CFW Week 3 Results - Ending of NC State-Vandy game was unreal

 CFW Week 3 Results – Ending of NC State-Vandy game was unreal

Wild, wacky weekend in the SEC

 

The Power Four conference gave us a real smorgasbord of games. From recovering a fumble in the end zone to win the game to losing a game where you were a 17-point favorite. From a game where the teams scored a combined 83 points to having the guts to go for a two-point conversion at a crucial time of the game.

 

For the third week in a row, the SEC was involved in the Game of the Week. In Week 1, it was Louisville-Ole Miss. Last week it was Ohio State-Texas. Saturday, it was LSU-Ole Miss. The LSU-Ole followed a similar pattern to the Ohio State-Texas game.

 

Last week, Ohio State dominated early and led 23-3 as the fourth quarter began. Saturday, Ole Miss dominated early. The Magnolias led 17-0 until late in the second quarter. Ole Miss led 24-7 at halftime.

The LSU-Ole Miss game was a game of 17-point spurts. From midway through the first quarter to early in the second quarter, Ole Miss scored 17 unanswered points. From early in the third quarter to early in the fourth quarter, LSU scored 17 unanswered points.

 

For five minutes in the fourth quarter, the LSU-Ole Miss score was tied 24-24. Finally, with 6:14 remaining in the game, Ole Miss scored and went up 30-24. Then, Ole Miss coach Pete Golding made the bold decision to go for two points. Following back-to-back penalties on LSU before they could get the play off, it was no longer a bold decision. Ole Miss easily converted on a quick burst across the goal line from less than a yard out. The Magnolias were up 32-24.

 

In the final 6:14, LSU drove down the field into the Ole Miss red zone. But the Tigers failed to score. Ole Miss beat LSU, 32-24.

 

Kentucky entered its game on the road at Texas A&M as a 17-point underdog. The previous week, the Wildcats lost at home by 28 points to Alabama. At halftime, Kentucky and Texas A&M were tied 7-7. Then, something strange happened in the third quarter. Kentucky scored 21 unanswered points. At the end of the third quarter, the Wildcats led the Aggies, 28-7.

 

The teams traded scores in the fourth quarter. The Aggies scored a touchdown. The Wildcats kicked a field goal. And A&M scored a touchdown with 3:45 remaining in the game. When the game was over, Kentucky beat Texas A&M, 31-21.

 

Only two SEC coaches were on the hot seat when the season began – Mississippi State’s Jeff Lebby and South Carolina’s Shane Beamer. Saturday, Miss State met South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina. Both teams were 2-0.

 

Almost midway through the second quarter, South Carolia led Miss State, 16-0. Then upstart Miss State quarterback Kamario Taylor went to work. In the next three and a half minutes, Taylor threw two touchdown passes of 30 and 43 yards each. The Gamecocks’ lead was cut to two points 16-14. Before the second quarter ended, South Carolina scored. At halftime, the Gamecocks led the Bulldogs, 23-14.

 

In the third quarter, Miss State scored 17 unanswered points. Taylor threw two touchdown passes of 23 and 5 yards each. After three, the Bulldogs led the Gamecocks, 31-23. In the fourth quarter, Miss State continued its scoring, making it 27 unanswered points. The Bulldogs built up a 41-23 lead. In the final 3:50 of the game, South Carolina got hot, scoring 11 points. At the end, Miss State beat South Carolina, 41-34.

 

And at the end of the game, Shane Beamer remained on the hot seat, while Jeff Lebby is off the hot seat.

 

Florida and Auburn are old SEC rivals who used to play about every year. Thanks to SEC expansion, the two teams haven’t played so much in recent years. But they got together Saturday night – and did they ever.

 

Florida never trailed in the game, but the Gators couldn’t quite shake the Tigers. Florida led 7-3 after one quarter of play. At halftime, the Gators led Auburn 20-17. The teams were briefly tied 17-17 in the second quarter.

 

In the third quarter, Florida built up a 17-point lead at 34-17. Before the third quarter ended, Auburn cut Florida’s lead to 34-24. In the fourth quarter, Florida went back up by 17 points, 41-24. With less than three minutes remaining, Florida led 44-32. But Auburn had one more touchdown up its sleeve. With 0:24 on the clock, the Tigers added a final touchdown. The Gators beat Auburn 44-39. The star of the game was Florida running back Jadan Baugh. Baugh rushed for 162 yards and three touchdowns.

 

In a non-conference game involving an SEC team, Alabama hosted Florida State. Alabama was favored by 19 points. Much of the game looked like déjà vu FSU. Remember last year’s contest between Florida State and Alabama. Alabama was heavily favored, but FSU won, 31-17.

 

Well, late in the second quarter of Saturday’s game, Florida State led Alabama, 21-6. Then, Alabama scored 20 points in the final 2:36 of the second quarter. The Tide went up 26-21. But FSU wasn’t dead. The Noles came back in the third quarter to take a 28-26 lead. But a brief lead it was. Alabama went on a 17-point run to take a 43-28 lead.

 

Florida State still wasn’t dead. The Noles scored a touchdown with 7:27 to go in the fourth quarter. FSU trailed Alabama, 43-36. The Tide then got a security touchdown at the 2:15 mark. Alabama beat Florida State 50-36.

