Key Conference Matchups

With conference play opening across the country in Week 3, the 2025 college football landscape is about to become much clearer. This weekend offers fresh insights into first-year quarterbacks at Georgia and Tennessee as the Bulldogs travel to Neyland Stadium. In the SEC, Florida visits No. 3 LSU, with both teams carrying significant but different stakes. Meanwhile, No. 18 South Florida continues its surprising early-season run as they face No. 5 Miami.

Georgia vs. Tennessee

Georgia: Quarterback Gunner Stockton faces his first SEC road test at Tennessee. The Bulldogs need more from Stockton in the downfield passing game. Despite completing 69% of his passes for 417 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions in the first two games, Georgia needs more explosive plays. Stockton has attempted only 10 passes beyond 10 yards. With new playmakers like Zachariah Branch and Noah Thomas, Georgia must involve them more to secure a ninth straight win against Tennessee.

Tennessee: Transfer quarterback Joey Aguilar has been impressive, completing 66.1% of his passes for 535 yards with five touchdowns and no interceptions. However, he faces a tough Georgia defense led by safety KJ Bolden and cornerback Daylen Everette. Tennessee’s high-flying offense has struggled against Georgia in recent years, failing to throw for 200 yards or score a passing touchdown in the last three losses.

Florida vs. LSU

Florida: The Gators must play with intensity after a shocking loss to USF. Their defense needs to set the tone, especially against LSU’s struggling running game. Last year, Florida held LSU to 2.9 yards per carry, and they’ll need a similar performance to win.

LSU: The Tigers should be motivated after last year’s loss to Florida. With a superior defense and home-field advantage, LSU must pressure Florida’s DJ Lagway and get running back Caden Durham going to secure a win.

Teams That Have Surprised Us

South Florida: The Bulls have started 2-0, including a dominant win over Boise State, making a strong case as the best Group of 5 team.

UCLA: Despite offseason optimism, UCLA has struggled, losing to Utah and UNLV, and now faces a tough Big Ten schedule.

Kansas State: The Wildcats are 1-2, with close losses to Iowa State and Army, and haven’t yet looked like a Big 12 contender.

Florida State: After a roller-coaster few seasons, FSU’s convincing win against Alabama in Week 1 was a major surprise.

Mississippi State: The Bulldogs upset No. 12 Arizona State and could start 4-0 before facing a tough SEC schedule.

Quotes of the Week

• Steve Sarkisian (Texas): “I've never filmed any of you guys when you're using the bathroom, so I don't know what faces you make when you're doing that.”
• Deion Sanders (Colorado): “What does a solidified quarterback look like? I like these dice I'm shaking.”
• Eli Drinkwitz (Missouri): “Just wanted to see if we could.”
• Jon Sumrall (Tulane): “I'll love you for the rest of my life.”
• Brian Kelly (LSU): “There's no crying on the yacht.”