College football Week 3 highlights: Catch up on all the scores, best plays and biggest wins

Week 3 of the 2023 college football season saved the best for last.

No. 21 Colorado's dramatic double overtime victory over rival Colorado State capped a day that was low on top-flight matchups — there were no games between teams ranked in the top 25 of the US LBM Coaches Poll — but still high on intrigue.

No. 1 Georgia faced a real scare before putting together a strong second half. No. 10 Alabama played a confounding game against South Florida that leaves us asking many, many questions about the Crimson Tide. And we even got a 61-yard, game-winning field goal from a man known as the "Thicker Kicker."

USA TODAY Sports catches you up with all the latest updates, scores, highlights, wild plays, analysis and more that occurred throughout Saturday. Follow along here! 

College football Week 3 Top 25 scores

• No. 1 Georgia 24, South Carolina 14 
• No. 2 Michigan 31, Bowling Green 6 
• No. 3 Florida State 31, Boston College 29 
• No. 4 Ohio State 63, Western Kentucky 10 
• No. 6 Texas 31, Wyoming 10
• No. 7 Penn State 30, Illinois 13 
• No. 8 Washington 41, Michigan State 7 
• Florida 29, No. 9 Tennessee 16 
• No. 10 Alabama 17, South Florida 3 
• No. 11 Notre Dame 41, Central Michigan 17 
• No. 12 Utah 31, Weber State 7
• No. 13 Oregon 55, Hawaii 10
• No. 14 LSU 41, Mississippi State 14 
• Missouri 30, No. 15 Kansas State 27 
• No. 16 Oklahoma 66, Tulsa 17 
• No. 17 Oregon State 26, San Diego State 9 
• No. 18 North Carolina 31, Minnesota 13 
• No. 19 Ole Miss 48, Georgia Tech 23 
• No. 20 Duke 38, Northwestern 14 
• No. 21 Colorado 43, Colorado State 35 (2OT)
• No. 22 Clemson 48, Florida Atlantic 14 
• No. 23 Miami 48, Bethune-Cookman 7
• No. 24 Iowa 41, Western Michigan 10 
• No. 4 Ohio State 63, Western Kentucky 10 
• No. 25 UCLA 59, North Carolina Central 7 

College football Week 3 highlights

The entire Colorado-Colorado State game was one giant highlight.

Harrison Mevis, aka the "Thicker Kicker," hit a 61-yard walk-off to lift Missouri over No. 15 Kansas State in one of two top-25 upsets on the day.

My goodness.

College football Week 3 winners and losers

The impossible can happen on any college football Saturday, even one without any matchups of teams in the US LBM Coaches Poll and as many games between Power Five and Championship Subdivision opponents as there were non-conference games between two teams from the Power Five.

There was even a window of time when the impossible seemed, well, possible: South Carolina led No. 1 Georgia 14-3 at halftime and had the two-time defending national champions on the ropes.

What Kirby Smart told the Bulldogs in the locker room is between Smart and the Bulldogs, though the language probably veered into the TV-MA territory. The message was delivered, and it was received. Georgia held the Gamecocks scoreless in the second half and won 24-14.

The Bulldogs top this week's list of winners. Another SEC powerhouse wasn't so lucky. — Paul Myerberg

College football Week 4 schedule

All time Eastern

Thursday, September 21

Georgia State at Coastal Carolina, ESPN, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, September 22

Wisconsin at Purdue, FS1, 7 p.m.

North Carolina State at Virginia, ESPN, 7:30 p.m.

Air Force at San Jose State, FS1, 10:30 p.m.

Boise State at San Diego State, CBSSN, 10:30 p.m.

Saturday, September 23

Army at Syracuse, ACC, noon

Auburn at Texas A&M, ESPN, noon

Florida State at Clemson, ABC, noon

Kentucky at Vanderbilt, SEC, noon

SMU at TCU, FS1, noon

Virginia Tech at Marshall, ESPN2, noon

Western Kentucky at Troy, ESPNU, noon

Boston College at Louisville, ACC, 3:30 p.m.

Brigham Young at Kansas, ESPN, 3:30 p.m.

Duke at Connecticut, CBSSN, 3:30 p.m.

Colorado at Oregon, ABC, 3:30 p.m.

Duke at Connecticut, CBSSN, 3:30 p.m.

Maryland at Michigan State, NBC, 3:30 p.m.

Miami (Fla.) at Temple, ESPN2, 3:30 p.m.

Mississippi at Alabama, CBS, 3:30 p.m.

Rice at South Florida, ESPNU, 4 p.m.

Texas-San Antonio at Tennessee, SEC, 4 p.m.

Appalachian State at Wyoming, CBSSN, 7 p.m.

Arkansas at LSU, ESPN, 7 p.m.

Alabama-Birmingham at Georgia, ESPN2, 7:30 p.m.

Iowa at Penn State, CBS, 7:30 p.m.

Memphis at Missouri, ESPNU, 7:30 p.m.

Mississippi State at South Carolina, SEC, 7:30 p.m.

Ohio State at Notre Dame, NBC, 7:30 p.m.

Texas at Baylor, ABC, 7:30 p.m.

Central Florida at Kansas State, FS1, 8 p.m.

North Carolina at Pittsburgh, ACC, 8 p.m.

California at Washington, ESPN, 10:30 p.m.

Kent State at Fresno State, CBSSN, 10:30 p.m.

Colorado moves to 3-0 with wild win over Colorado State

What. A. Game.