 

Another non-conference game involving a SEC team had the wildest and craziest ending of the day. NC State met Vanderbilt in Nashville. Almost midway through the second quarter, NC State led Vandy, 17-0. Almost midway through the third quarter, the Wolfpack led the Commodores, 24-7. Then Vandy came alive and scored back-to-back touchdowns. Early in the fourth quarter NC State led Vandy, 24-21.

 

Still early in the fourth, the Wolfpack scored a touchdown and increased their lead to 31-21. Halfway through the quarter, Vandy got a touchdown and trailed 31-28. In the closing minute of the game, Vandy went on a final drive. The Commodores moved the ball into the NC State red zone. They at least were assured of a field goal to put the game into overtime.

 

However, with 1:24 on the clock, Vanderbilt freshman quarterback Jared Curtis threw an interception. NC State had the ball on their own one yard line. The game was surely over for Vanderbilt. In three downs, NC State moved the ball to their five-yard line. It was 4^th down with 0:06 left in the game. NC State quarterback C.J. Bailey took the snap and appeared to be running out the clock or maybe he was going to take a knee in the end zone for a safety. Whatever, the ball was stripped out of his hands. Vandy fell on the fumble in the endzone and won the game as time expired, 35-31.

 

But wait. The refs put one second back on the clock. It must have been the same crew who worked the Western Michigan-Michigan game. So after the ensuing kickoff, NC State got to try a Hail Mary from their own 25-yard line. The Wolfpack went through a series of laterals before they eventually fumbled and Vandy recovered. Vanderbilt beat NC State, 35-31.

 

The SEC used to be known as “The Defense” conference. SEC teams had the best defenses in the country. Saturday, Kentucky-Texas A&M combined for 52 points (831 total yards), Ole Miss-LSU combined for 56 points (756 total yards), Mississippi State-South Carolina combined for 75 points (824 total yards), Florida-Auburn combined for 83 points (868 total yards) and Alabama gave up 36 points (471 total yards) to Florida State. Looks like times have changed.

 

And finally, the SEC took possession of the “fire (coach’s name)” chant. On Saturday of Week 1, it was the Michigan fans chanting “Fire Kyle, fire Kyle,” as it appeared the Wolverines were losing to Western Michigan, 12-7. On Labor Day night, Florida State took possession of the chant, with “Fire Norvell, fire Norvell,” as the Seminoles lost to SMU, 27-24. In Week 3, South Carolina fans became the possessors of the chant, with “Fire Beamer, fire Beamer,” as the Gamecocks lost to Mississippi State, 41-34.

 

Expect the unexpected this season – especially in the SEC.

 

Week 3 college football began Thursday night in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Pitt Panthers beat Syracuse, 27-13. Pitt running back Damon Ferguson rushed for 102 yards. The Panthers improved to 3-0.

 

Friday night, four Top 25 teams played – three won and one lost. No. 5 Miami defeated Wake Forest, 33-20. The Canes were unstoppable in the first half, building up a 24-7 lead. The Hurricane stalled in the second half. In the first half, Canes quarterback Darian Mensah was 26-for-26 passing. In the second half, he was 4-for-8 passing. In the first half, Canes receiver Malachi Toney had 10 receptions for 111 yards. In the second half, he had two 2 receptions for 3 yards.

 

In the next game No. 13 Texas Tech edged No. 22 Houston, 28-26. In the nightcap, it was the beatdown of the week. No. 21 Oregon pulverized Portland State, 84-0. Oregon quarterback Dante Moore passed for 280 yards and four touchdowns. The Ducks played four quarterbacks. Former Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola got into the game for Oregon. Raiola was 11-for-11, passing for 124 yards and three touchdowns.

                                                   

In other action on Saturday, Arizona State won the inaugural Union Jack Classic. In Wembley Stadium in London, England, the Sun Devils downed Kansas, 24-17. North Carolina jumped out to a 17-3 lead over Clemson, but the Tigers came back to beat the Tar Heels, 28-20.

 

USC struggled to beat Rutgers, 42-35. Virginia Tech downed Maryland, 35-26, and Northwestern beat Deion Sanders and Colorado, 41-7. While you were asleep Saturday night, UCLA beat Purdue, 52-38, and Oregon State downed Montana, 52-17.

 

The Ivy League teams went 5-3 during opening weekend. Brown beat New Haven, 17-10; Columbia downed Lafayette, 40-34; Harvard beat New Hampshire, 31-7; Penn defeated Bucknell, 20-7, and Yale downed Holy Cross, 38-28.

 

On the losing side, Dartmouth fell to Lehigh, 24-20; Cornell lost to Colgate, 20-7, and Princeton fell to Bryant, 21-14. Looks like Harvard, Yale and maybe Penn will be the top teams in the Ivy League this year.

 

The Top 12 teams in this week’s AP Top-25 Poll are 1. Texas, 2. Georgia, 3. Notre Dame, 4. Ole Miss, 5. Indiana, 6. Miami, 7. Ohio State, 8. Alabama, 9. BYU, 10. LSU, 11. Texas Tech, and 12. USC.

