2019 College Football Top Ten (Week 3): Dominating Performances

Every team in the top ten won rather easily with the exception of Florida. It’s still early and changes are inevitable but these teams are looking to separate themselves from the rest. The top five teams are clearly above the competition and there will be a battle for the four playoff spots. Here’s a look at the week three Top Ten:

 

1) Clemson Tigers (3-0) defeated Syracuse Orange 41-6

The Tigers avenged their last regular season loss at the hands of this same Orange team two seasons ago in emphatic fashion. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence had a decent performance, going 22-39 for 395 yards and three touchdowns. He did throw two interceptions and now has more in the first three games than he had all last season. The defense had no problem controlling Syracuse’s offense: they gave up less than 200 total yards.

Next game- vs. Charlotte 49ers

 

2) Alabama Crimson Tide (3-0) defeated South Carolina Gamecocks 47-23

The Crimson Tide scored early and often over four quarters to easily beat the Gamecocks. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa had a historic day, going 28-36 for 444 yards with five touchdowns. He became the first quarterback in Alabama history to pass for over 400 yards with five touchdowns. They still need to get their running game going at some point. The defense had some breakdowns that need to be fixed but held strong overall.

Next game- vs. Southern Miss Golden Eagles

 

3) Georgia Bulldogs (3-0) defeated Arkansas State Red Wolves 55-0

The Bulldogs blew out an outmatched Red Wolves team. Quarterback Jake Fromm was excellent, going 17-22 for 279 yards and three touchdowns in a half of work. Wide receiver Dominick Blaylock had a big game with four catches for 112 yards and a touchdown. The defense pitched a shutout and dominated Arkansas State’s offense. They gave up just 177 total yards as evidence.

Next game- vs. #7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish

 

4) LSU Tigers (3-0) defeated Northwestern State Demons 65-14

The Tigers flexed their muscles against an inferior opponent and crushed the Demons. Quarterback Joe Burrow continued his stellar play, going 21-24 for 373 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. Wide receiver Justin Jefferson had five catches for 124 yards. The defense took a half to adjust to Northwestern State’s passing attack but solved it in the second.

Next game- @ Vanderbilt Commodores

 

5) Oklahoma Sooners (3-0) defeated UCLA Bruins 48-14

The Sooners built a big halftime lead and cruised to an easy victory over the Bruins. Quarterback Jalen Hurts has been sensational all season, amassing 439 total yards and four touchdowns. Could Oklahoma have their third straight Heisman winner? Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb had five catches for 116 yards and two touchdowns. The defense has been much better this season and isn’t getting gouged with big plays.

Next game- vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders

 

6) Ohio State Buckeyes (3-0) defeated Indiana Hoosiers 51-10

The Buckeyes pounded the Hoosiers in what was supposed to be a stiffer test. Quarterback Justin Fields was good but not needed, going 14-24 for 199 yards and three touchdowns. Running backs J.K. Dobbins (193 yards/one touchdown) and Master Teague III (106 yards/one touchdown) did the heavy lifting on offense. The defense had a day off against Indiana’s offense. They gave up just over 200 offensive yards.

Next game- vs. Miami (OH) Red Hawks

 

7) Notre Dame Fighting Irish (2-0) defeated New Mexico Lobos 66-14

The Fighting Irish took care of business, destroying the Lobos. Quarterback Ian Book was terrific, going 15-24 for 360 yards with and touchdowns. Wide receivers Chase Claypool (96 yards/one touchdown) and Javon McKinley (85 yards/two touchdowns) looked unstoppable. The defense pressured New Mexico’s offense all game and forced four turnovers.

Next game- @ #3 Georgia Bulldogs

 

8) Auburn Tigers (3-0) defeated Kent State Golden Flashes 55-16

The Tigers scored on almost every possession to rout the Golden Flashes. Quarterback Bo Nix had a solid game, going 12-16 for 161 yards with a touchdown. The rushing attack was unleashed with 467 yards. Running backs Jatarvious Whitlow (135 yards/one touchdown) and Joey Gatewood (102 yards/two touchdowns) led the way. The defense did the job and held strong.

Next game- @ #17 Texas A&M Aggies

 

9) Michigan Wolverines (2-0) Bye week

Next game- @ #13 Wisconsin Badgers

 

10)  Florida Gators (3-0) defeated Kentucky Wildcats 29-21

The Gators escaped Lexington with a close win over the Wildcats. Starting quarterback Feleipe Franks was lost to a leg injury but backup Kyle Trask replaced him and helped lead a comeback victory. Wide receiver Van Jefferson had seven catches for 93 yards. The defense held firm in the fourth quarter to allow the offense to mount a comeback.

Next game- vs. Tennessee Volunteers