There are so many good games to watch in the Week 3 schedule of the 2016 college football season. But of all those games, five stand out as can’t-miss, must-watch matchups. From titanic conference battles in the SEC and ACC to a couple of key non-conference dates involving Big Ten giants, these are the top five games no one should miss in Week 3.
And for more college football coverage, check out our best NCAA football Week 3 picks here.
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The Top Five College Football Games to Watch in Week 3
*All games are on Saturday, September 17, 2016
#1 Alabama (-10) vs. #19 Ole Miss (+10) – 3:30 PM ET
But if you think Nick Saban’s about to allow Ole Miss to complete the hat-trick, think again. He’ll be especially on his team to step up their game after they took the foot off the gas and committed 12 penalties against Western Kentucky.
Chad Kelly and the Rebels do have the offensive weapons and the defense to make things interesting, though. They had Florida State in all sorts of trouble for one half at least. Bama’s freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts will be making his first career road start, and the Vaught–Hemingway Stadium won’t be an easy place to visit.
Writer’s Prediction: Alabama (-10) rolls to a 31-17 win.
#3 Ohio State (-2.5) vs. #14 Oklahoma (+2.5) – 7:30 PM ET
Ohio State-Oklahoma could very well have been a College Football Playoff semifinal last season, but the Buckeyes just missed out. Instead, the two storied programs get to meet for the very first time since 1983 with the hope of padding their CFP resumes with a marquee victory.
The Sooners likely can’t afford another loss after going down in their season opener against Houston. But their defense will have their hands full against the Buckeyes, who have been scoring for fun to start the season. J.T. Barrett – a +550 Heisman contender – has masterfully run the offense which is currently second in the nation in scoring (62.5 points).
Writer’s Prediction: Ohio State (-2.5) takes it, 35-31.
#2 Florida State (-2.5) vs. #10 Louisville (+2.5) – 12:00 NN ET
Louisville’s Lamar Jackson has been the most electrifying player to watch in college football through two weeks. The sophomore quarterback has already accounted for 13 touchdowns, and has shown off even more highlight reel moves. His play has fueled some considerable Heisman hype, and has seen his odds drop all the way down to +600.
But can Jackson and the Cards live up to the hype when they face a championship-caliber Florida State team? The Noles wobbled a bit early against Ole Miss, but rallied in time to beat the Rebels in Week 1. This will be easily the Noles’ toughest road test of the season, and victory will make their chances of a possible CFP return that much better.
Writer’s Prediction: FSU (-2.5) gets the better of Louisville, 42-38.
#12 Michigan St. (+7.5) vs. #18 Notre Dame (-7.5) – 7:30 PM ET
Notre Dame fell agonizingly short in its first marquee matchup of the season against Texas. But after shuffling quarterbacks in that game, head coach Brian Kelly has finally given the keys to the offense to DeShone Kizer, who has had an excellent start to the season. Kizer’s Heisman bona fides – he’s currently priced at +3,000 – will get its biggest test yet with Michigan State’s defense.
The Spartans, though, still need to prove their offense can carry its share of the load, especially against a top opponent. Tyler O’Connor and co. didn’t look particularly inspiring against FCS school Furman in Week 1. But while their passing game works out its issues, their running game and defense are certainly capable of giving the Irish some trouble in South Bend.
Writer’s Prediction: The Spartans (+7.5) cover on the road in a 24-17 defeat.
#11 Texas (-8) vs. California (+8) – 10:30 PM ET
If you can stay up for this West Coast kickoff, please do. Texas-Cal figures to be one of, if not the most high-scoring matchup in Week 3. Last year’s meeting produced 89 total points, as Cal just barely edged out the Longhorns, 45-44.
The Texas offense under the leadership of freshman Shane Buechele has shown it can put points on the board either through the air and on the ground. Cal’s Air Raid offense can also produce big numbers, but the Bears are liable to give up as much or more points than they score. That’s not ideal for winning football games, but it could be enough to cover the spread.
Writer’s Prediction: Cal (+8) just about covers at home, 42-35.
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