Crossover Weekend Highlights Key Matchups as Conference Race Takes Shape

By Brad Wilson | AP News Week 3 Preview | Updated: Dec. 23, 2025

The final crossover weekend arrives with a clear storyline: the West Division has controlled the early narrative, while the East is looking for a breakthrough. Undefeated teams hit the road, contenders face contra

sting styles, and long-distance travel adds another variable to an already pivotal slate.

Week 3 offers a defining measuring stick for both sides of the conference.

Game of the Week: Memphis at North Texas

DENTON, Texas — The marquee matchup pits efficiency against tempo.

Memphis enters unbeaten behind quarterback Brendon Lewis, whose accuracy has anchored one of the conference’s most consistent offenses. The Tigers thrive on precision, sustaining drives and capitalizing on defensive mistakes.

North Texas counters with pace and explosiveness. The Mean Green are coming off a 49-point performance in last week’s shootout and will look to turn this game into another track meet at home.

The key matchup centers on Lewis’ accuracy against a North Texas secondary that struggled to generate stops. If the Mean Green can’t tighten coverage, Memphis’ short and intermediate passing game could control the night.

Players to watch: QB Brendon Lewis (Memphis), RB Caleb Hawkins (North Texas)

Prediction: Memphis 48, North Texas 45

Tulane at San Diego State

San Diego State returns home after a high-scoring thriller and must guard against a letdown. Tulane enters winless but dangerous, led by dual-threat quarterback Jake Retzlaff, whose rushing ability presents a new challenge for an Aztec defense that allowed significant yardage on the ground last week.

Players to watch: RB Lucky Sutton (San Diego State), QB Jake Retzlaff (Tulane)

Prediction: San Diego State 42, Tulane 28

UNLV at UTSA

Both teams sit at 1-1 with little margin for error. UNLV brings balance and versatility, while UTSA looks to rebound after a lopsided loss. Turnovers loom large, particularly with UTSA quarterback Owen McCown’s aggressive style.

Players to watch: RB Jai’Den Thomas (UNLV), WR Willie McCoy (UTSA)

Prediction: UTSA 34, UNLV 31

USF at Boise State

Boise State continues to roll offensively and returns home to the blue turf against a USF defense that struggled a week ago. If quarterback Maddux Madsen has time in the pocket, the Broncos’ passing attack could dictate the game early.

Players to watch: QB Maddux Madsen (Boise State), QB Byrum Brown (USF)

Prediction: Boise State 52, USF 14

UConn at Toledo

The most physical matchup of the week features two of the league’s toughest defenses. Toledo has already shown it can knock off elite competition, while UConn relies on balance and ball control to wear opponents down.

Players to watch: RB Cam Edwards (UConn), QB Tucker Gleason (Toledo)

Prediction: Toledo 24, UConn 20

Temple at Hawaii

Temple makes the longest trip of the week to face a Hawaii team eager to respond after last week’s loss. Tempo and fatigue could become decisive if the Rainbow Warriors establish an early rhythm.

Players to watch: QB Micah Alejado (Hawaii), TE Peter Clarke (Temple)

Prediction: Hawaii 41, Temple 17

What to Watch

The West enters the weekend favored in most matchups, but opportunities remain for the East to shift the balance. Toledo and UTSA represent the best chances to deliver a statement.

Week 3 will determine whether this crossover marks a turning point — or further separation between divisions.