Colorado improved to 3-0 under coach Deion Sanders after erasing an 11-point  deficit in the fourth quarter, defeating rival Colorado State 43-35 in double overtime in a chippy – at times dirty – rivalry game.

Shedeur Sanders continues to make a Heisman Trophy case, throwing for 348 yards on 38-of-47 passing with four more touchdowns. With the Buffaloes trailing 28-20 late in regulation, the Colorado QB expertly guided his team down the field on a 98-yard drive and capped it with a had-to-have-it two-point conversion.

He did it all largely without Travis Hunter, Colorado’s two-way star who was forced out of the game and taken to a local hospital for further evaluation, seemingly the result of a late hit that drew one of many personal foul flags.

After the game, attention turned to Deion Sanders and Colorado State coach Jay Norvell. Despite their back-and-forth during the week, the two exchanged a seemingly cordial handshake and shared some words as Colorado fans rushed the field.

“To be great you’re going to have to be resilient,” Sanders said on the field after the game.

Colorado State's Mohamed Kamara ejected for hit on Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders

Colorado State defensive lineman Mohamed Kamara was ejected for targeting in overtime for a brutal hit on Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders. There have been no shortage of personal foul penalties in this rivalry matchup. — Jace Evans

Colorado digs out of 11-point hole, ties Colorado State with less than a minute to go

Trailing 28-20, Shedeur Sanders guided Colorado on a stunning seven-play, 98-yard drive, capped off by a 45-yard pass to Jimmy Horn Jr. with just 36 seconds to go. Sanders then hit Michael Harrison on the two-point try to tie the game at 28.

Colorado State was unable to answer and we are going to overtime. — Jace Evans

Travis Hunter out for the game, taken to local hospital

Colorado will be without two-way star Travis Hunter for the remainder of Saturday night’s game against Colorado State. ESPN’s broadcast reported that Hunter was taken to a local hospital for further evaluation.

Hunter appeared to have been shaken up on a late hit earlier in the game, though he eventually returned to the field before eventually being pulled. — Jace Evans

Shilo Sanders makes another big play

Colorado appeared to be in a tough position, down 21-14 with Colorado State driving. Enter Shilo Sanders. Again.

Sanders popped the Rams' Dallin Holker, jarring the ball free. The Buffaloes recovered. — Jace Evans

Colorado State player does Deion Sanders' celebration dance after touchdown

Colorado State wide receiver Louis Brown IV had the perfect celebration ready for his second-quarter touchdown: Deion Sanders'.

Brown channeled his inner Prime Time after he scored to give the Rams a 21-14 lead over Sanders' Buffaloes in the second quarter of Saturday night's rivalry matchup. Colorado State took that seven-point lead into halftime. — Jace Evans

Colorado star Travis Hunter shaken up by late hit

UPDATE: Travis Hunter returned to the game with about two minutes remaining in the first quarter.

Colorado star Travis Hunter was shaken up on the sideline when he was hit late by Colorado State’s Henry Blackburn on an incomplete pass. The cheap shot drew a flag. Hunter immediately took his helmet off and slammed his hand into the turf before moving off to the benches.

Shedeur Sanders got in Blackburn’s face, but the referees separated them. — Jace Evans

Colorado State takes lead after Travis Hunter fumbles

Colorado State responded with a touchdown of their own on a trick play. The ball was snapped to Rams QB Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi. He threw a lateral pass to WR Tory Horton, who connected with Dallin Holker for a 30-yard touchdown to tie the game 7-7.

The Rams got it done on the other side of the ball also. Rams DB Jack Howell forced a fumble from Colorado’s Travis Hunter as he tried to fight for extra yardage for a first down. The ball was scooped by CSU’s Ron Hardge III and returned 45-yards for a touchdown to take the lead, 14-7. — Cydney Henderson

Colorado's Shilo Sanders: ‘Stuntin’ like his daddy'

While much attention has been paid to Shedeur Sanders, Colorado’s star quarterback, he isn’t the only son of Deion Sanders who is playing for his father.

Defensive back Shilo Sanders got the party rocking in Boulder on Saturday night as he opened the scoring against Colorado State with a pick-six. — Jace Evans

It's always sunny in Boulder

There was only one way this could end.

This week’s bizarre back-and-forth between Colorado coach Deion Sanders and Colorado State coach Jay Norvell – which saw Norvell say that “When I talk to grown-ups, I take my hat and my glasses off” – ended with Sanders rocking shades on the sidelines, as he has for other games this season.

Of course, this game kicked off around 8:20 p.m. local time, when he very much didn’t need them. — Jace Evans

SHADY:Inside Deion Sanders' sunglasses deal and how sales exploded this week after criticism

Florida, Tennessee end game throwing punches

Saturday’s SEC matchup between Florida and Tennessee ended in blows. With Florida up 29-16 in the final seconds of the game, QB Graham Mertz went to take a knee, but was knocked over by Volunteers DL Omari Thomas. That instantly sparked a brawl near Florida’s sideline as players from both teams started shoving each other and even throwing punches. The Gators won 29-16 and celebrated on the field. — Cydney Henderson

Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders tosses first interception

The suddenly intriguing rivalry matchup between Colorado and Colorado State got off to a rocky start – pun slightly intended – for the home team as Shedeur Sanders was intercepted for the first time this season.

