Intercepted Dreams: ECU Picks Apart Texas State in a Stat Line for the Ages

Ladies and gentlemen, Week 3 of the college football season delivered some jaw-dropping moments, unexpected upsets, and offensive explosions that will go down in the history books. Let’s break down the highlights from an unforgettable weekend on the gridiron and look ahead to the exciting matchups for Week 4 with all the key betting insights!

Week 3 Recap Highlights

Wyoming (0-2) vs. #8 Texas Tech (1-0):

The Cowboys from Wyoming pulled off one of the most shocking upsets of the season, beating #8 Texas Tech in an offensive shootout, 77-51. Wyoming’s offense went ballistic, racking up over 1,046 yards of total offense, with quarterback Evan Svoboda setting the field ablaze, throwing for an unbelievable 997 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. Tyler King, in his Heisman campaign, put up an astronomical stat line with 18 receptions, 687 yards, and 9 touchdowns. For better or worse, the Cowboys are committed to force-feeding King the ball, and it paid off in a big way this week.

Wyoming, now 1-2, will host FCS Midwest next week, looking to even their record at 2-2.

Arkansas State (2-0) vs. #20 UNLV (1-0):

Arkansas State continued its impressive start to the season with a 52-28 victory over #20 UNLV in a game that stayed close until the fourth quarter when the Red Wolves blew it wide open. Both quarterbacks had a love affair with throwing interceptions, combining for a total of seven picks. Jaylen Raynor, still pushing his faux Heisman campaign, threw for 317 yards and five touchdowns but also had three interceptions. He made up for it with his legs, adding two rushing touchdowns to his tally. Redshirt freshman Jayvion Showers had a breakout performance, snagging five catches for 124 yards and a touchdown.

For UNLV, freshman sensation Santiago Melendez couldn't live up to his "Road Dog" hype, losing his first true road test. Melendez struggled, throwing for just 193 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions. Meanwhile, freshman quarterback Nick Iglesias got some meaningful playing time and showed promise by moving the ball effectively. With Melendez’s shaky performance, questions are starting to swirl in Las Vegas: Who is the real QB1 moving forward?

Both Arkansas State and UNLV will be on a bye in Week 4.

Nevada (1-1) vs. #19 Arkansas (1-1):

Nevada came close but ultimately fell to #19 Arkansas, 31-28, in a game that almost turned into a blowout before Nevada rallied in the second half. Nevada matched Arkansas with 415 yards of total offense to Arkansas’s 419 and won the turnover battle, forcing three picks and recovering two fumbles. However, Brendon Lewis’s four interceptions were too much for Nevada to overcome. Ashton Hayes was a bright spot for Nevada, rushing 17 times for 80 yards and catching 9 passes for 130 yards.

Nevada will have a bye in Week 4 to regroup and refocus.

ECU (1-1) vs. Texas State (1-1):

ECU beat Texas State 35-7 in San Marcos, but the score doesn’t reflect how bizarre this game truly was. The Pirates dropped anchor early in the second half, seemingly losing interest as Coaches Sam and Matt were seen planning dinner and drinks midway through the third quarter. Both sides showed a lack of focus that has boosters from both schools concerned about the direction of their programs.

In one of the strangest stat lines you’ll ever see, ECU managed just 53 total yards of offense, with -56 rushing yards and only 107 passing yards. Texas State gained 302 yards but self-destructed as quarterback PJ Hatter threw 7 interceptions, channeling his inner Jaylen Raynor.

Both Texas State and ECU will have a bye in Week 4.

#23 South Alabama (1-0) vs. #17 Auburn (2-0):

In a game for the ages, #23 South Alabama beat #17 Auburn 27-20. The Jaguars looked set to run away with the game, leading 17-3 at halftime, but Auburn mounted a fierce comeback to cut the lead to 20-17 going into the fourth quarter. Bishop Davenport passed for 251 yards, with most of those going to Anthony Eager, who had 11 receptions for 140 yards and 98 yards after catch.

South Alabama will look to move up in the polls and will host 1-1 Virginia next week.

Troy (0-2) vs. Memphis (1-1):

Troy secured their first win of the season with a 24-9 victory over Memphis. Memphis's freshman quarterback, Arrington Maiden, had a day to forget, throwing four interceptions that halted any chance of a comeback. Troy's quarterback, Tucker Kilcrease, led the way with 316 yards and two touchdowns through the air. On the ground, Damien Taylor added 73 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries. Peyton Higgins and Devonte Ross were vital targets, with Higgins grabbing 7 catches for 119 yards and Ross hauling in 6 catches for 111 yards. They might need to get checked for lumbar compression fractures after carrying the team’s passing attack. Troy will travel to UL Monroe (1-2) next week, looking to build on their momentum.

#9 Michigan (1-0) vs. #7 Tulane (2-0):

In a showdown between top-10 teams, #9 Michigan defeated #7 Tulane, 59-36, in a game that was much closer than the scoreboard suggests. Both teams combined for an astounding 1,065 yards, with 829 through the air, showcasing the speed and agility of their offensive units. Track and field coaches from both schools were seen making their pitches to a few players after the game. Michigan's Jaishawn Barham had a night to remember, snagging two interceptions for 96 yards and making 8 tackles. Tulane’s star receiver Mario Williams continued to dominate with 10 catches for 195 yards, but his two drops were critical in Tulane's late-game comeback attempt. Tulane, now ranked #14 in the polls, will have a bye next week to regroup.