 

Touchdown Tom

September 21, 2026

https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com

 

 

Week Three Recap

 

GAME OF THE WEEK: Lane missed the train – Ole Miss 32 LSU 24 (Touchdown Tom said: LSU 27, Ole Miss 24). This was a close game, but I thought, for some reason, it seemed to lack the emotion and excitement of the Ohio State-Texas game. Still, it was a good one. Ole Miss dominated the first half. LSU dominated the third quarter. Basically, Trinidad Chambliss outplayed Sam Leavitt. The star for LSU was running back Dilin Jones. Jones rushed for 106 yards and one touchdown. Ole Miss receiver Traylon Ray had 7 receptions for 115 yards. Ole Miss had 426 total yards, but only 63 yards rushing. Attendance in Oxford: 70,033

 

RUNNER-UP: Raiders were lucky – Texas Tech 28, Houston 26 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas Tech 31, Houston 27). This was a game of spurts. Houston had the first spurt, taking a 10-0 first quarter lead. Texas Tech had the second spurt, scoring two touchdowns in the second quarter to go up 14-10. Then the teams traded scores for the remainder of the game. Just before the half, Houston scored a touchdown to go up 17-14. Early in the second quarter, Texas Tech went back up – 21-17. Still in the third quarter, Houston kicked a field goal and trailed 21-20. In the fourth quarter, Texas Tech scored to extend its lead to 28-20. But with 0:49 on the clock, Houston scored and trailed 28-26. The Cougars went for two and failed to convert. Houston quarterback Connor Weighman had a great game, passing for 282 yards. Houston had the better stats – more first downs (27-22), more total yards (458-455), more passing yards (282-257) and more rushing yards (176-168). But Tech had more points. Attendance in Lubbock: 60,229

 

REST OF THE BEST: Looking Birdy – Louisville 41, SMU 31 (Touchdown Tom said: Louisville 30, SMU 24). Close game throughout. Ten-point lead at the end was the largest lead of the game by either team. Generally there was no more than a 3 or 4-point lead. SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings threw two interceptions which hurt the Mustangs. Both teams had strong running games. SMU running back Kendrick Raphael rushed for 197 yards and three touchdowns. Louisville running back Keyjuan Brown rushed for 163 yards and two touchdowns. SMU was severely hampered by three turnovers. Louisville had no turnovers. Attendance in Louisville: 50,199

 

Albert growls – Florida 44, Auburn 39 (Touchdown Tom said: Florida 28, Auburn 21). Florida’s running game was awesome. It was a big difference in the game. Except for quarterback Byrum Brown, Auburn had no running game. Brown had 65 yards rushing. Florida was hit with 16 penalties. The Auburn refs were definitely out Saturday night. That’s always a problem when playing at Auburn for any team. Florida’s offense is looking good. The defense has some issues. Attendance in Auburn: 88,043

 

Somebody turned off the Beamer – Mississippi State 41, South Carolina 34 (Touchdown Tom said: South Carolina 30, Mississippi State 21). South Carolina got a good head start but couldn’t hold onto it. If the Gamecocks lose badly to Alabama this week, Shane Beamer could lose the fan base, if he hasn’t already. The Gamecocks also had a strong finish, but it wasn’t enough. Kamario Taylor is an amazing quarterback. He may keep Miss State afloat this season. Gamecock quarterback LaNorris Sellers threw two interceptions. That didn’t help. South Carolina dominated the stats – first downs, total yards, passing yards and rushing yards. Attendance in Columbia: 78,360

 

Best Virginia – West Virginia 38, Virginia 27 (Touchdown Tom said: Virginia 30, West Virginia 23). WVU trailed 7-0 and 14-7. Then the Mountaineers outscored the Cavs 31-7. The Cavs then got a touchdown with 0:21 on the clock at the end. That was the best WVU’s defense has looked in the early season. WVU quarterback Michael Hawkins passed for 190 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 123 yards and three more touchdowns. Running back Cam Cook also had 123 yards rushing. Virginia quarterback Beau Pribula passed for 197 yards. WVU had 437 total yards. It was a turnover free game. Attendance in Charlotte: 39,377

 

The Spartan was smartin’ – Notre Dame 27, Michigan State 10 (Touchdown Tom said: Notre Dame 34, Michigan State 16). Michigan State played a good first half. The Spartans ran out of steam in the second half. Irish quarterback C.J. Carr passed for 234 yards but no touchdowns. Irish running back Nolan James rushed for 121 yards and one touchdown. ND receiver Micah Gilbert had 8 receptions for 170 yards. ND had 395 total yards. The Irish defense held Spartans to 167 total yards and only 44 yards rushing. The Spartans also had two turnovers. Attendance in South Bend: 77,622

 

Was this a basketball game? – Alabama 50, Florida State 36 (Touchdown Tom said: Alabama 40, Florida State 17). Alabama sure has its problems getting started. It was a problem last week against Kentucky. Again this week against Florida State. The way the game began, I was thinking Florida State ought to schedule Alabama every year. Forty-seven of Bama’s 50 points were scored after the first quarter. The Tide took control, but they couldn’t quite shake the Noles. FSU quarterback Ashton Daniels passed for 377 yards, but he threw three interceptions. Bama quarterback Keelon Russell passed for 320 yards and three touchdowns. Bama receiver Lotzeir Brooks had 8 catches for 101 yards. The Tide racked up 567 total yards. FSU had 471 total yards. Three turnovers hurt the Noles. Tide defense held FSU to 97 yards rushing. Attendance in Tuscaloosa: 100,077