Sanders, the son of Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders, had inserted himself into the Heisman Trophy conversation with his performances in two Colorado wins. But with the ball after CSU went three-and-out, Sanders was picked off on third down as his slightly high throw bounced off the hands of his receiver and landed in the belly of the Rams’ Henry Blackburn. — Jace Evans

Bowling Green player carted off vs. Michigan

Bowling Green linebacker Demetrius Hardamon was placed on a backboard and carted off the field after he was injured making a tackle during the third quarter of the Falcons’ game against No. 2 Michigan.

The emotion showed for Bowling Green players as Hardamon was attended to, and they surrounded him en masse. Hardamon did display signs of movement as he was taken off the field, giving a thumbs-up and a wave to the crowd. — Jace Evans

Halftime: Texas 10, Wyoming 7

Texas QB Quinn Ewers has been largely held in check by Wyoming, completing eight passes for 57 yards and one touchdown through one half.

The Cowboys scored on their opening drive on a 62-yard touchdown run from Harrison Waylee. The Longhorns settled for a 37-yard field goal on their second possession and scored a touchdown their next possession following 17 play, 90-yard drive that ate up 8:03 on the clock.

Wyoming has 163 total yards of offense, compared to Texas’ 120, and trails by three at the half. — Cydney Henderson

Watch: Colorado-Colorado State players exchange words

Sparks are already flying between Colorado and Colorado State before Saturday’s contest even started.

Players from both teams were involved in a pregame skirmish in the middle of the field after a Rams player reportedly swatted a warm up pass intended for Buffaloes star Travis Hunter. Video shared online shows QB Shedeur Sanders, son of Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, going back and forth with an opponent before being separated by team staff.

“They done messed with the wrong team. All talk, no bite,” Hunter said. Let the fireworks begin. — Cydney Henderson

Washington blows out Michigan State at home

It was a rough outing for Michigan State. In their first game without suspended head coach Mel Tucker, the Spartans were blown out at home by Washington, 41-7. Michigan State’s lone score came in the fourth quarter following an 11-play, 99-yard drive, which ended with Katin Houser’s four-yard touchdown run.

Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. finished the contest with 27 completions for 473 yards and four touchdowns. WR Rome Odunze had 180 reaching yards, while Ja'Lynn Polk added 118 yards and one touchdown.

Michigan State had 208 total passing yards and 53 rushing yards. — Cydney Henderson

Halftime: Michigan 14, Bowling Green 6

Despite committing three turnovers on three straight possessions, Michigan maintains an eight-point lead over Bowling Green. QB J.J. McCarthy threw two first half interceptions, including one in the end zone, and the Wolverines fumbled a kickoff.

Michigan added points on the scoreboard before heading for the locker room after McCarthy connected with Roman Wilson for a 33-yard touchdown with 4:15 remaining in the half to go up 14-6. The Wolverines’ defense got the ball right back after safety Quinten Johnson picked a pass from Falcons QB Hayden Timosciek with 1:56 remaining, but Michigan wasn’t able to convert the turnover into any points. — Cydney Henderson

Halftime: Florida 26, Tennessee 7

It was all Florida in the first half.

The Gators headed into the locker room with a 19-point lead over Tennessee. The Volunteers got on the board first with Joe Milton III’s 11-yard touchdown pass to Ramel Keyton, but Florida responded with 26 unanswered points by dominating time of possession. Florida had the ball 21:46 in the first half, compared to Tennessee’s 8:14.

Trevor Etienne exploded for a 62-yard touchdown in the first quarter. He’s up to 119 yards in the game so far. QB Graham Mertz threw for 146 yards, one touchdown and picked up another with his feet, while WR Eugene Wilson III caught six receptions for 44 yards.

“Our defense has done a good job getting off the field,” Florida head coach Billy Napier said. “We are playing complimentary football. We are executing.”

Despite the hot start, Florida left some points on the table. Adam Mihalek’s 46-yard field goal attempt and a PAT attempt were both blocked in the first quarter. (Mihalek was later replaced by kicker Trey Smack.) The Gators also couldn’t convert a two-point conversion in the second quarter.

Milton threw eight completions for 92 yards, one touchdown and one interception. — Cydney Henderson

Alabama survives South Florida, 17-3

Alabama held on to a 17-3 win over South Florida, but it wasn’t pretty. Quarterbacks Ty Simpson and Tyler Buchner combined for only 107 passing yards. RB Roydell Williams was one bright spot in the offense, rushing for 129 yards and one touchdown. Williams would have had another touchdown in the game if it weren’t for a holding call that wiped out the score with 3:37 minutes remaining. But Alabama was able to seal their victory with a quarterback sneak from Simpson to go up 17-3.

Bulls QB Byrum Brown threw for 87 yards and one interception, in addition to 97 rushing yard. — Cydney Henderson

Halftime: Washington 35, Michigan State 0

Washington shut out Michigan State 35-0 in the first half on Saturday, the Spartans’ first game without suspended head coach Mel Tucker.

Huskies QB Michael Penix Jr. completed 21 passes for 389 yards and four touchdowns, including three touchdowns to TE Jack Westover. Receiver Rome Odunze has six catches for 127 yards and Ja'Lynn Polk is up to 113 yards and one touchdown on four receptions.

