Bri One Three.

Between Thursday, August 28 and Monday, September 1, I watched nine college football games.

There were plenty of standout moments, big plays, late-game drama, and finishes that came down to a single snap. Whether I caught the full game or just tuned in for the final few drives, I saw plenty worth talking about. That’s the idea behind a new series I’m calling Bri’s Big Three.

As noted, this week’s picks all come from college football. In the future, when these posts become more consistent, the criteria may evolve to highlight more under-the-radar players or performances that don’t always make the headlines. I’m also still deciding whether to stick to one sport at a time or open this series up to standout moments across all the sports I follow.

For now, let’s kick off the first edition of Bri’s Big Three: CFB, Week 1.

Andrew Body, Alabama State, QB, Redshirt-Junior

Alabama State at UAB, 52-42 L

Friday morning, I was scrolling through X (formerly Twitter),and came across this video of UAB’s head coach praising Andrew Body for his performance after Alabama State’s 10-point loss. Drawn in by the score, I decided to check the gamecast. Near the bottom, I read that Body completed 18 of 24 passes for 312 yards and 4 touchdowns. He also rushed 16 times for 116 yards, including a 60-yard touchdown run.

I usually avoid forming opinions based solely on stats or play-by-plays, a habit that’s easy to maintain as an ESPN Unlimited subscriber always looking for something to watch. It wasn’t until a few hours later, when I had the chance to watch the full game replay, that I truly understood Body’s impact on the field. By the time the game ended, I had become an instant fan of his.

Their opening drive began with Body rolling right to hit a receiver on the sideline for 15 yards, followed by a designed quarterback run that turned into his 60-yard rushing touchdown, a sequence I had to replay twice before letting the game continue.

Another play that stood out happened just before halftime. ASU was backed up by a penalty and a sack, setting up a 3rd-and-20 with 13 seconds left. With two timeouts remaining and the ball to start the second half, it was expected that they would attempt a short pass before bringing out their field goal team. But then the ball was snapped, pressure mounted, and Body escaped the pocket to throw a leaping 31-yard touchdown pass to a wide-open receiver. The crowd went electric. So did I, from the comfort of my couch.

From the broadcast, I learned that Body is a redshirt junior who suffered a season-ending shoulder injury during ASU’s season opener last year, his first season with the Hornets. Now, stepping in as QB1, he entered the season with a lot to prove. And by taking his team down to the wire in an away game against a higher-level opponent, he’s already shown he’s not afraid of the moment.

Body was responsible for all but 92 of ASU’s total yards, leading all players in passing and his team in rushing. With five total touchdowns, he had the most in the game as well. He’s an accurate dual-threat quarterback, and he’s definitely one to watch this season. Unfortunately, his team won’t get as much TV exposure as their FBS counterparts. This game was only available on ESPN+ since it was UAB’s home opener. As of now, ASU’s only other televised game is this Saturday, September 6th, against the Southern Jaguars at 7 PM.

His performance earned him HBCU National Player of the Week honors, and he was named one of Alabama State’s Football Offensive Players of the Week.

Alabama State at UAB Game Highlights (Aug. 28, 2025)

Tommy Castellanos, Florida State, QB, Senior

Florida State vs. Alabama, 31-17 W

After tuning out of what turned out to be a lackluster Big Noon Kickoff on FOX, I switched over to ESPN for Alabama’s season opener at Florida State, a matchup that delivered far more excitement. The Crimson Tide received the opening kickoff in their first-ever trip to Tallahassee and drained nearly 10 minutes off the clock with a 17-play touchdown drive.

But it didn’t take long for the Seminoles to respond.

With just under six minutes left in the first quarter, quarterback Tommy Castellanos led FSU onto the field and wasted no time making a statement. In under four minutes, Castellanos connected with his receiver with a 40-yard dart to put the Seminoles in scoring position. One play later, he capped off the drive himself with a rushing touchdown, the first of four FSU would score on the ground that day.

As the game progressed, Florida State dominated. The Seminoles outrushed Alabama by a staggering 143 yards (230 to 87) and controlled the tempo from the second quarter onward. Castellanos himself rushed for 78 yards on 16 carries, both team highs.

Although the run game fueled the upset, Castellanos’ efficiency through the air shouldn’t be overlooked. He completed 9 of 14 passes for 152 yards, including a 64-yard strike that flipped field position and set up FSU with a first and goal at Alabama’s 4-yard line, the throw that ultimately earned him a spot on this list. That pass, launched from FSU’s own 32, showcased the arm talent that complements his dynamic rushing ability.

This wasn’t Castellanos’ first time spoiling a home opener. Last season, while still at Boston College, he led the Eagles to a 28-13 upset win over these same Seminoles. Now in Tallahassee, Castellanos looks even more dangerous, and he’s already one win away from matching FSU’s entire win total from last year, though I’m certain his ceiling is higher.

An explosive, fast-paced player, Castellanos has quickly emerged as the face of a revitalized Florida State program. After starting the season unranked, the Seminoles now sit at No. 14 in the AP Top 25 Poll heading into Week 2. They’ll look to keep the momentum going this Saturday, September 6, when they host the East Texas A&M Lions at noon.

Florida State vs. Alabama Game Highlights (Aug. 30, 2025)

Bryce Underwood, Michigan, QB, Freshman

Michigan vs. New Mexico, 34-17 W

The past two seasons at the University of Michigan have been full of resets, both on the sideline and on the field. This year, the Wolverines are placing their hopes on true freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood.

Michigan opened the season at home in the Big House against unranked New Mexico, and while the matchup wasn’t headline-worthy, Underwood’s debut ended in the most important way: with a win.

Underwood completed 21 of 31 passes for 251 yards, including a 15-yard touchdown, showcasing precision and a natural feel for the position. His ball placement and decision-making were on display throughout the game, with completions of 25, 27, 30, and 39 yards, all delivered with an anticipation that kept him interception-free. He looked comfortable both in the pocket and on the move, reacting calmly to pressure.

Still, despite all the flashy passing numbers, my favorite play of the day came during a 73-yard touchdown drive following New Mexico’s first punt. And no, it wasn’t his 25-yard completion, which was the longest of the game at that point.

It was his blocking. Yes, blocking.

On Justice Haynes’ 5-yard touchdown run to finish the drive, Underwood served as one of the lead blockers. Without his contribution, there’s a chance Haynes doesn’t reach the end zone, or at least not as easily. Of course, head coach Sherrone Moore wasn’t thrilled to see his starting quarterback lowering his shoulder to take on blocking duties.

Back in April, I wrote about why Underwood’s decision to head west to Michigan could be a game-changer for the program. And so far, it looks like he’s living up to the hype. Still, rather than overreact, I’m taking this season week by week, the same way I evaluate every team, every player, and every program.

AP voting ranked Michigan 15th following their win. Their next game will be on the road, where they will face 18 Oklahoma this Saturday, September 6, at 7:30 PM.

Michigan vs. New Mexico Game Highlights (Aug. 30, 2025)

All stats via ESPN.