 

Where was the 12^th Man? – Kentucky 31, Texas A&M 21 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas A&M 40, Kentucky 21). In the 3^rd and 4^th quarters, those true, blue and loyal Aggies fans couldn’t get out of Kyle Field fast enough. They were stumbling over themselves. I don’t think anyone was expecting this. Definitely not the A&M fans. Entering the 4^th quarter, A&M only had 7 points. Kentucky quarterback Kenny Minchey passed for 252 yards and 2 touchdowns. Aggie quarterback Marcel Reed threw two interceptions. The Aggies had 2 turnovers. Kentucky had none. Will Stein is doing a good job coaching Kentucky. Attendance in College Station: 105,186

 

Uga slopped the Pigs – Georgia 45, Arkansas 17 (Touchdown Tom said: Georgia 42, Arkansas 16). Seems like there was hardly anyone in the stadium at the start of the game. Seems like Arkansas has some problems. I’m not sure coach Ryan Silverfield has the backing from the fans. Razorback fans are already looking ahead to basketball season. A lot of signs at the game reflected that. Fourteen of Arkansas’ 17 points were scored in the fourth quarter. Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton rushed for 97 yards. Georgia defense held Arkansas to 17 yards rushing. The Dawgs had 464 total yards. Attendance in Fayetteville: 66,123

 

 

YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:

 

The Dookies had higher SAT scores – Duke 35, Stanford 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Duke 31, Stanford 28). Duke running back Nate Sheppard had 154 yards rushing with 2 touchdowns. The Dookies had 470 total yards – well balanced between running and passing. Stanford only had 73 yards rushing. Duke is off to a 3-0 start. Attendance in Durham: 19,139

 

Last of the cupcakes – Nebraska 34, North Dakota 7 (Touchdown Tom said: Nebraska 42, North Dakota 20). Nebraska scored in every quarter. Huskers quarterback Anthony Colandrea passed for 195 yards and one touchdown. Jamal Rule rushed for 119 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Huskers had 22 first downs and 493 total yards. No more cupcakes for the Huskers. Big Ten action begins this week. Attendance in Lincoln: 86,217

 

Warmup for Tennessee – Texas 30, UTSA 6 (Touchdown Tom said: Texas 33, UTSA 17). After the big win over Ohio State last week, I’m not sure Texas really had its mind in this game. But they handled it okay. The Texas defense shutdown UTSA quarterback Owen McCown. Arch Manning passed for 164 yards and 2 touchdowns. Texas defense held UTSA to 9 first downs, 70 yards passing and 72 yards rushing. Texas offense just went through the paces. Attendance in Austin: 103,753

 

Another basketball game – UCLA 52, Purdue 38 (Touchdown Tom said: UCLA 34, Purdue 17). I watched the first half of this game. I was surprised at how well Purdue was playing. The Boilers hung in there. They were only down 24-21 at halftime. The Boilers had no running game – 63 yards. But they had a decent passing game. Ryan Browne passed for 378 yards and 3 touchdowns. UCLA had both a running and passing game. Wayne Knight rushed for 177 yards and 2 touchdowns. Nico Iamaleava passed for 276 yards and 3 touchdowns. The teams combined for 1,133 total yards. UCLA had 645 of those yards. Three turnovers  killed Purdue’s chances. Coach Bob Chesney has the Bruins off to a 3-0 start. Attendance in Pasadena: 30,916

 

Week 3 Results:  10 winners, 4 fumbles (71.4percent)

For the Season:   37 winners, 12 fumbles (75.5 percent)

 

 

ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA:

 

Miami 33, Wake Forest 20 – Attendance in Winston-Salem: 32,147

Bethune-Cookman 62, Virginia Lynchburg 3 – Attendance in Daytona Beach: 10,513

 

Florida Atlantic 16, FIU 10 – Attendance in Boca Raton: 20,714

UCF 44, Georgia State 30 – Attendance in Orlando: 44,620

 

South Florida 59, Delaware State 17 – Attendance in Tampa: 32,345

Austin Peay 38, West Florida 16 – Attendance in Pensacola: 5,712

 

Tennessee State 29, Florida A&M 36 – Attendance in Tallahassee: 12,399

UC Davis 45, Stetson 7 – Attendance in Davis: 15,270

 

 

Superlatives

 

Week Three’s Impressive Passers:

 

North Texas’ Tayven Jackson – 43-57-1 for 483 yards (3TDs); California’s Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele – 27-33-0-413 (3TDs); Purdue’s Ryan Browne – 19-30-1-378 (3TDs);  Washington’s Demond Williams – 27-33-1-373 (4TDs); Wisconsin’s Colton Joseph – 23-33-1-362 (3TDs); Oregon State’s Braden Atkinson – 22-30-0-333 (5TDs); Arizona’s Noah Fifita – 31-34-0-325 (4TDs), And Oklahoma State’s Drew Mestemaker – 20-22-0-324 (5TDs).

