Week 3 college football preview

The GIST: If Week 2 was about the burning hot Sun Belt, Week 3 football may be about the next victorious underdogs. With only two ranked matchups on the docket, we’re flagging three ranked vs. unranked matchups for “upset watch” tomorrow.

No. 6 Oklahoma Sooners (2-0) vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers (1-2), 12 p.m. ET (FOX): Nebraska’s season thus far — both on and off the field — has been all about being upset. After firing head coach (HC) Scott Frost on Sunday, interim HC Mickey Joseph will be in the spotlight as he aims for the permanent job.

• The Sooners will look for a beautiful morning afternoon win in their first major matchup of the season, but Oklahoma squeaked by the Huskers 23–16 last year. This test is up for anyone to ace.

No. 22 Penn State Nittany Lions (2-0) vs. Auburn Tigers (2-0), 3:30 p.m. ET (CBS): After mediocre 2021 seasons, Penn State and Auburn both step on the field with something to prove. The Tigers need to step up offensively, particularly in their passing game, for a dub.

• The Nittany Lions must lean on their breakout rusher, freshman running back Nick Singleton, if they want to overcome Auburn’s formidable defense. Pro tip: skip the mani this week.

No. 11 Michigan State Spartans (2-0) vs. Washington Huskies (2-0), 7:30 p.m. ET (ABC): Spartan HC Mel Tucker’s transfer-rebuilt roster (who may be without standout wide receiver Jayden Reed due to a back injury) heads west to show they can stack up to 2021’s 11-2 squad.

• The Huskies, like MSU, haven’t been challenged yet, but both teams posted a whopping 52 points last weekend. Defense may decide this one.