When: Thursday, Sept. 24; 7:30 p.m. ET

Last meeting: Paxton Lynch had 356 yards of total offense and four total touchdowns in Memphis’ 41-14 win at Cincinnati last October in American Athletic Conference play. 

What to watch for

Cincinnati (2-1, 0-1 American) is coming off a much-tougher-than-expected 37-33 win at rival Miami (Ohio), holding on to the Victory Bell trophy but having quarterback Gunner Kiel injure his shoulder in the process. Backup Hayden Moore scored the game-winning touchdown on a one-yard run with 1:13 left, but he was also intercepted twice in 14 pass attempts.

According to Chris Bains of Fansided.com, Cincinnati head coach Tommy Tuberville said Kiel “might play” depending on how he looks this week. 

The Bearcats have already lost once in the league, at home to Temple two weeks ago, and a second conference setback so early could destroy their chances of playing in the inaugural AAC title game after being picked to win the East Division. 

Memphis (3-0), meanwhile, has pulled off back-to-back stellar efforts on the road to up its win streak to 10 games, first blowing out Kansas and then outlasting Bowling Green, 44-41. Lynch threw for 386 yards and three TDs in the latest victory, and he’s sitting fourth in FBS in quarterback rating at 191.56. 

Even if Kiel is able to go, Memphis is playing too well right now. Both teams have had a short week, and the advantage will go to the home team. 

Prediction: Memphis 34, Cincinnati 21

When: Friday, Sept. 25; 8 p.m. ET

Last meeting: None

What to watch for

Boise State (2-1) will be without quarterback Ryan Finley for about eight weeks after he broke his ankle early in last week’s shutout win over FCS Idaho State. The Broncos have turned to true freshman Brett Rypien, the nephew of ex-NFL QB Mark Rypien, who went 8-of-9 for 126 yards in relief of Finley but was mostly in there to hand off to a corps of rushers who gained 344 yards and scored six times. 

The Broncos’ defense remains their strength, particularly against the run. They’re second in FBS in rushing defense at 45.7 yards allowed per game while giving up 1.65 yards per carry. 

Virginia (1-2) struggled to win at home against FCS William & Mary, coming out with a 35-29 victory. Matt Johns is completing 66.7 percent of his passes, but he was intercepted twice last week, and the Cavaliers sit 115th in rushing at 111.7 yards per game.  

Having already lost at UCLA and in the final seconds at home to Notre Dame, Virginia’s early schedule has been ridiculously tough. If it can claim one victory from that stretch and head into ACC play at .500, there’s still some hope for a bowl bid.

Prediction: Virginia 27, Boise State 24

When: Friday, Sept. 25; 10 p.m. ET

Last meeting: Kevin Hogan had two passing touchdowns and a rushing score in Stanford’s 38-14 home win over Oregon State last October in Pac-12 play. 

What to watch for

Stanford (2-1, 1-0 Pac-12) pulled off a significant road upset last week, battling back from an early deficit to beat USC by 10 with an offensive attack that hadn’t existed much in its first two games. The Cardinal scored six points in their season opener and then 41 against the Trojans, with Hogan (18-of-23, 279 yards, two TDs) having his best game of the year.

But whether the fifth-year senior quarterback can play on Friday is uncertain. He suffered an ankle injury during the USC win, and according to Jon Wilner of the San Jose Mercury News, head coach David Shaw believes there’s a “good chance it’s a game-day decision.” The options would be sophomore Ryan Burns or redshirt freshman Keller Chryst, who have combined to attempt one pass in their college careers. 

Oregon State (2-1) has one of the best running quarterbacks in the country in freshman Seth Collins, who has 294 rushing yards and two TDs and is averaging 6.68 yards per carry. But that’s more than he’s averaging per pass attempt, getting just 5.2 yards per throw for 306 yards and four TDs.

The Beavers don’t yet have the offensive balance they need to handle high-scoring games, but their defense has been mostly solid. That’s what they’ll have to lean on to be able to win this game, especially if Hogan is able to make a go of it.

Stanford has all the momentum after its win at USC, but it will end up stumbling in Corvallis.

Prediction: Oregon State 24, Stanford 20

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; noon ET

Last meeting: None

What to watch for

Two Power Five programs that can’t seem to have things go their way now get to face off to see which one is less unlucky. The way college football goes, this could either end up being one of the most exciting games of the early slate on Saturday or be an abject stinker.

Kansas (0-2) has lost at home to an FCS school (South Dakota State) and a mid-major (Memphis), the latter by 32 points before having this past week off. Injuries, dismissals and transfers have whittled down the Jayhawks’ roster to comically low levels in terms of scholarship players, and that lack of talent or experience has been evident so far.

First-year coach David Beaty has very little to work with, and Kansas is near the bottom in defense by allowing more yards than more than half of the FBS teams who have played one more game than it has.

Rutgers (1-2) is without its head coach, Kyle Flood, who is in the midst of a three-game suspension for inappropriate contact with an instructor in regards to a player’s grade (a player who ended up getting dismissed from the team before the season) and also doesn’t have top receiver Leonte Carroo because of an indefinite suspension. What’s left is a Scarlet Knights team that managed only a fourth-quarter field goal last week at Penn State and appears completely rudderless.

Somebody has to win this game, since ties are no longer a part of Division I football, so it will probably come down to which team makes the fewest mistakes. Kansas has a 30-game road losing streak, dating back to 2009.

Prediction: Rutgers 27, Kansas 21

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; noon ET

Last meeting: BYU scored a 24-17 win over Michigan in the 1984 Holiday Bowl en route to a 13-0 season and a national championship. 

What to watch for

BYU (2-1) saw its late luck run out at UCLA, falling 24-23 after it allowed a touchdown with just over three minutes left and couldn’t make its own comeback like in previous games. Freshman quarterback Tanner Mangum, he of the Hail Mary pass to win at Nebraska and the final-minute heave to down Boise State, was instead intercepted on his final throw.

The Cougars were more balanced offensively in the UCLA loss than in their first two games, however. If Adam Hine can become a consistent producer, that will lessen the need for Mangum to pull off heroics.

Michigan (2-1) has established itself as a defensive-minded team that’s going to run the ball to win. That formula has worked just fine in home wins over Oregon State and UNLV, outscoring them 63-14 and holding them to a combined 373 yards in those games.

The Wolverines rank seventh in total defense, and their 26 tackles for loss are tied for 10th-best nationally. They’re gaining 185 yards per game on the ground, though De’Veon Smith needs to average better than 3.89 yards per carry to be the go-to back.

This will be the toughest offense Michigan has had to face to this point, but Jim Harbaugh is establishing an identity, and he’ll continue to do so with this quality win.

Prediction: Michigan 27, BYU 17

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; noon ET

Last meeting: Andrew Maxwell threw two touchdown passes and Le’Veon Bell added two rushing scores in Michigan State’s 41-7 win at Central Michigan in September 2012. 

What to watch for

Central Michigan (1-2) took Syracuse to overtime on the road last week before falling short of its second road win over a Power Five team in as many years, having won at Purdue in 2014. The Chippewas’ losses are both to unbeaten power schools, dropping their opener at home to Oklahoma State, and quarterback Cooper Rush has had to do most of the work in those games on his own.

Rush has thrown for 983 yards and five TDs, completing 70.3 percent of his passes, while CMU is last in the nation in rushing at 84 yards per game.  

Michigan State (3-0) has been more consistent on the ground, with freshmen Madre London and LJ Scott combining for 378 yards and four TDs, but the offense is still built around Connor Cook’s passing. He’s still struggling with accuracy, at 58.1 percent, but he has only one interception with eight TDs on 86 attempts.

The Spartans defense has held up decently this season despite a lack of experience, though the loss of cornerback Vayante Copeland to a season-ending neck injury will be felt in this game. Not enough to result in a loss, though, because MSU’s pass rush has already collected 11 sacks and Rush has been sacked nine times. 

Prediction: Michigan State 44, Central Michigan 20

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; noon ET

Last meeting: Taylor Martinez threw three touchdown passes and Ameer Abdullah ran for two scores in Nebraska’s 56-13 home win over Southern Mississippi in September 2013. 

What to watch for

Southern Mississippi (2-1) is coming off a wild 56-50 win at Texas State, a game that saw the teams combine for 1,204 yards and 51 first downs. The Golden Eagles have topped 50 points in back-to-back games and average 513.3 yards, though they give up quite a bit as well since most of their best and most experienced players are on offense. 