Meanwhile, Noah Kim threw for 122 yards and one interception. Michigan State has been held to 24 rushing yards. — Cydney Henderson

Georgia uses strong second half to avoid upset, beat South Carolina

It wasn’t pretty for No. 1 Georgia, but like they’ve done all season, they overcame a slow start for a win, this team beating South Carolina 24-14.It was a full upset alert going into halftime, with the Gamecocks up 14-3 against a Bulldog offense that couldn’t generate any momentum.But things changed out of the locker room with a 21-0 second half performance. The defense capped off the win with back-to-back interceptions off Spencer Rattler in the fourth quarter. — Jordan Mendoza

Washington dominating Michigan State

Michigan State is playing its first game since head coach Mel Tucker was suspended, and the Spartans are down big at home to Washington, 28-0, late in the second quarter.

Michael Pennix Jr. and company have racked up over 330 yards of offense, while the defense has given up only 81 yards. — Jordan Mendoza

No. 1 Georgia finally takes lead over South Carolina

The Georgia Bulldogs aren’t messing around in the second half, taking the lead back from South Carolina.The Bulldogs started the second half down 11, but halfway through the third quarter they got their second touchdown of the half after forcing a three-and-out when Dillon Bell scored from 3 yards out. — Jordan Mendoza

Ohio State leads Western Kentucky at halftime following Marvin Harrison Jr.’s 75-yard TD

The Ohio State Buckeyes needed only 10 seconds and one play to find the end zone. 

With 8:10 remaining in the second quarter, Kyle McCord completed a pass to Marvin Harrison Jr. for a 75-yard touchdown to go up 21-10 over Western Kentucky. Harrison easily found the end zone after speeding past his sole defender. 

If you thought that was impressive, look to their next drive, where they only needed seven seconds to score this time. The Hilltoppers turned the ball over on downs at their 40-yard line after a failed fourth and 6 conversion. On the first play, Buckeyes RB Chip Trayanum found a gap up the middle and took it to the house during a 40-yard touchdown run.

The Buckeyes have a 35-10 lead at halftime. McCord completed 13 passes for 271 yards and three touchdowns, while Harrison is already up to 118 yards with four receptions. Western Kentucky QB Austin Reed completed 15 passes for 172 yards and one touchdown. — Cydney Henderson

Bulldogs score TD out of halftime

Georgia came out of halftime a different team after struggling in the first half against South Carolina, getting its first touchdown of the game to make it 14-10.Carson Beck found Rara Thomas for a 39-yard pass, and Daijun Edwards ran it in the end zone to complete a six- play, 75-yard drive in under three minutes. — Jordan Mendoza

No. 1 Georgia trailing South Carolina at halftime

It’s been a slow start for No. 1 Georgia, as the Bulldogs are down 14-3 to South Carolina at halftime.The Bulldogs were driving once again into South Carolina territory, but Peyton Woodring missed an easy 28-yard field goal attempt, putting the Bulldogs on upset alert at home. The Gamecocks then easily went down the field and punched in a 2-yard touchdown run to take a double-digit lead with a minute left in the half.

South Carolina was the last team to beat Georgia in Sanford Stadium, on Oct. 12, 2019. The Bulldogs hold the nation's longest home winning streak. — Jordan Mendoza

North Carolina leading Minnesota

Drake Maye threw for 287 yards in the first half as No. 18 North Carolina took a 21-10 lead into the half against Minnesota.

Maye threw scoring strikes to Nate McCollum for 46 yards in the first quarter and a 19-yard score to Bryson Nesbitt in the second. Maye also threw two interceptions, as the Tar Heels all but abandoned their running game.

Minnesota running back Darius Taylor scored from 2 yards out with 30 seconds left to cut the deficit to 11, capping off a 7-play, 75-yard drive. — Scooby Axon

Alabama game resumes in South Florida

The matchup between Alabama and South Florida was suspended due to a lightning strike 1 mile from Raymond James Stadium. The Bulls were up 3-0 in the second quarter and trying to pull off the upset of the No. 10 Crimson Tide . In order for the game to resume, there had to be a 30-minute period when there wasn't another lightning strike detected within 6 miles of the stadium. The game picked back up in the second quarter and Alabama scored on a 30-yeard field goal from Will Reichard to tie the score before halftime. — Scott Boeck

Notre Dame, Sam Hartman lead Central Michigan at halftime

Notre Dame QB Sam Hartman connected with receiver Chris Tyree for a 76-yard touchdown pass to go up 21-7 over Central Michigan at the start of the second quarter. Their lead could have been larger: Fighting Irish kicker Spencer Shrader missed a 59-yard field goal attempt with 9:49 remaining in the second quarter.

The Chippewas also missed a field goal, a 36-yard attempt from kicker Tristan Mattson with 6:39 left. But Central Michigan closed the half on a positive note with a nine-play, 83-yard drive that resulted in a touchdown. Central Michigan is down 21-14.

Hartman threw eight completions for 212 yards and two touchdowns. Central Michigan quarterback Jase Bauer has been held to six completions for 80 yards. — Cydney Henderson

Penn State, Drew Allar handle turnover-prone Illinois 

The Penn State offense wasn’t as sharp as the first two weeks, but the defense was strong in a 30-13 win over Illinois on the road.The Illini defense nearly matched Penn State in yardage (383-303), but the Nittany Lions - ranked No. 7 - forced five turnovers that proved to be too costly for Illinois to overcome. Twenty of Penn State’s points were off turnovers.Penn State quarterback Drew Allar didn’t find the end zone, but threw for 208 yards while the running game picked up 164 yards. — Jordan Mendoza

Jordan Travis, Florida State withstand Boston College rally

Jordan Travis overcame an early injury and threw for 212 yards and two touchdowns as No. 3 Florida State survived a mistake-prone Boston College on the road, 31-29.

