Three SEC matchups highlight the best college football games to watch in Week 3
There is not a single game on the Week 3 college football schedule matching Top 25 teams, a rare occurrence that won't likely be repeated at any point this season. But that hardly means nothing interesting will happen. Well, all right, maybe it does. But we’ll watch anyway, because it’s what we do.
It’s become somewhat cliché to say often the most crazy results in this sport occur when we least expect them, but at the same time, it’s difficult to envision much actual chaos taking place this week. But we’ll do our best to present the most likely candidates in our weekly rundown of games most suitable for your viewing enjoyment. As always, keep that remote handy.
No. 9 Tennessee at Florida, predictions, picks, how to watch
TIME/TV: Saturday, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN
Why watch: There’s a heavy emphasis on the SEC this week with a trio of conference games. This one figures to be the highlight, hence its prime-time position. Though Tennessee enters with the national ranking, this rivalry still tilts heavily in the Gators’ favor. The Volunteers prevailed in Knoxville last season but haven’t won in Gainesville since 2003. Tennessee wasn’t exactly firing on all cylinders with its offense last week against FCS visitor Austin Peay, particularly in the first half. QB Joe Milton and Co. will need to be much sharper from the outset this time in the hostile environs of the Swamp. The Gators were able to flex a bit against McNeese on the heels of their opening night loss at Utah, but QB Graham Mertz will be equally in need of a fast start to keep the home crowd engaged.
Why it could disappoint: There are a couple possibilities. Should both offenses fail to launch, we could be in for a lengthy slog. If just Tennessee’s does, we’ve already seen that the Gators aren’t well equipped to stage a comeback.
USA TODAY Sports staff picks:
- Scooby Axson: Tennessee
- Jace Evans: Tennessee
- Paul Myerberg: Tennessee
- Erick Smith: Tennessee
- Eddie Timanus: Tennessee
- Dan Wolken: Florida
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South Carolina at No. 1 Georgia, predictions, picks, how to watch
TIME/TV: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS
Why watch: The top-ranked and two-time defending national champion Bulldogs begin the league portion of their schedule with this home date with the Gamecocks. Unless you’re a true fan, this is your first real look at UGa, which hasn’t had to work very hard yet in a couple of tune-ups. That might continue to be the case, as the Bulldogs easily handled South Carolina 48-7 a year ago, also in Week 3. But the Gamecocks hadn’t found their footing yet and would finish the season in a much better position. Georgia QB Carson Beck has faced little duress to this point in his young starting career, though he has been picked off once. Gamecocks QB Spencer Rattler is battle tested but is going to need much better protection than he got in the season-opening loss to North Carolina.
Why it could disappoint: As mentioned, this was not close last season, and if the Bulldogs build an early cushion, the defense will be able to throw everything and the kitchen sink at Rattler if forced into comeback mode. The Gamecocks have to generate some semblance of a ground game, which is also anything but easy against UGa.
USA TODAY Sports staff picks:
- Scooby Axson: Georgia
- Jace Evans: Georgia
- Paul Myerberg: Georgia
- Erick Smith: Georgia
- Eddie Timanus: Georgia
- Dan Wolken: Georgia
No. 14 LSU at Mississippi State, predictions, picks, how to watch
TIME/TV: Saturday, noon ET, ESPN
Why watch: Kicking off the day in the SEC is this West Division tilt in Starkville, where the cowbells are sure to be at full volume even with the early start time to welcome the Bayou Bengals. LSU had a needed get-right game with Grambling following its Week 1 setback against Florida State, but QB Jayden Daniels figures to get a bit more resistance from LB Jett Johnson and the Bulldogs’ defense. Miss State was able to stave off a tough challenge from Arizona last week in overtime. QB Will Rogers is a steady hand at the controls, but he must beware of active Tigers DB Duce Chestnut.
Why it could disappoint: The Bulldogs might have to return to their air-raid roots to keep the offense from bogging down. Rogers has the weapons to do it, but the combination of the Tigers’ solid secondary and effective pass rush could prove too much to overcome.
USA TODAY Sports staff picks:
- Scooby Axson: LSU
- Jace Evans: LSU
- Paul Myerberg: LSU
- Erick Smith: LSU
- Eddie Timanus: LSU
- Dan Wolken: LSU
Minnesota at No. 18 North Carolina, predictions, picks, how to watch
TIME/TV: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
Why watch: The Tar Heels continue their challenging non-conference slate against the Golden Gophers, who have been rock-solid on defense through their first two victories. North Carolina QB Drake Maye, however, presents a much bigger challenge for the Minnesota stoppers with his two-way talent, though he’ll want to steer clear of veteran DB Tyler Nubin. Minnesota QB Athan Kaliakmanis can run a bit himself, and WR Daniel Jackson provides a constant big-play threat. Cedric Gray leads a versatile LB corps for the Tar Heels that will look to keep the Gophers bottled up.
Why it could disappoint: Minnesota’s best chance to pull off the road upset involves turning the game into a Big Ten West-style grinder. That might not make for the most aesthetically pleasing brand of football, but it would keep things close at the finish. If North Carolina is able to make it a track meet, the Gophers probably won’t have the fire power to keep up.
USA TODAY Sports staff picks:
- Scooby Axson: North Carolina
- Jace Evans: Minnesota
- Paul Myerberg: North Carolina
- Erick Smith: Minnesota
- Eddie Timanus: Minnesota
- Dan Wolken: North Carolina
No. 15 Kansas State at Missouri, predictions, picks, how to watch
TIME/TV: Saturday, noon ET, SECN
Why watch: Mizzou faces the biggest test of its non-SEC slate this week hosting old Big Eight and Big 12 rival K-State. The Wildcats handled their first two assignments with little drama and now make their first road trip of the campaign. The Tigers barely escaped Middle Tennessee in their most recent outing, and QB Brady Cook might have to take more chances to stretch the field against the Wildcats’ accomplished defense, anchored by LB Austin Moore. K-State QB Will Howard no longer has Deuce Vaughn in his backfield, but RBs D.J. Giddens and Treshaun Ward have stepped up nicely.
Why it could disappoint: Given the Tigers’ early struggles along the offensive line, this game’s blowout potential would seem to favor the visiting Wildcats. If Mizzou isn’t within striking distance at intermission, the home faithful could lose interest.
USA TODAY Sports staff picks:
- Scooby Axson: Kansas State
- Jace Evans: Kansas State
- Paul Myerberg: Kansas State
- Erick Smith: Kansas State
- Eddie Timanus: Kansas State
- Dan Wolken: Kansas State
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