 

Also, Sam Houston’s Landyn Locke – 19-28-0 for 322 yards (4TDs); Alabama’s Keelon Russell – 23-30-0-320 (3TDs); Cincinnati’s J.C. French – 31-43-0-309 (2TDs); Delaware’s Nick Minicucci – 24-32-0-302 (2TDs); South Florida’s Michael Van Buren – 23-32-0-300 (1TD); Houston’s Connor Weighman – 27-38-0-282 (3TDs); USC’s Jayden Maiava – 20-32-0-277 (2TDs), and UCLA’s Nico Iamaleava – 19-31-0-276 (3TDs).

 

Also, Indiana’s Josh Hoover – 18-24-0 for 273 yards (2TDs); Texas State’s Brad Jackson – 16-22-0-268 (4TDs); NC State’s C.J. Bailey – 24-36-1-262 (3TDs); Maryland’s Malik Washington – 30-43-0-359 (3TDs); Memphis’ Marcus Stokes – 26-32-0-258 (4TDs); Utah’s Devon Dampier – 22-32-0-253 (2TDs); Baylor’s Nate Bennett – 21-24-0-253 (3TDs); TCU’s Jaden Craig – 21-29-1-337 (3TDs), and Virginia Tech’s Ethan Grunkemeyer – 31-39-0-314 (3TDs).

 

Also, Kentucky’s Kenny Minchey – 14-18-0 for 252 yards (2TDs); Mississippi State’s Kamario Taylor – 18-26-1-251 (4TDs); Georgia Tech’s Alberto Mendoza – 15-21-0-249 (3TDs); Ohio State’s Julian Sayin – 18-22-0-244 (2TDs); Northwestern’s Aidan Chiles – 17-22-0-241 (3TDs), and Notre Dame’s C.J. Carr – 18-24-0-234.

 

Also, Michigan’s Bryce Underwood – 19-25-0 for 223 yards (2TDs); Miami’s Darian Mensah – 30-34-0-220 (3TDs); UConn’s Kalieb Osborne – 16-22-0-214 (2TDs); Virginia’s Beau Pribula – 21-33-0-197 (2TDs); Nebraska’s Anthony Colandrea – 15-21-0-195 (1TD); Jacksonville State’s Caden Creel – 17-24-0-194 (2TDs), and Iowa’s Hank Brown – 12-12-0-153 (2TDs).

 

Week Three’s Impressive Rushers:

 

Texas State’s Torrance Burgess – 214 yards; Boise State’s Dylan Riley – 198 yards (2TDs); SMU’s Kendrick Raphael – 197 yards (3TDs); Iowa State’s Aiden Flora – 194 yards (2TDs); San Diego State’s Javion Kinnard – 181 yards (1TD); UCLA’s Wayne Knight – 177 yards (2TDs); BYU’s L.J. Martin – 176 yards (3TDs), and Louisville’s Keyjuan Brown – 163 yards (2TDs).

 

Also, Central Michigan’s Angel Flores – 163 yards (2TDs); Florida’s Jadan Baugh – 162 yards (3TDs); Duke’s Nate Sheppard – 154 yards (2TDs); Kansas State’s Avery Johnson – 152 yards (2TDs); Iowa’s Xavier Williams – 151 yards (3TDs); Indiana’s Turbo Richard – 149 yards (1TD), and Georgia Tech’s Justice Haynes – 145 yards (2TDs).

 

 

Quotes of the Week

 

“I believe in this team. I believe in who we are. I believe in what we can do and what we can accomplish,” Florida State coach Mike Norvell, after the loss to Alabama.

 

“Beating LSU is sweet, but it wasn’t our Super Bowl. And we didn’t make it out to be our Super Bowl,” Ole Miss coach Pete Golding, after the win over LSU.

 

Touchdown Tom

https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com

 

The next CFW – Week 4 Forecast – will be posted Thursday morning, September 24.

 

CFW Week 3 Forecast - Florida-Auburn, Miss State-South Carolina

 CFW Week 3 Forecast – Florida-Auburn, Miss State-South Carolina

Oxford, Mississippi, is ground zero

 

Last week, all eyes were on Austin, Texas. This week we move east where the focal point is Oxford, Mississippi. Last week in Austin, it was primarily a football game. This week in Oxford it is more than a football game. It is an event – a big event.

 

The football game is #9 LSU taking on #8 Ole Miss in Oxford. The event is the return of former Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin. After coaching the Magnolias for six years, Kiffin left Ole Miss at the end of last season to become the head coach at LSU.

 

Last year, Kiffin coached Ole Miss to the College Football Playoff, but left the team before the Playoff started. Kiffin’s departure left Ole Miss fans angry. They felt jilted. Pete Golding, Kiffin’s defensive coordinator at Ole Miss was named the Magnolias’ coach. Kiffin and Golding will be going head to head Saturday in the LSU-Ole Miss game. Not only is Kiffin returning, but also four former Ole Miss players who now play for LSU are returning as well. And to make matters worse, Ole Miss has filed a $550,000 lawsuit against one of the four players – defensive end Princewill Umanmielen.

 

Word is, people will be pouring into Oxford without a ticket to the game. They just want to be there. They want to be in the atmosphere. They want to be part of the event. Already Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has pleaded with Ole Miss fans to be nice. Landry said, “We might need the National Guard out there to protect our team.”