Nebraska (1-2) is off to its worst start since 1981, but that was in the midst of a 32-season run in which nine wins was the low point for the program. That had also been the case the last seven years under Bo Pelini, but he was fired for that, and now Mike Riley has dropped two of three at the start of his tenure.

The Cornhuskers nearly pulled off a miraculous comeback last week, falling in overtime at Miami (Fla.) after rallying from 23 points down in the fourth quarter. Nebraska’s two losses (including at home to BYU) have come on the final play of the game.

Much like the South Alabama game two weeks ago, this is a get-well matchup for the ‘Huskers and an opportunity for Tommy Armstrong to bounce back from a three-interception game.

Prediction: Nebraska 51, Southern Mississippi 23

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; noon ET

Last meeting: Thomas Sirk’s two short rushing touchdowns gave Duke a 31-25 win at Georgia Tech last October in ACC play. 

What to watch for

Georgia Tech (2-1) had its triple-option run offense produce its lowest numbers since the 2013 Music City Bowl last week, and as a result, the Yellow Jackets were forced to throw early and often with poor results. Justin Thomas is best when his decisions are focused on which back to hand off to or whether to keep it himself, not going through pass progressions.

Thomas has five TD passes and no interceptions but has completed less than 49 percent of his throws. Compare that to the ground game, where Tech averages 377 yards and 7.3 yards per carry but had 216 yards and a 4.6 yards-per-carry rate in the loss to Notre Dame. 

Duke (2-1) also had its offense disappear in a 19-10 home loss to Northwestern. The Blue Devils gained a season-low 327 yards and did next to nothing after their first two drives, with Sirk unable to find open receivers and thus having to run 16 times. He has good mobility, having been Duke’s goal-line quarterback before this season, but without balance, Duke struggles as a run-only team.

The ACC opener for both teams also serves as an early Coastal Division championship bout, with the winner having a big leg up in the standings. Duke pulled this one out last year, but an ankle injury to Thomas impacted that result, and Tech coach Paul Johnson has likely made some tweaks to the run game to get it back on track.

Prediction: Georgia Tech 28, Duke 23

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; noon ET

Last meeting: None

What to watch for

Southern (2-1) moved to 2-0 in the SWAC with a 50-31 win over Jackson State last week. The Jaguars have outscored league foes 100-44 since losing 62-15 at Louisiana Tech to begin the season, their 11th loss in as many tries against FBS competition. 

Georgia (3-0) has put together three very impressive performances so far this season, albeit against weak competition. The Bulldogs have wins over a Sun Belt team and two of the SEC’s lowest-rated programs, Vanderbilt and South Carolina, avoiding any semblance of trouble in those games.

Nick Chubb has 11 straight 100-yard rushing games and quarterback Greyson Lambert is coming off a 24-of-25 performance that set an FBS record for completion percentage. 

Georgia is 16-0 against FCS teams, and the last time it didn’t beat one by more than 30 points was in 2008. 

Prediction: Georgia 57, Southern 14

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; noon ET

Last meeting: Mike Davis’ 167 rushing yards and three touchdowns helped South Carolina pull out a 28-25 win at UCF in September 2013. 

What to watch for

There aren’t many teams having a worse go of it this year than UCF (0-3), which is off to its worst start since a winless campaign in 2004 and just lost at home to FCS Furman. The Knights rank last in the nation in total offense, at 248.3 yards per game, the product of injuries and overall ineffectiveness.

And now running back William Stanback, a junior who had 1,140 yards and 16 TDs in his first two seasons but just 11 yards on 12 carries this year, has been dismissed from the team for rules violations. ESPN’s Joe Schad cited sources who say the dismissal was related to multiple failed drug tests. 

It hasn’t been much better for South Carolina (1-2), which has lost two straight SEC games since pulling out a low-scoring win over North Carolina in Charlotte and looks headed for its worst season under Steve Spurrier. The Gamecocks lost 52-20 at Georgia last week and now are on their third quarterback of 2015, with freshman Lorenzo Nunez named the starter. 

“Lorenzo gives us maybe a little spark in there that we need offensively,” Spurrier told Josh Kendall of the State. Nunez had 76 rushing yards and a TD against Georgia but had only 18 yards on 4-of-5 passing.

UCF’s George O’Leary is probably in his final season of coaching, wanting to take the interim athletic director job he’s holding and make it permanent. Spurrier could be at the end, too, and they have 360 career victories between them.

The 361st goes to the Head Ball Coach. 

Prediction: South Carolina 30, UCF 16

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; noon ET

Last meeting: Syracuse claimed a 23-10 win over LSU in the 1989 Hall of Fame Bowl. 

What to watch for

LSU (2-0) seems out of place playing a nonconference road game in a dome in upstate New York, but head coach Les Miles is eccentric and might want to see what monster running back Leonard Fournette will look like running indoors in anticipation of a possible trip to the SEC title game later this season in Atlanta’s Georgia Dome. If Fournette continues to demolish tacklers on his way to the end zone, the likelihood of that is quite high.

Fournette ran for 228 yards on 19 carries with three touchdowns in last week’s blowout win over Auburn, and he leads FBS with 193.5 yards per game. The sophomore has 1,421 yards and 16 TDs in his first 15 college games, with nine TDs in the last four outings.

Syracuse (3-0) is off to its best start since 1991, when it began 4-0 en route to a 10-2 season. That team featured Qadry Ismail and other playmakers, while the current Orange team is a bunch of unknowns. They’re now on their their third starting quarterback of the year after Terrel Hunt tore his Achilles in the season opener and Eric Dungey took a nasty helmet-to-helmet hit in last week’s overtime win over Central Michigan.

Sophomores Austin Wilson and Zack Mahoney split the snaps after Dungey was hurt, and Mahoney, a walk-on, has been named the starter against LSU, per Nate Mink of Syracuse.com.

The Orange are third nationally in rushing defense, at 46.7 yards allowed per game, but that came against an FCS school as well as Wake Forest and Central Michigan. Don’t expect them to fare nearly as well against Fournette. 

Prediction: LSU 27, Syracuse 10

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; noon ET

Last meeting: Navy posted a 41-17 win over Connecticut in September 2006. 

What to watch for

Navy (2-0, 1-0 American) won its first-ever game as a member of a conference last week, taking out East Carolina at home behind five rushing touchdowns from senior quarterback Keenan Reynolds. He has 70 rushing TDs for his career, seven short of the FBS record held by Wisconsin’s Montee Ball, and with 14 more he’ll also top Ball’s mark for total non-passing TDs scored.

The Midshipmen have the top-ranked rushing offense in the country at 393 yards per game after going for 415 against East Carolina in Week 3.

Connecticut (2-1) nearly upset Missouri on the road last week, but instead left Missouri with a 9-6 loss after attempting a fake field goal with less than a minute left. The Huskies had only 233 yards in that game but also held Mizzou to 270 yards, and they’re allowing 279.3 per game. 

The Huskies held Army’s option attack to 180 yards two weeks ago, but Navy’s ground assault is far more potent. Reynolds will get a few steps closer to those TD records while his team moves to 2-0 in league play.

Prediction: Navy 28, Connecticut 20

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; noon ET

Last meeting: Bowling Green earned a 27-26 win over Purdue in September 2003. 

What to watch for

Bowling Green might be the best 1-2 team in the country, or at least the most dangerous. The Falcons scored 30 in a loss at Tennessee, put up 48 in a win at Maryland and then dropped a 44-41 barnburner at home to Memphis last week, and quarterback Matt Johnson has been the spark all the way. The senior leads FBS with 1,358 passing yards and has 12 touchdowns with one interception in 148 attempts.  

If the Falcons had a defense that could provide even a little bit of support, though, they would be 3-0 instead of below .500. They’ve allowed 43.3 points and 495.3 yards per game.

Purdue (1-2) got crushed at home by Virginia Tech, 51-24, and it has given up 92 points in its two losses this season. Turnovers have been a big problem for the Boilermakers, with nine in three games, including six interceptions thrown by Austin Appleby, and they’ve given up four defensive or special teams TDs.

The Boilermakers have dropped games to non-power teams in six of the past seven seasons, including four times to Mid-American Conference opponents. They’ve already lost to Marshall and will now drop another.

Prediction: Bowling Green 49, Purdue 27

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; 12:30 p.m. ET

Last meeting: None

What to watch for

Delaware (1-2) lost 28-21 last week at Villanova, giving up two touchdowns in the final 6:18 of play in its Colonial Athletic Association opener. The Blue Hens are 15-13 all-time against FBS teams, but haven’t beat one since knocking off Navy in 2007.

