It was another busy week in college football. Tight games and almost upsets highlighted the weekend slate.
Here’s a look around the college football slate for Week 3.
Bulldogs fight off Wildcats in tight win
In a low-scoring affair, the No. 1 ranked Georgia Bulldogs (3-0) barely fended off the unranked Kentucky Wildcats (1-2), beating them 13-12 in a game that only consisted of one touchdown. Despite entering the game as a heavy favorite, Georgia didn’t pull away until the fourth quarter.
This was supposed to be an easy game for the Bulldogs, as Kentucky got smacked by South Carolina 31-6 the prior week. Neither team could find footing in the first half, as the score was 6-3 with the Wildcats on top heading into halftime. This also marked the lowest-scoring half for the Bulldogs this year, going under their total against Clemson of six first-half points.
Though the top-ranked Bulldogs came into the game as heavy favorites, Kentucky beat them in almost every statistical category, except for turnovers. The game’s defining moment was Branson Robinson’s 3-yard run to put Georgia up 13-9 in the fourth quarter.
Kentucky kicker Alex Raynor was a bright spot in the loss. He connected on all four field goal attempts, including a 55-yarder that set a school record for the longest kick.
The Bulldogs will have a bye week for Week 4, giving them ample time to tune up mistakes from the game. Meanwhile, the Wildcats will host Ohio as they look for their second win of the season.
Aggies embarrass Gators in the Swamp
The Texas A&M Aggies (2-1) cruised past the Florida Gators (1-2) 33-20 in what was an ugly game for Billy Napier.
The Gators looked overwhelmed against the Aggies, falling behind 33-7 midway through the third quarter before adding two late touchdowns to cut the deficit.
Aggies backup quarterback Marcel Reed had a stellar game in place of the injured Conner Weigman. He completed 11 of his 17 passes for 178 yards and two touchdowns. He also added 83 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
Florida quarterback Graham Mertz passed for 195 yards, a touchdown and an interception in the loss. With the inevitable changes to the program, backup DJ Lagway may end up taking over the quarterback job sooner rather than later for the Gators.
Florida will travel to Mississippi State next week, while the Aggies will host Bowling Green.
Tigers survive late scare, edge Gamecocks 36-33
The No. 16 ranked LSU Tigers (2-1) narrowly defeated the unranked South Carolina Gamecocks (2-1) 36-33 after a missed 49-yard field goal as time expired.
South Carolina seemingly had this game won in the second quarter, boasting a 17-point lead with 12 minutes left in the first half. LSU quickly sprang to life after dropping by three scores, putting up 16 points in the last eight minutes of the half to cut the deficit to 24-16.
The Tigers finished strong, holding the Gamecocks to nine points after halftime and adding 20 of their own. LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier finished the game with 285 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.
On the other sideline, Gamecock quarterback LaNorris Sellers had himself a game on the ground, as he rushed for 88 yards and two touchdowns in an otherwise mediocre game. Running back Raheim Sanders also added 143 yards and two touchdowns for the Gamecocks through the ground.
The biggest play of the game came on the last play. South Carolina lined up the field goal unit with a chance to tie it from 49 yards out. The kick sailed wide right, sealing the game for the Tigers.
LSU will take on the UCLA Bruins next week at home, and the Gamecocks will host Akron.
No. 6 Missouri fights late comeback against No. 24 Boston College
The No. 6 ranked Missouri Tigers (3-0) barely beat the No. 24 Boston College Eagles (2-1) in a 27-21 contest.
Neither team looked sharp with Boston College quarterback Thomas Castellanos tossing two interceptions as the Tigers were forced into settling for kicking four field goals.
Missouri quarterback Brady Cook was solid, completing 21 of his 30 passes for 264 yards and a touchdown while adding a score on the ground. Wide receiver Luther Burden netted six catches for a total of 117 yards and a touchdown.
Boston College was forced to pass due to a nonexistent run game, as they were held to 49 yards on the ground on 26 carries. Castellanos has an up-and-down game, tossing three touchdowns as well as two interceptions in a game he finished with 249 yards.
Next week the Tigers will open SEC play, hosting Vanderbilt. The Eagles will also stay at home, taking on the 3-0 Michigan State Spartans.
Week 4 of the college football season will kick off on Thursday, as the App State Mountaineers host the South Alabama Jaguars in a Sun Belt matchup.
