What to watch in college football week 3: Best games in each window, picking winners

We’ve got another smorgasbord of college football goodness coming our way in week three. Here’s the top games of the weekend, along with picks for who will win.
Sep 16, 2023; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado State Rams wide receiver Tory Horton (14) pulls in a touchdown in overtime loss to the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Sep 16, 2023; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado State Rams wide receiver Tory Horton (14) pulls in a touchdown in overtime loss to the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images / Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
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Which games to watch in college football week 3: Renewed rivalries and early must-watches

It’s only week three of college football, and it already feels like things are slipping away far too quickly. Conference play hasn’t even begun yet, but I’m already feeling the need to savor every moment.

Luckily, this Saturday once more boasts a huge slate of games. Let’s take a look at which are the best games to watch in each window.

College football week 3 early window: First screen - 16 LSU @ South Carolina (12 PM ET/11 AM CT, ABC)

It’s tough to pick against the College Gameday-designated game of the weekend. This is looking like a real test for the Tigers after initially seeming like a walk in the park; Columbia, SC, is a tough environment, and the Gamecocks have perhaps the best pass rush in the conference. I like USC winning behind a big day from Rocket Sanders, controlling the game against the Bayou Bengals by a 24-20 mark.

College football week 3 early window: Second screen - 24 Boston College @ 6 Missouri (12:45 PM ET/11:45 AM CT, SECN)

This is another one that looked like a complete mismatch in the preseason, but BC has looked really strong through two games. Missouri will be looking to prove their bonafides after dominating wins over lesser competition in the first two weeks. I’ve got the Tigers, 31-20.

College football week 3 early window: Bonus tiny phone screen - 4 Alabama @ Wisconsin (12 PM ET/11 AM CT, FOX)

It’s something of rarity to see southern teams venture up north for big non-conference games like this. DeBoer’s team raised eyebrows with an unconvincing win over South Florida last week, so things could get really interesting if Bama isn’t clicking early on. I’ll go with the Tide here, though, to win 41-14.