Welcome to Week 3 Football fans! This week features some fantastic games including the return of Lane Kiffin to Oxford, Mississippi. I don't want to waste any time this week with so many great games, so let's dive right into my predictions!
Week 2 Results: 14 - 8
Overall Results: 36 - 20
Week 3 Predictions:
Arizona State vs Kansas
No one can figure out why this game is being played across the pond, but the Sun Devils and the Jayhawks are meeting at Wembley for a college football game in London. Both teams looked competitive against their SEC opponents last week, until the mistakes began to pile up. Kansas had 3 turnovers agianst Missouri and Arizona State had 4 against A&M. Both teams have some talent at QB, but Cutter Boley has looked really good for the Sun Devils so far this season. I think he has another big performance and Arizona State wins this Big XII Conference game in the UK. Sun Devils 27, Kansas 17.
North Carolina at Clemson
Both of these teams have some serious issues to address in different areas. North Carolina has a number of administrative issues after the General Manager and Defensive Coordinator have both stepped down. Clemson's issues are more on the field, as they were embarrassed in the opener against LSU and struggled to fend off Georgia Southern at home last week. UNC looked strong in the opener against TCU in Ireland, especially with their defense allowing just 281 total yards against the Horned Frogs. Clemson's offense has been abysmal this season, and Freshman QB Tait Reynolds is set to start moving forward. This feels like the game where Dabo gets Clemson back on track, but I'm not sure this team has much juice in it. North Carolina looked tough but with so much off-field drama and players suspended along with coaches resigning, I think Clemson handles business. New QB should help spark the offense, Clemson wins 27-21.
Florida State at #10 Alabama
The Seminoles upset the Tide when this game was played in Tallahassee last year, but it won't quite be as easy this year. Tuscaloosa is not an easy place to win, and despite SMU handing Florida State numerous opportunities to win, they couldn't pull off the upset in Week 1. The Noles are coming off a BYE week, but Alabama found another gear in the second half against Kentucky. I think Keelon Russell starts to find his stride in this game and Mike Norvell is one game closer to unemployment. Roll Tide 42-17.
#16 SMU at #23 Louisville
This is my favorite game of the weekend and should be a phenomenal showcase of QB talent and high-powered offenses. Louisville fell short against Ole Miss in the season opener, more so due to penalties and msissed defensive assignments. The offense did their part racking up 469 yards and 38 points against the Rebels' defense. SMU survived the power outage at Florida State, despite giving the Seminoles multiple opportunities to take that game. Kevin Jennings is my Heisman favorite still, and his talent speaks for itself. If you have yet to watch him this season, he's truly showing his experience. So far he's thrown for 767 yards with 8 TDs and a couple of picks. Jennings uses his legs well, moving the pocket and extending plays. On the Cardinals' sideline, ex-Buckeye QB Lincoln Kienholz has been showing everyone in the nation there's some good football talent (much like myself) that comes out of South Dakota. In his first action as a starter he's thrown for 639 yards with 4 TDs and leads the team in rushing with 111 yards and 3 TDs through just 2 games. Hopefully RB Isaac Brown can get into a groove to help balance their offense out soon. This should be a back and forth shootout, but a big play on defense will certainly flip the game. Kevin Jennings and SMU is my pick to win the ACC, but this game gives either team the inside track to contend for the title with Miami. I think Louisville could push for a playoff spot, but this game is an important one to win. Give me the Ponies for a 36-33 win over the Cardinals.
Mississippi State at South Carolina
Two unbeaten SEC teams line up as the Bulldogs take on the Gamecocks. Both teams are lead by big time playmakers at QB. LaNorris Sellers has experience but Kamario Taylor has the flash. The young buck has thrown for 581 yards and 7 TDs while adding another 145 yards and a TD on the ground. Sellers has 120 of his own yards on the ground with a TD, but they haven't played much competition yet. Defensively, the Cocks still have another level to get to with star defensive end Dylan Stewart expected to make his season debut today. I think this will be a tough home environment, so Mississippi State needs to play a clean game and try to force some turnovers. There's upset potential in the air, but I like the experience on South Carolina's sideline. I think that's the difference maker in a close game. Gamecoks defend home turf 30-27.
Florida International at Florida Atlantic (Shula Bowl)
One of my favorite G6 battles of the season is the Shula Bowl in honor of Miami Dolphins coaching legend, Don Shula. The Panthers and the Owls both have Shula coaching tree connections in their history, and have a fun rivalry building. FAU has dominated the series throughout history with a 17-5 record, but FIU pulled an upset last year and is primed to go back-to-back. The Owls had a big win over Navy last week and while they didn't win, FIU was competitive with USF in Week 1. Both teams have dynamic passing attacks led by experienced QBs in JJ Khol (FIU) and Caden Veltkamp (FAU). Each have more than 600 passing yards through two games and some reliable pass catchers to throw to downfield. I think this could be a shootout in South Florida, so look for a lot of yards and points. While I think FAU is improving, I like the Panthers to have a big season and it jump starts with a win here. FIU beats FAU 40-35 in the Shula Bowl.
