College Football Weather Report: Hurricane Francine Remnants Impact Week 3 Games

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Written By Brett Gibbons | Last Updated
college football weather Week 3

Hurricane Francine made landfall Wednesday afternoon in southern Louisiana, bringing extreme rain and wind to the region. The storm, as of Thursday morning now just a tropical storm, is rapidly descaling. By Friday, it likely won’t be more than just a tropical system. However, it will linger over the southeast this weekend, bringing more rain and thunderstorms to the era. Big SEC games like No. 16 LSU at South Carolina and Texas A&M at Florida are forecast to be impacted by Hurricane Francine’s remnants. Let’s dive into the Week 3 weather report for the college football slate.

College Football Weather Report: Week 3 Washouts

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LSU at South Carolina, Saturday (12:00 p.m., ABC)

Rain showers in the morning give way to thunderstorms in the afternoon. Timing with these storms is paramount with this game kicking off at noon local (ET). Watch for these impacts during the second half, mostly. Irregular rhythm with play impacts favorites and teams holding the lead at time of delay more and often benefits teams playing the sloppier game. Long delays could drastically alter the outcome of the game.

History of this matchup being low-scoring, as well as the weather forecast, sent the total down. The over/under opened at 52 points and fell to 48.5 by Thursday morning.

  • Factors: Rain and thunderstorms
  • Impacts: Game could be delayed with lightning
  • Action: Avoid betting this game

Texas A&M at Florida, Saturday (3:30 p.m., ABC)

Saturday appears to be a washout in Gainesville. Forecasts call for rain transitioning to “numerous thunderstorms” in the afternoon. Friday and Sunday both offer low chances of precipitation, so this outlook could change. However, just 48 hours out, forecasts are pretty certain on the conditions. Due to multiple factors, including the weather, the total in this game fell from 49.5 at open to 46.5 by Thursday morning.

Wind doesn’t appear to be a factor. However, this game could deal with delays due to lightning in the area. As is the nature of weather in Central Florida, storms could be hit-and-miss, although lightning within 30 miles of the stadium would delay play.

  • Factors: Rain and thunderstorms
  • Impacts: Game could be delayed with lightning
  • Action: Avoid betting this game

Western Kentucky at Middle Tennessee, Saturday (7:00 p.m., ESPN+)

More so than any other game on the slate, 100 Miles Of Hate could be seriously impacted by the remnants of Hurricane Francine on Saturday. Murfreesboro could see heavy rain and thunderstorms throughout the entire day. Heavy rain and thunderstorms persist throughout Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Up to 1.5″ could fall Saturday alone. Just miles west, local rainfall totals could reach five inches. Despite the forecast, the total remains at 54.5 – right where it opened.

Due to the rivalry nature of this game and the washout forecast, I’m avoiding betting this game altogether. The total sits under the key figure of 55 points, so I’m not looking to action the under. The forecast does not call for heavy winds.

  • Factors: Heavy rain and thunderstorms
  • Impacts: Game could be delayed with lightning
  • Action: Avoid betting this game

Vanderbilt at Georgia State, Saturday (7:00 p.m., ESPN+)

The decaying system that was Hurricane Francine is forecast to move northeast, right over Atlanta. Between Thursday and Saturday, up to three inches of rain is forecast to fall on the area. Although Georgia State plays on field turf, that kind of rain could impact playing conditions. Forecasts call for rain from Thursday through Tuesday, so this outlook likely won’t change.

Sustained winds between 10-15 mph could also impact the game. Despite the forecast, odds remain relatively consistent from their opening marks.

  • Factors: Heavy rain, wind
  • Impacts: Game could be delayed with lightning
  • Action: Avoid betting this game

Other Games Potentially Impacted by Rain and Thunderstorms

  • Central Michigan at Illinois (12:00 p.m., Peacock)
  • Nevada at Minnesota (3:30 p.m., Big Ten Network)
  • VMI at Georgia Tech (3:30 p.m., ACC Network)
  • SC State at Georgia Southern (6:00 p.m., ESPN+)
  • New Mexico at Auburn (7:00 p.m., ESPN2 or ESPNU)

College Football Weather Report: Week 3 Heat Persists

Tulane at Oklahoma, Saturday (3:30 p.m., ESPN or ESPN2)

High temperatures in Norman are forecast to be 98º on Saturday and peak heating in Oklahoma is during this game. Tulane comes from hot and soupy air in New Orleans, but this kind of heat is intense no matter your origin. Should this game have kicked at noon or 7:00 p.m., the impacts of the heat would be diminished. But it doesn’t. This game kicks right at the hottest part of the day.

Expect increased fatigue from both teams and potential cramps throughout the game. Especially deep into halves or if either team runs tempo, the high temperatures will impact these players.

  • Factors: Intense heat at kickoff
  • Impacts: Fatigue, cramps
  • Action: Avoid betting this game

Hawaii at Sam Houston State, Saturday (7:00 p.m., ESPN+)

Hawaii makes the almost 4,000-mile trek to Huntsville, Texas, to play Sam Houston State. Beyond the exhausting flight, temperatures in southeast Texas are forecast for near 100º on Saturday. This game kicks off at 6:00 p.m. local, over 90 minutes before the sun sets. Expect the first half to include brutal temperatures. Average highs in Honululu throughout September sit near 90º, but rarely ever exceed that mark.

To make matters significantly worse, the dew point in the Greater Houston area are forecast near 70º – oppressive by any standard. A combination of high-90s and high dew points make the air feel like 100-105º F. Expect this to seriously impact Hawaii.

  • Factors: Extreme heat
  • Impacts: Fatigue, cramps
  • Action: Avoid betting Hawaii

Other Games Impacted by Heat

  • North Texas at Texas Tech (12:00 p.m., FS1)
  • UTSA at Texas (7:00 p.m., ESPN)
  • UCF at TCU (7:30 p.m., FOX)
  • Air Force at Baylor (7:30 p.m., FS1)

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