 

The Oxford police department is bringing in support. Mounted police patrols from Mobile, Alabama,  and New Orleans will be on hand to assist the Oxford police. LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt said Kiffin incorporated World War II footage into team meetings as part of the preparation for Ole Miss. According to Leavitt, Kiffin’s message has been, “We’re walking into a war zone, so be ready for anything.” With a 7:30 pm ET kickoff, the fans have all day to build up their emotions. I’m thinking most people will behave.

 

Needless to say, LSU-Ole Miss is the Game of the Week. Let the fun begin!

 

LSU-Ole Miss is the big one, but there are two other key SEC encounters this week. Two encounters that will give us an early indication of just where things stand in the SEC. These two games are Florida at Auburn and Mississippi State at South Carolina. All four teams are undefeated. Obviously, only two of them will be after Saturday.

 

Florida at Auburn matches two first-year coaches who are trying to get their programs rebuilt. Mississippi State at South Carolina will let us know which one of these teams is for real.

 

There are two other SEC games landing in the Top 10 games of the week. Not so much because of who will win, but more a case of how the winner will play, facing its first SEC competition of the season. These two games are Kentucky at Texas A&M and Georgia at Arkansas.

 

Kentucky had an opportunity last week but blew it in the second half. After this week, the Wildcats will likely be 0-2 in SEC play. Georgia is 2-0 against two powder puffs. Arkansas is not good, but the Razorbacks aren’t a powder puff. And Arkansas is the home team.

 

The Big 12 has a good intraconference encounter this week – Houston at Texas Tech. This is a good ole intrastate affair. The ACC has a top-notch game between two of its members – SMU at Louisville. This one could be high scoring.

 

Speaking of the ACC, two teams are involved in interconference affairs – Florida State at Alabama and Virginia vs. West Virginia. After what FSU did to Alabama last year, you have to believe the Crimson Tide will be out for revenge – big time. No mercy! Neighbors Virginia and West Virginia get together down in Charlotte, North Carolina.

 

And finally, another Big Ten team gets a shot at the Irish. That’s a shot at the Irish, not a shot of Irish. Wisconsin had its chance and failed. Now it is Michigan State’s turn. Michigan State may need a few shots of Irish Whiskey after Notre Dame is finished with them – Michigan State at Notre Dame.

 

Almost making my Top 10 games this week, and probably it should have, is Virginia Tech at Maryland. Both teams are undefeated. This is James Franklin’s first real test with the Hokies.

 

Also keep an eye on Colorado at Northwestern, NC State at Vanderbilt, North Carolina at Clemson and Miami at Wake Forest.

 

The Ivy League teams begin their seasons this weekend. Most of the Ivy League schools helped get this whole thing called football established back in the 1870s. Princeton played in the very first college football game in 1869. So, every year I salute the Ivy League on their opening weekend.

 

Only one Ivy Leaguer is hone this weekend. The other seven teams are on the road. Columbia hosts Lafayette. “Roar Lions, Roar!” Brown is at New Haven; Dartmouth visits Lehigh; Princeton travels to Bryant; Harvard is at New Hampshire; Cornell travels to Colgate; Yale visits Holy Cross, and Penn is at Bucknell.

 

As late as the early 1950s, non-conference teams like Army, California, Michigan, Navy, Rutgers, Syracuse, Temple, Virginia and Wisconsin were on the schedules of the Ivy League teams. Up until 1940, the Ivy League (Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Penn, Princeton, Yale) won or shared most of the national championships.

 

We began the season in Dublin, Ireland. Saturday, Kansas and Arizona State meet at Wembley Stadium in London, England. The game will be televised on FS1 at 12:00 noon ET (5 pm London time). It’s the inaugural Union Jack Classic.

 

The bloodbath has begun in Tallahassee. Florida State announced Monday morning that athletic director Michael Alford had been fired. Who’s next?

 

The Saturday morning pregame shows this weekend: ESPN’s College GameDay will be in Oxford, Mississippi, for the LSU-Ole Miss game. FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff will be at the inaugural Union Jack Classic at Wembley Stadium in London, England, for the Kansas-Arizona State game. SECN’s SEC Nation will be in Auburn, Alabama, for the Florida-Auburn game. ACCN’s ACC Huddle will be in Clemson, South Carolina, for the North Carolina-Clemson game.

 

Touchdown Tom

September 17, 2026

https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com

 

 

Touchdown Tom’s Predictions for

Week Three’s 10 Biggest and Most Intriguing Games….and then some

 

GAME OF THE WEEK: 1. #7 LSU (2-0) at #8 Ole Miss (2-0) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, ABC – Will Oxford, Mississippi, survive this weekend? Not only survive the game between two Top-10 teams but also survive the return of Lane Kiffin. It’s going to be wild – the likes we may have never seen before. You have to believe there will be as many people without tickets traveling to  Oxford as there will be people inside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. They want to be there for the atmosphere. And some atmosphere it should be. Kiffin says the pressure is on Ole Miss. He’s probably right. I’m thinking with Trinidad Chambliss and Kewan Lacy, Ole Miss has the better offense. But I’m thinking LSU has the better defense. Ole Miss had no defense against Louisville. Let the party begin – LSU 27, Ole Miss 24.

