Cover 3: Your Weekly Insight Delivered Every Wednesday

Cover 3 is a digital newsletter that covers 3 different stories around football every week. From the locker room to the front office, we’ve got you covered.

Each Wednesday, an email will land in your inbox from me, Jordan Palmer.

Our goal is not only to give you the stories you won’t get anywhere else - but another perspective that can help you build your relationship to the game, your family, and all the people you enjoy spending time with.

Gear Up For Maybe The Best QB Matchups Of The College Football Season

In today’s email:

We’ve got three epic QB matchups this weekend in college football. So block out some time, grab your snacks, and find a comfortable seat because Saturday is gonna be a lot of fun.

Oregon takes on Washington in a huge Pac-12 matchup. Bo Nix vs Michael Penix Jr.

We’ve got the storied battle of USC vs Notre Dame. Caleb Williams vs Sam Hartman.

Then it’s another Pac-12 showdown, Oregon State vs UCLA. DJ Uiagalelei vs Donte Moore.

Bo Nix vs. Michael Penix Jr.: A Showdown That Will Shift The 2023 College Football Landscape

Get ready because we're diving deep into what's shaping up to be the clash of titans: Bo Nix vs. Michael Penix Jr. These two aren’t just elite college QBs, they're the present and future of the game. Both have had remarkable starts to their season, setting the stage for an unforgettable face-off.

Penix Jr. Is Turning Heads

Let's start with Michael Penix Jr. Just digest these numbers for a second: a 16:2 TD-to-interception ratio. Over 2,000 passing yards in a mere 5 games. And an impressive 75% completion rate. Stats that most quarterbacks only dream of. Admittedly, the path up to this point has been somewhat breezy. But don't let that distract you. Oregon is set to be their most formidable opponent yet and with the home advantage? That stadium will be electric. Some are even whispering it might be the most legendary game that field has ever witnessed.

We Know Bo

Switching gears to Bo Nix, this guy's on fire. Operating at peak performance, Nix boasts a 15:1 TD-to-interception ratio. He's been connecting with his targets 80% of the time and has racked up over 1,500 passing yards. Now, it's worth noting Oregon hasn't exactly faced the stiffest competition leading up to this matchup either, but that's what makes this game even more tantalizing.

This Is The Game

With so much on the line, this isn't just another game on the schedule. This is the game. Nix and Penix Jr. aren't just playing for bragging rights; they're playing for legacy, for the future, and to show scouts and fans alike what they're made of. Both these squads have daunting challenges awaiting them post this showdown, but for now, all eyes are on this top 10 college football matchup.

In a sport where moments define careers, this game promises countless ones. Two phenomenal quarterbacks, both with Sunday-level talent, will be going head-to-head. So block some time out this weekend and don’t miss a snap because this game is what college football is all about.

Caleb Williams vs. Sam Hartman: When Titans Collide at South Bend

It's that iconic time of the year when college football legends emerge from the dust of South Bend. Yep, we're talking USC vs. Notre Dame. This matchup isn't just another game; it's history in the making. And right at the heart of this impending showdown are two incredible quarterbacks: Notre Dame's Sam Hartman and USC's very own Caleb Williams.

This rivalry, with moments like the infamous "Bush Push" of 2005, has given us dramatic finishes that remain etched in our memories. That game still has folks talking, debating, reminiscing - the pure essence of a classic college football rivalry. Now, it’s more than just about the win; it's about adding a page to that rich, storied history.

Hartman’s Journey Led Him Here

Let's dive into Sam Hartman's journey. From what I know and hear about this guy, he’s a “get knocked down and hop right back up” kinda QB. And he’s faced a gauntlet of opponents so far this year. With a whopping 67% completion rate and already 18 TDs under his belt this season, the man is showing everyone he’s not just here to play; he's here to dominate. Those high-pressure games against Ohio State and Duke showcased his poise, but USC? This is his chance to cement his legacy amidst the legends of the Fighting Irish. With a last second heart-breaking loss to Ohio State and a beat down from Louisville last week, the USC game presents the opportunity for Hartman and the Irish to right the ship before they continue their brutally difficult schedule.

Caleb Continues To Impress

Now, shifting gears to Caleb Williams. Fresh off his Heisman win last year, this Trojan sensation is putting up numbers that are nothing short of surreal. A 70% completion rate and a jaw-dropping 21 TDs at the midpoint? Those aren’t just stats; they're statements. Caleb’s not just playing for another feather in his cap; he's chasing Trojan glory and a national title, adding to the weight of the USC legends in this iconic rivalry.

A Tradition That’ll Cement A Legacy

It’s USC. It's Notre Dame. It's tradition, legacy, and rivalry rolled into a pulsating 60-minute gridiron showdown. With every snap, Hartman and Williams won't just be playing for their teams; they’ll be playing for history. It’s more than just a matchup… it’s a spectacle.

DJ Uiagalelei vs Donte Moore: A Quarterback Showcase Worth the Hype

This Saturday promises to be one of those as we prep for a stacked Saturday of QB matchups. The last one to mention is between Oregon State’s DJ Uiagalelei and UCLA's freshman sensation, Donte Moore.

The All-Around Athlete

First, a dive into DJ's world. He's lighting up the season with stats that make even seasoned analysts double-take. We're talking 1300 yards through the air, 13 thrown TDs, and a nifty 5 rushing touchdowns. What's captivating about DJ isn’t just his throwing arm; it's his all-rounded athleticism. Towering over most, he's not just running the ball; he’s attacking, and creating space, embodying the spirit of an aggressive runner.

The journey ahead? Intriguing, to say the least. First, he faces an Arizona team that's recently given USC a run for their money. Following that is the energy-charged Colorado game, a matchup that will, at a minimum, draw massive ratings. And to cap off the season, there's the Civil War, the age-old clash against Oregon. Destiny? It's firmly in DJ and his team's hands.

But looming large before all that is the challenge posed by UCLA’s top-tier defense. DJ, now clearly in sync with his offensive system, squaring off against such a unit? Must-watch doesn’t even begin to cover it.

The True Freshman

On the other end of the spectrum, we have 5-star Donte Moore. The true freshman, already making waves, is an alluring glimpse into football’s future. With games against Colorado, Arizona, and the seismic encounter at the Coliseum on the horizon, Donte has his work cut out. But he brings to the table a potent mix of poise, confidence, and undeniable skill, making him a formidable opponent on any given day.

We’ll See How The Chips Fall

Yet, football's real essence isn't in flashy plays but in character — the tenacity to dig deep, fight back, and clinch those pivotal moments. This Saturday, up against DJ, will be a telling chapter in Donte's budding story.