ATLANTA (Sept. 16, 2025) — Welcome to the Week 3 edition of winners, losers, and smug looks around college football. A lot of preseason narratives got burned, a few Cinderella shoes fit surprisingly well, and some high-profile names saw their foundations wobble. Let’s dive in.
Winners
Georgia
The Bulldogs pulled off an epic comeback, edging Tennessee 44-41 in overtime, reinforcing their SEC superiority and national title aspirations. Tennessee jumped out early, led by a strong showing from Joey Aguilar. But Georgia adjusted: QB Gunner Stockton threw for 304 air yards, and running back Josh McCray finished the job with a touchdown in OT. The Bulldogs showed resilience in tight moments—something you need if you’re going to be taken seriously in playoff discussions.
Georgia Tech
Tech had what you might call a “program-defining moment.” The Yellow Jackets stunned No. 12 Clemson, 24-21, on a 55-yard game-winner as time expired. Aidan Birr, on the kicking end, delivered; QB Haynes King played gutsy, despite taking hits. That ended a nine-game losing streak versus Clemson, and it’s a statement. The Jackets are 3-0 now and riding momentum. On the Banks+1
Texas A&M
Another nail-biter, another win under the belt. A&M edged Notre Dame 41-40 in South Bend on a dramatic finish. Fourth down converted, huge plays when they needed them. This win gives the Aggies both résumé punch and belief: beating a storied program in a hostile environment is always good for that.
Miami (FL)
They made a bold statement: a 49-12 victory over South Florida. Not only did Miami get the win, they made it look easy. These kinds of blowouts against hot teams lift both spirits and poll rankings. The offense clicked, and the defense throttled USF’s chances to stay in rhythm.
Vanderbilt
The Commodores bullied South Carolina 31-7 in Columbia, snapped a 16-year losing streak vs. the Gamecocks, forced four turnovers, and finally exhaled. Vanderbilt’s defense stood tall, the offense was clean, and the coaching staff must be feeling like they found something. It’s the best start (3-0) Vandy’s had in several years, and it isn’t a fluke.
NC State
They’re 3-0, and more importantly, they’re finding ways to win. Maybe those methods aren’t always pretty, but in early season football, that doesn’t matter much. Close games, clutch plays, consistent execution in the trenches: if you can hang on, you can build.
Losers
Clemson
Preseason hype has them painted as playoff contenders, but through three games: underwhelming, inconsistent, and offensively stunted. They lost to Georgia Tech despite moving the ball in many phases. Missed field goals, turnovers, failing to perform in crunch time. The Tigers’ roster has talent, but no cohesion in big moments yet.
Notre Dame
After reaching the playoff last year, the Irish find themselves 0-2 before mid-September. The loss to Texas A&M (41-40) cuts deeper than a single result; it raises questions about depth, game management, and whether the narrative of “Notre Dame always in the mix” masks real gaps.
USF (South Florida)
They came in hot, hoping to build something. Instead, they got smacked. Miami’s blowout showed USF has neither the consistency nor the defense to hang when opponents bring it. Big starts are fun, but they count for little if you collapse midgame.
South Carolina
Much was expected. Much was lost. Their game vs. Vanderbilt exposed nearly every weakness: turnovers, QB injury (LaNorris Sellers), lack of third-down stamina, defensive breakdowns, mental miscues. Vanderbilt dominated time of possession; the Gamecocks couldn’t respond once the momentum shifted.
Virginia Tech
The Hokies were embarrassed in a “buy game” by a lesser opponent (Old Dominion), prompting renewed coaching scrutiny. Losses like that at home weigh heavily—not only in record but in recruiting and morale.
UCLA
UCLA’s losses this season have been ugly. They’ve been outscored by a wide margin (108-43 over first three games), culminating in a 35-10 loss to New Mexico at home. The school fired head coach DeShaun Foster after that debacle. For a program with UCLA’s pedigree, this is a disaster start.
Quick Hits & Analytics
- Several teams now 3-0 (such as Georgia, Georgia Tech, Vanderbilt, Texas A&M) are climbing in the CFP and AP polls. Momentum matters, especially early.
- Turnover margin continues to be a strong predictor: winners here (Vanderbilt, Georgia Tech, Georgia) forced turnovers at key moments; losers (South Carolina, Clemson, UCLA) either committed them or failed to capitalize.
- Injuries and depth are already biting: South Carolina lost Sellers; Clemson looked thin when pressure mounted; UCLA’s issues seem systemic—including offensive line protection and consistency at QB.
- Coaching consequences are already in motion. UCLA fired its head coach. South Carolina likely faces questions if this kind of loss becomes a pattern. Clemson’s staff and personnel decisions will be scrutinized more heavily given expectations.
Outlook
- Georgia looks like the standard SEC beast. If they continue winning close games, the rest of the country will have to take them as a top playoff seed.
- Georgia Tech is no longer playing just for respect. They’re now in the “team people worry about on the schedule” category. But they still need several clean performances to stay credible.
- Texas A&M, if they string together a few more wins, could be dark horse contenders.
- Vanderbilt might end up being the surprise team no one saw coming. But sustaining this kind of performance in SEC play is a different animal.
On the flip side: Clemson and UCLA have some major home aesthetic fixes to make. Notre Dame can’t rely only on name. South Carolina needs adjustments fast.
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