Week 3 of the college football season was anticipated to be a quieter week; however, it unfolded with several heavyweight clashes that captivated fans across the nation. Among the standout results, No. 6 Georgia managed to outlast No. 15 Tennessee in a thrilling overtime victory, while Georgia Tech pulled off a stunning upset against No. 12 Clemson. This week also highlighted a plethora of rising quarterbacks, showcasing their talents under pressure. Notable performances included Tennessee's Joey Aguilar in his first SEC start, Michigan's Bryce Underwood demonstrating dual-threat capability, Alabama's Ty Simpson continuing his hot streak, and Houston's Conner Weigman achieving a career-best against Colorado. As the night unfolded, No. 8 Notre Dame was set to host No. 16 Texas A&M, while No. 3 LSU aimed to fend off Florida, No. 17 Ole Miss engaged in a shootout with Arkansas, and No. 11 South Carolina battled Vanderbilt. Let’s dive into the biggest winners and losers from the early slate of Week 3 college football.
The Georgia Bulldogs showcased their championship resolve in a nail-biting 44-41 overtime victory over Tennessee. Despite giving up a staggering 496 total yards, including 371 passing yards to Joey Aguilar, Georgia's defense held strong when it mattered most. Quarterback Gunner Stockton, after a slow start, threw for 304 yards and two touchdowns, also contributing with a rushing touchdown that kept Georgia in the game. The Bulldogs' defense stepped up during overtime, limiting Tennessee to just a 42-yard field goal attempt, which they successfully defended. This hard-fought win not only boosts Georgia's confidence but also strengthens their title aspirations as they navigate through early-season challenges.
Clemson faced a devastating setback in their 24-21 loss to Georgia Tech, marking their first defeat to the Yellow Jackets since 2014. Coach Dabo Swinney's aspirations of a perfect 16-0 season in the expanded College Football Playoff era have been dashed, as Clemson now sits at 1-2, their worst start since 2014. The Tigers struggled offensively, with quarterback Cade Klubnik only managing 207 passing yards while Georgia Tech's offense racked up 147 rushing yards, including 103 from quarterback Haynes King. Clemson's recent performance has raised concerns, with ESPN's David Hale noting that they are dangerously close to being 1-7 against Power Four opponents in their last eight games. The whispers of a potential Clemson resurgence seem premature, as the Tigers' struggles continue to mount.
Rich Rodriguez experienced a redemption arc as West Virginia rallied from a 24-14 deficit in the fourth quarter to secure a thrilling overtime victory. This win is particularly significant as it comes nearly 20 years after Rodriguez faced heartbreak with the Mountaineers when they were one win away from a BCS National Championship. After scoring a touchdown to start overtime, West Virginia’s defense stepped up, delivering one of the program’s biggest wins in the past five years. The Morgantown faithful are once again embracing Rodriguez, marking a positive chapter in his coaching career.
Ty Simpson, the junior quarterback for No. 19 Alabama, has emerged as a key player in the Tide's resurgence following a disappointing season opener against Florida State. In a commanding 38-14 victory over Wisconsin, Simpson showcased his skills by completing 24 of 29 passes for an impressive 382 yards and four touchdowns, connecting with six different receivers in the process. Over his last two games, Simpson has completed 31 of 32 passes for 493 yards and six touchdowns across just over six quarters of action. His ability to release the ball quickly and effectively create opportunities for his playmakers suggests that he is evolving into a significant asset for Alabama as they aim to climb back into the College Football Playoff picture.
Avery Johnson's performance for Kansas State has raised concerns as the team struggles to a historically poor 1-3 start. In their recent loss to Arizona, Johnson completed only 13 of 29 passes for a mere 88 yards and was credited with minus-16 yards rushing. This performance marked a low point for Kansas State, as they became the first team to gain fewer than 200 yards against Arizona since 2021. In critical moments during the game, Johnson failed to execute, leaving the team with missed opportunities. His average of just 3.0 yards per pass attempt highlights the struggles of the entire roster, which has not faced such a tough start since 1989. With the pressure mounting, Kansas State’s coaching staff is now in a precarious position.
In a stunning upset, the New Mexico Lobos delivered a commanding performance against UCLA, defeating them 35-10 at the historic Rose Bowl. Under the guidance of coach Jason Eck, New Mexico's offense dominated the game, rushing for an impressive 298 yards against a Power Four defense. This victory not only showcases the Lobos as an upstart program but also highlights their potential to disrupt the status quo in college football. With Weber State transfer Damon Bankston leading the charge with 154 rushing yards, New Mexico is making waves and earning respect in the college football landscape.
