Following a second week filled with an uncompetitive schedule, Week 3 featured a number of top-flight matchups, and they did not disappoint, as several tight games with thrilling finishes delivered the goods. Ramifications on the playoffs have already taken shape, and as a result, the upstarts are beginning to emerge.
Two of last year’s playoff schools — Clemson and Notre Dame — now have single-digit chances at making the postseason. Other teams are beginning to show they are unexpected contenders already, and how they will continue to outperform expectations is something to watch. There were some interesting nuggets seen over the weekend.
Some of the thrillers:
Texas A&M 41 – Notre Dame 40
The Aggies have set themselves up for a decent run. Mario Craver had 207 yards receiving as the game was close throughout. The Irish went ahead on a Jeremiyah Love touchdown run with under three minutes, but mishandled the point after. After a kickoff return was negated by a penalty, the Aggies drove down and on a 4th and goal from the 11, Marcel Reed found his tight end, Nate Boerkircher, to tie it with thirteen seconds remaining before converting the kick for the win.
Georgia 44 – Tennessee 41 (OT)
The Volunteer offense was hot at times (three scores in the first quarter) and also ran cold, as the Bulldog defense looked suspect. After tying the game late in the 4th quarter, the Volunteers were driving with time running out, but the Max Gilbert kick to win the game sailed wide. Gilbert did make his attempt in overtime, but Georgia managed to pierce the goal line on a Josh McCray run for the win.
Georgia Tech 24 – Clemson 21
Cade Klubnick and the Tiger offense continue to underperform, and underdog Georgia Tech continues to impress. This was another thriller coming down to the Yellow Jackets out of timeouts and rushing to get Aiden Birr out to make a 55-yard field goal with no time remaining.
Vanderbilt 31 - South Carolina
After years of being an SEC rollover, the Commodores are making a bid for legitimacy. Diego Pavia continues to draw attention as the leader as they went on the road to defeat the #13-ranked Gamecocks. The fortunes of South Carolina were basically sealed when QB LaNorris Sellers went down with a concussion in the second quarter. Four Gamecocks turnovers were converted to bring Vanderbilt to a 3-0 record.
West Virginia 31 – Pitt 24 (OT)
The Backyard Brawl lived up to its gritty reputation. The Mountaineers withstood a Pitt offense with nearly twice as many first downs, and while committing 14 penalties, tied the game with a 13-play drive capped by a touchdown with 11 seconds remaining. After the overtime touchdown, they held off the Panthers for the win.
Miami 49 – South Florida 12
Although a game of ranked opponents, the Hurricanes owned this one completely, with 576 yards gained and dominating time of possession by 13 minutes. Carson Beck continues to look comfortable in the true South Florida, throwing for 340 yards and three touchdowns, and Mark Fletcher Jr. ran for 120 and two scores.
The new ranking from the AP sees Georgia Tech, Vanderbilt, and Southern California entering the poll as South Florida, South Carolina, and Clemson fall off the rankings.
- Ohio State (3-0)
- Penn State (3-0)
- LSU (3-0)
- Miami (3-0)
- Georgia (3-0)
- Oregon (3-0)
- Florida State (2-0)
- Texas (2-1)
- Illinois (3-0)
- Texas A&M (3-0)
- Oklahoma (3-0)
- Iowa State (4-0)
- Ole Miss (3-0)
- Alabama (2-1)
- Tennessee (2-1)
- Utah (3-0)
- Texas Tech (3-0)
- Georgia Tech (3-0)
- Indiana (3-0)
- Vanderbilt (3-0)
- Michigan (2-1)
- Auburn (3-0)
- Missouri (3-0)
- Notre Dame (0-2)
- USC (3-0)
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