Travis appeared to have a left shoulder injury at the end of the second quarter but came back to lead the Seminoles to two scores in 1:20 early in the second half.

Down 31-10, Boston College scored the game’s next 19 points. In the fourth quarter, Florida State’s Lawrance Toafili fumbled at the 18 and Khari Johnson picked it up and ran 8 yards for the touchdown, to make it 31-22 and then Thomas Castellanos converted a fourth-and-2 with a 7-yard scraper to pull the Eagles within two.

Castellanos threw for 305 yards and one touchdown and added 95 yards on the ground for Boston College, which committed 18 penalties for 132 yards.

After another Florida State punt, BC got the ball back at the 20 with 4:37 left., and converted on a 3rd and 20, but Castellanos was unable to get the Eagles in the end zone.  — Scooby Axon

Missouri pulls off upset over No. 15 Kansas State on last-second field goal

What a kick, and what a way to begin the Saturday slate.Missouri and Kansas State went back and forth in a battle between former Big 12 rivals. The Tigers got the ball, and with three seconds left, kicker Harrison Mercia drilled a 61-yard field goal to complete the upset and move Missouri to 3-0.

The kick was the longest in SEC history, eclipsing the previous long of 60 that was set in 1984.

— Jordan Mendoza; Craig Meyer, Columbia Daily Tribune

LSU, Jayden Daniels stomp Mississippi State

Jayden Daniels threw for 361 yards and scored three total touchdowns as No. 14 LSU routed Mississippi State in Starkville, 41-14.

Daniels completed his first 13 pass attempts and ended 30 for 34 on the day.  Malik Nabers caught all 13 of his targets for 239 yards and two touchdowns.

The Bulldogs had 201 yards and 10 first downs. Mississippi State quarterback Will Rogers, who led the SEC in passing last season, only threw for 103 yards and was sacked four times.

Ohio beats Iowa State after controversial field goal call

The Ohio Bobcats pulled off a major Power 5 win, but it came with some debate.With the Bobcats leading 10-0 in the fourth quarter, Iowa State attempted a field goal to make it a one-score game. The field goal appeared to hook in to being good, but the officials ruled it no good and kept the Cyclones off the board.

Iowa State eventually got in the end zone, but wound up losing 10-7, with the controversial field goal call preventing the game from at least going to overtime.

It was the Bobcats' first win over Iowa State in school history, losing its first eight contests between the two. — Jordan Mendoza

Penn State pulling away from Illinois

The Penn State defense continues to dominate in Big Ten play, pulling away from Illinois with a 30-7 lead in the fourth quarter.The Nittany Lions picked off Luke Altmyer twice, and the offense got in the end zone twice to give themselves a commanding lead. Penn State has forced five turnovers on the day. — Jordan Mendoza

Notre Dame strikes on big play

Sam Hartman has been everything Notre Dame fans hoped for when he transferred to the Fighting Irish, and he started Saturday with another big play to get on the board.Hartman found Tobias Merriweather wide open down the sideline for an easy 75-yard touchdown to give Notre Dame the early lead over Central Michigan. — Jordan Mendoza

Missouri retakes lead over Kansas State in fourth quarter

After giving up 10 straight points and the lead, Missouri has answered with 10 points of its own to take a 27-24 lead over Kansas State with eight minutes left.The Tigers settled for a field goal to start the quarter inside the Kansas State 10-yard line, but after a defensive stop, drove right down the field with a 26-yard strike from Brady Cook to Luther Burden III to take the lead. — Jordan Mendoza

Coach Mark Dantonio back on Michigan State sideline

EAST LANSING, Mich. — Mark Dantonio’s phone rang early Sunday morning. He was busy changing a diaper. When he hung up with Michigan State athletic director Alan Haller, Dantonio himself changed — from affable "Grandpa Mark" back into football-focused "Coach D."

Dantonio quickly returned to campus Monday to become Michigan State football’s associate head coach, getting up to speed on what help his protégé Harlon Barnett needs as acting head coach.

Barnett takes over following Mel Tucker’s suspension by Haller on Sunday following a USA TODAY story that detailed allegations of sexual impropriety for the fourth-year head coach’s actions on a phone call with sexual assault victims advocate Brenda Tracy. Tucker was hired eight days after Dantonio’s abrupt retirement in early February 2020.

Now, he returns — though will be on the sideline only in an advisory capacity and not wearing a coaching headset — as the Spartans prepare for the major challenge of facing Michael Penix Jr. and Washington at 5 p.m. Saturday. — Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press

North Carolina shows support for ineligible player Tez Walker

North Carolina head coach Mack Brown made it clear how unhappy he was that receiver Tez Walker was ruled ineligible this season by the NCAA, but the team isn’t giving up the fight for him to play.

A majority of the team wore shirts in honor of Walker as they made their way into Kenan Stadium, showing support for the North Carolina native. 

The NCAA denied Walker's eligibility waiver as a two-time transfer and upheld its decision on appeal, sparking frustration from Brown, who said "Shame on you, NCAA. SHAME ON YOU!" — Jordan Mendoza

Kansas State takes lead over Missouri in fourth quarter

No. 15 Kansas State is holding onto a slim 24-20 lead against Missouri, as the teams are trading blows in a Power 5 nonconference matchup. 

