Welcome to your Week 11 Headlines in Review, written by the Three Technique Team. This week, we react to Jimbo Fisher’s dismissal at Texas A&M, Michigan’s statement victory, and Washington’s dogfight win over Utah. Let us know what your top storyline was in the comments or by tagging us @ThreeTechPod, and be sure to check out the podcast on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple!
Jimbo Fisher Fired at Texas A&M
Without a doubt, the most surprising news of the weekend came bright and early Sunday morning when reports arrived that Jimbo Fisher had been fired. Jimbo’s six-year tenure in College Station ends with a 45-25 record, including a 27-21 mark in SEC play. While Jimbo certainly provides Aggies with some tremendous moments (the 2021 Orange Bowl and a record-setting recruiting class chief among them), there is no doubt that he ultimately under-achieved with one of the most talent and resource rich programs in the country.
We broke down the coaching change, what’s next, and who fits best in Aggieland in our emergency live show here.
No Harbaugh, No Problem for Michigan
All three guys picked Michigan to win and to cover in our featured game of the week in the preview show. Despite Jim Harbaugh’s absence, the result was never really in doubt. Michigan’s defense went to work smothering Penn State’s “offense.” What was a very solid effort from the Nittany Lions’ defense went entirely wasted by their counterparts on the other side of the ball.
Drew Allar went 10-of-22 for 70 yards and a passing touchdown. He also added a rushing score in the first half on the back of 49 rushing yards. 238 total yards was all the now-fired Mike Yursich could muster standing next to James Franklin.
As Michigan notches its 10th win of the season, the real drama lies in Harbaugh’s upcoming day in court this next Friday. Michigan is seeking a temporary restraining order against the Big Ten that would allow Harbaugh to coach on the sidelines until the investigation is complete. Will Jim return to the sidelines before the postseason?
Lane Kiffin’s Inability to Win the Big Game Strikes Again
Georgia throttled Ole Miss, 52-17, in a top 10 showdown…at least it was in name only. The Bulldogs remain elite, one of the top two teams in the country by a decent margin in our estimation. No, there wasn’t an issue with the home team on a wet evening Between the Hedges. The issue is an old one that Rebels’ fans are wrestling with once again on Sunday morning.
Lane Kiffin is now 9-23 against ranked opponents for his head coaching career. For all of the talk, the politics, and the mind games that Kiffin plays off the field, he struggles to do it at the highest level on the field. The Rebels gave up over 600 yards to the Bulldogs, a mark reached only twice this season. Jaxson Dart and Spencer Sanders threw for a combined 173 yards and one interception. Quinshon Judkins scored twice but only rushed for 75 yards on 22 attempts. The top 10 matchup we were promised never materialized.
As rumors of Kiffin’s candidacy in College Station swirl through Sunday afternoon, those in maroon and white need only look to his big-game record for their answer. You thought Jimbo was ineffective on the road/in the spotlight? Kiffin has unfortunately been even worse. The excuses don’t help either.
Huskies Start 10-0 for Second Time in Program History
Utah defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley said that Michael Penix Jr. was going to have to earn his Heisman Trophy on Saturday afternoon. He answered the bell.
Penix threw for 332 yards and logged three total touchdowns in a 35-28 dogfight over Utah. The Huskies struggled to stop the Utes in the first half but rallied to shut down Bryson Barnes entirely in the second half.
The Huskies improved to 10-0 for the second time in program history. The last time they started this hot, they shared the 1991 national title with Miami. We asked the question on Saturday’s live show: Does Washington have what it takes to win a national title? Mitch compared the Huskies to last year’s Ohio State team, while Trey said they reminded him more of last year’s TCU squad. Washington’s offense is elite, but the defense has had to be timely in order to stay undefeated. Can that carry the Huskies to a national title?
Alabama Secures the SEC West, Mizzou Shuts Down Tennessee
Alabama looks like it is rounding into championship form at the perfect time. After a 49-21 route of Kentucky, it looks like Nick Saban has the Tide on the cusp of competing for another national championship. Alabama secured its spot in Atlanta after a one-year hiatus in 2022. From benching Jalen Milroe to seeing him turn into a potential Heisman contender, the Tide are now pairing an elite defense with a lethal two-headed offense. Anyone sleeping on the Tide will probably regret that sooner rather than later.
Meanwhile, Brady Cook, Cody Schrader, and the Missouri Tigers were emphatically defending homefield from the Tennessee Volunteers, 36-7. Schrader rushed 35 times for 205 yards and caught five balls for another 116 yards. Missouri is not only securing its spot as runner-up in the SEC East, but the Tigers are positioning themselves as a championship contender right behind the Georgia Bulldogs. Can Missouri make it to Atlanta in the next three years?
About the author
I've spent the majority of the last decade cutting my teeth in college sports, covering athletics for three separate universities and spent 2021 as an Assistant Athletic Director. I graduated from Texas A&M in 2019 and got my Masters from Dallas Baptist University two years later. My favorite CFB memory will always be Texas A&M's dramatic 7OT win over LSU in 2018, my final game as a student. My passion is telling stories and helping fans get to know their favorite athletes on a personal level, whether that be through articles or a broadcast.
