College Football Whiparound Week 3

Syracuse upset Clemson last time the teams played in the Carrier Dome. They face off this Saturday (Rich Barnes/USATODAY)

In lieu of spotlighting one big game each week of the college football season, we're going to try something new -- a quick look at a number of games. Most will be games involving ranked teams, but there will be some matchups that are intersectional or intriguing because of brand names.

Week three is not a great one in terms of buzz, though we know how that goes -- when you think there won't be much of interest something always jumps up and surprises.

Here is our look at week three of the college football season:

FRIDAY
North Carolina (2-0) at Wake Forest (2-0): So let's see if I understand this -- two ACC teams are meeting in a NON-ACC game? Makes no sense, but it is what it is. Mack Brown has the Tar Heels brimming with optimism after two early wins, while Dave Clawson's Demon Deacons got off to a similar start with an opening win over Utah State, which some -- but not yours truly -- called an upset. The Tar Heels have gotten the better of things, winning seven of the last 10 at Wake. Someone will be a surprising unbeaten when this one is finished.
(20) Washington State (2-0) at Houston (1-1): Can we set the total on this one at 100? We saw what Oklahoma was able to do to UH, and now it's Anthony Gordon's turn to light up a porous defense. If Houston hasn't been able to shake off the disappointment of the Oklahoma loss this will be another long night.

