The Iowa State Cyclones found a new offensive weapon on Saturday, as walk-on running back Aiden Flora delivered a breakout performance that headlines this week's college football winners and losers. While the Cyclones cruised to victory, several powerhouse programs and high-profile coaches across the country were left with more questions than answers after a chaotic Week 3 slate.
From a stunning collapse at Kyle Field to a last-second fumble that cost NC State a win, Saturday's action provided plenty of drama. Here is a look at the standouts and disappointments from college football's third full weekend.
Winner: Aiden Flora, RB, Iowa State Cyclones
Iowa State fans have been waiting for a running back to take control of the ground game, and Aiden Flora answered the call in a big way. The Iowa native, who joined the Cyclones as a walk-on in 2024 and is now a team co-captain, turned 9 first-half carries into 179 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns against Kent State. He added a reception to finish the half with 190 scrimmage yards on just 10 touches.
Flora came into Week 3 with only 134 rushing yards on the season. His explosive performance shows the Cyclones have a legitimate playmaker in the backfield as they head into the heart of Big 12 play.
Loser: Bill Belichick, North Carolina Tar Heels HC
Bill Belichick appeared to be on the verge of his first signature win as North Carolina's head coach. The Tar Heels led Clemson 17-3 late in the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Then the defense collapsed.
Clemson outscored North Carolina 25-3 from the five-minute mark of the second quarter to the final whistle, ripping off touchdown drives of 88, 92, 68, and 44 yards. The loss comes days after Belichick's son resigned as defensive coordinator amid another program scandal. North Carolina now returns home to face Notre Dame, a matchup that could get ugly quickly.
Winner: Keelon Russell, QB, Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama's young quarterback delivered when it mattered most. Keelon Russell completed 23 of 30 passes for 320 yards, added 56 rushing yards, and accounted for 4 total touchdowns in a primetime win over Florida State.
The Crimson Tide trailed 14-3 entering the second quarter, but Russell provided a spark that turned the game around. After a rough showing at Kentucky, the signal-caller demonstrated he can learn from mistakes and carry the offense when the defense struggles.
Loser: NC State Wolfpack's Coaching Decisions
NC State led Vanderbilt 31-28 with six seconds left and the ball at their own 5-yard line. Instead of taking a safety or running a safe play, head coach Dave Doeren and offensive coordinator Kurt Roper called for a shotgun snap with quarterback C.J. Bailey.
Bailey scrambled in the end zone for three seconds before the ball was knocked loose for a fumble. Vanderbilt recovered for the game-winning touchdown. The loss was compounded by NC State blowing a 17-0 first-half lead. These are the kinds of poorly coached games that get a staff fired.
Winner: Michael Hawkins Jr, QB, West Virginia Mountaineers
While Oklahoma's quarterback situation remains a mess, former backup Michael Hawkins Jr. is thriving at West Virginia. Hawkins came into Week 3 ranked ninth in ESPN QBR and added to his impressive totals against No. 25 Virginia.
He rushed for over 100 yards and accounted for four total touchdowns in the first three quarters, carrying the Mountaineers to their biggest win in years. Hawkins has now accounted for 10 total touchdowns through three games.
Loser: USC Trojans' Road Woes
USC somehow made Rutgers look like a good football team. The Scarlet Knights entered Week 3 with losses to UMass and Boston College, but USC's defense allowed over 400 total yards in a game that was far too close for comfort.
Lincoln Riley's offense also struggled in the red zone, settling for two field goals and a turnover on downs on three trips inside the 20. The Trojans face Penn State, Wisconsin, and Indiana on the road later this season, and their road struggles are a serious concern.
Winner: Louisville Cardinals Running Back Duo
Keyjuan Brown and Isaac Brown finally showed why Louisville's coaching staff believed in them. The two running backs combined for 200 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns on 20 carries, including fourth-quarter scoring runs that turned a 31-28 deficit into a 41-31 win over No. 16 SMU.
The pair had combined for just 165 rushing yards and zero touchdowns through the first two games. Louisville's offense now looks balanced with quarterback Lincoln Kierholz leading the passing attack.
Loser: John Mateer, QB, Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma's quarterback problems are back. John Mateer threw two first-half interceptions against New Mexico, allowing the Lobos to hang around in a game that should have been a blowout.
Last week, Mateer's inaccurate throws cost the Sooners a win against Michigan. With Georgia and Texas looming, Oklahoma cannot afford inconsistent quarterback play.
Winner: Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State Buckeyes
Jeremiah Smith became Ohio State's all-time leader in receiving yards in just 32 games, surpassing the likes of Emeka Egbuka, Chris Olave, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Cris Carter. He now has 30 career receiving touchdowns and is on pace to break the Buckeyes' career records for touchdowns and receptions.
Loser: Notre Dame Fighting Irish's Ground Game
Notre Dame's inability to run the football is becoming a serious problem. Aneyas Williams has no runs of 20-plus yards through three games, and the Irish are struggling to sustain drives.
Michigan State had only allowed 89 rushing yards per game entering Week 3, but that number came against weak competition. Notre Dame's ground game issues could be the difference between a playoff run and an early exit.
Winner: Torrance Burgess Jr, RB, Texas State Bobcats
Torrance Burgess Jr. had the game of his life against North Texas, ripping off a 76-yard run as part of a 220 scrimmage-yard performance on 27 touches. His runs consistently set up Texas State in the red zone, allowing the Bobcats to win a 49-35 shootout.
Loser: Mike Elko, Texas A&M Aggies HC
Texas A&M's defense was exposed by Kentucky offensive coordinator Joe Sloan. The Wildcats put up 400 total yards without a turnover, and their offense ended in points or a missed field goal on nearly every drive.
Quarterback Marcel Reed threw two interceptions, the second of which sealed the loss. The Aggies have plenty of work to do before SEC play heats up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Aiden Flora?
Aiden Flora is a running back for the Iowa State Cyclones who joined the team as a walk-on in 2024. He is now a co-captain and delivered a breakout performance in Week 3 with 179 rushing yards in the first half against Kent State.
What happened to NC State against Vanderbilt?
NC State led 31-28 with six seconds left but called a risky play from their own 5-yard line. Quarterback C.J. Bailey fumbled in the end zone, and Vanderbilt recovered for a game-winning touchdown.
Which teams struggled in college football Week 3?
North Carolina, NC State, USC, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, and Notre Dame all had disappointing performances in Week 3.
Who were the standout players in Week 3?
Aiden Flora (Iowa State), Keelon Russell (Alabama), Michael Hawkins Jr. (West Virginia), and Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State) were among the top performers.