This past week in college football didn’t provide many surprises. However, as is typically the case, the action during Week 3 led to a host of immediate reactions from both experts and fans. Unsurprisingly, some of these reactions are likely overblown.

We’re back this Monday to provide some broader insight regarding the buzzing discussions, particularly those arising from one specific conference. You will need to determine if this week’s overreactions hold more weight.

Is Georgia in Crisis?

Surprisingly, this sentiment isn’t heavily echoed among Bulldogs supporters, many of whom recognize the pattern. Even amidst Georgia’s recent successes, the team has found itself unexpectedly challenged by an early SEC foe. Historically, the Bulldogs have found ways to regain their form, looking like a top-five squad by season’s end. However, Saturday’s rough outing against Kentucky raised more concerns than usual.

The primary worry was Georgia’s unusual struggle to dominate the line of scrimmage on both ends. The offense mustered only 262 total yards, with a mere 102 rushing yards, and struggled to achieve just 12 first downs. Meanwhile, the defense surrendered 170 rushing yards, a concerning tally that featured many yards gained after contact by a Wildcats offense that had previously struggled in a much heavier loss to South Carolina. Additionally, the Bulldogs suffered from nine penalties that totaled 85 yards, undoubtedly frustrating coach Kirby Smart and the team’s staff.

As mentioned earlier, Georgia typically bounces back following such challenging games. However, as Ringo noted in “Help,” there’s a pressing urgency in this situation. In just two weeks, the Bulldogs will face Alabama, and their challenging schedule also features games at Texas, Ole Miss, and a home matchup against Tennessee. Thus, the upcoming bye week in Athens will likely involve some intensive practices.

Texas Has a Quarterback Situation

No, no, no, let’s not go down that road.

Fans of the Longhorns got a taste of a bright future thanks to Arch Manning’s impressive performance stepping in for the injured starter, Quinn Ewers. Supporters can rest easy knowing that the current offense will be in capable hands if Arch is called upon again.

However, Ewers remains the starter, and once he is fit to play, he will resume his role. With Louisiana-Monroe heading to Austin this week, there’s no need to rush Ewers back from his abdominal injury. Thus, it seems that Manning will take the lead during Saturday’s matchup. But make no mistake, the starting position is Ewers’ once he’s ready to return.

The SEC Will Claim Half of the Playoff Spots

Since we’re fully focused on the SEC, let’s continue. The conference currently occupies six of the top eight spots in the US LBM Coaches Poll, with a few others lurking in the top 16. Assuming that the eventual conference champion comes from this elite group, the remaining teams might realistically seize five of the seven available at-large playoff positions.

However, this situation has its pitfalls. First of all, we are still early in the season. Secondly, the playoff committee doesn’t rely on these polls as their decision-making criteria. Even if that were the case, the teams currently at the top will soon face off against one another.

Texas A&M Faces Quarterback Dilemmas

This claim might hold more truth. Conner Weigman was not in the starting lineup due to a shoulder injury before the Aggies’ critical matchup at Florida, and the team’s offense clearly thrived under redshirt freshman Marcel Reed’s leadership.

The offense scored 33 points compared to just 13 in their opener against Notre Dame. Reed performed well, throwing for 178 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 87 yards and another score.

Additionally, the Gators’ struggles are well known, and the challenges posed by other SEC opponents on the Aggies’ schedule might create difficulties for the less experienced Reed. Nevertheless, Weigman may find it tough to reclaim his starting position.

Memphis is a Lock for the Playoffs

Once again, let’s clarify that polls are not synonymous with playoff rankings. Nevertheless, Memphis, as the only ranked team from a Group of Five conference, seems to be in a favorable position with their victory over Florida State.

Nonetheless, claiming that Memphis is a “lock” in mid-September is an overly strong statement, particularly as they have yet to navigate what could be a challenging American Athletic Conference schedule. There are other teams outside the Power Four conferences with impressive results, including Northern Illinois’ notable victory at Notre Dame last week, which could stand as the best performance once the season concludes. Although projections are made weekly, it’s wise to avoid terms like “lock” at this early stage.