College Football Update: Week 3 Matchups
UTSA quarterback Owen McCown during their game against the Texas Longhorns on Saturday. (Photo via Antonio Morano/UTSA Athletics)
By John Towey, Contributing Writer
The nation tuned in for another exciting weekend of college football last Friday and Saturday. Notable games included the Louisiana State University Tigers against the University of South Carolina Gamecocks, the Arkansas State Red Wolves against the University of Michigan Wolverines and the matchup between the University of Texas at San Antonio Roadrunners and University of Texas at Austin Longhorns.
The #16 LSU Tigers (2-1) narrowly held off the South Carolina Gamecocks (2-1) with a score of 36-33. After falling behind 17-0, LSU clawed their way to the lead with a solid recovery by quarterback Garret Nussmeier. He had an interception and fumble but ended the game with a strong 285 yards and two touchdowns. South Carolina had a chance to tie the game and force overtime but missed a 49-yard field goal attempt with five seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.
Turnovers plagued the #18 Michigan Wolverines (2-1) while they defeated the Arkansas State Red Wolves with a score of 28 to 18. The game featured a dominant ground performance by running back Kalel Mullings with 15 carries for 153 yards and two touchdowns. Wolverines Quarterback Davis Warren was pulled from the game after his third interception of the game.
Head coach Sherrone Moore told reporters, “I mean, just can’t have a ball put in harm’s way too many times. So made [sic] a change, and we’ll continue practicing… we’ll go from there.”
On a positive note for Michigan, DC Don “Wink” Martindale’s blitz-heavy defense rallied this week after allowing 31 points to the Texas Longhorns last week. Martindale had a dramatic split with the New York Giants at the end of last season and surely looks to rejoin the NFL.
While the #2 Texas Longhorns (3-0) game against the UTSA Roadrunners (1-2) was never really competitive, there was an added layer of intrigue. Texas backup quarterback Arch Manning saw his best college performance yet, as he was forced into the spotlight after the starting quarterback, Quinn Ewers, went down with an injury. According to Reel Analytics, Manning hit a top speed of 20.7 miles per hour on a 67-yard rushing touchdown.
Manning, whose uncles were both star NFL quarterbacks and whose grandfather was known for his athletic ability, credited his teammates and coaches for his success. He told reporters, “Isiah Bond, Ryan Wingo, the o-line, they all played well and made it a little easier for me.” Manning finished the game with nine completions out of 12 attempts for 223 yards, four passing touchdowns, and one rushing touchdown.
Next week, some matchups to look forward to will be the #24 Illinois Fighting Illini (3-0) at the #22 (3-0) Nebraska Cornhuskers, the #11 USC Trojans (3-0) at the #18 Michigan Wolverines (2-1), and the #6 Tennessee Volunteers (3-0) at the #15 Oklahoma Sooners (3-0).
