2022-23 College Football: Week 3 Review

After a crazy Week 2 full of upsets and shuffling amongst the Top 25, Week 3 decided to give us a little bit more of a break. We had some tight games and some good matchups, but there wasn't too much unpredictability. It remained the status quo for most of the Top 10 teams and some home teams came away with huge wins. Even with it being a little tamer this week, it doesn't mean we weren't treated to our fair share of drama. There were some last-second field goal wins and a Hail Mary victory to send a small town into a frenzy. We got our fill of college football this weekend and it was awesome. 

Game of the Week- Syracuse 32, Purdue 29 (Syracuse, NY)

The 12p slate of games started with a little bit of promise. Several Top 10 teams were in action in the early block, but they all turned out to be blowouts. Then there was this game against non-conference opponents on ESPN2 that had no business being as good as it was. Through three quarters, this game was a huge nothing burger. Purdue held a 9-3 halftime lead and Syracuse scored a touchdown in the third to take a 10-9 lead. The fourth quarter was absolutely bananas. Early in the final quarter, Purdue quarterback Aidan O'Connell finds Payne Durham from 11 yards before they try and fail to go for two, putting them ahead 15-10. Syracuse quarterback Garrett Shrader rallies the troops and responds with a 46-yard touchdown pass of his own and the Orange would get their two-point attempt to take an 18-15 lead. On the first play after the kickoff, O'Connell throws a pass right into the chest of Syracuse defensive lineman Caleb Okechukwu and returns it to the house to put the Orange up by ten. At this point, the game looked pretty secure. O'Connell would respond by finding Charlie Jones for 55 yards and a score to pull back within three, then hit Durham with just 51 seconds left to take a 29-25 lead. After making the PAT, Durham was called for unsportsmanlike conduct and while arguing on the sideline, Purdue coach Jeff Brohm was called for a penalty of his own. This meant that the ensuing kickoff would take place at their own 10, allowing Syracuse to get excellent field positioning for a potential game-winning drive. They'd return the ball to midfield with just under a minute to get down the field and score. The Orange would benefit from a defensive holding and a pass interference penalty before Schrader hit Oronde Gadsden II in stride for the second time in the quarter to give Syracuse a three-point lead with seven seconds left to win the game. I think the second unsportsmanlike penalty is what killed them. They could've probably gotten away with the first one, but they shot themselves in the foot and did this to themselves. This game had no business being as exciting as it was. I didn't expect this finish at all. 

Upset of the Week- Kansas 48, Houston 30 (Houston, TX)

I think it would be allowed to put Washington over Michigan State here, but Washington was favored to win based on the spread, so it feels a little wrong to name it the upset of the week. Instead, I wanted to talk about a basketball school that has seemed to come alive to start the season. Kansas hasn't won more than three games in a season since 2009. They are now 3-0 after going into Houston and defeating a team that started the season ranked in the Top 25. One week after storming into Morgantown and winning a conference game in overtime despite being a two-touchdown underdog, the Jayhawks went up against Houston and really made it look easy. The star of the show was Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels, throwing for 158 yards and three touchdowns while running for 123 yards and two more touchdowns. He almost single-handily defeated the Cougars. The Jayhawks were so good in this game that they had Houston's players turning on each other and having them fight one another on the sideline. Kansas was predicted to finish dead last in the conference this season by the media during the preseason and it wasn't really close. It is still very early, but Kansas has already defied a lot of expectations. This basketball school is getting it done despite being the underdogs consistently. 

Other Notable Games

Washington 39, #11 Michigan State 28 (Seattle, WA)

While Washington was the favorite in this game despite being unranked, the Huskies really made this look easy for most of the night. The Spartans made a push in the fourth quarter to make it look closer, but Michael Penix Jr torched the Michigan State defense. Penix Jr threw for just a shade under 400 yards and four touchdowns and at one point the Huskies led the game by 25 points in the fourth quarter. This was more of the effort I'd been looking to see from Payton Thorne, but the Spartans' defense couldn't hold up their end to avoid the huge loss. 

Appalachian State 32, Troy 28 (Boone, NC)

With College Gameday in town and the buzz from beating Texas A&M last week still going strong, Appalachian State found themselves in a dogfight with Troy for four quarters. The Trojans led the game at halftime and were down by just three points through three quarters. Troy scored a touchdown to take the lead with over ten minutes left then took an intentional safety with 20 seconds left to make sure the Mountaineers didn't get the ball back with a short field. They clearly didn't watch the North Carolina game because not only did they get close, Chase Brice heaved a Hail Mary pass that was caught and carried into the endzone as the Boone faithful went nuts for the second straight week. 

