Week 3 College Football Scores

(5) WEST VIRGINIA 45 Maryland 24

West Virginia scored touchdowns on its first four possessions to take a 28-0 lead and never looked back. The Mountaineers offense was able to get into the endzone only one other time as their other touchdown came on a kickoff return. West Virginia racked up 340 yards rushing on 43 carries (7.9 ypc) but only outgained Maryland by only 50 total yards. The Terrapins lost the turnover battle 5-1.

TOLEDO 37 Kansas 31

Toledo pulled off the win thanks to two turnovers by the Jayhawks in overtime. Kansas outgained the Rockets 391-237 but it committed five turnovers overall with the three in regulation all leading to Toledo touchdowns including an 84-yard interception return for a score. The Jayhawks defense was superb as Toledo had 12 drives of 15 yards or less while forcing punts in all of those possessions.

(1) OHIO STATE 37 Cincinnati 7

Ohio St. outgained the Bearcats 444-212 and scored the final 34 points of the game after trailing at the end of the first quarter. Cincinnati was credited with -4 yards rushing on 22 carries (-0.2 ypc) although 59 yards were lost on eight sacks. After driving 80 yards for their lone touchdown, the Bearcats did not have another drive longer than 38 yards the rest of the game.

Michigan State 38 PITTSBURGH 23

Pittsburgh jumped out to a 10-0 lead but the Spartans scored the next 38 points to pull away. Michigan St. tallied 533 yards of offense while the defense held the Panthers to 111 yards after the Pittsburgh scoring drives before allowing two garbage touchdowns late. The Spartans rushed for 335 yards on 48 carries (7.0 ypc) while holding Pittsburgh to 70 yards rushing.

(23) BOSTON COLLEGE 30 B-Y-U 23

Boston College won its second straight double overtime game thanks to an interception on the Cougars second overtime possession. Both teams had a chance in the first overtime session but both missed field goals. BYU outgained the Eagles 547-471 and won the time of possession battle but it committed 10 penalties which killed a few drives. Boston College missed two extra points.

(14) VIRGINIA TECH 36 Duke 0

The Hokies outgained Duke 418-139 as the offense crossed midfield on every possession. The Blue Devils did not cross midfield until late in the fourth quarter as they were forced to punt on their first eight possessions. Duke did control the game clock for eight more minutes despite running five less plays. The Hokies defense had eight sacks while forcing Duke to go 0-2 inside the redzone.

Wake Forest 24 CONNECTICUT 13

Connecticut outgained the Deacons 324-209 but the Huskies had three turnovers in Wake Forest territory. The Deacons returned an interception for a touchdown and also forced a fumble at the 28-yard line. The Huskies missed a 28-yard field goal and also turned the ball over on downs at their own 6-yard line that led to Wake Forest’s last touchdown. Connecticut ran 25 more plays but went 2-4 inside the redzone.

Syracuse 31 ILLINOIS 21

Syracuse was able to score touchdowns twice on fumbles, one on offense and one on defense which was the ultimate difference. The Illini outgained Syracuse 398-369 but 179 of those yards came on their last two touchdowns when the game was already decided. Illinois didn’t do itself any favors by committing 12 penalties for 106 yards and got into the redzone only once.

(16) IOWA 27 Iowa State 17

Iowa fell behind 14-3 but the defense picked things up by allowing the Cyclones just 130 total yards in the second half. Iowa St. crossed midfield only once in the second half and turning the ball over on downs at its own 48-yard line late in the fourth quarter set up a field goal that put the game away. Both teams were perfect inside the redzone and both finished 6-13 on third down conversions.

Arkansas 21 VANDERBILT 19

Vanderbilt scored the possible game tying touchdown early in the fourth quarter but the two-point conversion pass attempt was intercepted. The Commodores got two more chances but on their final drive, they missed a 48-yard field goal with less than a minute left. All three touchdowns by both teams were at least 67 yards each. Vanderbilt rushed for 240 yards on 37 carries (6.5 ypc).

