Week 3 of college football provided plenty of excitement and surprises, especially if you weren’t a fan of the Florida Gators or Florida State Seminoles. Here are 18 thoughts from the week that was, highlighting some of the key storylines and performances from around the country.
1. Florida and Florida State, two powerhouse programs with a combined total of six national championships, are both struggling this season despite their rich football traditions and hefty coaching salaries. The question remains: how can two teams with so much talent and resources be performing so poorly at the same time?
2. Florida State, coming off a 13-1 season, suffered a disappointing 0-3 start after a lackluster performance against Memphis. The Seminoles’ offense sputtered, and costly mistakes marred their chances of a comeback. Head coach Mike Norvell’s team is facing a rough road ahead, with a 4-8 season looming large.
3. On the other side of the state, Texas A&M handed Florida a 33-20 defeat, further adding to the Gators’ woes. Head coach Billy Napier’s tenure is already in question, as Florida struggles to find its footing after a season-opening loss to Miami.
4. Backup quarterback Arch Manning stepped in for Texas and delivered an impressive performance in a blowout win over UTSA. The Longhorns’ offense didn’t miss a beat, showcasing the depth at the quarterback position.
5. No. 1 Georgia survived a scare against Kentucky, winning a close 13-12 contest on the road. The Bulldogs’ defense stood tall, extending their regular-season winning streak to 41 games.
6. Alabama’s offense came alive in a dominant win over Wisconsin, with quarterback Jalen Milroe leading the charge. The Crimson Tide look poised for another strong season under head coach Kalen DeBoer.
7. South Carolina let a late lead slip away against LSU, highlighting the fine margins in college football. The Gamecocks showed promise but ultimately fell short against the Tigers.
8. Oregon State and Washington State notched important wins, setting the stage for an exciting Pac-12 season. The Cougars’ victory over Washington was a statement win for head coach John Mateer.
9. Notre Dame bounced back in a big way, routing Purdue on the road to showcase their explosive offense. Quarterback Riley Leonard shined in the win, signaling a return to form for the Fighting Irish.
10. Missouri rallied to defeat Boston College in a Top 25 matchup, proving their resilience in the face of adversity. The Tigers face a tough SEC schedule ahead but have shown they can compete with the best.
11. Kansas State dominated Arizona in a convincing win, solidifying their status as a Big 12 contender. The Wildcats’ defense stifled the Wildcats’ offense, showcasing their strength on that side of the ball.
12. UNLV continued their impressive start to the season, knocking off Kansas in a close contest. The Rebels look like a serious contender in the Mountain West conference.
13. Oklahoma’s new-look offense under Brent Venables showed promise in a win over Tulane, with the defense leading the way. The Sooners face a tough test against Tennessee next week.
14. Indiana shocked UCLA with a dominant performance, signaling their intent to compete in the Big Ten. The Hoosiers look like a team on the rise under head coach Curt Cignetti.
15. Pittsburgh pulled off another late comeback win, showcasing their resilience and talent under head coach Pat Narduzzi. The Panthers’ offense, led by quarterback Eli Holstein, has been the difference-maker in their early-season success.
16. Colorado’s defense impressed in a win over Colorado State, giving hope for a turnaround under head coach Deion Sanders. The Buffaloes showed promise on both sides of the ball in the victory.
17. UCF staged a remarkable comeback against TCU, highlighting their offensive firepower under head coach Gus Malzahn. The Knights look like a team to watch in the newly-formed Big 12 conference.
18. Toledo’s upset win over Mississippi State was a statement victory for the MAC, showcasing the conference’s competitiveness on a national stage. The Rockets’ success bodes well for their prospects moving forward.
Week 3 of college football provided plenty of drama and excitement, setting the stage for an intriguing season ahead. As teams jockey for position and conference supremacy, fans can expect more thrilling moments and unexpected outcomes in the weeks to come.
