Week 3 College Football Guide: Can Iowa Avoid the Upset Bug?
After a weekend that saw Oklahoma and Oregon both stumble, college football fans are buzzing about what Week 3 has in store. For Iowa fans, the focus shifts to a home game against Northern Iowa, where the quarterback competition continues to heat up.
The Sooners fell to Michigan 17-10 in Ann Arbor, while the Ducks lost a shootout to Oklahoma State 39-31. Both losses serve as a reminder that any team can be beaten on any given Saturday. Iowa narrowly avoided a similar fate, thanks to a strong performance from Caden Buhr.
What are the biggest games in Week 3 of college football?
The marquee matchup of the week pits #22 Houston against #13 Texas Tech in a Thursday night showdown. The Red Raiders struggled to put away Oregon State last week, winning just 35-24, while the Cougars beat the same Beavers squad 33-20 in Week 1. That has some wondering if Oregon State is actually the real deal in the Pac-12.
Other weeknight games include #5 Miami traveling to Wake Forest and Syracuse facing Pittsburgh. The Hurricanes have outscored opponents 122-13 this season and should handle the Demon Deacons with ease. The Syracuse-Pittsburgh matchup could be more competitive.
Which teams are playing in international and rivalry games?
Arizona State and Kansas will meet at Wembley Stadium in London. Kansas made headlines before their loss to Missouri with a hype video that drew criticism for its historical references. The Jayhawks fell 38-10 and will look to bounce back against the Sun Devils.
In ACC action, North Carolina visits Clemson in a game that could have major implications for Tigers coach Dabo Swinney. Clemson has looked shaky in 2026, getting blown out by LSU in Week 1 and barely beating Georgia Southern. Meanwhile, Bill Belichick's Tar Heels are 2-0 but need a statement win against a traditional power.
Who are the quarterbacks to watch this week?
#16 SMU and #23 Louisville could be an ACC championship game preview. Mustangs quarterback Kevin Jennings has thrown eight touchdowns and 767 yards this season, while Cardinals signal-caller Lincoln Kienholz has yet to throw an interception.
Mississippi State's Kamario Taylor will face a tough test against South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers, who has been effective both passing and running the ball.
What is the latest on Iowa's quarterback situation?
Northern Iowa travels to Iowa City to face #18 Iowa, and all eyes will be on the Hawkeyes' depth chart. The dreaded 'OR' appeared between Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski this week. Brown took every snap against Iowa State, but Hecklinski may get his final chance to prove himself. If the game gets out of hand, fans could see Jimmy Sullivan in mop-up duty.
Iowa should win comfortably, but the quarterback battle adds intrigue to an otherwise lopsided matchup.
Are there any other notable games in Week 3?
West Virginia visits #25 Virginia in a border battle. Cavaliers quarterback Beau Pribula has been sharp, while the Mountaineers have rushed for nearly 600 yards this season.
The headliner of the weekend is #7 LSU at #8 Ole Miss. Lane Kiffin returns to Oxford for the first time since leaving the Rebels, and the reception should be hostile. LSU has outscored opponents 96-24, while Ole Miss survived a scare from Louisville in Week 1 before cruising past Charlotte. Revenge will be on the mind of every Rebel fan.
What should Iowa fans watch for this weekend?
Beyond the quarterback situation, Iowa fans should monitor the Hawkeyes' offensive line and run game against a solid Northern Iowa front. The Panthers are a quality FCS program and could make things interesting early if Iowa comes out flat.
With a tough Big Ten schedule ahead, the Hawkeyes need to build momentum and stay healthy. A convincing win would go a long way toward building confidence before conference play heats up.
Photo: Yahoo Sports