#24 Texas A&M 17, #13 Miami 9 (College Station, TX)

Before the Aggies' loss to Appalachian State last week, this was going to be a huge game. It really was a bit of a snoozefest. The Aggies opted to go with a new quarterback and I guess it worked, but not really that much. Max Johnson did throw for one more touchdown than Miami quarterback Tanner Van Dyke and finished with similar completion percentages. Miami did run the ball effectively compared to Texas A&M, but the Hurricanes couldn't generate anything of substance, allowing the Aggies to shake off last week's loss. I still don't think the Aggies should be too satisfied considering they seem to be stuck.

#25 Oregon 41, #12 BYU 20 (Eugene, OR)

I was a little upset this game was as lopsided as it was. The Ducks came out of the gates fast and that momentum carried through three quarters. The offense scored on each of its first six drives, including five touchdowns from quarterback Bo Nix. The Auburn transfer threw for a pair of touchdowns and added three more with his legs to get Oregon out to a 38-7 lead through three quarters. Props to Jaren Hall for fighting in the fourth quarter to try and make it closer, but the Ducks were just too much as they earned a huge win at home.

#22 Penn State 41, Auburn 12 (Auburn, AL)

I still find it incredibly hard to believe that no Big Ten team has ever visited Auburn at Jordan-Hare. After this game, they might not want to invite another team anytime soon. The first half was a little easier for the Tigers to stomach, but the second half was pretty bad. While Auburn trailed 14-6 at halftime, Penn State outscored them 27-6 in the final two quarters. The Nittany Lions did all their damage on the ground, rushing for five touchdowns. The defense also came up big, forcing four turnovers in the blowout victory. 

Notre Dame 24, California 17 (South Bend, IN)

Marcus Freeman finally got his first win as a head coach, but it still didn't instill any good feelings to make me optimistic about the Fighting Irish moving forward. Drew Pyne was efficient, going 17-for-23 with 150 yards and two touchdowns, proving to be the best game under center for the team thus far. Notre Dame trailed heading into the fourth quarter and was able to overcome the deficit to win but it came down to the wire. The Golden Bears had a last-second Hail Mary heave that stayed in the air for way too long and almost ended in disaster for Notre Dame. Ultimately, the ball would hit the ground and the Irish had their first win of the season. 

Florida State 35, Louisville 31 (Louisville, KY)

I don't think Florida State is getting the amount of love that they deserve and they now sit at 3-0 in the ACC. A lot of this is due to the play of Jordan Travis. He'd go head-to-head with Malik Cunningham, a versatile mobile quarterback for Louisville that can do a little bit of everything. Cunningham ran for over 100 yards and two touchdowns and threw for 243 yards and another touchdown. He got the better of the battle statistically, but it was Travis and the Seminoles that got the better of the Cardinals. Cunningham was picked off to seal the deal to secure another close win for Florida State. 

My Top 25

1. Georgia (3-0, W 48-7 South Carolina (-)

Someone check on the Bulldogs because they allowed a touchdown for the first time. They showed once again why they are the best team in the country with a dominant conference win. 

2. Ohio State (3-0, W 77-21 Toledo) (-)

CJ Stroud might be the early favorite for the Heisman as he threw for five touchdowns and the offense exploded for 77 points. They should be in for a test next week with Wisconsin coming to town. 

3. Alabama (3-0, W 63-7 Louisiana-Monroe) (-)

There was no doubt with this game as the Crimson Tide decimated the Warhawks, 63-7. Something to look out for is the two interceptions from Bryce Young in the game, uncharacteristic for his game. 

4. Michigan (3-0, W 59-0 Connecticut) (+1)

I've taken the bait and moved Michigan into the top four after a big shutout win over UConn. They allowed just over 100 yards on defense and Blake Corum ran for five touchdowns in the win.

5. Clemson (3-0, W 48-20 Louisiana Tech) (-1)

While I think that Clemson is still trying to find their footing, I'm a little worried for them right now. They're yet to face a major test and now they have two big games in back-to-back weeks. 

