What a weekend that was! Looks like the Giants and Gators have found their quarterbacks while Michigan and Cleveland football has a serious identity issue. Here are the winner and losers from the weekend.
Winner: New York Giants
ShareThrough one game, the Giants look like they've found their Eli Manning predecessor in Daniel Jones. DJ (is that a thing yet?) went 23/36 for 336 yards, 2 passing touchdowns and another 2 touchdowns with his legs. They needed some help from the Bucs kicker, but that doesn't take away from Daniel Jones performance.
Loser: Michigan Football
ShareThat was an absolute embarrassment Saturday in Madison. The Wolverines have no identity. Where is this explosive offense we were promised? What happened to the top-tier defense? What happened to the swagger this program was building? Saturday was an indictment on Jim Harbaugh's ability to build a program. These are all guys he recruited, and he still can muster 20 points??? Michigan still has not won a game in the Harbaugh era when they've been underdogs.
Winner: Kyle Trask
ShareFilipe who??? Just kidding Filipe- don't feel the need to sush me. Trask did come in and look pretty good against a bad Tennessee team, but there is something for jumping on opponents who you should beat. Will need to clean up the 2 picks before the Gators get Auburn in 2 weeks.
Loser: Pac-12 Playoff hopes
ShareAny reasonable shot the Pac-12 had of ending their 2 year CFP drought ended Friday night when USC beat Utah. The conference only has 1 undefeated- California, who should have lost their game in Oxford if not for a horrendous call by Pac-12 referees. Once again, the calendar will turn to October, and an entire conference is eliminated.
Winner: Buffalo Bills
ShareThe Bills are 3-0!!! I get they have beat bad teams in the Bengals, Giants and Jets, but you know what that means? The Bills are not a bad team!!! This is their first 3-0 start since 2011. This defense is good- Josh Allen is good- the Bills... are good. Circle the Wagons!!!
Loser: Freddie Kitchens
ShareThrough 3 games, one thing is apparent with the Browns: the have no identity. They're trying to air it out when they don't have the offensive line. Kitchens ran a draw play on 4th and 10 Sunday night, he threw the ball 4 straight plays from inside the 5 with 3 time outs, and looks like he's a guy who's in over his head. Oh yeah, the Browns are also the most penalized team in the league.
Winner: Michigan State
ShareMichigan State should beat Northwestern. But, it was how they looked. When Brian Lawerke can bring a legitimate passing attack to to Sparty, they look like a possible CFP team. We know the defense is there, we know they bring a good running game every week. If the passing game is there, then the rest of the Big 10 should look out.
Loser: UCF
ShareThe Knights dropped their first regular season game since 2016, dropping them from 15 to 22 in the AP poll. The Knights can still get to a solid bowl game this year, but they kissed a big time bowl game away Saturday when they lost to a good, not great Pitt team.
Winner: Green Bay Packers
ShareIt was just a win over the Broncos... right? WRONG! The Green Bay Packers are a complete team now. The Pack defense is allowing 11.7 ppg, good enough for 2nd in the NFL. The front office has finally given Aaron Rodgers a defense to lean on. This has been the best team in the NFC North this season.
Loser: Philadelphia Eagles
ShareThe Lions... THE LIONS??? You can not be a Super Bowl contender and lose to the Lions at home. Injuries aside, you should not lose to the Lions... EVER! Carson Wentz better turn it around, because Nick Foles ain't walking through that door any time soon.
Winner: Anyone who stayed up for UCLA @ Washington State
Share130 points! The game didn't end until 2:30ish Sunday morning, but we saw a losing quarterback score 9 touchdowns, the Bruins overcame a 32 point deficit, and Chip Kelly got his 1st win of the season and just his 4th win in 2 season with the Bruins. Game of the season so far.
Loser: Miami Hurricanes
ShareIt was a win, but sheesh! A 5 point win over Central Michigan? The Chippewa's should never compete with the Hurricanes in anything... EVER! This offense is wasting a CFP caliber defense. The Canes have an off week to figure it out before hosting Virginia Tech on October 5th.