KANSAS STATE 23 Marshall 7

Kansas St. outgained the Herd 355-142 and held Marshall to just eight first downs and two of those came by way of penalty. Marshall’s only touchdown was on a blocked punt return which tied the game at seven but the offense generated nine yards or less in six of its final seven drives. The Wildcats finished 8-15 on third down conversions but they were hurt by 14 penalties for 116 yards.

(10) GEORGIA 34 U-A-B 0

Georgia mustered only 271 total yards but scored a touchdown on a blocked punt return and took advantage of a Blazers fumble to set up its final touchdown. UAB could not move the ball closer than the Bulldogs 36-yard line as it was forced to punt on its first six possessions. The Blazers finished with just 163 total yards including 68 yards rushing on 37 carries (1.8 ypc).

PURDUE 38 Ball State 28

Purdue outgained the Cardinals 533-352 including 416 yards through the air. The score should have been a lot worse but the Boilermakers committed two turnovers inside the redzone while Ball St. scored two late touchdowns when the game was already out of reach. The Cardinals scored 14 points off turnovers was limited to just 61 yards rushing on 29 carries (2.1 ypc).

CENTRAL MICH 24 Akron 21

The Chippewas were outgained 436-291 but Akron was hurt by three interceptions, two of which occurred inside the Central Michigan 18-yard line. The third was returned by the Chippewas for a 100-yard touchdown. The early mistakes turned into a 21-0 deficit and the Zips couldn’t recover. Akron finished a horrendous 3-7 inside the redzone, including missing a field goal and turning it over on downs at the one-yard line.

GEORGIA TECH 35 Troy 20

Georgia Tech outgained the Trojans 500-283 but the game was still in question in the fourth quarter. With the score tied at 14 apiece, the Yellow Jackets scored three straight touchdowns, two of which were set up by interceptions. Georgia Tech finished with 320 yards rushing on 41 carries (7.8 ypc) while the defense held Troy to seven drives of three plays or fewer.

MINNESOTA 62 Temple 0

This game was over before it started as the Gophers scored four first quarter touchdowns and then cruised the rest of the way. Despite the 62 points, Minnesota generated only 448 yards of offense but its first two scores were set up by Temple turnovers. The Owls crossed midfield only once and that resulted in a missed 36-yard field goal. Temple finished with only 157 total yards and seven first downs.

NORTHWESTERN 14 Eastern Michigan 6

The Wildcats offense struggled for a second straight week as they had just 266 total yards but it was the defense that came up strong. Northwestern held the Eagles to 134 total yards including a mere 47 yards through the air. Eastern Michigan had only five first downs yet it was in position to possibly tie the game but it was intercepted at the Wildcats 32-yard line. The Eagles longest drive was 19 yards.

Kent State 16 MIAMI-OHIO 14

Kent St. outgained the RedHawks 386-297 and jumped out to a 16-0 lead before holding off a Miami rally. The RedHawks scored their first touchdown off an interception and then drove 80 yards for the possible game tying score but missed the two-point conversion. The Golden Flashes were just 3-5 inside the redzone as a missed field goal and a fumble at the Miami eight-yard line took away two scoring chances.

South Florida 24 U-C-F 17

Central Florida tied the game at 17 apiece midway through the fourth quarter on a blocked punt return but the Bulls then drove 90 yards for the game winning score. The Golden Knights then made it down to the South Florida 15-yard line but turned the ball over on downs in the final seconds. The Bulls finished with 333 yards passing on 10.4 yards per attempt but rushed for just 2.6 ypc.

(18) OREGON 34 (15) Oklahoma 33

In the most controversial game of the weekend, the Ducks rallied from a 13-point deficit to pull off the improbable win. After pulling to within six points with 1:12 remaining, Oregon recovered the onside kick, which should not have counted and then scored the game winner two plays later. A long kickoff return put Oklahoma in position to win but its field goal was blocked. Oregon outgained the Sooners 501-381.

