Kirk Herbstreit names top performing coaches of Week 4 in college football

On3 imageby:Nikki Chavanelle09/28/21

NikkiChavanelle

ESPN College GameDay analyst Kirk Herbstreit has released his seven top performing coaches of Week 4. Every coach listed notched a big win over the weekend’s slate of games. The coaches this week hail from the SEC, ACC, Big 12, Pac-12, AAC and independent Notre Dame.

Herbstreit’s top coaches from Week 4

No. 1 Brian Kelly, Notre Dame

With the Fighting Irish’s 41-13 win over Wisconsin on Saturday, head coach Brian Kelly etched his name at the top of the all-time wins list. He passed legendary coach Knute Rockne with win No. 106. The road game for the Irish was tied up 10-10 in the third quarter and QB Jack Coan had to exit the game but they came roaring back for the win anyway. Notre Dame takes on No. 7 Cincinnati at home on Saturday.

No. 2 Dave Doeren, NC State

Dave Doeren and the NC State Wolfpack took down Clemson this weekend, moving firmly into position to compete for an ACC title. The double-overtime win also found the Pack debuting in the AP Top 25 at No. 23 this week. Doeren welcomes Louisiana Tech to Raleigh on Saturday.

No. 3 Sam Pittman, Arkansas

Like the rest of the country, Kirk Herbstreit recognizes the job Sam Pittman has done at Arkansas. The latest victory for the Head Hog snapped a nine-game losing streak to Texas A&M and moved the Razorbacks into their highest ranking since 2004 at No. 8. Pittman will try to keep it going at his former employer’s place this weekend in Athens.

No. 4 Dave Aranda, Baylor

The Baylor Bears are back in the top 25 under Dave Aranda after the program’s tight win over Iowa State on Saturday. Aranda’s squad stopped the Cyclones’ fourth-quarter two-point conversion to seal the win 31-29 at home in Waco. The Bears are 4-0.

No. 5 Sonny Dykes, SMU

The Iron Skillet rivalry game versus TCU is SMU’s biggest game of the year most seasons. Sonny Dykes and the Mustangs took the Skillet for the second time in three years (no game in 2020) with a dominating offensive performance in Fort Worth. SMU isn’t ranked yet, but they’re on their way with a 4-0 record.

No. 6 Dino Babers, Syracuse

The Syracuse Orange fought to a 24-21 victory over Liberty on Saturday, thanks to head coach Dino Babers and first-time starter, Mississippi State transfer Garrett Shrader. The Orange defense also came up with a couple massive plays to give the offense a chance to win it on a 35-yard field goal.

No. 7 Jonathan Smith, Oregon State

Head coach Jonathan Smith and Oregon State had a historic 45-27 win at USC on Saturday. The Beavers snapped a 24-game losing streak at the Coliseum, winning for the first time since 1960. Oregon State is 3-1 on the season with a loss to Purdue. Smith will welcome 2-2 Washington to Corvallis on Saturday.

Check out Kirk Herbstreit’s top performing players of week four.