September 26th update

NFL's Week 3 Produces Surprise Contenders

• Two of the worst teams in the NFL the past decade improved to 3-0 on the season after overcoming major deficits. These two teams proved they belonged in the discussion of the best teams in the league.
• The Buffalo Bills (who were 58-102 in the past 10 years) defeated the New England Patriots for the first time in 15 tries. They were down 21-0 in the second quarter but their offense, led by former Harvard Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, hit their stride in the second half; while their defense also locked down a very high flying Pats offense, intercepting Tom Brady 4 times (for reference, Brady was only intercepted 4 times for the entire 2010 season). The Bills scored 34 points in the second half, only allowing 10 more, to win 34-31.
• The Detroit Lions (who were 33-127 in the past 10 years) defeated the Minnesota Vikings in overtime. Down 20-0 at halftime, the Lions stormed back with a very big second half to actually take the lead before the Vikings tied the game at 23 with just over a minute to go in the game. In overtime the Lions took the opening kick-off and drove almost 60 yards to put themselves in a position to allow Jason Hanson, who has been with the team for 20 years, to win the game with a field goal. The Lions won in Minnesota for the first time since 1997. They play there every year. They also started 3-0 for the first time since 1980. And yes, they also play at least 3 games every year.
• The only two undefeated teams other than those 2 are the Redskins, who will try to go 3-0 on Monday Night Football against the Cowboys, and the defending Super Bowl champion Packers.
• For the rest of the results from Week 3 click here.

LSU new #1 after Oklahoma struggles

• The LSU Tigers overtook the #1 spot in the AP poll after handily beating West Virginia, 47-21. Oklahoma on the other hand, trailed for most of the game against unranked Missouri resulting in the somewhat rare win that moves a team out of the #1 spot.
• #8 Texas A&M used a raucous home crowd to get off to a scintillating start against #7 Oklahoma State but star WR Justin Blackmon came back and started the second half on a 23-0 run to win 30-29. It was fitting justice for some Big 12 fans as Texas A&M was officially accepted into the SEC over the weekend as well.

• In other action, Alabama easily dispatched a highly ranked Arkansas team that never seems to live up to expectations, Clemson continued their hot start, sending #11 Florida State to a second straight loss, 35-31 and LaMichael James continued to set records by rushing for an Oregon record 288 yards. He already owns nearly every Oregon career record for RBs and after Saturday's effort, he moved into the top 10 in all-time rushing yards in the Pac-12 conference (formerly Pac-10).