The Wildcats trailed Missouri 17-14, but rattled off 10 straight points in the third quarter to take a 24-17 lead into the fourth quarter. The Tigers were threatening in the red zone to start the final frame, but were held to a field goal as both teams look to improve to 3-0. — Jordan Mendoza

Jordan Travis returns for Florida State

Quarterback Jordan Travis returned after being injured late in the first half and led the Seminoles to two touchdowns, extending the Seminoles' lead over Boston College to 31-10 in the third quarter. Travis hit Preston Daniel on a 4-yard touchdown pass and after a Florida State interception by DJ Lundy, the Seminoles cashed in two plays later on a Lundy 1-yard run. — Scooby Axson

Penn State takes nine-point lead over Illinois into half 

The Nittany Lions are getting a stern test from Illinois, as the Fighting Illini defense is keeping them in the game as Penn State leads 16-7 at halftime.

The story of the game has been the Illinois miscues, with a missed field goal and four turnovers to start the game. But the defense was able to hold the Nittany Lions to just 13 points off the mistakes. Illinois was able to get its first score in the game late in the second quarter.

Penn State quarterback Drew Allar hasn't had a big game, but he has been able to deliver a strike in the final seconds of the half to get his team in field goal range and make it a two-score game headed into the locker room. — Jordan Mendoza

Buffalo receiver Darrell Harding Jr. makes one-handed catch for touchdown

Buffalo is down double-digits to Liberty, but receiver Darrell Harding Jr. got the Bulls on the board with an incredible one-handed touchdown catch.

The Duke transfer was able to get just enough separation from the Liberty defender to twist his body and haul in the catch with one hand. — Jordan Mendoza

Florida State QB Jordan Travis injured; Seminoles lead Boston College

Trey Benson scored on a 2-yard run with 1:27 left in the first half as Florida State took a 17-10 lead into halftime.

Seminoles quarterback Jordan Travis has 91 yards and a score, but was slow to get up after taking a hit late in the first half.  Thomas Castellanos has 131 yards passing and added 88 on the ground to keep Boston College in it, but the Eagles committed 11 penalties in the first half, many halting drives. — Scooby Axson

Jayden Daniels, LSU up big on Mississippi State

LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels is having a career day in the first half, hitting 21 of his 22 passes for 255 yards and two touchdowns to spark the Tigers to a 24-7 lead over Mississippi State. Daniels’ two touchdown passes went to Malik Nabers, who has 10 catches for 188 yards.

Mississippi State has only 79 yards of total offense, but got on the board after a 9-yard Lideatrick Griffin run. — Scooby Axson

Missouri leads No. 15 Kansas State at the half

Missouri is putting its former Big 12 rival on upset alert, leading the Wildcats 17-14 at halftime.The two teams traded scores throughout the first half, but the Tigers were able to get in the end zone with under eight minutes left to take the lead.Missouri has done all its damage in the air, with quarterback Brady Cook throwing for 186 yards and a touchdown. — Jordan Mendoza

Penn State continues to capitalize on Illinois mistakes

After two field goals, Penn State finally found the end zone in the second quarter to take a 13-0 lead over Illinois.The offense hasn’t been spectacular, but the defense has made it a nightmare for the Fighting Illini, forcing three straight turnovers. — Jordan Mendoza

LSU, Jayden Daniels dominating Mississippi State

Jayden Daniels completed his first 13 passes of the game and LSU took an early lead when Daniels hit Malik Nabers down the left sideline for a 26-yard score in the first quarter. Daniels found Nabers again on a 33-yard score early in the second quarter. Daniels is now 16-of-17 for 176 yards and two touchdowns as the Tigers have scored on all three possessions for a a 17-0 lead.

The Bulldogs have 5 total yards of offense and have punted on their first three possessions. — Scooby Axson

Missouri offense clicking against Kansas State

In a college football week considered a dud, Missouri is keeping pace on handing a top 15 upset, leading No. 15 Kansas State 10-7 after one quarter.

After giving up an opening drive touchdown, the Tigers responded with a score and picked off Will Howard. The Tigers were able to get a field goal off the turnover, and begin the second quarter driving into Kansas State territory. — Jordan Mendoza

Missed field goal, fumble hurt Illinois

Mistakes are hurting Illinois early in its battle with No. 7 Penn State, as the Nittany Lions struck first with a field goal to make it 3-0 in the first quarter.

Illinois got the ball first and drove down the field, but kicker Caleb Griffin missed a 47-yard field goal attempt. After getting Penn State to punt on its opening drive, Illinois running back Josh McCray fumbled in its own territory to give the Nittany Lions great field position. Penn State was able to get inside the 5-yard line, but the Fighting Illini defense was able to make a stop and force a field goal. 

Illinois then threw an interception on its next drive, but its defense is keeping the Fighting Illini in it, forcing another field goal to make it a 6-0 Penn State lead. — Jordan Mendoza

Boston College, Thomas Castellanos start fast against Florida State

Boston College took the opening possession of the game against the Seminoles and drove 75 yards, finishing the drive with a Thomas Castellanos to Lewis Bond 32-yard touchdown pass. Despite two penalties on the drive, Castellanos went 4-for-4 for 76 yards. Boston College is playing in its annual Red Bandana Game in honor of former lacrosse player Welles Crowther, who died during 9/11 while trying to rescue people from the North Tower while wearing a red bandana. The Eagles came into the game 0-17 at home against Top 5 opponents. — Scooby Axson

College football conferences 2023 

Confused by all the conference changes coming in major college sports within the next year? It's been difficult to follow all the moving pieces during past weeks and months. 