North Carolina (2-1) posted an impressive 48-14 home win over Illinois last week, getting strong performances in several areas. Marquise Williams had a mostly error-free outing, while the run game topped 200 yards for the third game in a row and punt returner Ryan Switzer got back in the act with an 85-yard return TD, the sixth of his career.

The Tar Heels are playing their third straight home game after losing to South Carolina in Charlotte, and this is their second FCS foe. They already beat North Carolina A&T and should handily defeat Delaware, but whether that will prepare them for next week’s ACC opener at Georgia Tech remains to be seen.

Prediction: North Carolina 48, Delaware 16

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; 12:30 p.m. ET

Last meeting: None

What to watch for

Indiana (3-0) is off to its best start since 2010, but the Hoosiers ended up losing seven of nine that year before firing their coach and replacing him with Kevin Wilson. Wilson is 17-34 since, and even with the unbeaten start, he’s on the hot seat this season.

The Hoosiers offense has been very effective, averaging 40.7 points and 557.7 yards per game, but they’re also giving up 34.7 points and 544.3 yards with wins by one over FCS Southern Illinois and then three last week against Western Kentucky. That was their best performance, though, because they shut down the Hilltoppers in the second half, but there are still concerns about the overall defense.

Wake Forest (2-1) won at Army last week but saw quarterback John Wolford suffer an ankle injury that could keep him out of Saturday’s game. Wolford had looked good in the Demon Deacons’ first two games, while freshman Kendall Hinton was intercepted twice last week. Hinton did run for 101 yards and two scores, though, and he provides a different element than Wake has had at the position.

After having an abysmal run game in 2014, Wake is averaging 140 yards per game on the ground, though Hinton (113 yards) is its leading rusher.

Though Wake ranks ninth in total defense, it hasn’t yet faced an offense as dynamic as Indiana’s, so this figures to be a relatively high-scoring game. It’s also one with a hilarious bit of manufactured hype to it, thanks to Wilson saying in the offseason that he hates deacons despite being a Southern Baptist (per Alex Bozich of InsideTheHall.com). 

Prediction: Wake Forest 37, Indiana 33

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; 1 p.m. ET

Last meeting: Boston College beat Northern Illinois, 20-10, in November 1971. 

What to watch for

Northern Illinois (2-1) nearly pulled off a shocker at defending national champion Ohio State, losing 20-13 but leading early and holding down the Buckeyes for most of the game. The Huskies continue to show they’re quite capable of competing with Power Five teams, with a 4-4 mark in those contests since 2012.

Drew Hare had a rough game against OSU, completing 14 of 31 passes for 80 yards with two interceptions, but in the two games before that, he was spot-on, as was junior running back Joel Bouagnon. The Huskies defense has improved each week as well.

Boston College (2-1) was shut out last week for the first time since 2010, but it also held Florida State to just one offensive touchdown. The Eagles’ previous two games had come against FCS competition, inflating their offensive numbers, but they appear to have a legitimate defense that ranks first in the nation at 106.3 yards allowed per game. 

Quarterback Darius Wade broke his ankle last week and is out for the year, leaving the job either to redshirt freshman Troy Flutie, the nephew of BC great Doug Flutie, or true freshman Jeff Smith. 

If BC had another FCS team to get its offense resettled against, the Eagles would win this one. Instead, Northern Illinois picks up a fifth power-foe scalp in the past four seasons. 

Prediction: Northern Illinois 21, Boston College 16

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; 1:30 p.m. ET

Last meeting: None

What to watch for

Nicholls State (0-2) is one of the favorite whipping boys for FBS teams, and in the past season-plus it has lost to four such opponents by a combined score of 241-26. That includes Louisiana-Monroe, where a 47-0 loss made the Colonels 3-37 against the upper level.

Colorado (2-1) has already matched last season’s win total thanks to a victory over Massachusetts two weeks ago and then against rival Colorado State last Saturday. That game went to overtime, and the Buffaloes were outgained by 155 yards, but they still came through and now have a shot at being 3-1 for the first time since 2010, their last season before joining the Pac-12.

If Colorado were to lose this game, it would signal the start of a downward spiral with conference play looming. 

Prediction: Colorado 57, Nicholls State 13

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; 2:30 p.m. ET

Last meeting: Kenneth Dixon had 183 all-purpose yards, including a receiving touchdown, in Louisiana Tech’s 23-7 win at Florida International in October 2013 in Conference USA play.

What to watch for

Florida International (2-1) has victories over winless UCF and an FCS school as well as a two-TD loss at Indiana, but the Golden Panthers look much better this year than at any point in Ron Turner’s first two seasons. They held Indiana to its lowest point and yardage totals of 2015 and held the other two opponents under 300 yards, while quarterback Alex McGough has 870 yards of total offense and seven passing TDs.

Louisiana Tech (1-2, 0-1 Conference USA) lost in triple overtime at Kansas State last week, and its two losses (including at league foe Western Kentucky) have been by nine points. Florida transfer Jeff Driskel has thrown for 945 yards and seven TDs, while senior running back Kenneth Dixon is averaging 7.4 yards per carry and has 65 career scores. 

Tech is the defending C-USA West Division champion and figures to play like such when at home—especially against teams like Florida International. 

Prediction: Louisiana Tech 45, Florida International 20

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; 3 p.m. ET

Last meeting: Lamar Jordan threw for 141 yards and a touchdown on 6-of-7 passing in New Mexico’s 36-30 home win over Wyoming last November in Mountain West play. 

What to watch for

New Mexico (1-2) needs its option run game to produce in order to have a chance to win, but in losses to Tulsa and Arizona State, the Lobos have averaged 4.34 yards per carry. Without a pass attack (149.7 yards per game, 117th in FBS) or a defense to pick up the slack, the Lobos don’t have the ability to win any other way.

Wyoming (0-3) has dropped six in a row and 10 of its last 11, off to its worst start since 2011 with losses at home to North Dakota and Eastern Michigan and then last week at Washington State. The Cowboys don’t have much going for them other than sophomore Brian Hill, who has 412 rushing yards and has averaged 9.3 yards per carry in the last two games.

Last place in the Mountain West’s Mountain Division is on the line here, and neither team wants to be relegated to such a distinction. Expect Wyoming to get in the win column for the first time since November.

Prediction: Wyoming 37, New Mexico 21

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; 3 p.m. ET

Last meeting: Clint Trickett threw for 511 yards and four touchdowns and Josh Lambert nailed a 47-yard field goal as time expired to give West Virginia a 40-37 win at Maryland last September. 

What to watch for

Maryland (2-1) plays its first road game of the season after an up-and-down homestand that featured a blowout loss to Bowling Green and a pair of relatively easy victories against light competition. The Terrapins switched quarterbacks last week, and Caleb Rowe responded with four TD passes but also three interceptions, giving the Terps eight giveaways and a minus-five turnover margin for 2015.

West Virginia (2-0) was off last week after opening with dominant home wins against Georgia Southern and Liberty, allowing 17 points and 596 yards in those two games. The Mountaineers defense is experienced and aggressive, and paired with a young-but-promising offense that’s averaged 42.5 points and 514.5 yards, they’re trending upward and could be a real player in the Big 12 this season.

Last year’s game included massive comebacks, late heroics and lots of points. Expect a lower-scoring affair this time, with the home team doing most of the damage. 

Prediction: West Virginia 34, Maryland 13

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; 3 p.m. ET

Last meeting: Robert Griffin III had five passing touchdowns, only four incompletions and a rushing score in Baylor’s 56-31 home win over Rice in September 2011. 

What to watch for

Rice (2-1) opened Conference USA play last week with a 38-24 win at North Texas, with quarterback Driphus Jackson throwing for 373 yards and three TDs. The Owls rank second in FBS in time of possession, controlling the clock for nearly 39 minutes per game, and have run 261 plays to 159 for their opponent. 

Baylor (2-0) is the complete opposite, with less than 25 minutes of offensive possession per game, but it doesn’t need much time with its weapons. The Bears lead the nation in total offense, at 754 yards per game, and that’s come via a blend of deep passes and big runs thanks to 10 plays of at least 40 yards.

The Bears’ first two games have resulted in slow starts for their defense, as they were tied at 21 against both SMU and Lamar before winning each by 35 points. Jackson is a good enough quarterback to give Baylor some problems early, but the longer an opponent has to be in a shootout with it, the worse it will get.

Prediction: Baylor 57, Rice 28

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; 3:30 p.m. ET

Last meeting: None

What to watch for

North Texas (0-2) has lost to SMU and Rice, and neither game has been close. The Mean Green have allowed more than 1,000 yards in two games and have turned the ball over seven times.

