College Football Week 3 Preview: Stakes Rise in Riveting Matchups
By Bill Connelly, ESPN Contributor
Date: September 12, 2025, 07:25 AM ET
As we dive into Week 3 of the college football season, the intensity ramps up significantly. Week 1 catered to casual fans with big matchups, and Week 2 delivered nail-biting rivalry contests. Now, in Week 3, we’re presented with critical “helmet games,” including Texas A&M vs. Notre Dame and Georgia vs. Tennessee, alongside fierce rivalries like Pitt vs. West Virginia and Ole Miss vs. Arkansas. The overwhelming theme this week? Panic.
The Impending Crisis
For teams like Notre Dame, starting 0-1 means there’s little room for error, especially with tough competition looming. Clemson and Georgia have yet to find their groove, and any further missteps could jeopardize their season. Meanwhile, both Arizona State and Kansas State—anticipated contenders in the Big 12—are floundering with combined records of 2-3. Coaches at Florida and Virginia Tech are now feeling the heat following devastating losses.
Key Matchups to Watch
This week’s games are critical. Here’s how various teams are categorized based on their current situations:
- Hot Seat
- Time to Shine (CFP Aspirations)
- Rivalries
- Facing Surprising Challengers
Hot Seat Woes
Florida faced a stunning upset against USF, which now leaves head coach Billy Napier’s future hanging in the balance as they head into a brutal stretch against top-tier teams like LSU and Miami. Virginia Tech, meanwhile, suffers from lackluster second halves, having been outscored 48-3, and must rebound quickly against Old Dominion.
Performance Pressure
Georgia currently sits unbeaten, but their performance has not been inspiring. The Bulldogs’ victory over Austin Peay was lackluster, raising concerns about their playoff viability. Fans are anxious to see if they will step up in their rivalry against Tennessee, an opponent they’ve historically dominated.
Quarterback Concerns
As the season progresses, the early performances of marquee quarterbacks have not met expectations. Clemson’s Cade Klubnik and others find themselves at the bottom of the Total QBR rankings, raising eyebrows as they look to flip the narrative heading into the thick of the season.
Rivalries and Drama
The Backyard Brawl, featuring Pitt and West Virginia, promises excitement. Pitt comes off a strong start, while WVU faces injury setbacks. Additionally, the Ole Miss vs. Arkansas matchup continues to gain traction as both teams look to secure their standings.
Upcoming Games
Every game on Saturday carries significance. Here’s a snippet of the most awaited matchups (all times are Eastern):
- Texas A&M at Notre Dame – A desperate clash for both teams.
- Georgia vs. Tennessee – Will Georgia find its spark?
- Pitt vs. West Virginia – A classic rivalry with high stakes.
Chaos Potential
Week 3 could see unexpected outcomes as teams assess their playoff aspirations. Monitor the performances, as this week’s results will be pivotal for many programs in their quest for a playoff spot.
With the stakes higher than ever, fans can expect a thrilling weekend of college football filled with drama, strategy, and perhaps a few surprises. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into the games set to shape the landscape of the 2025 season!