(3) AUBURN 7 (6) L-S-U 3

LSU outgained the Tigers 311-182 and crossed midfield seven times but managed only one field goal. The Tigers had their best drive of the day in the final minute of the game but a completion down to the Auburn four-yard line was as far as it could get as time expired. LSU rushed only for 42 yards on 23 carries (1.8 ypc) while Auburn managed just 72 yards on 38 carries (1.9 ypc).

(12) LOUISVILLE 31 (17) Miami-Florida 7

Miami scored on its opening possession but then Louisville ran off the final 31 points to pull out the blowout win. The Cardinals outgained Miami by only 47 total yards but the Hurricanes missed two early field goals and also fumbled at the Louisville eight-yard line on its second possession. Miami crossed midfield only once in the second half while the Cardinals were in Hurricanes territory on every second half possession.

Western Michigan 17 VIRGINIA 10

Virginia actually outgained the Broncos 258-179 but two Cavaliers interceptions led to Western Michigan touchdowns including one that was returned 34-yards for a score. Virginia moved into Broncos territory only once in the second half and that drive was halted on a missed field goal. The Cavaliers turned the ball over on downs close to midfield in their final drive. The Broncos had just 40 yards passing and nine first downs.

Boise State 17 WYOMING 10

Wyoming outgained the Broncos 251-246 but the difference ended up being a Boise St. interception that was returned 61 yards for a touchdown. After falling behind 17-3, Wyoming scored a touchdown and then was driving late in the game before an interception ended the drive. Boise St. gained only 96 total yards in its final seven possessions and finished just 2-12 on third down conversions.

WISCONSIN 14 San Diego St 0

Wisconsin held the Aztecs to just 115 total yards and seven first downs as the defense shined. The Badgers didn’t score late until the third quarter and missed several scoring opportunities. Wisconsin turned the ball over on downs three times, once at the six-yard line, fumbled at the San Diego St. 21-yard line and also missed a field goal. They ended the game at the Aztecs 14-yard line thus finishing 1-4 inside the redzone.

(11) Michigan 47 (2) NOTRE DAME 21

Notre Dame mustered only 245 total yards and committed five turnovers which led to 24 points for the Wolverines. The offense gained 11 or fewer yards in each of its first eight possessions and by that time, Michigan had a 34-7 lead. The Wolverines offense tallied only 120 yards in the second half but it didn’t matter at the game was already over. Notre Dame finished with four yards rushing on 17 carries (0.2 ypc).

RUTGERS 24 Ohio U 7

Rutgers started 3-0 for the first time since 1981 as it outgained the Bobcats 300-119 and held Ohio to just eight first downs. The Bobcats jumped out to an early 7-0 lead thanks to an interception that set up a 17-yard scoring drive. The Scarlet Knights allowed Ohio to have only one drive that lasted more than six plays while forcing four turnovers. Rutgers did finish with three turnovers and a missed field goal.

WASHINGTON ST 17 Baylor 15

Washington St. outgained the Bears 336-246 but it took a last second field goal for the Cougars to prevail. Baylor trailed 14-9 late in the fourth quarter but forced a fumble and returned it 40 yards for a score. Washington St. responded with an 81-yard drive to set up the game winner. Both teams committed four turnovers including a costly Baylor interception at the Cougars 16-yard line.

(20) T-C-U 12 (24) Texas Tech 3

The Horned Frogs held the potent Texas Tech offense to just 281 yards and neither team was able to find the endzone. TCU kicked four field goals, three of which came on drives of 48 yards or less. The Red Raiders turned the ball over on downs three times and finished a combined 3-17 on third and fourth down conversions. TCU had just 101 yards passing and was hurt by 12 penalties totaling 105 yards.

KENTUCKY 31 Ole Miss 14

Mississippi actually outgained the Wildcats 395-380 but mistakes killed the Rebels. They fumbled the ball four times which stalled two scoring drives and also led to 10 points for Kentucky on the other two. The Rebels also turned the ball over on downs once and threw an interception at the Kentucky 10-yard line. All four of the Wildcats touchdown drives were 69 yards or more so they weren’t given many freebies.