Utah State (1-1) vs. JMU (0-1):

Utah State took down James Madison, 34-20, in a game filled with both highs and lows. Senior quarterback Bryson Barnes threw for 284 yards with three interceptions and one pick-six but managed to keep his team in the game. Robert Briggs Jr. led the ground attack with 16 carries for 119 yards, including two explosive runs of over 20 yards. Wide receiver Otto Tia stole the show with 5 receptions for 150 yards, including a 92-yard touchdown. Avante Dickerson added a defensive highlight with a 15-yard pick-six. Utah State, now 2-1, will have a bye next week to regroup and refocus.

USF (1-0) vs. FCS Midwest:

USF rolled over FCS Midwest with a dominant 63-7 victory. Quarterback Byrum Brown was nearly perfect, completing 18 of 20 passes for three touchdowns. Freshman running back Alvon Isaac was the star of the game, rushing 21 times for 192 yards and two touchdowns, including three explosive runs, with his longest being 35 yards. Isaac also contributed 5 catches for 74 yards and a receiving touchdown. USF, now 2-0, will travel to Annapolis, Maryland, next week to open conference play against Navy (1-0).

Week 4 Preview and Betting Lines

Wyoming (1-2) vs. FCS Midwest

• Spread: Wyoming -24.5

• Over/Under: 68.5

• Prop Bets:

  • Evan Svoboda over/under 450.5 passing yards

  • Tyler King over/under 250.5 receiving yards

  • Wyoming team total over/under 46.5 points

Preview: Wyoming is coming off an explosive win against Texas Tech and looks to keep the momentum going against FCS Midwest. Look for Evan Svoboda to light up the scoreboard again, with Tyler King continuing his Heisman campaign.

Coastal Carolina (1-1) vs. #6 Kansas State

• Spread: Kansas State -14.5

• Over/Under: 55.5

• Prop Bets:

  • Ethan Vasko over/under 2.5 passing touchdowns

  • Coastal Carolina defense over/under 1.5 turnovers forced

  • Kansas State total rushing yards over/under 175.5

Preview: Coastal Carolina faces a tough road test against #6 Kansas State. The Chanticleers will need a big game from Ethan Vasko to stay competitive, while Kansas State aims to control the ground game.

North Texas (1-1) vs. #17 Texas Tech (1-1)

• Spread: Texas Tech -17.5

• Over/Under: 62.5

• Prop Bets:

  • General Booty over/under 2.5 interceptions

  • Texas Tech total sacks over/under 3.5

  • Combined points in the first half over/under 31.5

Preview: North Texas looks to rebound from a disappointing loss as they travel to face #17 Texas Tech. The Mean Green's defense will be tested, while Texas Tech aims to exploit North Texas's passing vulnerabilities.

South Alabama (2-0) vs. Virginia (1-1)

• Spread: South Alabama -7.5

• Over/Under: 47.5

• Prop Bets:

  • Bishop Davenport over/under 250.5 passing yards

  • South Alabama defense over/under 2.5 turnovers forced

  • Total combined touchdowns over/under 5.5

Preview: South Alabama, fresh off an upset over Auburn, will look to continue their strong start against Virginia. Expect a tight contest with both defenses playing a pivotal role.

Troy (1-2) vs. UL Monroe (1-2)

• Spread: Troy -6.5

• Over/Under: 51.5

• Prop Bets:

  • Tucker Kilcrease over/under 275.5 passing yards

  • UL Monroe total rushing yards over/under 125.5

  • First team to score over/under 10.5 minutes

Preview: Troy aims to build on their first win of the season against a struggling UL Monroe squad. Look for Troy's offense, led by Tucker Kilcrease, to attack early and often.

USF (2-0) vs. Navy (1-0)

• Spread: USF -10.5

• Over/Under: 53.5

• Prop Bets:

  • Alvon Isaac over/under 120.5 rushing yards

  • Navy total time of possession over/under 32.5 minutes

  • Byrum Brown over/under 2.5 passing touchdowns

Preview: USF opens conference play with a road game against Navy. Expect a ground-heavy battle, with freshman standout Alvon Isaac leading the Bulls' attack.

Heisman Trophy Betting Odds:

1. Tyler King (WR, Wyoming)

   • Odds: +600

   • Analysis: Tyler King has been putting up historic numbers, with 687 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns in just one game against Texas Tech. Wyoming's offensive strategy clearly revolves around King, and if he continues to post such staggering stats, he could be a dark horse candidate.

   
   

2. Jaylen Raynor (QB, Arkansas State)

   • Odds: +800

   • Analysis: Despite a few too many interceptions, Raynor’s dual-threat ability and his knack for scoring—five passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns against UNLV—make him a compelling candidate. If he cuts down on turnovers, he could remain in the conversation.

   
   

3. Mario Williams (WR, Tulane)

   • Odds: +1000

   • Analysis: Williams is dominating on the field with his receiving prowess, putting up big numbers like 10 catches for 195 yards against Michigan. If he can maintain his production and Tulane can bounce back, his odds could improve.