Florida at Auburn
The Gators have yet to face a worthy opponent this season, but a road trip to Auburn will tell us a lot about John Sumrall's team. He faces off against a familiar foe with Alex Golesh leading the Tigers now, both coaches coming up from the American Conference. Auburn's defense was tremendous in the opener against Baylor, specifically their tackling. Offensively, Byrum Brown has struggled a bit, throwing 3 picks and being sacked 5 times in that Baylor game. If the Gators can get pressure early, an extra possession from a turnover could be huge. This should be a very competitive game, so look for the defenses to put a few highlights on the tape. Give me the Gators to renew this old SEC rivalry with a road victory 27-23.
#11 BYU at Colorado State
The Cougars earned a tough conference win against Arizona last week and has a dangerous road trip to TCU taking on the Frogs next week. Squeezed in between is a sneaky upset opportunity in Fort Collins, Colorado. The Rams are 2-0 to start the season an have new energy around the program under head coach Jim Mora. He's got the Rams' offense humming through two games, but the Cougar defense is one of the toughest they'll face this season. BYU is primed to to be the Big XII Playoff team this year, but the offense needs to find a second gear. Last year's Big XII offensive player of the year was Cougar RB LJ Martin. He has yet to find the endzone in 2026 and has just 152 yards through two games. He's one of the best backs in the nation, especially in compliment to Bear Bachmeier's dual-threat ability. Look for him to have a break out game. BYU can't over look Colorado State, but I think the Rams will hang around for a bit. Cougars beat the Rams 34-21.
Michigan State at #3 Notre Dame
A rivalry renews as Sparty travels to South Bend to take on Notre Dame. The Irish have dominated so far this season, and while we haven't seen what all Michigan State can be, I know Pat Fitzgerald will have them ready. Senior RB Cam Edwards has been a workhorse for the Spartans, rushing for 250 yards and 3 TDs through two games, averaging over 5.2 yards per carry. Michigan State will need to get him going early if they want to hang around in this one. Notre Dame was challenged a bit by the fellow BIG 10 Badgers, but ran away with that game in the second half. Quarterback CJ Carr is looking like the Heisman hopeful we've all dubbed him to be. I'm anxious to see what Sparty's defense looks like as the Huskers visit them next week, but I don't think they'll be able to slow down the Irish. It's tough to win in South Bend, Notre Dame 38, Michigan State 17.
West Virginia at #25 Virginia
A very under the radar game on this Saturday slate, but don't forget to turn the channel over to this game from time to time. Both teams have fantastic rushing attacks, with the Mountaineers ranking 8th so far this season and the Cavaliers ranking 18th. West Virginia's offense runs through dual-threat QB Michael Hawkins Jr. The Sophomore has 6 total TDs this season but will be up against a tough defense with Virginia. They've yet to give up double digit points in a game and held NC State to 168 total yards in Week 1. Virginia has Beau Pribula at QB and he's looked better than advertised in my opinion. The offense has gone over 400 total yards in both games this season and the important thing is Virginia does not commit many penalties. Only 8 penalties through 2 games. West Virginia cleaned things up from 7 penalties in their opener against Coastal, but that could be a big drive killer with two teams that love to run the ball. I like Virginia at home, but WVU will put a couple of statement drives together. Cavaliers beat the Mountaineers 33-24.
Colorado at Northwestern
The Buffs flexed a bit in the opener against Georgia Tech, so they've got experience on the road this season. Northwestern is hoping QB Aidan Chiles can spark up the offense, throwing for 273 and 1 TD in their opener against the Jackrabbits of South Dakota State. He added another TD on the ground, but Colorado will look to contain his dual-threat ability with specialized blitz pressure. The Buffs racked up 3 sacks and 8 tackles for loss against Georgia Tech, and that's where I think Northwestern could struggle. I would love to wave the BIG 10 flag and have the Wildcats beat the Buffs, but I think Colorado earns another solid win on the road 20-17.
Virginia Tech at Maryland
Death, taxes and James Franklin hating Maryland. The ex-Penn State head coach squares off yet again with the rival Terps, this time from the Hokie sideline with his new team in Virginia Tech. They've started the season strong, but this will be the first real test. Everything for Maryland runs through QB Malik Washington. The Sophomore has over 500 yards and 3 TDs through the air so far this season and is looking to lead an impressive campaign. James Franklin doesn't lose these games though, and he'll likely look to run up the score on Maryland. Hokies win it 31-20.
