Hey football fans! Week 3 of the D3 football season brought some thrilling matchups and shakeups in the top 25 rankings. Let's dive into the key games and scores that defined the week. We’ll break down the performances of the top teams and see who rose to the occasion and who faltered. So, grab your favorite game-day snack, and let’s get started!

Top 25 Scoreboard: Key Games and Outcomes

This week's slate of games featured some nail-biters and statement wins, making it a week to remember for D3 football enthusiasts. Several highly anticipated matchups lived up to the hype, with teams battling it out until the final whistle. Here’s a rundown of how the top 25 teams fared:

• No. 1 Mary Hardin-Baylor vs. Belhaven: The Crusaders continued their dominant run with a decisive victory over Belhaven. Their offense was firing on all cylinders, and the defense remained impenetrable. Quarterback Kyle King had another stellar performance, throwing for over 300 yards and four touchdowns. The final score was 49-14, solidifying UMHB's position at the top.

• No. 2 North Central (IL) vs. Wheaton (IL): In a highly anticipated rivalry game, North Central emerged victorious against Wheaton. The Cardinals showcased their balanced attack, with both the running and passing game contributing significantly. Running back Ethan Greenfield had a standout performance, rushing for 150 yards and two touchdowns. The defense also played a crucial role, holding Wheaton's offense to minimal gains. The final score was 35-21.

• No. 3 Mount Union vs. Baldwin Wallace: Mount Union continued their winning streak with a convincing win over Baldwin Wallace. The Purple Raiders displayed their trademark efficiency on offense, scoring on multiple long drives. Quarterback Braxton Plunk had an impressive game, throwing for three touchdowns and rushing for another. The defense was equally impressive, forcing multiple turnovers and keeping Baldwin Wallace's offense in check. The final score was 42-17.

• No. 4 Wisconsin-Whitewater vs. Wisconsin-Oshkosh: In a battle of Wisconsin powerhouses, Wisconsin-Whitewater prevailed over Wisconsin-Oshkosh. The Warhawks showcased their resilience and determination, overcoming an early deficit to secure the win. Running back Alex Peete had a crucial performance, rushing for over 100 yards and a touchdown. The defense stepped up in the second half, shutting down Oshkosh's offense. The final score was 28-24.

• No. 5 Trinity (TX) vs. Southwestern: Trinity dominated Southwestern in a lopsided affair. The Tigers displayed their offensive firepower, scoring at will. Quarterback Tucker Horn had a phenomenal game, throwing for five touchdowns. The defense was equally dominant, allowing minimal yards and forcing multiple turnovers. The final score was 56-7.

Biggest Upsets and Surprises

Week 3 wasn't without its share of unexpected outcomes. A few underdogs managed to pull off significant upsets, shaking up the top 25 rankings and proving that anything can happen on any given Saturday. These upsets add excitement and unpredictability to the season, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

• Ithaca vs. No. 10 Cortland: In a stunning upset, Ithaca defeated Cortland, sending shockwaves through the D3 football world. The Bombers played with heart and determination, overcoming a double-digit deficit to secure the win. Quarterback A.J. Wingfield led the charge, throwing for over 250 yards and three touchdowns. The defense came up with crucial stops in the final minutes, sealing the victory. The final score was 31-28.

• Alfred vs. No. 15 Brockport: Alfred delivered a major upset by defeating Brockport. The Saxons played with grit and determination, showcasing their resilience. Quarterback Max Freeman IV had a standout performance, throwing for two touchdowns and rushing for another. The defense was stout, holding Brockport's offense to minimal gains. The final score was 24-21.

• Washington & Jefferson vs. Grove City: Washington & Jefferson pulled off a surprising win against Grove City. The Presidents displayed their offensive prowess, scoring on multiple long drives. Quarterback Jacob Pugh had an impressive game, throwing for three touchdowns. The defense came up with critical stops in the second half, securing the victory. The final score was 35-28.

Top Performers of the Week

Several players across D3 football had exceptional performances in Week 3, making a significant impact on their teams' success. These athletes showcased their talent, skill, and determination, earning recognition for their outstanding contributions.