 

RUNNER-UP: 2. #22 Houston (2-0) at #13 Texas Tech (2-0) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 8 pm ET, Friday, FOX – Which of these two teams are for real. Texas Tech is higher ranked, but the Red Raiders have been a little shaky. Houston is supposed to be good, but the Cougars will have to convince us. Interestingly, both teams have played Oregon State. At home, Houston beat Oregon State, 33-20. Houston couldn’t quite shake the Beavers, but the Cougars were always in control. On the road, Texas Tech beat Oregon State, 35-24. Midway through the 4^th quarter, Oregon State led Texas Tech, 24-21. Houston had better stats against the Beavers than did Texas Tech. Throw the stats out the window – Texas Tech 31, Houston 27.

 

REST OF THE BEST: 3. #16 SMU (2-0) at #23 Louisville (1-1) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN2 – SMU had a close win over Florida State two weeks ago. Louisville had a close loss to Ole Miss two weeks ago. Whoever wins this game, it’s going to be close. I was really impressed with Louisville quarterback Lincoln Kienholz in the Ole Miss game. Louisville lost but Kienholz was a winner. Th Cardinals also have top-rated running back Isaac Brown. SMU has a hot quarterback too – Kevin Jennings. Neither team has an outstanding defense. But the defenses aren’t bad. This is a tough road assignment for the Mustangs and Louisville takes advantage. Mustangs don’t make the Derby – Louisville 30, SMU 24.

 

4. #27 Florida (2-0) at Auburn (2-0) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN – Florida and Auburn have had some great games in the past. This should be another good one. Both teams are playing under first-year coaches. Auburn wanted Florida’s coach – Jon Sumrall. The Tigers lost out to the Gators. Auburn then got their next choice – Alex Golesh. Golesh was a good catch. Florida quarterback Aaron Philo has been playing good. Likewise Byrum Brown has been playing well for the Tigers. Forida’s ace in the hole is running back Jadan Baugh. Baugh turned faces last year. He’s doing the same this year. The Tigers lose out to the Gators again – Florida 28, Auburn 21.

 

5. #32 Mississippi State (2-0) at #33 South Carolina (2-0) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 4:15 pm ET, Saturday, SECN – This is the third of three top-notch matches in the SEC. Miss State has come on strong, especially under fledgling quarterback Kamario Taylor. Taylor has been impressive – very impressive. Bulldogs coach Jeff Lebby has the offense rolling at State. South Carolina is still a bit of a mystery. The talent is there. The competition has been weak. It won’t be weak on Saturday. The Gamecocks are under veteran quarterback LaNorris Sellers. Let the battle begin. The Gamecocks won’t be a mystery after Saturday – South Carolina 30, Mississippi State 21.

 

6. #25 Virginia (2-0) vs. West Virginia (2-0) – (ACC vs. Big 12) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, ACCN – These two neighbors are traveling to Charlotte, North Carolina, to get together. One will have a happy ride hoe, The other one won’t. Both are undefeated. WVU hasn’t truly been tested. Virginia has aced one test already. That was the Cavs 34-8 win over NC State. That was an impressive win. WVU’s offense has looked good under quarterback Michael Hawkins and running back Cam Cook. It’s the Mounties’ defense that has question marks – lots of them. Virginia, under quarterback Beau Pribula, could have a heyday. Both quarterbacks are dangerous runners. So, the Virginia’s have to go to the Carolina’s to play football. The Cavs are happy with that – Virginia 30, West Virginia 23.

 

7. Michigan State (2-0) at #3 Notre Dame (2-0) – (Big Ten vs. Ind) 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, NBC – Michigan State is desperately seeking a good season. The Spartans are off to a good start. The competition hasn’t been the strongest. State is also under a first-year coach – Pat Fitzgerald. Notre Dame has the expertise. Quarterback C.J. Carr is one of the best – if not the best. The Irish defense is outstanding. ND already has a win over one Big Ten team. That was a 41-13 thrashing of Wisconsin. Michigan State may or may not be better than Wisconsin. But the Irish are better than both – Notre Dame 34, Michigan State 16.

 

8. Florida State (1-1) at #10 Alabama (2-0) – (ACC vs. SEC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ABC – We all remember what happened last year in Tallahassee. Alabama was heavily favored. The Tide were also heavily unprepared. The Noles ruled – 31-17. What a surprise that game was. Even the Noles were surprised. There won’t be any surprises this year. I have a feeling Bama has had this game marked for a year. FSU is inconsistent on offense and confused on defense. The Noles have a threat on offense in wide receiver Duce Robinson. But they have to make use of that theat. Alabama has lots of threats – offense and defense. On offense, it begins with quarterback Keelon Russell. He has been good so far. Last week, the Bama defense was a little unsettled in the first half against Kentucky. They got their act together in the second half. Florida State likely is studying that first half film. Revenge in Tuscaloosa –    Alabama 40, Florida State 17.

