Kirk Herbstreit ranks top performing teams of Week 3

Week 3 of the college football season was a fun one, creating a few chaotic scorelines. As usual, ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit decided to highlight a few programs, naming his top-performing teams of the Saturday slate.

Herbstreit decided to give praise to seven teams, just three of which are members of power conferences. A few early-season rivalries took the spotlight and when you win those types of games, they wind up meaning a whole lot more.

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You can check out the teams Kirk Herbstreit ranked his top performing teams of Week 3 below.

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1. Washington State Cougars

The Apple Cup is filled with plenty of hatred, especially with how conference realignment has unfolded in recent years. But as head coach Jake Dickert said, Washington State went out there because they love themselves, not out of hate for Washington.

No matter how Washington State’s season plays out, this win will be a special one for them. Bigger picture, a 3-0 start for the Cougars has them rolling in 2024.

2. Alabama Crimson Tide

Dubbed the first test of the Kalen DeBoer era, Alabama passed with flying colors in Madison. While Wisconsin started with an opening-drive field goal, it was all Crimson Tide from that point forward.

DeBoer is hoping to keep the standard in Tuscaloosa quite high and did as such with a blowout. Their next game where we might really learn about Alabama, facing Georgia on Sept. 28.

3. Pitt Panthers

Similar to Washington State, a rivalry win brings out a little more emotion for Pitt. The Backyard Brawl is as fierce as any matchup in the country and certainly delivered on Saturday.

Head coach Pat Narduzzi might consider his team to be 2-0 on the week, taking down West Virginia and the officials. Herbstreit was impressed either way, placing Pitt at No. 3 in Week 3.

4. UCF Knights

Going into the halftime locker room, not many expected UCF to begin their Big 12 campaign off with a win. The Knights were down two scores and at one point, the deficit to TCU grew to 21 early in the third quarter.

UCF battled in the second half and found a way to win in the final minute of the game. Gus Malzhan‘s team won just one road Big 12 game in 2023 and has already matched their total in 2024.

5. Toledo Rockets

Any MAC team going into SEC Country and getting a win would generate massive headlines. But Toledo went to Starkville and beat down Mississippi State, winning 41-17.

At halftime, the scoreline was the infamous 28-3 but there was no historic comeback from the home team. Instead, it’s a historic win for the Rockets and the entire MAC.

6. Georgia State Panthers

Another non-power conference going into an SEC stadium and coming away with a win. This one was a little tighter, as Georgia State took down Vanderbilt by four for their second win of the 2024 season.

Wide receiver Ted Hurst caught the game-winning touchdown pass from 25 yards out with 15 seconds remaining. A stunned crowd in Nashville as the Sun Belt becomes the latest conference to claim a win over the SEC.

7. Memphis Tigers

Misery continued for Mike Norvell and it came at the expense of his former program. Memphis beat Florida State thanks to an impressive defensive performance.

The Tigers gave up just 238 yards of offense, forcing three turnovers too. A perfect recipe to get a win on the road and potentially boost your odds of making the College Football Playoff.