College football: Week 3 features redemption for Oregon and another mountain miracle

New York, New York - The marquee matchups in Week 3 of college football may not have provided as many dramatic finishes as the previous round, but there were still plenty of excitement, with more upsets and jaw-dropping game-winning plays.

USC bumped to 3-0 in the season after defeating Fresno State 45-17 marking USC's first time scoring over 40 points in the first three games of the season since 2005.
USC bumped to 3-0 in the season after defeating Fresno State 45-17 marking USC's first time scoring over 40 points in the first three games of the season since 2005.  © AYNE KAMIN-ONCEA / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

Week 3 proved to be a huge moment for the top-10 ranked teams in college football.

No. 7 USC is up to 3-0 after defeating Fresno State 45-17 on Saturday. It's the first time the team has scored over 40 points in its first three games of the season since 2005.

While USC's performance was impressive, the best offensive show this week came from No. 3 Ohio State.

The Buckeyes totaled 763 yards – the second most in school history – and 36 first downs in a 77-21 Blowout against Toledo.

Quarterback CJ Stroud dominated as the best passer of the week, producing five touchdowns.

In Boone, North Carolina, Appalachian State finished the game with a miracle touchdown to garner its second big upset of the season, and the Oregon Ducks finally got the big win they needed to be back in playoff contention.

Here are the biggest wins and notable moments from Week 3 of college football.

Oregon Ducks score statement win against BYU Cougars

Offensive lineman Alex Forsyth of the Oregon Ducks celebrates against the Brigham Young Cougars during the second half at Autzen Stadium.
Offensive lineman Alex Forsyth of the Oregon Ducks celebrates against the Brigham Young Cougars during the second half at Autzen Stadium.  © TOM HAUCK / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

Two weeks into the season and there were already questions over Oregon football being overrated.

Going from one of the top programs in the nation to possibly out of the playoff conversation, the Ducks needed a big win over a ranked team. In Week 3 they delivered, just that.

Oregon’s offense bashed BYU’s defense on the ground and through the air to win the 41-20 blowout game.

This is a big rebound for Oregon after No. 1 Georgia destroyed the Ducks on the field in their 49-3 in Week 1 meeting.

Ducks transfer Quarterback Bo Nix had one of the best games of his college career, finishing with 222 passing yards and 35 rushing yards on nine carries.

Oregon’s home victory extended their winning streak at Autzen Stadium to 21 games – the third-longest active home-winning streak in the nation.

Appalachian State pull off another Hail Mary

DJ VanHook of the Appalachian State Mountaineers celebrates with fans after defeating the ranked Texas A&M Aggies in a huge upset.
DJ VanHook of the Appalachian State Mountaineers celebrates with fans after defeating the ranked Texas A&M Aggies in a huge upset.  © CARMEN MANDATO / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

If there’s one thing Appalachian State is known for, it’s how to upset a program.

In 2007, the Mountaineers garnered an upset win over Michigan – then as a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) program – considered by many as one of the biggest shocks of all time.

Just last week, Appalachian State upset of No. 6 Texas A&M on the road.

Then, on Saturday, the program did it again, this time with a heart-stopping 32-28 win over the Troy Trojans.

Hosting ESPN College GameDay for the first time in its history, and with celebrity guest picker and graduate Luke Combs in attendance, Appalachian had national attention on Saturday against Troy. And boy, did they take full advantage of the spotlight.

Trailing by two points down to two seconds left on the clock from the 47-yard line, the Mountaineers delivered a Hollywood finish by quarterback Chase Brice, who launched a Hail Mary for the unbelievable win.

While the ball only made it to the 5-yard line, receiver Christian Horn hauled in a tipped ball to the end zone, completing the miracle in the mountains.

The Mountaineers are one of college football's most watchable teams this season and will have their chance to thrill fans again on Saturday against fellow Sun Belt side, James Madison.

Cover photo: CARMEN MANDATO / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

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