College Football Week 3 Highlights: Bulldogs, Yellow Jackets, and Aggies Shine

As college football continues to unfold in 2025, Week 3 delivered a series of thrilling games that showcased the competitive spirit and unpredictability of the sport. Notably, the Georgia Bulldogs, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, and Texas A&M Aggies emerged as the standout teams this week, each securing significant victories that could shape their seasons.

Georgia Bulldogs Hold Off Tennessee in Overtime

In a matchup that had been highly anticipated, the Georgia Bulldogs faced off against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Tennessee initially taking a commanding 14-point lead. However, the Bulldogs rallied back and ultimately secured a 44-41 victory in overtime.

Georgia’s quarterback, Gunner Stockton, threw for 304 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his growth as a leader after stepping into the starting role. His performance included a crucial touchdown pass to London Humphreys that tied the game late in regulation. The Bulldogs’ running game was equally impressive, as they racked up 198 yards and three touchdowns on the ground, with Josh McCray scoring the decisive touchdown in overtime.

Despite their struggles early in the game, Georgia’s defense made key adjustments that allowed them to stifle Tennessee’s offense in the latter stages. Coach Kirby Smart acknowledged the challenges faced by his defense, noting that while they had been praised for their performance in previous games, they were tested against a potent Volunteers attack. Ultimately, the Bulldogs’ ability to adapt and execute under pressure proved vital in maintaining their status as a top contender in the SEC.

Georgia Tech’s Upset Over Clemson

In Atlanta, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets pulled off a stunning upset against the Clemson Tigers, winning 24-21 with a dramatic last-minute field goal. Aidan Birr kicked a 55-yard field goal as time expired, sending the home crowd into a frenzy and marking a significant moment for the Yellow Jackets’ program.

Georgia Tech started strong, taking a 13-0 lead, but Clemson fought back to take a brief lead before the game entered a tense final quarter. Quarterback Haynes King was instrumental in the victory, contributing 211 passing yards and 104 rushing yards, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities. King’s performance included converting crucial third downs during the game-winning drive, which set up Birr’s field goal attempt.

This victory not only solidified Georgia Tech’s position as a contender in the ACC but also raised questions about Clemson’s future. The Tigers, under coach Dabo Swinney, have struggled to find their offensive identity, and this loss marks a troubling trend for a program once considered the class of the conference.

Texas A&M Claims Thrilling Win Against Notre Dame

In another thrilling encounter, the Texas A&M Aggies secured a narrow 41-40 victory over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. This game was marked by dramatic shifts in momentum, with both teams exchanging leads multiple times.

Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed threw for 360 yards and led a crucial touchdown drive in the final minutes, culminating in a game-winning touchdown pass to Nate Boerkircher with just 13 seconds remaining. This victory marks Texas A&M’s biggest road win in over a decade and improves their record to 3-0.

Coach Marcus Freeman of Notre Dame expressed frustration with his team’s performance, particularly on defense, as they allowed 488 yards of offense. The game was characterized by a missed extra point by Notre Dame that ultimately proved costly, leading to their second consecutive loss of the season.

The Broader Implications of Week 3

Week 3 served as a reminder of the volatility in college football, where a single game can dramatically alter the trajectory of a season. For Georgia, the victory over Tennessee reinforces their status as a playoff contender, while Georgia Tech’s win over Clemson signals a potential shift in power dynamics within the ACC. Meanwhile, Texas A&M’s thrilling win against Notre Dame provides a much-needed boost in confidence and momentum heading into the rest of the season.

As the season progresses, each team will need to navigate the challenges ahead, with the stakes only getting higher. The performances from Week 3 will be pivotal as teams aim for postseason opportunities and strive to establish themselves as elite programs.

Key Facts

– **Georgia Bulldogs** defeated Tennessee 44-41 in overtime, with Gunner Stockton throwing for 304 yards and two touchdowns.
– **Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets** upset Clemson 24-21, highlighted by a 55-yard game-winning field goal from Aidan Birr.
– **Texas A&M Aggies** won 41-40 against Notre Dame, with Marcel Reed passing for 360 yards and throwing the game-winning touchdown in the final seconds.
– The results from Week 3 have significant implications for the playoff picture in both the SEC and ACC.

Source: www.espn.com