The college football season is set to explode in Week 3 as the dawn of conference play brings a slate of brutal, high-stakes rivalries that could reshape the national landscape. Forget the early-season tune-ups; the games start counting for real now, and the intensity is reaching a fever pitch.

SEC Collision Course

Nowhere is the drama more palpable than in the SEC, where a colossal top-15 matchup is poised to shake up the rankings. The No. 6 Georgia Bulldogs are marching into a hostile environment to take on the No. 15 Tennessee Volunteers. While the Bulldogs boast an imposing eight-game winning streak in the series, the betting lines tell a fascinating story. After opening as 5.5-point favorites, the line has shrunk to just 3.5 points, signaling that experts believe the Volunteers have a very real shot at a monumental upset. This contest is the undisputed heavyweight bout of the weekend.

Ranked Teams on High Alert

The action doesn't stop in the SEC. Two other can't-miss games feature ranked opponents going head-to-head. In a Sunshine State rivalry, the No. 5 Miami Hurricanes will have to fend off an ambitious No. 18 South Florida squad, who are significant 17.5-point underdogs. Meanwhile, the legendary programs of No. 8 Notre Dame and No. 16 Texas A&M will clash in a game with major playoff implications, with the Aggies getting 6.5 points at home.

Conference Battles Heat Up Coast to Coast

Across the country, other power conferences are serving up intriguing matchups. In the Big Ten, offensive juggernauts take the field as Oregon is a heavy 26.5-point favorite against Northwestern, and USC is expected to handle Purdue, favored by 20.5 points.

The ACC, however, features a game that could come down to the final possession. Clemson, looking to reassert its dominance, is a razor-thin 3-point favorite against a scrappy Georgia Tech team. In another ACC tilt, Boston College is favored by 14 points over Stanford.

With conference pride and championship hopes on the line, navigating this treacherous week is a challenge for even the most seasoned fans and bettors. Before locking in any predictions, it's crucial to see what advanced analytics are saying about these volatile matchups.