(8) Texas 52 RICE 7

Texas outgained the Owls 493-168 and also used a fumble recovery and a punt return for back-to-back touchdowns in the second quarter. The Longhorns fumbled twice in Rice territory, once at the one-yard line which was the only possession they didn’t score on in the first half. The Owls didn’t have a single drive of more than 22 yards until their final possession of the game where they went 79 yards for their only score.

Bowling Green 33 FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL 28

Bowling Green outgained the Golden Panthers 403-332 but needed two interceptions on the final two drives to secure the win. Florida International returned the opening kickoff of the second half for a touchdown to pull within two points but it was never able to take the lead. The Golden Panthers finished with four turnovers, one of which was a fumble return for a touchdown for the Falcons.

WASHINGTON 21 Fresno State 20

This game was close throughout and the Huskies were able to block the game-tying extra point to pull out the victory. Washington took the lead early in the fourth quarter before the Bulldogs took the ensuing kickoff and drove for the possible tying score. The Huskies secured the win with a late interception. The Bulldogs also missed a field goal at the end of the first half that would have been the difference.

Tulane 32 MISSISSIPPI STATE 29

Mississippi St. fell behind 32-7 before a huge rally in the fourth quarter than just fell short. The Bulldogs returned a fumble for a touchdown to start the final period scoring and then had its best two drives of the day following that but were not able to get the ball back. Mississippi St. turned the ball over on downs at the Tulane three-yard line at the end of the third quarter which could have been the winning possession.

SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI 37 NC State 17

Southern Mississippi outgained the Wolfpack 442-274 as the offense crossed midfield on every possession. NC State had three interceptions, two of which occurred inside the Golden Eagles 33-yard line. The Wolfpack’s best drive came late in the fourth quarter when the game was already decided. Southern Mississippi didn’t punt once while the defense held NC State to 77 yards rushing.

OKLAHOMA STATE 48 Florida Atlantic 8

The Cowboys held Florida Atlantic to just 215 total yards and only 88 yards through the first three quarters as they built a 41-0 lead. The Owls went three and out on eight of their first nine possessions with the only other drive consisting of just five plays. Oklahoma St. rushed for 246 yards on 43 carries (5.7 ypc) and closed the scoring with a 70-yard touchdown run.

TULSA 28 North Texas 3

North Texas held onto a 3-0 until the final play of the first half when Tulsa finally got onto the scoreboard. The Golden Hurricane had two interceptions and turned the ball over on downs in three of their first four possessions. The defense held North Texas to just 89 total yards and only six first downs. The lone Mean Green score came off one of those interceptions, resulting in a 26-yard drive.

(22) Arizona State 21 COLORADO 3

The Sun Devils outgained Colorado 430-219 but they had four turnovers, missed a field goal and turned the ball over on downs. The first interception led to the Buffaloes only points, a field goal that came off a five-yard scoring drive. Colorado also had three turnovers including one fumble at the goal line and an interception at the 23-yard line. Arizona St. was also hurt by 11 penalties totaling 73 yards.

EAST CAROLINA 35 Memphis 20

East Carolina rallied from a 20-7 deficit as it scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter on interception returns. The Pirates outgained Memphis by just 22 total yards but six Tigers turnovers ultimately led to 28 points. East Carolina didn’t do itself any favors by committing two turnovers inside Memphis territory, missing two field goals and turning the ball over on downs once at the 18-yard line.

ALABAMA 41 UL-Monroe 7

Alabama outgained the Warhawks 444-196 and scored the final 31 points after La-Monroe pulled to within three points midway through the second quarter. Following the Warhawks touchdown drive, Alabama held them to 63 yards the rest of the way. The Tide scored on its first four possessions of the second half and finished with 219 yards rushing on 43 carries (5.1 ypc).