Iowa (3-0) has three strong wins to its credit so far, impressively beating a good FCS team and then scoring late victories at rival Iowa State and last week against Pittsburgh. The Hawkeyes are averaging 423 yards per game, which only ranks 63rd in the country but would be their best rate since 2005 if it held up.

The Hawkeyes haven’t been 4-0 since 2009, which was also the last time they won more than eight games. 

Prediction: Iowa 37, North Texas 16

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; 3:30 p.m. ET

Last meeting: Minnesota posted a 42-20 win over Ohio in September 2003.

What to watch for

Ohio is 3-0 for the third time in the past five years, with its most impressive win coming against Marshall two weeks ago. The Bobcats have done it with defense, holding opponents to 17.3 points and 327.3 yards per game while forcing nine turnovers.

Minnesota (2-1) scored an ugly 10-7 home win over a bad Kent State team last week, and in three games, its offense has managed 16.7 points and 364 yards per game. Thankfully, its defense has come to play each time, holding TCU to its lowest production since 2013 in a season-opening loss and letting Kent State into enemy territory on only three of 59 plays.

It’s hard to imagine the Golden Gophers being in a lower-scoring game than last week, but it’s possible. This is a potential trap game with the Big Ten opener at Northwestern looming, and it will result in a momentum-stifling loss.

Prediction: Ohio 19, Minnesota 17

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; 3:30 p.m. ET

Last meeting: Texas held Oklahoma State to 192 yards in a 28-7 road win last November in Big 12 play. 

What to watch for

Oklahoma State (3-0) heads into its conference opener with three solid wins, though its opponents are a combined 1-7. The Cowboys have been able to build confidence for league play and have seen both their offense and defense improve each game, with quarterback Mason Rudolph and running back Chris Carson forming a pretty effective duo.

The defense has held opponents to 303 yards per game and has forced eight turnovers while linemen Emmanuel Ogbah and Jimmy Bean have combined for 6.5 sacks.

Texas (1-2) lost 45-44 at home to California last week after rallying late behind freshman quarterback Jerrod Heard only to see Nick Rose shank the game-tying extra point at the end. It was a moral victory of sorts for the Longhorns, who saw their offense come alive behind Heard (527 yards of total offense, including 163 rushing yards and three scores) and didn’t give up after allowing 31 straight points in one span.

“Even in defeat, this was not the Texas of two weeks ago or two years ago,” Bleacher Report’s Ben Kercheval wrote. 

Heard’s play is huge, but for Texas to have a chance in the Big 12, it has to shore up a defense that’s been torched three times. The Longhorns have allowed 37 points and 512.3 yards per game, some of the worst numbers in program history. 

If Texas is going to get it turned around this season, it will start here. Otherwise, it faces a long fall starting next week at TCU.

Prediction: Texas 30, Oklahoma State 23

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; 3:30 p.m. ET

Last meeting: Shane Carden threw for 427 yards and three touchdowns and ran for a score in East Carolina’s 28-21 win at Virginia Tech last September. 

What to watch for

Virginia Tech (2-1) rolled to a 51-24 win at Purdue last week, its most points scored against an FBS opponent in almost five years. In typical Hokies fashion, that output was aided by defensive and special teams TDs to go with efficient play from quarterback Brenden Motley and a balanced run game.

Motley has shown a lot of growth since being thrown into the fire against Ohio State midway through the season opener, and if he can maintain that pace, he might be able to hold on to the job when Michael Brewer returns from a broken collarbone.  

East Carolina (1-2) has dropped two in a row, losing at Florida and at Navy, and the lack of a run game has been a key factor in both setbacks. While quarterback Blake Kemp (893 yards, six TDs, 70.7 completion rate) has been effective, the Pirates are third-worst in FBS in rushing at 86.3 yards per game. 

The Pirates have had success against ACC teams the last few years, beating Tech, North Carolina (twice) and NC State since 2013. Tech has a knack for losing games it shouldn’t, particularly after big wins, since last year’s setback to East Carolina came right after it shocked Ohio State. 

Prediction: East Carolina 30, Virginia Tech 24

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; 3:30 p.m. ET

Last meeting: Florida didn’t score until the fourth quarter but still pulled out a 10-9 win at Tennessee last October in SEC play. 

What to watch for

Tennessee (2-1) hits the road for the first time this season for an SEC opener that is its most important in years. The Volunteers failed in their biggest test to this point, blowing a 17-point lead to Oklahoma with an overtime loss, but the hope of an East Division title is still very alive if the Volunteers can get back on track.

Last week’s 55-10 win over Western Carolina can only do so much for the Vols, but it was an efficient performance unlike against Oklahoma the game before. 

Florida (3-0, 1-0 SEC) won an ugly 14-9 game at Kentucky last week, putting up only 245 yards in the process. Most of that came from quarterback Will Grier, who appears to have taken control of the battle with Treon Harris. With Grier’s ability to run and throw effectively, he gives the Gators their best option on offense.

The Gators defense was stellar last week in Lexington, allowing 241 yards and no touchdowns. Sloppy, low-scoring games could be the rule rather than the exception until Jim McElwain is able to fully implement his offensive scheme.

Tennessee has lost 10 straight to Florida and last won in the Swamp in 2003. Ending streaks like that is integral to the Vols’ season, but this one will continue.

Prediction: Florida 20, Tennessee 17

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; 3:30 p.m. ET

Last meeting: None

What to watch for

Appalachian State (1-1) was off last week, regrouping after a 41-10 loss at Clemson when Taylor Lamb completed only nine of 28 passes and threw three interceptions. The Mountaineers are best on the ground, averaging 296 yards per game and 5.86 yards per carry. 

Old Dominion (2-1) lost 38-14 at home to North Carolina State and saw its strong run game get completely shut down. Ray Lawry came in leading the FBS in rushing but had only 15 yards on 11 carries as the Monarchs were held to minus-three yards on 21 attempts. 

The Monarchs haven’t been able to consistently establish an offensive balance with Shuler Bentley struggling in the accuracy department. And with a shoddy run defense to boot, the home team may be in trouble. 

Prediction: Appalachian State 31, Old Dominion 23

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; 3:30 p.m. ET

Last meeting: None

What to watch for

Massachusetts (0-2) lost 25-23 at home to Temple last week, taking a lead with just over a minute left only to see the extra point get blocked (and returned for two points). A penalty on the ensuing return enabled the Owls to have good field position, and they parlayed that into a last-second field goal. Those kinds of things have kept the Minutemen from achieving anything in their three-plus seasons at the FBS level, during which they’re 5-33.

Notre Dame (3-0) took it to Georgia Tech at home a week ago, the 30-22 final score not indicative of the overall dominance. The Fighting Irish offense looked fine in the hands of freshman quarterback DeShone Kizer, handed the reins after Malik Zaire was lost for the year, while C.J. Prosise has quickly become a star at running back. 

The defense was great against Georgia Tech’s triple-option run game, and by forcing it to throw the ball, it showed how effective its secondary is until it allowed two touchdown passes in the final minute. The Irish pass defense will be far more tested this week, though, with Massachusetts quarterback Blake Frohnapfel likely to target Tajae Sharpe early and often.

The loss of Drue Tranquill to a knee injury (suffered while celebrating a pass breakup) will impact Notre Dame’s back line, but expect KeiVarae Russell to handle the Sharpe assignment. 

Prediction: Notre Dame 43, Massachusetts 17

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; 3:30 p.m. ET

Last meeting: None

What to watch for

Western Michigan (1-2) has already had to take on Michigan State and Georgia Southern, giving up 80 points in those two games. The Broncos should be more than ready for the Mid-American Conference slate with this early schedule, but their confidence might take a hit unless they can somehow pull off a similar performance to what Northern Illinois managed against Ohio State last week.

The defending national champion Buckeyes (3-0) seem to have an identity crisis, not just with which quarterback to use—Cardale Jones was benched in favor of J.T. Barrett during the 20-13 win over Northern Illinois, but Barrett didn’t do much better—but also what kind of plays to run on offense. OSU has no shortage of weapons but looks like it’s trying to be the flashiest and most explosive team in the country when it can just line up hat-to-hat and dominate.

Save for a strong second half at Virginia Tech in the opener, OSU has looked very uncertain with the ball. Not so much on defense, which has allowed only 20 points in the last 10 quarters. 

Western Michigan hasn’t been able to establish its run game and has been far too reliant on quarterback Zach Terrell, who is completing more than 70 percent of his passes with eight touchdowns but also has five interceptions. OSU has five picks on 82 opponent pass plays. 