 

9. Kentucky (1-1) at #9 Texas A&M (2-0) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN –  Last week, Kentucky had a good first half, a bad second half. Last week, Texas A&M had a tough three quarters. The Aggies came to life in the fourth quarter. Kentucky coach Will Stein will probably have the Wildcats fired up again this week. He seems to be good at doing that. But Kentucky is on the road this week and Texas A&M is as good as Alabama – maybe better. Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed is sharp and quick. And he has good receivers. Kentucky quarterback Kenny Minchey is good but still learning the ropes. The Aggies give the Wildcats a whippin’ – Texas A&M 40, Kentucky 21.

  

10. #2 Georgia (2-0) at Arkansas (1-1) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ABC – Welcome to Power Four football, Georgia. Not that Arkansas is a Power Four powerhouse. But the Razorbacks aren’t powder puffs. That’s who the Dawgs have been playing the first two weeks – powder puffs. Arkansas may be, and probably is, the worst team in the SEC. But worst teams can and do improve. After the Razorbacks’ loss to Utah last week, first-year coach Ryan Silverfield has been riddled with criticism. Maybe that will fire up the Razorbacks. Maybe it will, but not enough to beat the Dawgs – Georgia 42, Arkansas 16.

 

 

YE OLDE STOMOPING GROUNDS:

 

Stanford (1-1) at Duke (2-0) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 4 pm ET, Saturday, CWN – Two of America’s best educational institutions get together on the football field. It may noy be a good game, but at least it should be a smart game. Stanford is in the process of rebuilding its program. The teams is led by former Stanford quarterbacks Andrew Luck and Tavita Pritchard. Luck is the general manager, and Pritchard is the first-year coach. The Trees’ offense looked good in its opener against Hawaii. But, along with the defense, looked bad against Miami. Everybody looks bad against Miami. Stanford should be a much better team towards the end of the season. Duke is off to a good start. Head coach Manny Diaz continues to do a good job with the program. Diaz has the Dookies competitive again this year. Quarterback Walker Eget and running back Nate Sheppard make the offense competitive. The Dookies trim the Trees – Duke 31, Stanford 28.

 

#6 (FCS) North Dakota (3-0) at Nebraska (2-0) – (Big Ten vs. ) – 7:15 pm ET, Saturday, BTN – North Dakota is just an FCS team. But don’t be surprised if the Huskers find North Dakota tougher to handle than its first two opponents Ohio and Bowling Green. North Dakota is ranked 6^th in this week’s FCS Coaches Poll. The Fighting Hawks have no chance of beating Nebraska, but they could be a problem. North Dakota is averaging 50 points a game. However, their defense is giving up 23 points per game. The Huskers should have no problem scoring on the Fighting Hawks. But the Nebraska defense will be challenged by the North Dakota offense. Huskers quarterback Anthony Colandrea is improving, and Nebraska appears to have a slew of good running backs. Fighting Hawks go down to Fighting Herbie – Nebraska 42, North Dakota 20.

 

UTSA (2-0) at #1 Texas (2-0) – (AC vs. SEC) – 8 pm ET, Saturday, SECN – Texas may have a letdown following that big win over Ohio State. But even with a letdown, the Longhorns should have no trouble beating UTSA. That said, UTSA is a good team and is capable of causing problems. The Roadrunners are led by quarterback Owen McCown. Texas, of course, is full of talent. Bevo takes the beep out of Beep Beep – Texas 33, UTSA 17.

 

Purdue (1-1) at #35 UCLA (2-0) – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 11 pm ET, Saturday, BTN – It’s going to be another long season for the Boilermakers. They had their chance last week against Wake Forest and couldn’t take advantage of it. The remainder of the schedule consists of Notre Dame and Big Ten Conference games. It doesn’t look hopeful for the Boilers. Purdue quarterback Ryan Browne has been looking good, but he has no support. Meanwhile, first-year coach Bob Chesney has UCLA on a winning track. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava has been doing well and the Bruins defense has been looking good. Boilers run out of steam – UCLA 34, Purdue 17.

 

 

ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA:

 

#5 Miami (2-0) at Wake Forest (2-0) – (ACC vs. ACC) – 7:30 pm ET, Friday, ESPN….

Virginia-Lynchburg (0-3) at Bethune-Cookman (1-1) – (NCCAA vs. SWAC) – 4 pm ET, Saturday

 

FIU (1-1) at Florida Atlantic (1-1) – (C-USA vs. AC) – 6 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN+….

Georgia State (2-0) at UCF (1-1) – (SBC vs. Big 12) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN+….

 

Delaware State (2-1) at South Florida (2-0) – (MEAC vs. AC) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN+….

Austin Peay (2-1) at #17 (FCS) West Florida  (2-0) – (UAC vs. UAC) – 7 pm ET, Saturday….

 

Tennessee State (0-3) at Florida A&M (1-2) – (OVC vs. SWAC) – 7 pm ET, Saturday….

Stetson (1-2) at #11 (FCS) UC Davis (2-1) – (Pioneer vs. Big Sky) – 10 pm ET, ESPN+….

 

 

Quotes of the Week

 

“One Mike down, one to go,” USA Today sports columnist Matt Hayes, on the firing of Florida State  AD Mike Alford, with the assumption that FSU football coach Mike Norvell will be next.

 

“This thing will make the Mardi Gras look like a backyard barbecue,” a New Orleans law enforcement official, on the LSU-Ole Miss weekend in Oxford.

 

Touchdown Tom

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