JD PicKells College Football Playoff Rankings After Week 3
Week 3 of the 2024 college football season is over, and there was no shortage of action on the national level.
Some coaches stood out from the crowd, and ESPN College GameDay host Kirk Herbstreit ranked his coaches with the best performances of the past weekend.
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Here is the person who, according to Herbstreit, rose to the top this week:
1. Jake Dickert – Washington State
State of Washington defeated rivals from their own state Washington in Week 3 for only the third time in 15 years in the Apple Cup. He defeated the Huskies at Lumen Field 24-19, quarterback John Mateer scored three touchdowns and held on bravely at the goal line until the end to secure the win.
After the game, Mateer said head coach Jake Dickert told his team that they had waited nine and a half months to lift the Apple Cup trophy. “It wasn’t our best performance, but we did it,” he said.
2. Barry Odom – UNLV
UNLV stunned Kansas 23-20 on the road in Week 3, moving to 3-0 with two wins over Big 12 teams under head coach Barry Odom. After rebounding Houston With a 27-7 record on their home field in the season opener, the Rebels have established themselves as a group of five teams to reckon with this season.
They are inactive in Week 4, but will face Fresno State the following week before hosting the ACCs. Syracuse on October 4. If they can start the season 5-0, the Rebels could perhaps qualify for the group of five spots in the College Football Playoffs.
3. Jordan Hankins – Memphis (DC)
State of Florida could not find any offensive rhythm against Memphis on Saturday. The blame may lie more with Tigers defensive coordinator Jordan Hankins than with FSU’s offense.
In fact, Memphis’ defense has shut down the opposing offense all year long. After shutting down North Alabama in Week 1, they allowed 17 points in Week 2 against Troy but they held the Trojans to 251 total yards of offense that day. That trend continued Saturday in Tallahassee, and Memphis’ defense doesn’t seem to plan on letting up.
4. Pat Narduzzi – Pitt
The 2024 Backyard Brawl lived up to its reputation in Week 3 and saw the Pittsburgh Panthers overcome West Virginia 38-34 thanks to a touchdown with less than two minutes of regulation time left to play.
With this win, Pitt is now 3-0 this season — matching the Panthers’ win total (3-9) from last year. Head coach Pat Narduzzi has given his football team its best start since the 2020 season. It is the fifth time since 2000 that Pitt is 3-0.
5. Kenny Dillingham-Arizona State
State of Arizona escaped a 31-28 road trip against Texas State on Saturday. Kicker Ian Hershey scored the decisive field goal with 6:29 minutes left in regular time and Kenny Dillingham’s defense held firm on the home stretch.
The Sun Devils are 3-0 for the first time under their young head coach. With a favorable schedule, Dillingham could have the Sun Devils bowling even stronger at the end of the regular season.
6. Jason Candle – Toledo
Everyone was stunned that Toledo came to Starkville and took care of State of Mississippi 41-17, except for the Rocket. They’ve shown in the past that they can score, and did so in droves in an SEC road game against the Bulldogs.
Head coach Jason Candle is the reigning MAC Coach of the Year and has already proven his chances to defend his title thanks to Saturday’s overwhelming victory.
7. Bryant Haines – Indiana (DC)
The fans raved about the offensive performance of the Indiana Hoosiers Football team at the weekend. Defeated University of California 42-13 on the road, their praise is justified.
However, Bryant Haines’ defense slowed the Bruins down at every turn. They failed to rush for more than 100 yards, forced two turnovers, and allowed just one touchdown in the entire second half.