6. Oklahoma (3-0, W 49-14 Nebraska) (-)

There was a split second where I thought the Huskers could pull off the upset after their first drive. Then the Sooner came alive and outscored them 49-7 to finish the game and make a statement. 

7. USC (3-0, W 45-17 Fresno State) (-)

Fresno State tried to make it a game, but the Trojans' offense was just too strong for four quarters. They had two 100-yard rushers in the game and Caleb Williams scored four times to lead the charge.  

8. Oklahoma State (3-0, W 63-7 Arkansas Pine-Bluff) (+1)

This is the Oklahoma State team I've been waiting to see. Sure it took them playing a very bad team but that's beside the point as Spencer Sanders threw for four touchdowns, one more incompletion than he had.

9. Kentucky (3-0, W 31-0 Youngstown State) (+4)

I wasn't overall impressed by how the Wildcats played, which says a lot since they won 31-0. Will Levis wasn't as sharp as he normally is, throwing two picks to go along with his two touchdowns.  

10. NC State (3-0, W 27-14 Texas Tech) (-)

NC State didn't need to rely on its offense much in this one and let the defense take the wheel against Texas Tech. They forced four turnovers in the win and look to be in control right now. 

11. Oregon (2-1, W 41-20 #12 BYU) (+6)

After their disappointing opener, the Ducks have bounced back, and never more was it evident than in their win over BYU. They looked unstoppable on offense and the defense held strong for 45 minutes. 

12. Tennessee (3-0, W 63-6 Akron) (+7)

Maybe the rebuild is coming to a head because this Tennessee team is fun to watch. They didn't let the emotional win a week ago weigh them down as they dominated Akron. 

13. Arkansas (3-0, W 38-27 Missouri State) (+1)

This was probably not the way they envisioned the week going after falling behind 17-0 to Missouri State at home. Fortunately, they rebounded in the second half to avoid the upset. 

14. Texas A&M (W 17-9 #13 Miami) (-3)

A win over a Top 25 team should make me feel better but the offense continues to be a major problem. They won, sure, but they relied a lot on their defense to hold Miami to field goals. 

15. Michigan State (2-1, L 39-28 Washington) (-7)

I think most people felt this was going to be a tough draw for Michigan State as they went into Seattle for their date with the Huskies. The offense came alive too late and their defense allowed over 500 yards. 

16. Utah (2-1, W 35-7 San Diego State) (-)

The Utes have taken their opening week loss to heart, allowing just seven points in each of the last two games. Cameron Rising's four touchdowns led the way as Utah downed the Aztecs. 

17. Baylor (2-1, W 42-7 Texas State) (+1)

Another team in need of a big rebound game, the Bears didn't mess around against Texas State. Baylor lost the turnover battle, but they outgained them 501-268 to secure the win. 

18. Ole Miss (3-0, W 42-0 Georgia Tech) (+3)

While the Yellow Jackets might not be the class of the ACC, shutting out a Power 5 team is still an impressive feat. They scored all six touchdowns on the ground and ran Georgia Tech out of the building.

19. Penn State (3-0, W 41-12 Auburn) (+4)

"Dismantling" might not be the right word to describe what Penn State did to Auburn on Saturday. They outclassed them in every way and made the Tigers look like mere cubs. 

20. Miami (2-1, L 17-9 #24 Texas A&M) (-8)

While it is great that the defense played well, this isn't the offense I expected from Miami. Tyler Van Dyke was just north of 50% passing and the offense was held to three field goals. 

21. Wake Forest (3-0, W 37-36 Liberty) (-1)

The Demon Deacons were one of the lucky teams this week, narrowly avoiding an upset at the hands of Liberty. They were held to 21 yards rushing and needed a two-point conversion failure to win. 

22. Pittsburgh (2-1, W 34-13 Western Michigan) (-)

With Kedon Slovis on the shelf, Nate Yarnell had to step up and he did a great job. He only threw the ball 12 times, but still threw for 179 yards and a touchdown while the Panthers ran for over 200 more. 

23. Texas (2-1, W 41-20 UTSA) (+1)

It took the Longhorns some time to get it going without Quinn Ewers, though they still finished with a comfortable win. Bijan Robinson will shoulder most of the offense as he ran for 183 yards and three scores. 

24. BYU (2-1, L 41-20 #25 Oregon) (-9)

I was really rooting for BYU to get this win, but they couldn't get it going from the jump. It clearly was not for a lack of trying because they tried to push back at the end once it was out of hand. 

