College football's Week 3 delivered thrilling upsets, unexpected breakthroughs, and further solidified some coaching hot seats. The weekend showcased captivating games, highlighting both rising stars and struggling programs. Let's delve into the key takeaways:
**Texas A&M's Stunning Upset:** Preseason No. 6 Notre Dame suffered a shocking 41-40 home loss to Texas A&M. Marcel Reed, the Aggies' quarterback, showcased his improved passing game, throwing for 360 yards and a game-winning touchdown. The Aggies' offseason additions of receivers Mario Craver and KC Concepcion proved pivotal, stretching the field and creating opportunities for Reed. Notre Dame's once-stingy defense showed significant vulnerabilities, leaving their playoff hopes hanging by a thread.
**Tennessee's Heartbreak:** The Tennessee Volunteers gave top-ranked Georgia a fierce battle, leading for much of the game before ultimately falling 44-41 in overtime. Quarterback Joey Aguilar had a stellar performance, but Gunner Stockton's late-game heroics for Georgia, including a crucial fourth-down touchdown, secured the Bulldogs' victory. This marks Tennessee's ninth consecutive loss to Georgia, a painful reminder of their inability to overcome the final hurdle against their rivals.
**Coaching Carousel Concerns:** Week 3 further intensified the pressure on several coaches. Brent Pry at Virginia Tech, following a loss to Old Dominion, appears to be on the verge of dismissal. UCLA's DeShaun Foster also faces intense scrutiny after a demoralizing loss to New Mexico, leaving his team with an abysmal 0-3 record. These results underscore the cutthroat nature of college football and the constant pressure to deliver wins.
**Other Notable Performances:** Elsewhere, LSU's defense shone brightly, stifling Florida's offense. Texas's Arch Manning continued to underwhelm, raising questions about his performance and potential. Meanwhile, Georgia Tech's upset victory over Clemson demonstrated their growing strength, while Miami continued its undefeated streak with an impressive win over USF. Alabama rebounded strongly from its Week 1 loss, showcasing their offensive potential. And Vanderbilt's victory over South Carolina was a significant upset, highlighting their unexpected rise.
Week 3 of the college football season served as a microcosm of the sport's unpredictable nature. While some teams celebrated stunning victories, others faced the harsh reality of coaching changes and dwindling playoff aspirations. The season is still young, but the early results have already set the stage for a captivating race to the playoffs.
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Originally published at: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6627476/2025/09/14/college-football-scores-results-today/
