Texas
- NC State
- Iowa State
- Alabama
- Mizzou
- Texas Tech
- Georgia Tech
- Auburn
- Mississippi State
- BYU
- Indiana
As Week Three comes to a close, the early-season chaos continues to define the landscape. Upsets, close calls, and dominant performances alike are already reshaping perceptions. While some teams are solidifying their place among the elite, others are left to regroup and prove their worth in the weeks ahead. With marquee matchups looming, the next slate of games promises to either reinforce these rankings or turn them upside down; college football’s drama is far from finished.
mitchlinsley.com 
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