Prediction: Ohio State 41, Western Michigan 13

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; 3:30 p.m. ET

Last meeting: None

What to watch for

San Diego State (1-2) has dropped two in a row, the most recent an overtime setback at home to South Alabama. The Aztecs have allowed 498 yards and 34.5 points per game during that stretch, while they’ve managed 17 points and 315 yards per game. 

Penn State (2-1) opened Big Ten play with a 28-3 win over Rutgers, and while the defensive effort was strong yet again, the most promising development came via its ground game. The Nittany Lions ran for 330 yards, their most since October 2009, and featured 100-yard games by both Saquon Barkley and Akeel Lynch. 

This takes a lot of pressure off embattled quarterback Christian Hackenberg to produce, which is for the best considering his numbers have continued to go down since his freshman year. And a good run game is a strong complement to Penn State’s defense, which is allowing 295 yards per game. 

San Diego State’s best weapon is Donnel Pumphrey, who topped 100 rushing yards for the first time this season last week, but the Lions give up only 87 yards per game on the ground. 

Prediction: Penn State 27, San Diego State 14

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; 3:30 p.m. ET

Last meeting: Marshall scored a 27-17 win over Kent State in October 2004, when both teams were in the Mid-American Conference.

What to watch for

Marshall (2-1) beat FCS Norfolk State last week but lost at Ohio the week before, making this the Thundering Herd’s second visit to MAC country in 2015. Freshman Chase Litton made his first start in place of injured Michael Birdsong and was solid, throwing for 270 yards and four touchdowns. If he can do that again, Marshall’s offense, spearheaded by running Devon Johnson, will be potent.

Kent State (1-2) didn’t score on offense and had only three plays in enemy territory but had a chance to win last week at Minnesota, falling 10-7. The Golden Flashes are third-worst nationally in offense at 293 yards per game, and against FBS opponents, that output dips to 193.5. 

Assuming Marshall has rediscovered its offensive mojo, this should be a comfortable road win heading into its defense of the Conference USA title.

Prediction: Marshall 31, Kent State 16

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; 3:30 p.m. ET

Last meeting: None

What to watch for

Miami (1-2) nearly ended a long losing streak to rival Cincinnati before falling 37-33 on a late touchdown, its 28th overall loss in the past 31 games. The RedHawks have lost 17 straight road games and last won a nonconference road tilt in 2005. 

Western Kentucky (2-1) lost 38-35 at Indiana last week despite 484 passing yards and three TDs from Brandon Doughty. The Hilltoppers’ three games this season have been decided by a total of eight points.

Doughty has thrown for 400-plus yards in four of his last five games, with 18 TDs in that span, and he should shred Miami.

Prediction: Western Kentucky 50, Miami (Ohio) 21

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; 3:30 p.m. ET

Last meeting: Nevada claimed a 38-13 win over Buffalo in September 2004. 

What to watch for

Nevada (1-2) has been outscored 88-47 the past two weeks by Arizona (at home) and Texas A&M, allowing 1,105 yards in the process. The Wolf Pack have lost seven straight road games by an average of 24.7 points. 

Buffalo (2-1) had only 290 yards but easily won 33-15 at Florida Atlantic last week thanks to three defensive touchdowns and a safety. It was the Bulls’ first nonconference road win since beating UTEP in 2009.

Lance Leipold has managed to quickly pick up the FBS game after much success at the Division III level, and his offensive stars will rebound from a bad outing last week to help Buffalo roll. 

Prediction: Buffalo 43, Nevada 23

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; 4 p.m. ET

Last meeting: Louisiana-Monroe pulled off a 21-14 upset win at Alabama in November 2007 during Nick Saban‘s first season with the Crimson Tide. 

What to watch for

Louisiana-Monroe (1-1) was off last week after posting a shutout win against Nicholls State. The Warhawks opened with a lightning-shortened 51-14 loss at Georgia in which they allowed 243 rushing yards to the Bulldogs. 

Alabama (2-1) is dealing with the aftermath of its first home loss to Ole Miss in 27 years and the earliest loss in any season under Saban, and with that comes the inevitable questions about whether the Crimson Tide’s run of being an elite team is over. In reality, it’s more a matter of still having a lot of unanswered questions, particularly at the quarterback position. Jake Coker is not looking like the answer, while Cooper Bateman’s shot to prove himself against the Rebels was short-lived.

There’s also the issue of why offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin hasn’t just leaned on Derrick Henry and Kenyan Drake and their running ability, as last week the Tide ran 42 times and passed on 58 occasions.

“Even though Alabama has already played three games this season, no one knows what kind of offense the Crimson Tide want to be, including the Crimson Tide,” Bleacher Report’s Christopher Walsh wrote. 

Part of the reason for the pass-heavy play-calling against Ole Miss was Alabama’s second-half deficit. The Tide will surely look to be more balanced against the Warhawks. 

Alabama spreads out its non-league games for situations just like this, as well as to provide a buffer before big matchups such as the Oct. 3 trip to Georgia. With that in mind, expect more tinkering on offense but still plenty of production. 

Prediction: Alabama 45, Louisiana-Monroe 10

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; 4 p.m. ET

Last meeting: Illinois scored a 35-6 win over Middle Tennessee in September 2000. 

What to watch for

Middle Tennessee (2-1) blew out FBS newcomer Charlotte last week to start out 1-0 in Conference USA, scoring 42 points in the first quarter en route to 695 yards of total offense. The Blue Raiders’ loss came at Alabama, when they had only 10 points and 275 yards, but freshman quarterback Brent Stockstill has looked poised each week regardless of the result.

Stockstill, whose father, Rick, is MTSU’s coach, has thrown for 891 yards with nine touchdowns while completing 69.7 percent of his passes.

Illinois (2-1) was crushed 48-14 at North Carolina last week, coming back down to Earth after winning its first two games at home by 93 points. The Fighting Illini gave up 254 rushing yards to the Tar Heels after yielding 151 in the previous two outings, an issue they had in 2014, when they gave up 239.15 per game on the ground.

Bill Cubit had Illinois looking very confident in those first two games and then very unsure in the last one. This is a dangerous opponent that would love to knock off a power team on the road, but the Illini will pull away late.

Prediction: Illinois 36, Middle Tennessee 28

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; 4:45 p.m. ET

Last meeting: Trevone Boykin threw for 433 yards and seven touchdowns, and TCU gained 785 yards in an 82-27 home win over Texas Tech last October in Big 12 play. 

What to watch for

TCU (3-0) may run out of defensive players before the season is over, considering the way guys on that side of the ball have gone down. Injuries have been the biggest problem, with several starters getting hurt since training camp. ESPN’s Jake Trotter noted that only one person who started for the Horned Frogs on defense in January’s Peach Bowl (senior defensive back Derrick Kindred) may be in the lineup Saturday. 

The defensive attrition was felt in last week’s 56-37 home win over SMU, as TCU allowed more than 500 yards to someone other than Baylor for the first time in the past seven-plus seasons. Thankfully, the Frogs have their own explosive attack to counter this, particularly with how Boykin has played the past two weeks.

The senior has shaken off any concerns he’ll struggle to match his 2014 production with 1,133 yards of total offense and 12 TDs this season, but he might need to have another another game like last year against Texas Tech to avoid a costly defeat in TCU’s Big 12 opener.

Texas Tech (3-0) is coming off a 35-24 win at Arkansas in which it showed both the ability to move the ball and stop its opponent from doing so just as easily, which isn’t something the Red Raiders have been known to do. It was only the fifth time in the past 22 games they’ve yielded fewer than 30 points.

Just as essential to Tech’s success has been the ability to hold on to the ball, as it has three interceptions and no lost fumbles this season. Last year, the Raiders gave it away 28 times.

Patrick Mahomes has 1,158 yards of total offense and 13 total TDs, while DeAndre Washington is averaging 7.97 yards per carry.

Heading into the season, TCU looked like an overwhelming favorite in this game, but the margin has narrowed significantly because of each team’s circumstances. However, the gap is still big enough for the Frogs to come out ahead.

Prediction: TCU 47, Texas Tech 34

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; 5 p.m. ET

Last meeting: Cyler Miles threw three touchdown passes in Washington’s 31-7 win at California last October in Pac-12 play.

What to watch for

California (3-0) had a 31-0 run to take a commanding lead at Texas and then nearly gave it all away, benefiting from a missed extra point at the end to score a huge 45-44 victory. The Golden Bears allowed 650 yards, with 278 of those coming on the final four drives, the worst they’ve looked on defense after two solid outings to start the season.