We knew last summer that more lucrative TV deals would soon lure UCLA and Southern California to the Big Ten for the 2024 season. Likewise, Texas and Oklahoma announced plans to move to the SEC. But little did we know how many other programs also would soon be moving. 

What's transpired in the Pac-12, Big 12 and Big Ten has grabbed most of the college realignment headlines, but big changes are coming to the Power Five and the Group of Five by this time next year. This season, the Big 12 will welcome three teams from the American Athletic Conference: Central Florida, Cincinnati and Houston. 

In the past four decades, teams moved, conferences grew and a few collapsed. That doesn't sound much different than today's situation – other than the rapid pace at which these changes are unfolding. Here’s everything you need to know. — Jim Sergent 

College football picks Week 3

From a glass half-full perspective, there’s a nearly full slate of college football games on the Week 3 schedule involving the Top 25 teams in the US LBM Coaches Poll. Of course, one might correctly point out that the reason there are two dozen such games is that none of them are playing each other, but that doesn’t mean everything will unfold the way we think, right?   In truth, you’re not going to see a whole lot of disagreement from our experts this week in our choices of winners, but there are a handful of games in which an upset is possible. There are a trio of conference showdowns in the SEC, most notably No. 9 Tennessee heading down to Florida. The Volunteers are favored, but Gainesville has been a notoriously difficult place to win for them over the years. Top-ranked Georgia opens its league slate at home against South Carolina, and No. 14 LSU pays a visit to Mississippi State. 

Here are USA TODAY Sports’ expert picks for all of Saturday’s ranked games. 

College football Week 3 odds

The top college football betting apps favor No. 11 Tennessee in its SEC showdown with Florida. The Volunteers are 6.5-point road favorites over the Gators, according to the BetMGM college football odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering college football betting promos in 2023. 

Earlier in the afternoon, No. 1 Georgia is favored to win big over Spencer Rattler and South Carolina. 

In the late-night slate, oddsmakers expect Deion Sanders’ upstart Colorado squad to roll against Colorado State. The Buffaloes are favored by 23.5 points at home. Two Colorado players — QB Shedeur Sanders and two-way star Travis Hunter — boast some of the best betting odds to win the 2023 Heisman Trophy in 2023. 

Not interested in these games? Our college football betting guide can help you get started. 

If you’re new to sports betting, don’t worry. We have tips for beginners on how to place bets online. And USA TODAY readers can claim exclusive promos and bonus codes with the online sportsbooks and sports betting sites. 

– Richard Morin

Jay Norvell defends comments about Deion Sanders, sunglasses

Colorado State head coach Jay Norvell is adding fuel to the fire.

The third-year coach of the Rams fired the first shots of the week ahead of his team's game against rival Colorado and head coach Deion Sanders by saying he takes his hat and glasses off when he talks to "grown-ups" because that’s what his mother taught him, taking a dig at Coach Prime.

Since Norvell made the comments, Sanders and the Buffaloes have been vocal about how that has given the team extra motivation and questioning why people are trying to get the team fired up. It also has been the headline throughout sports media in the week leading up to the game as they questioned whether it was a good decision to publicly call out the revamped Colorado team.

When ESPN's Rece Davis was asked about the comments, he said he believed Norvell's apparent jab was meant to send a message to the Rams to get them fired up. Norvell responded to Davis' comments on social media, once again standing by his comments and saying Davis was the only person to understand what he said.

"With all the media involved with this game, not one reporter asked me about my comments. One guy got it. I wanted to send a message to our players and how we run our program," Norvell said.

Colorado State football coach Jay Norvell appeared to criticize Deion Sanders when he said on his weekly coach's show that he takes his hat and glasses off when he talks to "grown-ups" because that’s what his mother taught him.  

Sanders often wears a hat, sunglasses or both at news conferences or in interviews when appearing on camera as head coach of Colorado. That’s his style.  

"I’m a grown man," Sanders said on his weekly coach's show Thursday in Boulder. "Don’t tell me what I supposed to wear and what I don’t supposed to wear. Please." 

Read Brent Schrotenboer’s full story here

Inside Deion Sanders' sunglasses deal 

SAN DIEGO — The sunglasses company that signed Deion Sanders earlier this year never has experienced anything like this. 

Sales, calls, emails. 

All have exploded since Wednesday, when a rival football coach at Colorado State criticized Sanders for not taking off his hat and sunglasses when he talks to adults. 

“They don’t realize they just helped me with business,” Sanders told his players at Colorado on Friday. 

The timing almost seems scripted, but it wasn’t. Sanders, the head coach at Colorado, plays host to Colorado State Saturday night on ESPN. And it just so happens that Sanders was planning to officially launch a new line of sunglasses this week with a company based here near the beach called Blenders. 

“We have officially broke the internet today,” Blenders founder and CEO Chase Fisher told USA TODAY Sports on Friday. “The timing of that couldn’t have been any better. That comment directed at sunglasses and then us releasing the (Sanders) collection today was peanut butter meets jelly. The timing was insane.” 

Read Brent Schrotenboer’s full story here 

Keep an eye on these undefeated teams 

It does seem like college football craziness happens when you least expect it − like during a week when no craziness is expected to occur at all. But given Saturday's schedule, this would be a good weekend to catch up on teams that have flown under the radar through the first three weekends of the regular season. 

Here are five unbeaten teams to watch Saturday: 

• Rutgers (2-0) vs. Virginia Tech 
• No. 17 Oregon State (2-0) vs. San Diego State 
• No. 8 Washington (2-0) at Michigan State 
• Arkansas (2-0) vs BYU 
• Kansas (2-0) vs. Nevada 

Read Paul Myerberg’s full breakdown here. 

