Week 3 Preview: Sportsvival’s Marquee Matchups
As conference play ramps up and early-season contenders begin to separate from the pack, Sportsvival is spotlighting the biggest games of the weekend. These matchups feature ranked showdowns, regional rivalries, and playoff-caliber implications. From SEC powerhouses to in-state fireworks and blue-blood collisions, Week 3 offers a full slate of drama, grit, and game-changing performances.
No. 3 Georgia at No. 17 Tennessee
Tennessee (2–0) returns to Neyland Stadium looking to snap an eight-game losing streak against Georgia (2–0), which boasts one of the nation’s stingiest defenses. Under co-defensive coordinators Glenn Schumann and Travaris Robinson, the Bulldogs have held opponents to just 6.5 points per game and under 210 yards of total offense, excelling in gap control and third-down pressure.
The Vols counter with a veteran offensive line that’s averaging 5.2 yards per carry and a clutch-minded Joey Aguilar, who has converted 65 percent of third-down attempts this season. Tennessee’s defense has improved its red-zone stops, but it must contain Georgia’s tempo shifts and balanced attack to force turnovers and win the field-position battle.
Player to watch: QB Gunnar Stockton, Georgia’s rising signal-caller who combines a strong arm with the mobility to extend plays and dissect defenses downfield.
Prediction: Georgia 24, Tennessee 20
No. 7 Miami (FL) at No. 23 South Florida
In a heated in-state rivalry at Raymond James Stadium, Miami (2–0) brings its 36-point-per-game offense north to challenge South Florida (2–0). The Hurricanes feature a potent passing game and an offensive line that’s given up only one sack through two weeks, while head coach Mario Cristobal has balanced the attack with over 150 rushing yards in each win.
USF counters with a defense ranked in the top-35 nationally in scoring, already forcing five turnovers. Quarterback Byrum Brown pilots an offense built on RPOs, pre-snap motion, and vertical shots designed to exploit cushion and generate yards after the catch. South Florida’s third-down defense and ability to control tempo will be crucial against Miami’s disguised coverages and pressure packages.
Player to watch: DL Rueben Bain Jr., whose explosive first step and power at the point of attack have disrupted backfields and pressured quarterbacks in each game this season.
Prediction: South Florida 23, Miami, Fla. 17
No. 21 Texas A&M at No. 8 Notre Dame
Following a Week 2 bye, Notre Dame (0–1) returns home to shake off a narrow opener loss to Miami. Coach Marcus Freeman has emphasized trench physicality and improved execution in the run game, where the Irish averaged just 3.4 yards per carry. Quarterback Steve Angeli will aim to build consistency with a youthful receiving corps.
Mike Elko’s Aggies (2–0) arrive on the heels of wins over UTSA and Utah State, fueled by portal additions that have sparked an aerial attack ranking second in the SEC in yards per attempt. Texas A&M’s defense has also tightened up, surrendering just 17 points per game and recording six sacks.
Player to watch: RB Jeremiyah Love, whose patient vision and burst through the line have already shown the potential to break long runs and wear down opposing fronts.
Prediction: Notre Dame 34, Texas A&M 17
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