Takeaways From Week Three Of College Football In Texas

 

​Shimonek stellar so far for Tech

Say what you will about the shortcomings of the Texas Tech defense in the Kliff Kingsbury era; the offense isn’t to be trifled with. The Red Raiders are the nation’s leader in total offense (620.5 yards per game) behind quarterback Nic Shimonek 78.8% passing completion for 927 yards and nine touchdowns in victories over Eastern Washington and Arizona State.

Shimonek’s six touchdowns against Arizona State last Saturday ranks as the highest amongst FBS quarterback so far this season; his 927 yards ranks seventh among FBS quarterbacks through two games.

Under Kingsbury, Shimonek could be the best quarterback in Texas and has already garnered Earl Campbell Player of the Week honors for his performance.

The Red Raiders will face a tough test this weekend against Houston’s oppressive defense.

There's now a petition asking @espn to pull Tommy Tuberville from the #TexasTech – #Houston game: https://t.co/1WJYiojDWY #signit pic.twitter.com/7CCx3tv85h

— Talk 103.9 FM & 1340 AM (@talk1039) September 20, 2017

The smile of a man that’s really bad at geography.

​Roadrunners defense pecks eyes out of offense

The UTSA defense leads Conference USA in nine different defensive statistical categories, and have the No. 1 spot in the FBS for team passing efficiency defense (60.88). Defensive coordinator Pete Golding’s group is sacrificing only 211.5 yards per game — sixth in the FBS — and have held four straight opponents to less than 300 yards.

Last weekend, UTSA kept Southern to a mere 149 yards — a school record for fewest yards allowed — and limited opponents to only 101.0 passing yards per game — third amongst the FBS.

UTSA has registered 16 tackles for loss, nine sacks, 11 quarterback pressures and four interceptions through its first eight quarters of the season. They will likely continue the defensive woes for the opposition in San Marcos next week.

When someone says #TXST will win against #UTSA on Saturday @UTSAFTBL @utsa_memes pic.twitter.com/Kxa77RJXyw

— #brycestrong (@Elgb2010) September 20, 2017

It would be a bigger upset than the Canelo scorecard.

​Sumlin done unless he starts beating SEC

After a dreadful start, the Aggies were able to rally back against Louisiana Lafayette with a 45-21 victory — a score that doesn’t look that bad for someone that didn’t watch the game. So far in the season, Texas A&M hasn’t been able to cobble together a complete game or manage any kind of consistency.

They head into an SEC match against Arkansas in which both head coaches desperately need a win for job security.

Kevin Sumlin hasn’t defeated a Power Five opponent in nearly a year and is riding a six-game losing streak during that span. The three games scheduled after this weekend — South Carolina, Alabama and Florida — don’t bode well for the long time coach’s chances of keeping his gig before the year concludes.

This dog lol pic.twitter.com/faF0P8w5l9

— Taylor Travis (@TaylorTravis15) September 16, 2017

What Aggies fans will soon watch rather than losses.

​Houston defense as good as advertised

Houston’s defense looks scary, limiting opponents to 9.5 points per game.

The hapless Rice offense failed to get the ball into UH territory during the entirety of last Saturday’s first half, and converted just two third downs in that time with only 70 total offensive yards. The 242 that the Owls finished with was deceptive, considering it was in garbage time. Spearheading the effort is sophomore DT Ed Oliver, who has 17 total tackles in two contests.

With a duo of the best FBS defenses this year in the Cougars and the Roadrunners, it’s a shame that their opening was cancelled in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.

Since 2015, the #HoustonCougars are 7-0 against P5 opponents. But clearly don't belong in a P5 conference, right? #StayWoked pic.twitter.com/OeZt2NoLy5

— Chairgatin' (@chairgatin) September 10, 2017

The Cougars will have a better record than the Texans.

 

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