Week 3 College Football Preview: Top Matchups
As we dive into Week 3 of the college football season, the slate of games may not boast the most thrilling lineup, with only two ranked matchups. However, this weekend still features a number of rivalries and intriguing pairings that could help clarify the status of several teams that have been difficult to assess in the early part of the season. As is often the case in college football, expect the unexpected.
Below are the top 10 games to watch this weekend, starting with a few honorable mentions and counting down to the main events.
Honorable Mention:
- UNLV at Kansas (Friday)
- No. 18 Notre Dame at Purdue
- No. 1 Georgia at Kentucky
- Colorado at Colorado State
- UCF at TCU
(All point spreads are sourced from BetMGM; click here for live odds. All kickoff times are in Eastern and on Saturday unless noted otherwise.)
10. Washington State (2-0) at Washington (2-0), 3:30 p.m., Peacock
The Pac-12 is making a return, in a manner of speaking, although the realignment scars are still fresh. This year, the Apple Cup takes place earlier in the season, a change that may impact its significance. Nonetheless, rivalry games always bring an element of excitement. Under new head coach Jedd Fisch, Washington has seen solid performances from quarterback Will Rogers and running back Jonah Coleman. However, Washington State’s quarterback John Mateer has proven to be a dynamic dual-threat, accumulating 467 passing yards and 252 rushing yards along with 8 total touchdowns. This matchup could lead to an unexpected upset.
Line: Washington -4.5
9. Tulane (1-1) at No. 15 Oklahoma (2-0), 3:30 p.m., ESPN
Tulane nearly pulled off an upset against Kansas State last weekend but was thwarted by a controversial offensive pass interference call that negated a late touchdown. Meanwhile, Oklahoma struggled to a narrow 16-12 victory over Houston, a team that was recently blown out by UNLV. Quarterback Jackson Arnold’s performance was underwhelming, as he completed only 19 of 32 passes for 174 yards. With the Sooners gearing up for a challenging SEC schedule starting next week against Tennessee, they cannot afford to overlook Tulane, which still harbors hopes for a Group of 5 playoff spot.
Line: Oklahoma -13.5
8. No. 16 LSU (1-1) at South Carolina (2-0), noon, ABC
Despite the misleading score of Alabama–South Florida, LSU has its own issues to address, having narrowly defeated Nicholls. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier delivered impressive numbers (302 yards, 6 touchdowns), but the offense struggled to establish a running game due to the injury of John Emery Jr. The defense was also shaky, allowing back-to-back lengthy touchdown drives. South Carolina, on the other hand, has been unpredictable, winning a close game against Old Dominion and then dominating Kentucky. This matchup is hard to predict, promising to reveal much about both teams.
Line: LSU -7
7. Texas A&M (1-1) at Florida (1-1), 3:30 p.m., ABC
After a significant win over Samford, Florida’s head coach Billy Napier has bought himself some time, especially with true freshman quarterback DJ Lagway taking the reins and setting a record with 456 passing yards and three touchdowns. This performance has provided a glimmer of hope after a rocky start to the season. However, both quarterbacks are expected to see action, and how Napier manages their playing time may be crucial for the future of the program.
Line: Texas A&M -4.5
6. West Virginia (1-1) at Pitt (2-0), 3:30 p.m., ESPN2
This may not be a matchup featuring ranked teams or conference title contenders, but the Backyard Brawl is always a must-watch. West Virginia is looking to avoid a disappointing 1-2 start after a solid victory against FCS Albany. Meanwhile, Pitt is riding high after a comeback victory over Cincinnati. The intense rivalry could lead to unexpected twists and turns, making it a game to keep an eye on.
Line: West Virginia -2
5. No. 24 Boston College (2-0) at No. 6 Missouri (2-0), 12:45 p.m., SEC Network
This unexpected ranked matchup features Boston College’s new head coach Bill O’Brien leading the Eagles, who are fresh off an upset victory over Florida State and a commanding shutout of Duquesne. Meanwhile, Missouri has climbed to No. 6 after dominating its first two opponents by a combined score of 89-0. This game will be crucial for both teams as they aim to establish momentum before entering the heart of their conference schedules.
Line: Missouri -17
4. No. 9 Oregon (2-0) at Oregon State (2-0), 3:30 p.m., Fox
An intriguing rivalry game that has become more interesting in recent weeks. Oregon State’s new head coach Trent Bray has led the team to a solid 21-0 victory over San Diego State. Meanwhile, Oregon has endured some struggles, needing a late comeback to secure a win against Boise State. With both teams looking to solidify their standings, this game may reveal much about their capabilities heading into tougher matchups.
Line: Oregon -16.5
3. Memphis (2-0) at Florida State (0-2), noon, ESPN
This matchup was expected to be a battle between a top Group of 5 team and an ACC contender. Memphis has held strong, while Florida State is desperate for a win to salvage its season. With the Seminoles coming off an idle week, they still have time to turn their season around, but they need to find a way to outshine Memphis and secure a much-needed victory.
Line: Florida State -6.5
2. No. 4 Alabama (2-0) at Wisconsin (2-0), noon, Fox
Alabama, while favored heavily, has shown some vulnerabilities, particularly in their last game against USF. Wisconsin, under Luke Fickell in his second year, is still finding its groove, and how they perform against such a formidable opponent could be pivotal for the program’s confidence moving forward. The Badgers will need to significantly improve their explosiveness on offense to compete effectively.
Line: Alabama -16.5
1. No. 20 Arizona (2-0) at No. 14 Kansas State (2-0), Friday, 8 p.m., Fox
This matchup features a clash of Wildcats on Friday night. Although initially a nonconference series set before realignment, it now holds significance for both teams as they gear up for Big 12 play. Arizona has had a rollercoaster start to the season, highlighted by their offensive explosion against New Mexico. Kansas State, however, is looking to bounce back from a close call against Tulane. The performance of both teams in this game could set the tone for their conference aspirations.
Line: Kansas State -7.5
(Photo of Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson: Peter Aiken / Getty Images)