Jared Goff became Cal’s career passing leader in just his 27th game, and for the year he’s thrown for 898 yards with nine TDs while completing 73.1 percent of his throws. Cal’s also rushing for more than 200 yards per game, eliminating the need to have Goff do it all. 

Washington (2-1) has seen its offense improve by leaps and bounds since managing only 179 yards and no offensive TDs in a season-opening loss at Boise State. The maturation of true freshman quarterback Jake Browning from a first-time player to a confident passer has been noticeable, as Browning is completing 65.6 percent of his passes.

The Huskies have looked good on defense all year and have yet to allow a passing score. That’s going to change Saturday, though, as this is apt to become a war waged in the air by both teams.

Goff will be the difference, as the player Bleacher Report NFL draft expert Matt Miller has atop his 2016 big board will have a big day in Seattle.

Prediction: California 33, Washington 23

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; 6 p.m. ET

Last meeting: Terry Baggett ran for 304 yards and four touchdowns in Army’s 50-25 home win over Eastern Washington in October 2013. 

What to watch for

Army (0-3) lost 17-14 at home to Wake Forest last week for its worst start since going 0-4 to begin the 2012 season. The Black Knights’ normally effective run game has decreased its production each game this fall, from 6.1 yards per carry in the opener to 3.44 last time out.

Eastern Michigan (1-2) is winless at home and unbeaten on the road, losing to Ball State last week to start Mid-American Conference play. The Eagles managed season lows in points (17) and yards (319) but are still performing much better on offense than last season, in which they recorded a third straight 2-10 record.

The Eagles will send Army home with another loss.

Prediction: Eastern Michigan 34, Army 24

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; 6 p.m. ET

Last meeting: None

What to watch for

Samford (2-1) lost 31-21 to Chattanooga last week in its Southern Conference opener. The Bulldogs opened and closed last season with losses to TCU and Auburn, respectively, to drop their record against FBS competition to 1-20 all-time, with their lone win coming in 2013 against Georgia State.

Louisville (0-3) is off to its worst start since 1984, and the last two losses have come at home to unbeaten teams Houston and Clemson. Before that, the Cardinals fell to an Auburn team that’s not looking so hot right now, so this season hasn’t been very promising.

Kyle Bolin, Reggie Bonnafon and Lamar Jackson are still trying to sort out which option is best at quarterback, with each bringing a different dynamic but still only combining for two touchdown passes and five interceptions.

Look for Bobby Petrino to do further tinkering in this game, since it’s the last easy game on the schedule for some time.

Prediction: Louisville 45, Samford 20

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; 7 p.m. ET

Last meeting: Texas A&M rallied from a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit to win 35-28 in overtime over Arkansas last September in an SEC game played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. 

What to watch for

Texas A&M (3-0) has won its first three games by an average of 23.7 points, getting big production from a variety of offensive weapons as well as improved play on defense. Quarterback Kyle Allen has thrown nine touchdown passes, the Aggies are rushing for 227 yards per game and true freshman Christian Kirk has been an all-around star with 550 all-purpose yards on 26 touches.

The defensive line has been a beast, with Myles Garrett, Daeshon Hall and Daylon Mack spending plenty of time in opponents’ backfields. The Aggies lead FBS with 36 tackles for loss, and new coordinator John Chavis is making the most of his players’ untapped potential.

Arkansas (1-2) is in the midst of an unexpected tailspin, especially considering the amount of hype lumped on it during the offseason. The Razorbacks have managed 36 points in their past two games, losses to Toledo and Texas Tech, and in addition to the defeats there has been a heaping of karma thrown their way thanks to coach Bret Bielema‘s cocksure attitude regarding other teams’ offensive schemes and schedules.

Bielema is 11-17 at Arkansas with just two SEC wins, and his team has looked nothing like the one that was among the most feared in the country at the end of last season. The Hogs go to Tennessee and Alabama after this and are facing a major slide if they can’t get refocused soon.

Prediction: Texas A&M 37, Arkansas 26

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; 7 p.m. ET

Last meeting: Bo Wallace threw for 320 yards and a touchdown in Ole Miss’ 41-3 win at Vanderbilt last September in SEC play.

What to watch for

Vanderbilt (1-2, 0-1 SEC) trailed at home to FCS Austin Peay in the first half before running away with a 47-7 win, its fourth victory in the past 15 games. The Commodores have lost nine straight in the conference, including 31-14 at home to Georgia two weeks ago, but quarterback Johnny McCrary is coming off his best game yet with 368 yards and two TDs on 28-of-33 passing and his second interception-less outing in 10 career appearances.

Ole Miss (3-0, 1-0) soared in the polls after its tremendous 43-37 win at Alabama, its first victory in Tuscaloosa in 27 years and second straight over the Crimson Tide. The Rebels forced five turnovers and gained more than 400 yards while also holding off the Tide on a pair of second-half comeback attempts. They are now in the early driver’s seat for the SEC West title.

The Rebels are averaging 64 points per game and have 10 takeaways, including seven interceptions, and have been the aggressor in almost every minute of playing time this season.

Vandy will be the next unwitting victim in Ole Miss’ path.

Prediction: Ole Miss 57, Vanderbilt 15

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; 7 p.m. ET

Last meeting: None

What to watch for

James Madison (3-0) is ranked ninth in the FCS coaches poll, coming off a 42-28 win over Albany in Colonial Athletic Association play. The Dukes average 328.3 rushing yards per game, second-best at the FCS level, with three guys over 200 yards already, including former Georgia Tech quarterback Vad Lee. 

SMU (1-2) has been competitive despite only one victory to show for it, losing games to Baylor and TCU but scoring a combined 58 points in those defeats. Dual-threat quarterback Matt Davis is averaging 323 yards of total offense per week, and his 302 rushing yards are second-most among FBS passers.

The Mustangs defense has allowed 561 yards per game, including 226 per game on the ground, and it will give up a bunch to James Madison’s option attack. But SMU will also put up big numbers and double last year’s win total.

Prediction: SMU 51, James Madison 33

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; 7 p.m. ET

Last meeting: None

What to watch for

Colorado State (1-2) has lost two straight overtime games, at home to Minnesota and then last week to rival Colorado in Denver. The Rams scored late in each to force the extra session but in OT have been unable to do anything, the sign of a young team that doesn’t have the players to come out on top.

UTSA (0-3) has lost each game this season by a larger margin, falling by 10 at Arizona and then by 27 against Kansas State at home before dropping a 69-14 decision at Oklahoma State. One of the youngest teams in FBS, Larry Coker’s Roadrunners are regressing rather than improving with experience.

Both of these teams appear to be headed for rough years, but a win here can provide some confidence for the future.

Prediction: UTSA 24, Colorado State 20

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; 7 p.m. ET

Last meeting: None

What to watch for

Florida Atlantic (0-3) allowed Buffalo to score three defensive touchdowns and record a safety in last week’s 33-15 home loss, the Owls’ eighth straight defeat. Jason Driskel threw for 385 yards but was sacked four times, losing a fumble that was returned for a score while also throwing a pick-six.

Charlotte (2-1, 0-1 Conference USA) was humbled in its first league game, losing 73-14 at Middle Tennessee while being outgained 695-219. The 49ers turned it over seven times and have 13 giveaways in three games, most in FBS.

There have been 34 turnovers in games involving these teams in 2015, which makes for a lot of craziness. When able to hold onto the ball, Florida Atlantic has managed to move it and should parlay that into its first win since October.

Prediction: Florida Atlantic 31, Charlotte 27

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; 7 p.m. ET

Last meeting: Terrance Broadway had 373 yards of total offense and five total touchdowns in Louisiana-Lafayette’s 35-30 win at Akron in September 2013. 

What to watch for

Akron (1-2) scored a 52-9 home win last week against FCS Savannah State, its second victory in its last nine games. Despite the triumph, the Zips rank 119th in total offense at 319 yards per game and are dead last against FBS opponents at 165.5 per game.

Louisiana-Lafayette (1-1) was off last week, and before the bye had a seven-point loss at Kentucky followed by a 44-17 home win against FCS Northwestern State. The Ragin’ Cajuns are averaging 513 yards per game, with running back Elijah McGuire scoring five TDs on 41 carries. 

Akron has been strong against the run, yielding 301 total yards and 2.66 yards per carry, but McGuire could be in for a huge night. 

Prediction: Louisiana-Lafayette 46, Akron 17

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; 7 p.m. ET

Last meeting: Kareem Hunt ran for 271 yards and five touchdowns in Toledo’s 63-44 win over Arkansas State in January’s GoDaddy Bowl.

