Week 3 College Football Highlights: Upsets, Scores, and Key Moments
Week 3 of the college football season brought excitement, upsets, and dramatic finishes that are sure to shake up the upcoming AP Poll rankings. From stunning victories and unexpected losses to standout performances, this week had plenty to talk about. Here’s a look at the highlights and key moments from Week 3.
Top Teams Face Upsets and Surprises
Several top-ranked teams faced unexpected challenges this week, setting up a potential reshuffle in the AP Poll. No. 7 LSU suffered a close loss to No. 8 Ole Miss, but the competitive game could help keep the Tigers in the top 10. Meanwhile, No. 9 Texas A&M was dominated by Kentucky, putting its top-20 ranking at risk.
LSU vs. Ole Miss: A Clash of Titans
The highly anticipated matchup between No. 7 LSU and No. 8 Ole Miss lived up to the hype. Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss had a stellar night, completing 33 of 48 passes for 363 yards and two touchdowns. The Rebels’ defense also made a difference, limiting LSU’s offense in the first half.
LSU mounted a strong comeback attempt after halftime, but Ole Miss held on for a 32-24 victory. A late-game interception by Jaylon Braxton helped seal the win.
Kentucky Stuns Texas A&M
Kentucky pulled off one of the week’s biggest upsets, defeating No. 9 Texas A&M 31-21 at Kyle Field. The Wildcats’ defense was the star, forcing multiple turnovers and keeping the Aggies’ offense in check. Quarterback Kenny Minchey led Kentucky with 252 passing yards and two touchdowns.
The win marks Kentucky’s first over a top-10 team since 2024.
Teams on the Rise
While some teams stumbled, others took the opportunity to climb the rankings. No. 8 Mississippi, No. 12 USC, and No. 13 Texas Tech are among the teams expected to rise in the AP Poll.
Mississippi’s Impressive Win
After beating LSU, No. 8 Mississippi is poised to break into the top five. The Rebels were the only top-10 team to beat another top-10 opponent this week, making a strong case for a higher ranking. Their early-season performance has been impressive, and they’ve shown they can compete with the best.
Texas Tech’s Surge
No. 13 Texas Tech could also climb significantly after beating No. 22 Houston. The Red Raiders took advantage of struggles by higher-ranked teams, and a win over a ranked opponent strengthens their resume. With Texas A&M’s loss and USC’s close win, Texas Tech is in a good position to move up.
Notable Performances and Highlights
Week 3 featured standout individual performances and memorable moments that caught the attention of college football fans.
Trinidad Chambliss Shines
Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss had a night to remember, throwing for 363 yards and two touchdowns in the Rebels’ win over LSU. His leadership and composure under pressure helped secure the victory and strengthen Ole Miss’s status as a top contender.
Michael Hawkins Jr. Leads West Virginia
West Virginia quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. had a career-high five touchdowns in the team’s 38-27 victory over No. 25 Virginia. Hawkins became the first WVU quarterback since Pat White in 2008 to record at least three rushing touchdowns and two passing touchdowns in one game.
The performance could help propel West Virginia into the AP Top 25 for the first time since 2018.
Toledo’s Wild Comeback
Toledo pulled off one of the week’s most dramatic comebacks, beating Temple 49-48 in overtime. The Rockets trailed by 14 points with just over six minutes remaining, then scored two quick touchdowns to tie the game and force overtime.
In the extra period, Toledo’s Connor Walendzak scored the game-winning touchdown to cap the comeback.
Looking Ahead
As Week 4 approaches, several key matchups and storylines will be worth watching. Week 3’s upsets and surprises are likely to affect the AP Poll and set the stage for more college football action.
Potential AP Poll Shakeup
With several top-10 teams losing or struggling, the AP Poll is expected to change significantly. Teams like Mississippi and Texas Tech are likely to rise, while Texas A&M and USC could drop. Keep an eye on the rankings when they’re released to see how the college football landscape shifts.
Games to Watch
Looking ahead to Week 4, a few matchups stand out:
- Alabama vs. Ole Miss: Can Ole Miss keep winning against a top-10 opponent?
- Kentucky vs. Florida: Will Kentucky build on its momentum after beating Texas A&M?
- West Virginia vs. Oklahoma: Can West Virginia break into the top 25 with another strong showing?
Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the college football season unfolds. For the latest scores, highlights, and rankings, visit NCAA.com.
