College football week 3 afternoon window: First screen - Texas A&M @ Florida (3:30 PM ET/2:30 PM CT, ABC)
I’ve written ad nauseum about how important this game is for both teams. Though neither has a ranking number by their name, this will be of huge interest to everyone in the conference, so I expect a lot of eyes on this one.
The Gators could be in the market for a new coach if they end up losing this one, especially depending on how that loss happens. If it’s another Miami-level embarrassment, I think Napier’s days are numbered.
Despite murmurs of freshman five-star DJ Lagway being the guy for the Gators, I don’t think they have enough to keep up here. I’ll stick with the pick I made earlier this week, going with the Aggies to win 31-17 behind a big day on the ground.
College football week 3 afternoon window: Second screen - 9 Oregon @ Oregon State (3:30 PM ET/2:30 PM CT, FOX)
I’ll be honest with you: I’m not sure what they switched the name of this to after Civil War. I like the designation of “Platypus Bowl,” though (duck bill and beaver tail), so I’ll call it that!
This year’s edition of the Platypus Bowl will be the first since the Ducks departed the PAC-12, leaving their in-state comrades in the dust. You can bet that Corvallis will be rowdy and ready for a big win because of that.
I’m not sure they have the team to do it, though. Of course, things haven’t exactly been easy so far for the Ducks, but they just have too much talent in my book. I’ll take UO winning, 30-24.