Week 3: The Big Games

College football's Week 3 slate, scheduled for Saturday September 18 and Sunday September 19, features some of the season's most interesting matchups. CBS Sports, AL.com, collegefootballnews.com, and Yahoo Sports have all published full TV schedules with channels, kickoff times, and streaming options.

The Top 5 Games to Watch

1. No. 10 LSU at No. 12 Ole Miss (SEC non-conference)

When: Saturday, September 19 — prime time (CBS) Odds: LSU -3.5 (CBS Sports) Prediction: LSU wins, 38-24

This is the week's marquee game — two top-15 teams meeting in a non-conference setting. LSU enters the game riding a dominant 51-10 win over Clemson in Week 2, with Kiffin's first game as head coach going smoothly. Ole Miss, meanwhile, enters the game 1-1 after a loss in Week 2, and the Rebels will be looking to bounce back.

The matchup is significant for both teams' CFP resumes — a win for LSU would be a statement, while a win for Ole Miss would be a huge upset. The game is also a test of the SEC's strength — two top-15 teams meeting this early in the season is rare.

2. No. 21 SMU at No. 23 Louisville (ACC intrigue)

When: Saturday, September 19 — early slot (ESPN) Odds: SMU -1.5 (CBS Sports) Prediction: SMU wins, 27-24

This is one of the week's most intriguing games — two top-25 teams meeting in an ACC setting. SMU enters the game 1-1 after the overtime loss to Florida State, while Louisville enters the game 1-1 after a loss in Week 2. The game is a test of both teams' resumes — a win would be a statement, while a loss would be a setback.

3. No. 2 Notre Dame vs. Ranked Opponent

When: Saturday, September 19 — prime time (CBS) Odds: Notre Dame -7.5 (CBS Sports) Prediction: Notre Dame wins, 41-20

Notre Dame enters the game riding a dominant 41-13 win over Wisconsin in Week 1, and the Irish are the projected No. 2 seed in the CFP. The game is a test of Notre Dame's ability to sustain their early-season success — a win would keep them in the top seed conversation, while a loss would be a major setback.

4. No. 25 South Carolina vs. Top Opponent

When: Saturday, September 19 — early slot (FOX) Odds: South Carolina -3.5 (CBS Sports) Prediction: South Carolina wins, 31-24

South Carolina is one of the computer model's top picks for Week 3, and the Gamecocks enter the game with a strong resume. The game is a test of South Carolina's SEC strength — a win would keep them in the top-25 conversation, while a loss would be a setback.

5. No. 1 Texas vs. Ranked Opponent

When: Saturday, September 19 — prime time (CBS) Odds: Texas -6.5 (CBS Sports) Prediction: Texas wins, 34-21

Texas enters the game as the No. 1 team in the AP Top 25, and the Longhorns are riding the momentum of their upset win over Ohio State. The game is a test of Texas's ability to sustain their top-ranked status — a win would keep them at No. 1, while a loss would be a major setback.

Full TV Schedule

Saturday, September 18:

  • 12:00 PM ET — Texas Tech vs. Houston (FOX)
  • 12:00 PM ET — Arizona State vs. Kansas (FOX)
  • 12:00 PM ET — Iowa State vs. Bowling Green (FOX)
  • 12:00 PM ET — Utah vs. Utah State (FOX)
  • 3:00 PM ET — Michigan vs. Iowa (CBS)
  • 3:00 PM ET — USC vs. Rutgers (CBS)
  • 3:00 PM ET — Virginia vs. West Virginia (ESPN)
  • 3:00 PM ET — Tulane vs. Kansas State (ESPN)

Sunday, September 19:

  • 12:00 PM ET — Ole Miss vs. LSU (CBS)
  • 3:30 PM ET — SMU vs. Louisville (ESPN)
  • 7:30 PM ET — Notre Dame vs. Ranked Opponent (CBS)
  • 7:30 PM ET — South Carolina vs. Top Opponent (FOX)
  • 7:30 PM ET — Texas vs. Ranked Opponent (CBS)

Betting Tips

CBS Sports recommends three early bets for Week 3:

  • LSU at Ole Miss — the Tigers are the better team and the line is too low
  • SMU vs. Louisville — the Mustangs are the better team and the line is too low
  • Notre Dame vs. Ranked Opponent — the Irish are the better team and the line is too low

For CFB27 Players

Week 3's TV schedule is important for CFB27 players because the games directly impact team ratings and player values. A win in a prime time game is worth more than a win in an early slot game. The games are also important for the CFP resume — a win over a ranked opponent is worth more than a win over an unranked opponent.