What to watch for

Arkansas State (1-2) won 70-7 at home last week against Missouri State, a confidence-builder after the Red Wolves opened with losses to USC and Missouri in which they scored a combined 26 points. Quarterback Fredi Knighten sat out the last outing with a groin injury but should be ready to play this time around. If not, freshman James Tabary will get his second career start.

Toledo (2-0) has multiple wins against power-conference teams in the same season for the first time ever, beating Arkansas in Little Rock and then edging Iowa State at home in double overtime. Hunt had his 12th consecutive 100-yard rushing game in the ISU win, his first action of the season after serving a suspension, but he also suffered a hamstring injury and might not be available.

The Rockets beat Arkansas without Hunt and were 2-1 last season when he missed time because of injury. It won’t be ideal, but they’ve proved they’re not a one-man team.

Prediction: Toledo 33, Arkansas State 21

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; 7:30 p.m. ET

Last meeting: Dak Prescott had 367 yards of total offense and three total touchdowns in Mississippi State’s 38-23 home win over Auburn last October in SEC play. 

What to watch for

Mississippi State (2-1, 0-1 SEC) breezed past Northwestern State last week, trying to move on from its home loss to LSU the game before. The Bulldogs are a shell of the team that began 9-0 last season, but as long as Prescott is at quarterback, they’ll be in most games.

Prescott has 906 yards of total offense and has accounted for seven TDs this season, while the rest of MSU has provided 561 yards and eight TDs.

Auburn (2-1, 0-1) was ranked sixth in the country two weeks ago, but since then it had to go to overtime to beat Jacksonville State and was then bulldozed at LSU. The Tigers are a mess in all facets of the game, but the biggest problems have been at quarterback. Now, Gus Malzahn has made a change.

Jeremy Johnson heads to the bench after throwing six interceptions in 72 pass attempts, replaced by freshman Sean White. Bleacher Report’s Justin Ferguson wrote that “White’s starting nod could either be a panic move or the spark Auburn needs to resurrect its season.”

How White plays won’t be the key to this game, though. Instead, it will be how Auburn handles Prescott, who gave the Tigers fits last season and who figures to feast on a defense that was embarrassed by LSU’s Leonard Fournette a week ago.

Malzahn has lost seven of his last 17 games after starting his Auburn tenure 12-1. An eighth loss in 18 would be disastrous.

Prediction: Auburn 35, Mississippi State 28

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; 7:30 p.m. ET

Last meeting: Maty Mauk threw for 164 yards with two touchdowns and ran for 75 yards in Missouri’s 20-10 home win over Kentucky last November in SEC play.

What to watch for

Missouri (3-0) takes its school-record 11-game road win streak into Lexington, where it won by 31 points two years ago. The Tigers should feel lucky to be unbeaten, having survived an ugly 9-6 result at home against Connecticut last week that ended with Mizzou thwarting a fake field goal in the final minute.

The Tigers have saved their best performances for away games, particularly in the SEC, which has helped them win the past two East Division titles. How much longer they can get away with that while also having Mauk put up some of the worst numbers for an every-game starting quarterback is anyone’s guess.

Mauk has failed to top 200 passing yards in four straight games and has thrown 17 interceptions in the past 17 games. He’s been bailed out plenty by his defense, which this year is allowing 9.7 points and 217 yards per game.

Kentucky (2-1, 1-1) lost 14-9 at home last week to Florida, its 29th straight loss to the Gators. The Wildcats managed 241 yards and three field goals, spoiling one of their best defensive efforts in some time. 

For as much talk as there was in the offseason about Kentucky going to a more uptempo attack under new coordinator Shannon Dawson, its 358.3 yards and 64 plays per game trend lower than the respective 384.3 and 70.8 from last season. Quarterback Patrick Towles getting sacked 10 times hasn’t helped.

Mizzou has six sacks so far, but the game-by-game numbers have increased. Expect that to continue, along with the Tigers’ superb road success. 

Prediction: Missouri 24, Kentucky 19

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; 8 p.m. ET

Last meeting: Mike Glennon threw three touchdown passes in North Carolina State’s 31-7 home win over South Alabama in September 2012. 

What to watch for

North Carolina State (3-0) is trying for its second straight 4-0 start but is on the road for a second week in a row. The Wolfpack have played it safe with their non-league scheduling, facing no power teams and lining up winnable away games against susceptible mid-major programs.

The Pack won 38-14 last week at Old Dominion, holding a good running team to minus-three yards on the ground and 148 overall. They rank second nationally in total defense at 188.3 yards allowed per game.  

South Alabama (2-1) won 34-27 in overtime at San Diego State last week, with UAB transfer Cody Clements throwing two TD passes and Xavier Johnson scoring on a two-yard run in OT to cap a 142-yard night. The Jaguars lost 48-9 at Nebraska the week before and are winless in seven tries against power opponents. 

They’ll do better than when Mississippi State came to Ladd-Peebles Stadium last September (a 35-3 loss), but they’ll still be looking for that first notch.

Prediction: North Carolina State 30, South Alabama 23

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; 8 p.m. ET

Last meeting: UCLA held Arizona to 255 yards in a 17-7 home win last November in Pac-12 play. 

What to watch for

On a night when five of the Pac-12’s six ranked teams face each other, the biggest matchup will be in Tucson where the winner will start conference play as the early leader in the race to win the ultra-deep South Division. Arizona is the defending champion, despite losing to UCLA last season.

“Biggest game in the nation, matching unbeaten and ranked teams that have represented the Pac-12 South in two of the past three league championship games,” Yahoo Sports’ Pat Forde wrote. 

UCLA (3-0) needed late magic to hold off BYU at home last week, winning 24-23 on Nate Starks’ three-yard run with 3:21 left. Starks got the glory, but it was Paul Perkins who did the dirty work, rushing for a career-high 219 yards and a TD and helping make up for freshman quarterback Josh Rosen’s first bad outing. Rosen was intercepted three times and had just 106 yards on 11-of-23 passing. 

The Bruins did well to keep BYU freshman Tanner Mangum from making the big plays he’d come up with in previous games, though their defense has taken some hits to injury with lineman Eddie Vanderdoes hurting his knee in the season opener and then cornerback Fabian Moreau going down with a season-ending foot ailment. 

Further bad news surfaced during the week when Jack Wang of the Los Angeles Daily News reported star linebacker Myles Jack, who in 2013 was unleashed at Arizona as a running back in addition to his defensive work, is out for the year with a knee injury.

Those departures come just as UCLA is set to get back Ish Adams, one of its best defensive backs and a strong return man, after he was suspended during the preseason following his arrest on robbery charges. Adams was reinstated Tuesday after authorities referred the case for misdemeanor consideration, according to Kevin Gemmell of ESPN.com.

UCLA will need all the help it can get on defense after Arizona (3-0) put up school records for points (77), yards (792) and rushing yards (499) against Northern Arizona. The Wildcats are averaging 54.3 points and 584.7 yards per game and have turned it over only twice on 231 offensive plays.

Yet Arizona has been stymied by UCLA each of the past three years, losing 114-43 in those games. The Bruins are the only opponent Rich Rodriguez has faced more than once with Arizona and failed to defeat.

Arizona hopes to get its best defensive player back for this one, with Scooby Wright less than three weeks removed from knee surgery to repair a meniscus tear. Wright returned to practice Tuesday, as noted by Ryan Finley of the Arizona Daily Star.

This has the makings of a last-team-to-score-wins kind of game, which usually goes the way of the home team. Even if the Wildcats don’t get Wright back, Rodriguez will finally beat the Bruins.

Prediction: Arizona 33, UCLA 31

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; 8 p.m. ET

Last meeting: None

What to watch for

Ball State (2-1) won at Eastern Michigan last week to open Mid-American play, its second straight road game following a 56-23 loss at Texas A&M. The Cardinals have shuffled quarterbacks this season, with freshman Riley Neal completing 24 of 28 passes against Eastern Michigan in relief of sophomore Jack Milas. 

Northwestern (3-0) has allowed 16 points in three games and has wins over Stanford and at Duke already. The Wildcats are giving up 235 yards per game, sixth-best in FBS, and have forced seven turnovers.

The offense hasn’t been as crisp, with quarterback Clayton Thorson completing just 50.8 percent of his passes for 327 yards and one touchdown, but so far that hasn’t been a problem. Thorson should be able to have his best production yet against Ball State, or he might not be the answer. 