South Carolina at No. 1 Georgia, predictions, picks, how to watch 

Time/TV: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS 

Why watch: The top-ranked and two-time defending national champion Bulldogs begin the league portion of their schedule with this home date with the Gamecocks. Unless you’re a true fan, this is your first real look at UGa, which hasn’t had to work very hard yet in a couple of tune-ups. That might continue to be the case, as the Bulldogs easily handled South Carolina 48-7 a year ago, also in Week 3. But the Gamecocks hadn’t found their footing yet and would finish the season in a much better position. Georgia QB Carson Beck has faced little duress to this point in his young starting career, though he has been picked off once. Gamecocks QB Spencer Rattler is battle tested but is going to need much better protection than he got in the season-opening loss to North Carolina. 

Why it could disappoint: As mentioned, this was not close last season, and if the Bulldogs build an early cushion, the defense will be able to throw everything and the kitchen sink at Rattler if forced into comeback mode. The Gamecocks have to generate some semblance of a ground game, which is also anything but easy against UGa. 

USA TODAY Sports staff picks: 

• Scooby Axson: Georgia 
• Jace Evans: Georgia 
• Paul Myerberg: Georgia 
• Erick Smith: Georgia 
• Eddie Timanus: Georgia 
• Dan Wolken: Georgia 

No. 15 Kansas State at Missouri, predictions, picks, how to watch 

Time/TV: Saturday, noon ET, SECN 

Why watch: Mizzou faces the biggest test of its non-SEC slate this week hosting old Big Eight and Big 12 rival K-State. The Wildcats handled their first two assignments with little drama and now make their first trip of the campaign. The Tigers barely escaped Middle Tennessee in their most recent outing, and QB Brady Cook might have to take more chances to stretch the field against the Wildcats’ accomplished defense, anchored by LB Austin Moore. K-State QB Will Howard no longer has Deuce Vaughn in his backfield, but RBs D.J. Giddens and Treshaun Ward have stepped up nicely. 

Why it could disappoint: Given the Tigers’ early struggles along the offensive line, this game’s blowout potential would seem to favor the visiting Wildcats. If Mizzou isn’t within striking distance at intermission, the home faithful could lose interest. 

USA TODAY Sports staff picks: 

• Scooby Axson: Kansas State 
• Jace Evans: Kansas State 
• Paul Myerberg: Kansas State 
• Erick Smith: Kansas State 
• Eddie Timanus: Kansas State 
• Dan Wolken: Kansas State 

Best Week 3 college football games 

There is not a single game on the Week 3 college football schedule matching Top 25 teams, a rare occurrence that won't likely be repeated at any point this season. But that hardly means nothing interesting will happen. Well, all right, maybe it does. But we’ll watch anyway, because it’s what we do. 

It’s become somewhat cliché to say often the most crazy results in this sport occur when we least expect them, but at the same time, it’s difficult to envision much actual chaos taking place this week. But we’ll do our best to present the most likely candidates in our weekly rundown of games most suitable for your viewing enjoyment. As always, keep that remote handy. 

– Eddie Timanus 

Best Week 3 games to watch

College football Week 3 predictions 

The sport of college football is all about highs and lows. You beat a rival and you're on cloud nine. Lose that same game and you're down in the dumps. What's great about the sport is that there's another opportunity the following weekend to either make amends or continue momentum.  

That brings us to Week 3. There's lots of opportunities for unexpected outcomes and surprising performances. They're hard to forecast. That doesn't mean we won't try. 

Read USA TODAY Sports’ full bold predictions for Week 3 here 

Where is 'College GameDay' in Week 3? 

Coach Deion Sanders and his Colorado Buffaloes are the hottest thing in college football, with ESPN and Fox Sports taking their pregame shows to Boulder this weekend.  

After winning only one game last season, Colorado is off to a 2-0 start as Sanders has completely overhauled the roster and turned things around almost instantly.  

ESPN College GameDay revealed Friday that hosts Rece Davis, Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, Lee Corso and Pat McAfee will be on site as the No. 21 Buffaloes play host to in-state rival Colorado State on Saturday. It will mark the program's first appearance at Folsom Field since 1996. 

– Steve Gardner

No. 14 LSU at Mississippi State, predictions, picks, how to watch 

Time/TV: Saturday, noon ET, ESPN 

Why watch: Kicking off the day in the SEC is this West Division tilt in Starkville, where the cowbells are sure to be at full volume even with the early start time to welcome the Bayou Bengals. LSU had a needed get-right game with Grambling following its Week 1 setback against Florida State, but QB Jayden Daniels figures to get a bit more resistance from LB Jett Johnson and the Bulldogs’ defense. Mississippi State was able to stave off a tough challenge from Arizona last week in overtime. QB Will Rogers is a steady hand at the controls, but he must beware of active Tigers DB Duce Chestnut. 

Why it could disappoint: The Bulldogs might have to return to their air-raid roots to keep the offense from bogging down. Rogers has the weapons to do it, but the combination of the Tigers’ solid secondary and effective pass rush could prove too much to overcome. 

USA TODAY Sports staff picks: 

• Scooby Axson: LSU 
• Jace Evans: LSU 
• Paul Myerberg: LSU 
• Erick Smith: LSU 
• Eddie Timanus: LSU 
• Dan Wolken: LSU