NORTHERN ILLINOIS 31 Buffalo 13

Northern Illinois racked up 500 yards of offense including 344 yards rushing on 36 carries (9.6 ypc). The Huskies did not pull away until the start of the fourth quarter as the Bulls defense forced three straight punts to keep the game close. Buffalo had two drives stopped inside the Northern Illinois 30-yard line as the running game never got going, finishing with 99 yards on 32 carries (3.1 ypc).

Clemson 27 (9) FLORIDA STATE 20

Clemson outgained the Seminoles 345-204 but it needed a touchdown with eight seconds remaining to pull out the win. Florida St. tied the game early in the fourth quarter but the Tigers went 85 yards for the winning score. The Seminoles scored eight points off a blocked PAT and a field goal to keep them in the game. Florida St. finished with just 102 yards rushing on 38 carries (2.7 ypc).

(7) Florida 21 (13) TENNESSEE 20

Florida outgained Tennessee 320-220 but it took a late second half rally to pull out the victory. The Gators trailed by 10 points late in the third quarter and eventually took the lead with just over six minutes remaining. Tennessee got the ball back once more but threw an interception to fall short. Florida missed two field goals and threw an interception in Tennessee territory, killing three other scoring chances.

Missouri 27 NEW MEXICO 17

Missouri dominated the Lobos by outgaining them 396-201 but it led by just three points heading into the final quarter. The Tigers scored two straight touchdowns to pull away before New Mexico put up a garbage score in the final seconds. Before that Lobos touchdown, their only other trip into the endzone was on an 11-yard interception return. New Mexico finished with 33 yards rushing on 27 carries (1.2 ypc).

(4) U-S-C 28 (19) Nebraska 10

USC outgained the Huskers 399-211 but the game was still in question early in the fourth quarter when Nebraska pulled to within 11 points. The Trojans proceeded to drive 81 yards to secure the final margin. Nebraska missed two golden chances to have interceptions and it also fumbled at its own 30-yard line that resulted in a USC touchdown. The Huskers had just 68 yards rushing on 36 carries (1.9 ypc).

Utah 48 UTAH STATE 0

Utah outgained the Aggies 401-98 and held them to just seven first downs. Utah St. made it into Utes territory only twice on the night and had its best scoring chance taken away by a fumble at the 17-yard line. In total, the Aggies committed six turnovers that ultimately led to 31 points for Utah. The Utes returned two interceptions for touchdowns while the three other drives off turnovers were 38 yards or less.

NEVADA 28 Colorado State 10

Nevada held the Rams to just 177 total yards and 10 first downs and mistakes led to the only Colorado St. points. The Rams blocked a punt for a touchdown and then kicked a field goal on a two-yard drive that resulted from an interception. Colorado St.’s two best drives were in the second half but they missed a field goal and threw an interception at the Wolf Pack 25-yard line. Nevada was 8-12 on third down conversions.

Texas A&M 28 ARMY 24

The Aggies were never able to pull away but the defense came up with a stop at the six-yard line that ended the game. Army missed out on that chance along with settling for a field goal in the drive before that and also throwing an interception at the Texas A&M 10-yard line. The Aggies finished with 262 yards rushing on 44 caries (6.0 ypc) and 14 of their 18 first downs were gained on the ground.

Navy 37 STANFORD 9

Navy piled up 368 yards rushing on 69 carries (5.3 ypc) but the Cardinal were outgained by only 102 total yards. Mistakes were the problem as Stanford fumbled twice deep in its own territory and threw an interception at the Navy 18-yard line. The Midshipmen were in Stanford territory in each of their final eight possessions but did have to settle for three field goals while also fumbling at the 10-yard line.

HAWAII 42 U-N-L-V 13

Hawaii jumped out to a 42-0 lead as the Warriors racked up 583 yards of offense. The Rebels scored two garbage touchdowns when the game was all but decided but they missed out on early chances. UNLV finished 1-6 on fourth down, turning the ball over on downs four times inside the Hawaii 33-yard line. The Rebels also threw an interception on the first play of the second half that was returned for a touchdown.

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