FCS Football: Week 3 Rapid Rundown

Breakout performances and milestone achievements

Week 3 of the FCS football season featured some eye-catching performances and notable milestones. Several players and teams made headlines with their impressive displays on the field.

Standout Individual Performances

• Jaleel McLaughlin (Indiana State): The sophomore running back rushed for a staggering 327 yards and 5 touchdowns, leading the Sycamores to a 48-38 victory over Eastern Michigan.
• Shedeur Sanders (Jackson State): The dynamic quarterback threw for 374 yards and 5 touchdowns, guiding the Tigers to a 42-29 triumph over Mississippi Valley State.
• Cole Kelley (Southeast Missouri State): The senior quarterback amassed 455 passing yards and 3 touchdowns, helping the Redhawks defeat UT Martin 34-20.

Milestone Achievements

Week 3 also witnessed several significant milestones being reached by players and coaches:

• Eastern Washington head coach Aaron Best: The Eagles' head coach recorded his 100th career victory after EWU's 45-14 win over Montana State.
• Sam Houston State wide receiver Ife Adeyi: The junior pass catcher became the program's all-time leader in receiving yards during the Bearkats' 35-24 loss to Stephen F. Austin.
• Nicholls State running back Julien Gums: The senior running back rushed for 141 yards against McNeese State, breaking the program's single-season rushing record.

Upsets and Surprises

Week 3 also saw some unexpected results, as several underdogs pulled off impressive upsets:

• Weber State 33, Idaho State 22: The Wildcats, who were outscored 130-0 in their first two games, upset Idaho State for their first win of the season.
• Stony Brook 28, Albany 27: The Seawolves rallied from a 27-14 deficit to defeat their CAA rivals.
• Jacksonville State 20, Auburn 17: The FCS powerhouse stunned the SEC's Auburn Tigers, handing them their first loss of the season.

Looking Ahead

Week 4 of the FCS football season promises to be just as exciting, with several key matchups on the schedule:

• North Dakota State vs. South Dakota State: The two FCS powerhouses square off in a highly anticipated Missouri Valley Football Conference clash.
• Eastern Washington vs. Montana: The rivals from the Big Sky Conference face off in a battle for conference supremacy.
• Jacksonville State vs. Samford: The Gamecocks and Bulldogs meet in a crucial Ohio Valley Conference game.