Texas backup quarterback Arch Manning shines in college football Week 3

The GIST: This weekend was all about what didn’t happen — top teams showed out or narrowly avoided upsets to keep things on the rails in college football’s Week 3.

Quinn Ewers injured, but Arch Manning dazzles: When Ewers, a preseason Heisman favorite, went down with an abdominal injury in the second quarter, the sport’s most famous backup quarterback (QB) stepped in and led Texas to a 56–7 win over UTSA — and to the No. 1 spot in the AP poll for the first time in 16 years.

• Manning logged four passing touchdowns (TD) and a jaw-dropping 67-yard rushing TD, impressing even his famous (and famously slow) uncles. Ewers’ injury is considered “week to week,” but something tells us the Longhorns will be just fine while he rests up.

No. 2 Georgia survives Kentucky 13–12: It could have been an upset that shook the very foundations of college football. Instead, the Bulldogs dug deep on defense to earn their 42nd straight regular-season win and a restful bye week to prepare for arch-nemesis No. 4 Alabama. Whew.

No. 6 Tennessee puts up 71 on Kent State: With Saturday’s historic 71–0 shutout, the Vols have outscored their first three opponents 191–13 and show no signs of slowing down as they slide into SEC play. Tennessee is now ranked No. 6 in the country…and still might be underrated.

Individual superstars highlight regional rivalries: Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel reminded fans why he was the preseason Heisman favorite, shaking off two underwhelming wins to seal a 49–14 dub over intrastate rival Oregon State. Heading into Big Ten competition with the Platypus Trophy in hand does wonders for the confidence.

• In other Pacific Northwest power moves, Washington State QB John Mateer rushed for two TDs and threw for another, leading the Cougars to a cathartic 24–19 win over Washington and catapulting himself into the national spotlight in the process.

• Plus, Colorado two-way superstar Travis Hunter dominated on both sides of the ball, helping his Buffs secure a chippy 28–9 victory over Colorado State. If Colorado were a serious title contender, Hunter would be leading Heisman watchlists left and right.