CFB Week 3

After a subpar week 2, we are once again rewarded with a full day of big time college football matchups. We all ate our vegetables last week so we could enjoy the entree this week with 6 games we’ve outlined for you to watch this week.

Saturday

Clemson vs Georgia Tech

What to watch for: I’m really intrigued by this matchup but like so many other Clemson matchups of the past, I have this lingering suspicion that this game will turn out to be a dud. Weirdly enough, that makes it a noteworthy matchup to watch because so far this season, nothing has been assured when it comes to the Tigers. On the other side, you have a really good Georgia Tech with a banged up Haynes King. He and Jamal Haynes are fun to watch most weeks but the intrigue will be in the trenches as the disparity between Clemson’s defensive line and Georgia Tech’s offensive line is large. I know this sounds like I’m not optimistic about this matchup but I really am because this is one of the best teams Clemson will play all year and Bobby Dodd Stadium is not an easy place to play as far as road ACC matchups are concerned.

#6 Georgia vs #15 Tennessee

What to watch for: Two storied SEC programs matching up on the shores of the Tennessee River, sign me up. Really though, this is the first real measuring stick SEC game we have so far this year and there are some interesting questions to ask about both teams. After playing two matchups this season against non conference schools that don’t tell much, we’ll get a chance to see how far along QB Gunner Stockton is in his development. On the other side, the Volunteers have shown flashes of offensive power but there are still questions as to the validity of that against top competition. This game sells itself and I will be on the couch ready for it at 3:30.

West Virginia vs Pitt

What to watch for: The Backyard Brawl is one of the more underrated rivalries in all of college football. These two schools really don’t like each other and 6 of the last 8 matchups were separated by 7 points or less. Maybe this isn’t the main screen game but you’ll need to have it up on a screen in the second half if recent history is any indicator.

#18 South Florida vs #5 Miami

What to watch for: The most significant game ever played on the CW? Many are already saying this about this matchup between the Bulls and the Hurricanes. #18 USF has been the surprise of the first two weeks of the season, defeating #24 Boise State at home and then doubling up with a road win against #13 Florida. Now the catch a 3rd straight ranked opponent in #5 Miami, who has looked really strong to start with new QB Carson Beck at the helm. USF has looked like the best of the non power 4 schools to start this season and even if they don’t pull off a win in Miami, they will still be right in the thick of it for weeks to come.

# 16 Texas A&M vs #8 Notre Dame

What to watch for: This is only the 6th time these two schools have played each other and it’s only the second time the Aggies have made the trip to South Bend. Despite dropping the opening game of the season on a Sunday night against Miami, I came away really impressed with the second half of play from Freshman QB CJ Carr. They’ll need to bring a better balance offensively with their standout RB Jeremiah Love to try and take some of the pressure off of Carr but this Notre Dame team is a really deep roster. As for Texas A&M, this will be the first chance for much of the country to see this offense under Sophomore QB Marcel Reed, who has looked really good to start this season. Reed through two games has 509 yards through the air and 7 Touchdown passes, while also adding a rushing element to the tune of over 38 yards on the ground in both games.

Florida vs #3 LSU

What to watch for: Gators Head Coach Billy Napier is once again back in the hottest seat in college football as the loss last week against USF has turned what looked to be a promising season for the Gators into a fight for his job once again. Much like the end of last season, Napier when facing long odds is a dangerous coach and his Gators will need to be dangerous if they’re going to take down #3 LSU. Florida won this matchup last year in Gainesville, in a stretch where many in Louisiana questioned whether or not Brian Kelly was taking the program in the right direction. Starting the season with a big time road win against Clemson has quieted much of that discourse but with sky high expectations surrounding this LSU team, this is not a game they can overlook. Heisman hopeful Garrett Nussmeier has looked sharp to open the season but this week he’ll be paired up with another high profile QB in DJ Lagway, coming off a lackluster performance last week. This LSU defense will be one of the best the Gators will face in an absolutely brutal stretch of games starting in Baton Rouge and ending with matchups against #5 Miami, #7 Texas and #16 Texas A&M. It’s a pivotal stretch of games for the future of the Gators.