Prediction: Northwestern 30, Ball State 14

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; 8 p.m. ET

Last meeting: None

What to watch for

Incarnate Word (2-1) is coming off a 20-10 win over Nicholls State last week to open Southland Conference play. The Cardinals are in their fourth season of FCS play, and this will mark their first game against an FBS opponent.

UTEP (1-2) went to overtime at rival New Mexico State last week, winning 50-47 on Cedrick Lang’s touchdown catch in OT. The Miners had previously lost badly at Arkansas and Texas Tech and will be playing their home opener.

The Miners have some offensive weapons but no defense to go with that, having allowed 54.7 points and 568.3 yards per game. Still, they probably won’t give up anywhere close to that here. If they do, that won’t be a good look a year after winning seven games and making a bowl.

Prediction: UTEP 37, Incarnate Word 23

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; 8 p.m. ET

Last meeting: John Clay ran for 172 yards and three touchdowns in Wisconsin’s 51-10 win at Hawaii in December 2009. 

What to watch for

Hawaii (2-1) has wins at home over Colorado and UC Davis, with a better-than-it-sounds 38-0 loss at Ohio State wedged in between. The Rainbow Warriors are horrible when playing on the mainland yet slowed down the Buckeyes attack in that game, but without any offense of their own, they were shut out for the first time since 2012.

USC transfer Max Wittek had 272 passing yards and two TDs against UC Davis after tallying only 269 yards in Hawaii’s first two games. 

Wisconsin (2-1) has allowed three points in its past two games since losing to Alabama, scoring 86 points in wins over Miami (Ohio) and Troy. The Badgers haven’t had projected workhorse running back Corey Clement much this season, as the junior has sat the past two games with a groin injury, but in his place Dare Ogunbowale and Taiwan Deal have fared well.

Senior quarterback Joel Stave has been the most impressive of Wisconsin’s skill players, with six TD passes and a 67.4 percent completion rate. 

Hawaii tries to make up for a lack of talent on defense by being aggressive, and while Ohio State got confused by that, Wisconsin will be more than ready. 

Prediction: Wisconsin 44, Hawaii 10

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; 8 p.m. ET

Last meeting: Texas State made its debut at the FBS level with a 30-13 win at Houston in September 2012. 

What to watch for

Texas State (1-2) gave up 613 yards in a 56-50 home loss to Southern Mississippi, the second time this season it’s been torched for more than 600 yards and 50 points. The Bobcats have a pretty good offense, led by dual-threat quarterback Tyler Jones, but they’re not built to play from behind. 

Houston (2-0) didn’t play last week, and its last outing was a 34-31 win at Louisville. The Cougars average 541.5 yards per game, with quarterback Greg Ward accounting for 710 yards and six total touchdowns.

Running back Kenneth Farrow is among a handful of Cougars who were around three years ago when the team was upset by Texas State. He won’t let it happen again. 

Prediction: Houston 48, Texas State 20

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; 8:30 p.m. ET

Last meeting: Marcus Mariota threw for 239 yards and three touchdowns and added 114 rushing yards and a score in Oregon’s 51-27 win at Utah last November in Pac-12 play. 

What to watch for

Utah (3-0) won 45-24 last week at Fresno State, its most complete performance of the season thanks to contributions from its offense, defense and special teams, which contributed two return TDs. Devontae Booker continues to be the Utes’ workhorse, ranking third in the nation with 84 carries and first in total touches thanks to 14 receptions. 

Booker might need to be involved in every one of Utah’s plays to help control the clock and keep Oregon’s offense off the field, since the Ducks (2-1) have scored 61 points in each of their home games. Quarterback Vernon Adams didn’t play in last week’s 33-point win over Georgia State while letting the broken finger on his throwing hand heal. Though Jeff Lockie filled in nicely, if Adams is healthy enough to go in this one, he will.

Whoever Oregon starts at QB will be facing one of the more aggressive defensive fronts in the country. Utah led the nation with 55 sacks in 2014, and while it only has three this season, it has recorded six QB hurries. That has contributed to forcing five interceptions.

Utah’s rise last season included road wins over Stanford and UCLA, but Autzen is a completely different atmosphere. 

Prediction: Oregon 40, Utah 23

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; 9 p.m. ET

Last meeting: Kevin Ellison threw a touchdown pass and ran for two more in Georgia Southern’s 47-24 home win over Idaho last October in Sun Belt play. 

What to watch for

Georgia Southern (2-1) has averaged 45.5 points per game since being shut out at West Virginia to open the season, and now with Ellison back at quarterback following a two-game suspension, the Eagles’ option offense is at full strength. Last week against The Citadel, the Eagles ran for 383 yards and six TDs, their 11th 300-yard rushing game since moving up to FBS last season. 

Idaho (1-2) ended a six-game losing streak with a 41-38 home win over Wofford thanks to 334 passing yards from Matt Linehan and three rushing TDs from Aaron Duckworth. The Vandals gave up 326 rushing yards and 7.4 yards per carry to an FCS team, not the kind of effort they’d like right before hosting a much stronger ground game.  

Prediction: Georgia Southern 47, Idaho 29

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; 9 p.m. ET

Last meeting: UNLV opened the 2006 season with a 54-10 win over Idaho State. 

What to watch for

Idaho State (1-2) lost 52-0 at Boise State last week. The Bengals were held to 298 yards in that game and are now 4-44 against FBS opponents, including losses at Utah and Utah State last season.

UNLV (0-3) has scored only 23 points in its last 10 quarters (after posting 17 in the first half of its season opener), getting a lone touchdown last week in a 28-7 loss at Michigan that came after a 37-3 home loss to UCLA. The Runnin’ Rebels have struggled mightily in former Las Vegas high school coaching legend Tony Sanchez’s first season, with only 472 yards gained the past two games. 

The Rebels are only 15-11 against FCS teams, losing to Northern Arizona in 2012 and to Southern Utah in 2011. A setback here could clinch this as a lost season.

Prediction: UNLV 34, Idaho State 17

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; 10:30 p.m. ET

Last meeting: Marteze Waller ran for 145 yards and a touchdown in Fresno State’s 38-24 home win over San Jose State last November in Mountain West play. 

What to watch for

Fresno State (1-2) lost 45-24 at home to Utah last week, which was actually a major improvement over the 73-21 loss at Ole Miss before that. The Bulldogs only allowed 380 yards last week, but Utah scored twice on special teams and once on a fumble return, one of nine turnovers Fresno has committed in 2015. 

San Jose State (1-2, 0-1 Mountain West) lost 35-21 at Oregon State, allowing 303 rushing yards in the process. Opponents are gaining 6.08 yards per carry against the Spartans, whose own offense has used three quarterbacks, with limited success for each. 

The entire West Division of the Mountain West is 6-12 with one victory against an FBS opponent (Hawaii over Colorado). It’s as wide-open a division as any in the country, which will give the winner of this one a nice boost. 

Prediction: San Jose State 30, Fresno State 27

When: Saturday, Sept. 26; 10:30 p.m. ET

Last meeting: Mike Bercovici threw for 510 yards and five touchdowns, including a 46-yard Hail Mary pass to Jaelen Strong, to give Arizona State a 38-34 win at USC last October in Pac-12 play.  

What to watch for

USC (2-1, 0-1 Pac-12) lost 41-31 at home to Stanford to open conference action last week, putting the halt at least temporarily to the hype train that had the Trojans expected to contend for the league title and a playoff spot. USC is averaging more than 48 points and 557 yards per game but has been very poor on third down, converting less than 31 percent of the time.

Now comes a trip to the site of one of the program’s most embarrassing results in recent memory. Its 62-41 loss at Arizona State on this same weekend in 2013 proved to be the end of the Lane Kiffin era, as he was fired on the way back to Los Angeles. 

ASU (2-1) has spent the past two weeks focusing heavily on trying to slow down option-run teams, struggling with FCS Cal Poly but doing much better last time out against New Mexico. At the same time, its own offense is slowly coming along following a poor performance in the season-opening loss to Texas A&M.

The emergence of Demario Richard as a multi-use threat on offense could be big for the Sun Devils. He had 104 rushing yards and 151 receiving yards last week, the first FBS player to have a 100-150 game since North Texas’ Lance Dunbar in 2011, according to ESPN.

That gives Bercovici another option in the receiving game along with Devin Lucien and converted running back D.J. Foster. Now that ASU’s line has shored up the issues that led to nine sacks allowed against A&M, the offense should continue to thrive.

USC is about to go from Pac-12 South favorite to the basement before the first month of the season is over. 

Prediction: Arizona State 38, USC 35

All statistics courtesy of CFBStats.com.

Follow Brian J. Pedersen on Twitter at @realBJP.