• Kyle King (QB, Mary Hardin-Baylor): King continued his stellar season with another dominant performance, throwing for over 300 yards and four touchdowns against Belhaven. His accuracy, decision-making, and leadership have been instrumental in UMHB's success.

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• Ethan Greenfield (RB, North Central): Greenfield had a standout game against Wheaton, rushing for 150 yards and two touchdowns. His powerful running style and ability to break tackles make him a formidable force in the Cardinals' offense.

• Braxton Plunk (QB, Mount Union): Plunk showcased his dual-threat ability against Baldwin Wallace, throwing for three touchdowns and rushing for another. His versatility and athleticism make him a challenging player for opposing defenses to contain.

• Tucker Horn (QB, Trinity): Horn had a phenomenal game against Southwestern, throwing for five touchdowns. His arm strength, accuracy, and ability to read defenses have made him one of the top quarterbacks in D3 football.

• A.J. Wingfield (QB, Ithaca): Wingfield led Ithaca to a stunning upset over Cortland, throwing for over 250 yards and three touchdowns. His poise under pressure and ability to make critical throws in the clutch were crucial to the Bombers' victory.

Updated Top 25 Rankings: Who's Moving Up?

After a week of exciting games and surprising upsets, the top 25 rankings have undergone some significant changes. Here’s a look at the updated rankings and which teams are making a move:

1. Mary Hardin-Baylor (3-0)
2. North Central (IL) (3-0)
3. Mount Union (3-0)
4. Wisconsin-Whitewater (3-0)
5. Trinity (TX) (3-0)
6. Delaware Valley (3-0)
7. Linfield (3-0)
8. Wartburg (3-0)
9. John Carroll (3-0)
10. Hardin-Simmons (3-0)
11. Cortland (2-1)
12. Central (IA) (3-0)
13. Aurora (3-0)
14. Susquehanna (3-0)
15. Brockport (2-1)
16. Salisbury (3-0)
17. Randolph-Macon (3-0)
18. Ithaca (3-0)
19. Birmingham-Southern (3-0)
20. Union (NY) (3-0)
21. Grove City (2-1)
22. Wisconsin-La Crosse (2-1)
23. Bethel (MN) (2-1)
24. Wheaton (IL) (2-1)
25. Coe (3-0)

• Moving Up: Ithaca made a significant jump in the rankings after their upset win over Cortland. Other teams on the rise include Salisbury, Birmingham-Southern and Union (NY), who continued their winning streaks.

• Falling: Cortland experienced a drop in the rankings after their unexpected loss to Ithaca. Brockport also fell after being upset by Alfred.

What to Watch For in Week 4

As we look ahead to Week 4, there are several key matchups and storylines to keep an eye on. These games could have a significant impact on the top 25 rankings and the playoff picture.

• North Central (IL) vs. Wheaton (IL): This rivalry game is always a must-watch, and this year is no exception. Both teams are highly ranked and have aspirations of making a deep playoff run. Expect a hard-fought battle between two of the top teams in the nation.

• Mount Union vs. John Carroll: This Ohio Athletic Conference showdown is another highly anticipated matchup. Both teams are undefeated and have dominated their opponents thus far. The winner will have the inside track to the OAC title and an automatic bid to the NCAA playoffs.

• Wisconsin-Whitewater vs. Wisconsin-La Crosse: This Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) battle is always a physical and intense affair. Both teams are known for their strong defenses and running games. Expect a close, low-scoring game that could come down to the wire.

Conclusion: D3 Football Heats Up!

Week 3 of the D3 football season was filled with exciting games, surprising upsets, and standout performances. The top 25 rankings have been shaken up, and several teams are making a push for playoff contention. As we head into Week 4, the stakes are getting higher, and the competition is getting tougher. Stay tuned for more thrilling action and keep following your favorite D3 teams!

So, there you have it, folks! A comprehensive look at the D3 football landscape after Week 3. Make sure to check back next week for more updates, insights, and analysis. Until then, keep cheering for your favorite teams and enjoy the thrill of D3 football!