By: JC Nevils
We’re back with another edition of three and out, and there are a lot
of things to dive into as we are now halfway through the season.
Let’s get started.
Top Midseason Heisman Candidates
1. QB Michael Penix Jr, Washington
Stats: 155-215 (72.1%), 2,301 yds, 20 TDs
Penix Jr. Has picked up right where he left off from last
season. After a big win over Oregon last weekend, they now sit
undefeated at 6-0, and he sits second in the country in passing
yards.
2. QB Jayden Daniels, LSU
Stats: 152-208 (73.1%), 2,294 yds, 22 TDs; 56 Car, 515 Yds, 4 Tds
LSU lost a tough one to begin the season against Florida
State, but it surely wasn’t because of Daniels. He has been on a
complete tear this season, doing everything he can for the Tigers,
whether that be through the air or on the ground. He currently sits at
third in the country in passing yards and second in touchdowns.
3. QB Caleb Williams, USC
Stats: 142-203 (70.0%), 2,021 Yds, 23 TDs; 51 Car, 116 Yds, 6 Tds
The reigning Heisman Trophy winner from last season has
had no drop-off whatsoever. While his team also took a tough loss, being defeated in a terrible way against Notre Dame last weekend, he
routinely puts on a show. His defense needs to start helping him out,
but as long as the Trojans have Williams, they will be fine.
More Sports News
Top 2024 Uncommitted Prospects
1. WR Ryan Wingo
St. Louis University, Saint Louis, MO
6’2/205, (5 Star) Rank: 22nd Nationally
The speedster from Saint Louis can do it all on the field.
While his speed is his biggest asset, he is also a superb athlete who
can line up anywhere and create a mismatch. It seems it is down
to the home state, Missouri Tigers, along with Texas for his services.
He is set to commit next week on October 25th.
2. OT Jordan Seaton
IMG Academy, Bradenton, FL
6’5/287, (5 Star) Rank: 26th Nationally
The big boy out of IMG Academy is a complete monster
in the trenches. He has great feet and technique to go along with
strong hands. Once he gets his hands on you, you can wrap it up. He
has recently taken visits to Tennessee and Florida, with Oregon up
next this weekend.
3. EDGE Elijah Rushing
Salpointe Catholic, Tucson, AZ
6’6/250, (5 Star) Rank: 27th Nationally
The star from the desert recently decommitted from the
home state, Arizona Wildcats, which the fans did not take very well.
He stated, “I have come to the conclusion that the program is not the
right fit for me to take the next step with regard to my development.
I am, therefore, decommitting from the program.” While that was a
tough loss for Arizona, it will certainly be a win for the next
program. It seems like all odds point to Oregon as his next landing
spot.
Can Tennessee Beat Alabama for a Second Straight Season?
Last season was one for the ages for the Tennessee Volunteers.
They finished the season with a record of 11-2 while beating
Clemson in the Orange Bowl to top it off. That was their first 10-plus win
season since 2007.
What made it the most memorable, though, was
the huge win over Alabama on a last-second field goal. That win
over the Crimson Tide was the first in 15 years and the first win
against Nick Saban since he stepped foot on campus in Tuscaloosa.
It was not only just how they won, but also because the celebration after
might have been the most epic part of the entire night. The fans not only
stormed the field, but they then went on to tear down the field goalpost and carry it all the way to the Tennessee River to dump it. Vol
Nation is certainly a sight to see.
This upcoming version of the “Third Saturday in October” should
be another exciting matchup. Both teams are breaking in new
quarterbacks along with numerous new starters. Alabama even went
through their whole quarterback room the first couple of weeks
before they settled on Jalen Milroe. While he has performed pretty
well, given the circumstances, this Tennessee defense is completely different.
They lead the country in sacks and are stout against run. They also
have one of the best corners in the country in Kamal Hadden, who comes in playing his best ball of the season. On the other hand, Tennessee’s offense is not
quite the same through the air. They rely on the run game more so
this season as they break in a new WR corps. Alabama’s defense is certainly no
slouch, either.
I see this game as more of a defensive battle. Certainly not a
barnburner like last season, but exciting nevertheless. As long as
Tennessee can do as they have all season getting pressure on the
quarterback back while being dominant on the ground, I think they
can pull out a tough one on the road.