SATURDAY
(1) Clemson (2-0) at Syracuse (1-1): Let's get this out of the way quickly -- Syracuse is NOT winning this game. The Orange are a wreck on defense, and Clemson is looking to get its passing game going. Maryland ran for 354 yards against Cuse last weekend, so you can bet Travis Etienne is licking his chops. Syracuse's offense has been very average and probably won't get well against Isaiah Simmons and company.
(2) Alabama (2-0) at South Carolina (1-1): The Tide are once again a mammoth favorite, but a couple of things to note -- the last time in Columbia in 2010 the Gamecocks won 35-21, and freshman QB Ryan Hilinski didn't look out of place in his first collegiate start a week ago. South Carolina's offense may score some points, but it's doubtful it has enough D to stop Tua and his jaw-dropping group of receivers. Alabama has won 15 straight when opening SEC play on the road.
Arkansas State (1-1) at (3) Georgia (2-0): The Bulldogs are 19-0 vs SBC foes, and will likely make it to 20 in fairly easy fashion. Georgia is explosive (8.13 YPP, fifth best nationally) and has been good on defense, albeit against vastly inferior competition. The Red Wolves haven't beaten an SEC team since 2008 (Texas A&M) and will look to slow the game down with RBs Marcel Murray and Ryan Graham, each averaging over 5 YPC. 
Northwestern State (0-2) at (4) LSU (2-0): There appears to be very little drama here, other than the possibility of a hangover following last week's statement win over Texas. Joe Burrow has been dynamite in the Tigers new spread offense, and while the defense was more forgiving than usual last weekend, it should be back to stifling against the Demons. LSU has won 30 straight games vs in-state foes since 1982.
(5) Oklahoma (2-0) at UCLA (0-2): The Bruins held a players-only meeting earlier this week, but that probably won't be much help against a Sooners squad that looks as lethal as ever on offense with Alabama transfer Jalen Hurts running the show. The Bruins have given up a lot of yardage but not a ton of points (23.5 ppg) but that could change this week unless they can find a way to control the clock on offense. The passing game has been non-existent, so UCLA may need to lean on a run game that has averaged less than 2 YPC against Cincinnati and San Diego State. UCLA has lost eight in a row to top 10 teams.
(6) Ohio State (2-0) at Indiana (2-0): Buckeyes fans often worry about the Hoosiers, yet the average margin of victory in the last five meetings is 19 points. The Hoosiers have put up flashy numbers against Ball State and Eastern Illinois but may not be ready for Justin Fields, JK Dobbins and the rest of the Buckeyes talent. Adding to the task is that the OSU defense once again looks fearsome. Indiana has lost 24 in a row to Ohio State.
New Mexico (1-0) at (7) Notre Dame (1-0): This one had a bit of intrigue as former ND coach Bob Davie is in charge of the Lobos, but a recent health scare will keep him from roaming the sidelines in South Bend. With or without Davie, the Lobos ain't winning this one. The Irish should be able to go deep into the roster. 
Kent State (1-1) at (8) Auburn (2-0): Another in the long line of "lambs being led to slaughter" games this week, the Flashes should be easy pickings for the Tigers. Auburn will once again play both Bo Nix and Joey Gatewood at QB, though at some point it will need to pick one and roll with him. Auburn has never lost in seven meetings with MAC foes.
(9) Florida (2-0) at Kentucky (2-0): This one is more about who won't be around than who will. The Wildcats lost QB Terry Wilson for the season with a knee injury in last weekend's contest with Eastern Michigan, so it's Troy transfer Sawyer Smith at the controls. That should make the ferocious Florida DL, led by Jabari Zuniga and Jon Greenard, salivate. The Gators are also down a couple of important pieces, CB CJ Henderson, who tweaked an ankle against UT Martin last weekend, and WR Kadarius Toney, who has an undisclosed upper body injury. While both are standouts, they will be easier to replace than Wilson due to Florida's superior depth.  Yeah, UK won a year ago, and played well enough to win in 2017, but the Gators haven't lost in Lexington since 1986.
Idaho State (1-0) at (11) Utah (2-0): Tyler Huntley and Zack Moss should be finished early as the Utes have far too much talent to be bothered by the Bengals. Utah has won its last 6 games vs FCS foes by an average of 45-8, and Idaho State dropped a 45-23 contest to Cal last season.
(12) Texas (1-1) at Rice (0-2): Technically a neutral site game as its being played at NRG Stadium in Houston, it should still be a confidence booster for the Longhorns. Texas has won 41 of the last 42 meetings and 13 straight, and showed last weekend in a loss to LSU that it can play with the big boys. This should be a chance to improve defensively for UT. 
Pittsburgh (1-1) at (13) Penn State (2-0): This classic rivalry turns 100 this year, but this is only the eighth time the teams have played since 1992. PSU has won nine of the last 11, and pulled away last year (51-6) after leading just 14-6 at halftime. Yards could be tough to come by as both teams are allowing right around 4 YPP, though Pitt has played better foes early. The Panthers will try to get it done on the ground, with the Davis boys (AJ and Vincent) doing the bulk of the legwork. The Nittany Lions will be more dynamic with quarterback Sean Clifford, who is averaging 12.4 YPA and has tossed six TDs to zero interceptions. 
Montana (2-0) at (15) Oregon (1-1): This looks to be an easy game for the Ducks, who put up 77 on Nevada last week and showed no ill effects from the opening week loss to Auburn. But don't be shocked if it turns out to be tricky -- the Grizzlies are ranked 20th in FCS, and a road game with Stanford looms next weekend for the Ducks, which means they could have one eye on Palo Alto.
Lamar (2-0) at (16) Texas A&M (1-1): The Aggies were understandably frustrated about their inability to move the ball against Clemson last week, but they should get healthy against the Cardinals. Kellen Mond wasn't at his best so look for the Ags to work on the passing game, especially with Auburn coming to town next weekend.
Stanford (1-1) at (17) UCF (2-0): Good news for Stanford as it will likely see the return of QB KJ Costello from a concussion suffered in the opening weekend. Costello is one of the best deep ball throwers in the land, which means UCF's top-notch corners Nevelle Clarke and Brandon Moore will be tested. UCF has been nails at home at Bright House Networks Stadium (74%), but is just 2-11 when hosting P5 schools. Stanford is 11-3-1 vs current AAC members, including the only other meeting between the teams in 2015 when the Knights went winless.
Arizona State (2-0) at (18) Michigan State (2-0): Defensive-minded coaches Herm Edwards and Mark Dantonio lead their teams into a rematch of last year's surprising 16-13 Sun Devils victory. ASU stumbled to a 19-7 victory over Sacramento State last weekend, getting a big play late from all-world running back Eno Benjamin. He may find tough sledding against the Spartans top-ranked rush defense, which is allowing minus-0.12 yards per game. ASU is has won just two of its last 11 road openers but are 21-13 all-time against current Big Ten members. Michigan State has allowed 21 points or less in 13 of its last 15 games.
(19) Iowa (2-0) at Iowa State (1-0): Who among us doesn't love the Cy-Hawk Trophy? It's on the line in Ames, and five of the last eight contests have been decided by six points or less so you can bank on a tight contest. The Hawkeyes took care of business against Rutgers while the Cyclones likely went back to the drawing board after an opening week triple overtime escape against Northern Iowa. The last time in Ames produced an overtime thriller, so buckle up. 
(21) Maryland (2-0) at Temple (1-0): The road team has been large and in charge in this series, winning four in a row. The Terps have won six of their last seven road openers, but Temple will be the best defense they have faced -- though it should be noted that the Owls opened the year with a win over FCS Bucknell. Temple's front seven is quick, but Maryland has a ton of playmakers on hand, including Virginia Tech transfer Josh Jackson at quarterback. Jackson has gone 7-1 TD-INT in his first two games and has run Mike Locksley's offense to perfection. Temple has won two of the last three in the series. 
Portland State (1-1) at (22) Boise State (2-0): The Broncos slogged their way to a seven point win over Marshall last time out but should have less trouble against the Vikings. Boise has won seven of the eight meetings and the teams haven't met since 2005. Look for DE Curtis Weaver and friends to make life difficult for Vikes QB Davis Alexander, and look for Broncos frosh QB Hank Bachmeier to make an early exit as his team takes care of business. Fun fact: Boise is one of just three teams in the country to not allow a point in the second half this season (Wisconsin and Navy are the other two).
Hawaii (2-0) at (23) Washington (1-1): There seems to be a "how did that happen?" moment each season for the Huskies, and last weekend was it. A long rain delay let to a sluggish performance from Jacob Eason and the offense, and Cal made enough plays on offense to hand UW its first league loss at home since 2016. The Huskies will want to take it out on the visiting Rainbow Warriors, but they can't be too aggressive or else UH quarterback Cole McDonald will put up big numbers. Washington has won the last two contests narrowly, including the last meeting in 2014 by a 17-16 score.
(24) USC (2-0) at BYU (1-1): A funny thing happened to Clay Helton on the way to unemployment -- he accidentally found a star at quarterback (frosh Kedon Slovis) and may have enough talent on hand to make a legit run at the Pac-12 South crown. First his Trojans will need to win in Provo, no easy feat but one that USC traditionally pulls off (Trojans are on a 13-4 run in season's first true road game). Zach Wilson engineered an overtime comeback at Tennessee last weekend and has the arm and moxie to keep the Cougars in the contest. BYU has never beaten USC but is 11-8 vs Pac-12 (minus Utah) since 2007. 
Florida State (1-1) at (25) Virginia (2-0): Here's a guess -- the Seminoles will play well in the first half before fading. That's what's happened in the first two contests, a loss to Boise State and a narrow (45-44) escape against Louisiana-Monroe last weekend. The Seminoles have had conditioning issues in both games, but Cam Akers came to life against ULM, rambling for 193 yards and two touchdowns. It will be much tougher against Cavaliers linebacker Jordan Mack and his mates. UVA quarterback Bryce Perkins could have a field day against an FSU defense that has looked lost far too often this season. Virginia is just 3-14 all-time vs FSU but has won two of the last five.

