Kirk Herbstreit ranks top performing coaches of Week 3

Week 3 of the 2024 college football season is in the books, and it saw no shortage of action across the national slate.

Some coaches stood out above the rest, and ESPN College GameDay host Kirk Herbstreit has ranked his top performing coaches from this past weekend.

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Here’s who Herbstreit thought rose to the top this week:

1. Jake Dickert – Washington State

Washington State defeated in-state rival Washington in the Apple Cup for just the third time in 15 years during Week 3. Taking down the Huskies 24-19 inside Lumen Field, quaretback John Mateer scored three touchdowns and held strong on a late goal-line stand to secure the victory.

After the game, Mateer said that after the game, head coach Jake Dickert told his team that they waited nine and a half months to hoist the Apple Cup trophy. “It wasn’t our best, but we got it done,” he said.

2. Barry Odom – UNLV

UNLV stunned Kansas 23-20 on the road during Week 3, advancing to 3-0 with two wins over Big 12 teams under head coach Barry Odom’s belt. After bouncing Houston 27-7 on their home field in the season opener, the Rebels have solidifed themselves as a group of five team to be reckoned with this season.

They’re idle in Week 4 but will take on Fresno State the following week before hosting the ACC’s Syracuse on Oct. 4. If they can jump out to a 5-0 start to the season, perhaps the Rebels could be considered for the group of five spot in the College Football Playoffs.

3. Jordan Hankins – Memphis (DC)

Florida State couldn’t find a rhythm offensivly against Memphis on Saturday. Tigers defensive coordinator Jordan Hankins might be to blame rather than the FSU offense.

In fact, Memphis’ defense has shut opposing offenses down all year long. Shutting out North Alabama in Week 1, they allowed 17 point in Week 2 against Troy but held the Trojans to 251 total yards of offense on the day. That trend continued in Tallahassee on Saturday, and the Memphis defense doesn’t look like it’s planning on slowing down.

4. Pat Narduzzi – Pitt

The 2024 Backyard Brawl lived up to his reputation during Week 3, seeing the Pitt Panthers overcome West Virginia 38-34 thanks to a go-ahead touchdown with under two minutes to go in regulation.

The win improves Pitt to 3-0 on the season — matching the Panters’ win total (3-9) from one year ago. Head coach Pat Narduzzi has his football team off to its best start since the 2020 season. It’s the fifth time since 2000 that Pitt is 3-0.

5. Kenny Dillingham – Arizona State

Arizona State escaped a 31-28 road trip to Texas State on Saturday. Kicker Ian Hershey made the go-ahead field goal with 6:29 left in regulation, and Kenny Dillingham’s defense held strong over the final stretch.

The Sun Devils are 3-0 for the first time under its young head coach. With a favorable schedule ahead, Dillingham may have the Sun Devils bowling and then some by the end of the regular season.

6. Jason Candle – Toledo

Everybody was stunned that Toledo came into Starkville and handled Mississippi State 41-17 except for the Rocket. They’ve shown they can score in the past, and did so in droves in a road SEC environment against the Bulldogs.

Head coach Jason Candle is the reigining MAC coach of the year, and is already proving his case for a repeat thanks to that blowout victory on Saturday.

7. Bryant Haines – Indiana (DC)

Fans have been raving over the offensive performance from the Indiana Hoosiers football team over the weekend. Defeating UCLA 42-13 on the road, their praise is justified.

However, Bryant Haines’ defensive unit stifled the Bruins at every turn. They failed to surpass 100 yards rushing, and forced two turnovers as they allowed just one touchdown during the entire second half.