College Football’s Bottom 10: A Look at Struggling Teams After Week 3

As the college football season progresses, certain teams find themselves in dire straits, struggling to secure wins and facing mounting pressure. Following Week 3 of the season, ESPN has released its latest Bottom 10 rankings, highlighting the teams that are currently experiencing significant challenges.

Overview of the Bottom 10

The Bottom 10 rankings serve as a light-hearted yet sobering reflection of the teams that are struggling the most in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). This week, the list features teams that have yet to secure a victory, along with those whose performances have raised questions about their future prospects and coaching staff.

1. Massachusetts Minutemen (0-3)

The Massachusetts Minutemen are at the bottom of the list, having suffered a disheartening 47-7 defeat against Iowa. This loss marks the team’s third consecutive setback, leaving them winless at 0-3. The defeat also coincided with a significant milestone for Iowa’s head coach, Kirk Ferentz, who achieved his 206th victory, making him the winningest coach in Big Ten Conference history.

2. Sam Houston Bearkats (0-3)

The Sam Houston Bearkats have also failed to find their footing this season, entering Week 4 with an 0-3 record. Their bye week did not provide any respite, as they were unable to cover the spread against an opponent they faced during their break. Looking ahead, they will face Texas and its quarterback, Arch Manning, in what promises to be a challenging matchup.

3. Eastern Michigan Eagles (0-3)

The Eastern Michigan Eagles are among five teams in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) that are still searching for their first victory. With a record of 0-3, they are part of a larger trend of struggling teams within the conference. Reports suggest that other MAC teams have reached out to Ohio University for assistance in scheduling, hoping to find a more favorable matchup.

4. UCLA Bruins (0-3)

In a surprising turn of events, UCLA has parted ways with head coach DeShaun Foster after their disappointing start to the season. Following their third consecutive loss, the Bruins are now looking for a new direction. Additionally, sources indicate that UCLA officials inquired about the possibility of returning to the Pac-2, but their attempts were met with silence, as the NCAA’s lines were busy with players seeking transfers.

5. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (0-2)

Despite their 0-2 record, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish’s situation is somewhat more complex. They have faced three ranked opponents, losing those games by a narrow combined margin of just 15 points. However, with no conference championship to aim for and only one ranked team remaining on their schedule, their chances of making a successful run for the College Football Playoff (CFP) are dwindling.

6. Virginia Tech Hokies (0-3)

Virginia Tech’s season has been tumultuous, characterized by significant roster changes and a coaching change early in the season. After losing to Old Dominion and Vanderbilt, the Hokies fired head coach Brent Pry, marking a quick end to his tenure. The team’s struggles have left players contemplating their future, with many considering a transfer.

7. Oregon State Beavers (0-3)

The Oregon State Beavers are also struggling, though the context of their challenges is somewhat unique. As the season progresses, they remain winless and are facing mounting pressure. The Beavers are set to compete for the coveted platypus trophy against their rivals, which adds an extra layer of significance to their upcoming games.

8. Akron Zips (0-3)

The Akron Zips have yet to win a game this season, but there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon. They are scheduled to face UMass and Kent State in back-to-back weeks in November, which could provide opportunities for victory. The prospect of these matchups has sparked interest in the possibility of hosting College GameDay in Akron.

9. Kent State Golden Flashes (1-2)

The Kent State Golden Flashes have managed to secure one victory this season, but their performance has been inconsistent. After a lengthy drive that resulted in a late lead against the Buffalo Bulls, they ultimately fell short, marking their 24th consecutive loss in FBS competition. This ongoing struggle raises concerns about the team’s ability to compete effectively.

10. Florida Gators (1-2)

The Florida Gators round out the Bottom 10 with a 1-2 record. Their upcoming schedule poses significant challenges, and their performance thus far has raised questions about their ability to compete at a high level. The Gators must regroup quickly to avoid further losses.

Conclusion

As the season unfolds, these teams face critical junctures in their campaigns. The pressure is mounting, and coaching changes are already taking place, signaling that the stakes are high. The Bottom 10 serves as a reminder of the challenges that can arise in college football, where fortunes can change rapidly.

Key Facts

– **UMass Minutemen**: 0-3; lost 47-7 to Iowa.
– **Sam Houston Bearkats**: 0-3; bye week did not yield any wins.
– **Eastern Michigan Eagles**: 0-3; part of a struggling MAC.
– **UCLA Bruins**: 0-3; fired head coach DeShaun Foster.
– **Notre Dame Fighting Irish**: 0-2; narrow losses to ranked teams.
– **Virginia Tech Hokies**: 0-3; fired head coach Brent Pry.
– **Oregon State Beavers**: 0-3; facing pressure to win.
– **Akron Zips**: 0-3; potential opportunities in November.
– **Kent State Golden Flashes**: 1-2; recent struggles continue.
– **Florida Gators**: 1-2; tough schedule ahead.

Source: www.espn.com