Welcome to Week 3 of the college football season.

I’ll start by saying I have nothing against “The Ohio State University” but I’m not gonna lie, I love it when one of the mainstays in the College Football Playoffs lose. I like the thought of having some new teams make the dance and it makes the CFP committee squirm a little.

Don’t worry, there is still time to somehow get Ohio State and Clemson back into the playoff picture.

Don’t look now, but there is a team that wears similar colors to that of the Steelers and boasts a solid defense that are moving quickly up the rankings. Coincidence? The Iowa Hawkeyes have moved into 5th in the AP poll.

Although not a highlighted game, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Oklahoma Sooners #3 game. The rivalry started back in 1912 and due to multiple realignments (yadda yadda yadda) the two storied universities rarely meet anymore. The Huskers and Sooners have met 86 times - Oklahoma 45 wins, Nebraska 38 wins and they have tied 3 times. Game is being played in Oklahoma and can be seen at noon on FOX.

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Cincinnati Bearcats #8 at Indiana Hoosiers Noon ESPN

Cincinnati

Desmond Ridder #9 QB 6’4” 215lbs - Okay I’ll admit I have a huge Draft Crush on this young man, it dates back to the 2020 college season. He was high on my radar that year but he decided to go back to school, probably a smart move on his part.

The young man was quoted as “there is unfinished business” You have to respect that, I know I do. Cincinnati was knocking on the doorstep of the CFP last year and if they handle business he may get his chance to put the Bearcats one step further and into the final four.

What’s not to like, he has the height, size and a cannon for an arm. If you like your quarterback with some mobility, he will not disappoint. He isn’t blessed with tremendous speed( Lamar Jackson) but due to his height he has long strides that eat up the ground. Let me say he isn’t a flight first guy he will continue to look down field or maneuver within the pocket to try and complete those passes.

Ridder is able to change arm angles to find windows in tight spaces and has decent accuracy but he will need to work on ball placement at the next level. And while I love his arm strength he needs some work on touch throws. He isn’t a finished product but there are intangibles that just aren’t teachable and he checks off many of those boxes.

Right now he is scattered between the teens and all the way down to the middle of the second round throughout the varying boards. He has a couple of tough games upcoming with Indiana this week and Notre Dame on the 2nd of October. I know there are several members of our great community that are on the Ridder Bandwagon, take a look and see for yourself.

Alec Pierce #12 WR 6’3” 208lbs

Josh Whyle #81 TE 6’6” 245lbs

Myjai Sanders #21 EDGE 6”5” 255lbs

Ja’Von Hicks #3 SAF 6’2” 205lbs

Ahmad Gardner #1 CB 6’3” 200lbs

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Indiana

Matt Bedford #76 OT 6’6” 310lbs

Ty Fryfogle #3 WR 6’2” 205lbs

James Head #6 EDGE 6’5” 262lbs

Micah McFadden #47 ILB 6’2” 232lbs

Tiawan Mullen #3 CB 5’10” 180lbs - Keep an eye out for this guy

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Alabama Crimson Tide #1 at Florida Gators #11 3:30 CBS

Matchup Watch

Kaiir Elam #5 CB Florida vs John Metchie lll #8 Alabama

Not sure how often these two will be paired because of scheme but both are considered first round picks in the upcoming draft.

Elam has size and length and matches that with an aggressive style of play. The Florida junior is considered one of the top players at his position and could roll off the board inside the Top 10.

Metchie lll has speed for days and and is a solid route runner. Some are projecting him as a slot guy at the next level but he will line up outside as well.

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Auburn Tigers #22 at Penn State Nittany Lions #10 7:30 PM ABC

In the famed “White Out” a battle between the Big 10 and SEC. One thought on this game, can Penn State find a way to get Jahan Dotson more touches.

Penn State

Rasheed Walker #53 LT 6’6” 320lbs

Jahan Dotson #5 WR 5”11” 184lbs

Jaquan Brisker #1 SAF 6’1” 200lbs

Ellis Brooks #13 ILB 6’1” 241lbs

Brandon Smith #12 OLB 6’3 240lbs

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Auburn

Bo Nix #10 QB 6’3” 214lbs

Zacoby McClain #9 OLB 6’0 219lbs

Owen Pappoe #0 ILB 6’1” 226lbs

Smoke Monday #21 SAF 6’3” 199lbs - Has to be one of the coolest names in college football

Roger McCreary #23 CB 6’0 190lbs

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Arizona State Sun Devils #14 at BYU Cougars #23 10:15 ESPN

Arizona St.

Jayden Daniels #5 QB 6’2’ 200lbs

Dohnavan West #61 Center 6’4” 300lbs

Merlin Robertson #8 LB 6’3” 240lbs

Chase Lucas #24 CB 6’ 185lbs

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BYU

James Empey #66 Center 6’4” 303lbs

Gunner Romney #18 WR 6’2” 195lbs

Tyler Algeier #25 RB 5’11” 220lbs

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Let us know what games you are watching and who you think would look good in the Black and Gold. As always Stay Safe and Go Steelers!