25. Washington (3-0, W 39-28 #11 Michigan State) (NR)

The Huskies were the favorites in this game despite being unranked and they played like the better team. Time will tell whether this team is legitimate or not, especially since they've only played at home.

My Next 5

26. Florida (2-1, W 31-28 South Florida) (-1)

The Gators really are a confusing bunch because I'm not sure which group we're going to get. They barely held on to beat the Bulls and Anthony Richardson didn't play well. 

27. North Carolina (3-0, Bye) (+1)

It was finally time for a week off since the Tar Heels have already played three times. They're set for a battle with Notre Dame out of their break and will need to use the off week to their advantage. 

28. Appalachian State (2-1, W 32-28 Troy) (+1)

I'm still riding the magic train that the Mountaineers have put us through in the first three weeks. It took a miracle finish to get the job done this time around and it was just as exhilarating as last week. 

29. Minnesota (3-0, W 49-7 Colorado) (+1)

A new team in the Big Ten looks like they're trying to stick their head up with other teams in the division dropping like flies. Mohamed Ibrahim ran for 202 yards and three touchdowns in this week's rout.

30. Florida State (3-0, W 35-31 Louisville) (NR)

The Atlantic Division already has some big challengers for the top spot and the Seminoles feel like they should be in the conversation. They outlasted Louisville this week and can't look past Boston College next week. 

Week 4 Preview

1. #5 Clemson v. #21 Wake Forest (Winston-Salem, NC)

In the next two weeks, Clemson is going to face two of their biggest challengers for the ACC Atlantic crown as they visit Wake Forest this week before NC State visits next week. DJ Uiagalelei needs to step his game up with Sam Hartman, one of the best quarterbacks in the ACC, opposite of him. 

2. #20 Florida v. #11 Tennessee (Knoxville, TN)

The Gators have been very up and down to start the season and they've been too inconsistent with the ball for me to feel comfortable with them as they visit the Vols. Tennessee's offense has been very good through three games and they're pretty stout defensively. 

3. #10 Arkansas v. #23 Texas A&M (College Station, TX)

Someone is going to break when the Razorbacks and Aggies meet in College Station on Saturday night. I'm still waiting for Texas A&M to show me some signs of life offensively while I think Arkansas might be slightly too high in the AP Poll after last week's scare against Missouri State. 

4. Maryland v. #4 Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI)

Michigan's offense has gotten a lot of love and attention while the defense has really been stout too, allowing just 17 points in three games. They are heavy favorites against a Maryland team that has yet to really be challenged. 

5. #17 Baylor v. Iowa State (Ames, IA)

I think this is going to be a tough game for the Bears, which might not bode well since they really can't afford to lose a second game this early before playing some of the bigger threats. Iowa State's key win to this point is against Iowa on the road and could use a marquee win to kick off conference play. 

6. #15 Oregon v. Washington State (Pullman, WA)

The biggest game in the PAC-12 this week will see the Ducks looking to follow up on their big win by facing undefeated Washington in Pullman. Oregon is less than a touchdown favorite and when they went on the road last time, they only mustered a field goal. 

7. #7 USC v. Oregon State (Corvallis, OR)

The second big game in the PAC-12 this week features the team of transfers against another undefeated foe from Corvallis. I'm surprised to see the Trojans only open as 6.5-point favorites for this one since they are clearly the better team on paper, but maybe the fact they're on the road will play into it. 

8. Wisconsin v. #3 Ohio State (Columbus, OH)

The Buckeyes will start the conference slate against the Badgers in Columbus and while this shouldn't be too much of a problem for CJ Stroud and company, I still see some intrigue in this meeting. Conference play has always been known to cause some craziness in the Big Ten. 

9. Notre Dame v. North Carolina (Chapel Hill, NC)

I'm sure there would be a lot more intrigue surrounding this game if Notre Dame had been playing well to this point. This game could really make or break Notre Dame's season while it would be a huge boost for Drake Maye and the Tar Heels if they could get the job done. 

10. Duke v. Kansas (Lawrence, KS)

No one tell these two teams that it isn't basketball season yet. In Lawrence, this weekend two undefeated "blue bloods" of college basketball will put their perfect starts on the line in a game that no one outside of Durham and Lawrence could possibly care about.