#7 LSU at #8 Ole Miss
The game of the week features LSU at Ole Miss as Lane Kiffin returns to take on the team he left right before the College Football Playoffs. The atmosphere will be insane down at the Grove, and these fans want nothing more than to watch Kiffin burned at the state at mid-field. I'm sure they'll settle for a Rebel win, but it won't come easy. LSU's defense has been one of the best this season, allowing just 284 total through just two games against Clemson and Louisiana Tech. The Tigers tried to pull the wool over folks with some extra players on the injury report earlier this week, but I fully expect QB Sam Leavitt to be starting for the purple and gold. On the other side, Rebs QB Trinidad Chambliss is one of the best players in the nation. Another Heisman contender, he was the primary reason Ole Miss nearly played for the natty last season. Chambliss was dynamic against Louisville in the opener, and so far this season has more than 600 total yards and 6 TDs. His legs constantly extend plays and he will make some big plays to keep his offense on the field. Both teams will look to establish the run game, so keep an eye on Tigers' RB Dilin Jones and Rebels' Back Kewan Lacy. Both backs average nearly 5 yards per carry and aren't afraid of a running through contact. For pure chaos reasons, let's say Hotty Toddy as the Rebels get revenge on their former head coach. Ole Miss 33, LSU 31.
North Dakota at Nebraska
The Huskers wrap up non-conferene play with FCS North Dakota coming to Lincoln. The last time the Fighting Hawks visited Nebraska, Scott Frost got his final win as a Husker head coach, winning 38-17. The Huskers have played 6 quarters very well against lesser competition after starting slow against Ohio in the opener. They should have no problems putting up points again and the defense should be able to contain North Dakota. Anthony Colandrea and the Husker offense have looked to be in sync, but the lack of competition concerns me as we don't truly know what this team looks like. The first real test comes in East Lansing next week, but another tune up game gives Nebraska a chance to find more rhythm. Jamal Rule and Mekhi Nelson have been a great tandem in the backfield, and I want more plays designed for Jacory Barney Jr. He's sensational in space and could be one of the most electrifying players in the country if given the right opportunities. I'm hoping the Huskers can apply more pressure from the defensive line, as opposing QBs have had a lot of time to throw in the first two weeks. Another big day for the Huskers, but the real challenge starts next week. Nebraska 42, North Dakota 13.
Quick-Hit Predictions:
#2 Georgia at Arkansas - Arkansas golf courses are offering discounted tee times so fans don't have to watch this game. Not sure what Georgia truly is yet, but they should handle business in Fayettville. Bulldogs over the Hogs 42-10.
NC State at Vanderbilt - Vandy's new 5 star QB Jared Curtis will get the start as the Commodores host the Wolf Pack. NC State has an experienced team, but struggled to stop the run against Virginia a couple of weeks ago. CJ Bailey hasn't shined like we thought and although Vandy hasn't looked great I do think they win at home 30-21.
Kentucky at #9 Texas A&M - The Wildcats started strong against Alabama last week, but couldn't get things moving in the second half. I think they'll find a similar fate against the Aggies. Gig 'Em for 38-20.
New Mexico at #24 Oklahoma - The Sooners offense has been disappointing this season and things are starting to reflect the 2025 season. They come back home after the Michigan trip to host an under the radar New Mexico team. The Lobos won't win it, but they should keep it closer than Sooner fans would like. Boomer Sooner 31-17.
James Madision at San Diego State - The Dukes make a cross country trip to take on the Aztecs of San Diego State. JMU has rolled so far this season, but SDSU will be their toughest test to date. UCLA held the Aztecs in check last week, so we'll see what James Madison can replicate from what their former head coach just did. While I do like the Dukes, this game kicks off at 7 PM local time which is 10 PM James Madison time. It's hard to play against your body clock, especially with teams of even skill level, so give me San Diego State at home 30-20.
NDSU at Sac State - College Football's newest members square off in a late night showdown out West. I realize the hypocrisy of going against my body clock rule I just emphasized, but NDSU is far better than Sac State, so talent wins out. Go Bison 38-10.
Purdue at UCLA - Late night, cross country trip for the Boilermakers against a tough Bruins team that loves to run the rock. Boiler down and the Bruins win 38-14.
Thank you for reading my Week 3 Predictions and be sure to check out my Week 3 Episode of Inside Heart Football. There's a ton of great football at the NAIA division and the Heart of America Athletic Conference is top of the ranks. A great game set up between Grandview and Benedictine today along with the rest of the Saturday slate. Be sure to tune in Thursdays at 6 PM!
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