TAKE FIVE (Games featuring unranked teams)
SATURDAY
Kansas State (2-0) at Mississippi State (2-0): Chris Klieman has the Wildcats playing well on both sides of the ball, but this will be their first real test of the season. QB Skylar Thompson has been one of the best in the land and will be going against a Bulldogs pass D that hasn't exactly been resistant (7.6 YPA) and just three sacks. MSU could be without QB Tommy Stevens, which could tip the scales toward the visitors, but has RB Kylin Hill, he of the gaudy YPC (7.8) and hurdling ability. Mississippi State is 3-0 vs KSU, winning 31-10 a year ago in Manhattan, and has won nine of its last 10 non-league games.
Air Force (1-0) at Colorado (2-0): The Buffs are coming in on a high after the comeback victory over Nebraska, and have pretty much owned this series with five straight wins and a 12-4 advantage. Look for Steven Montez to utilize his numerous receiving weapons to challenge a stout Air Force pass defense (4.8 YPA), which will need to stick to its team first mentality as the Buffaloes have the more talented athletes.
Ohio (1-1) at Marshall (1-1): Two of the better G5 programs in the sport, the Herd will look to continue their dominance at home -- an .825 winning percentage is among the best in college football. Marshall wants to get it done on the ground with Brendan Knox and on defense, with a unit that allowed just 14 points to Boise State in week 2. Ohio has the best Canadian import since Labatt's in QB Nathan Rourke, and as he goes so go the Bobcats.
TCU (1-0) at Purdue (1-1): The Horned Frogs are sticking with their two QB rotation for now, which means fifth-year senior Alex Delton is likely to start but true freshman Max Duggan will have his chances. Duggan was at the controls for all three TCU touchdown drives in the opener against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Jalen Reagor is typically the best receiver on the field but may take a backseat to Purdue's Rondale Moore, an electric presence averaging 12 grabs per game. His open field skill is second to none. Purdue will likely be without QB Elijah Sindelar, which means RS frosh Jack Plummer could get his first ever start. He's been likened to David Blough in mentality, which is a good thing. TCU has won 11 of its last 14 road openers, including five in a row.
Texas Tech (2-0) at Arizona (1-1): Another contest that could threaten to blow out the scoreboard lights, the Red Raiders (41.5 ppg) invade Tucson to take on the Wildcats (51.5), who righted the ship with a big win over Northern Arizona after an opening loss to Hawaii. Quarterbacks will be on display in this one, with Tech's Alan Bowman completing over 71 percent of his passes and tossing five TDs to just one interception and Arizona's Khalil Tate hitting over 64 percent with a gaudy 8.9 YPA. Tech has won 26 of the 32 matchups, but hasn't faced Arizona since 1989.