Week in and week out, players and teams surprise us with their performances. We saw several surprises this weekend with a pretty good slate of conference and non-conference games.

Who or what made our cut of the biggest surprises of week 3?

Arkansas’ win over Texas Tech: The Hogs amassed 438 rushing yards on 68 attempts and dominated time of possession against a Red Raider Air Raid offense. Arkansas had its way in Lubbock against Tech, running the ball on 29 consecutive plays. Bret Bielema’s team actually had more rushing attempts than passing yards. It was an impressive road performance against a good Texas Tech team in the Big 12. The Hogs are an improved team and will spoil a few teams’ seasons in the SEC.

Shane Ray’s performance against UCF: The Knights controlled the clock for the majority of the first half, but Ray tortured the Central Florida quarterback after intermission. He’s registered 16 total tackles thus far, 13 solo, and 7.5 tackles for loss. The Knights ran the ball at him continually with some success during the first 30 minutes, but after Mizzou got a lead in the second half, Ray made a living in the backfield. He’s arguably the best NFL prospect in the league.

Kentucky’s performance in The Swamp: Mark Stoops is building something in Lexington. Kentucky went into Gainesville, competed and had plenty of chances to win the game. The Wildcats looked every bit as athletic as the Gators, and despite three turnovers, UK amassed 450 yards of total offense and scored 30 points against a very good Florida defense. Kentucky is finally beginning to look like a competitive program in the SEC with athletes who can compete at this level, a very welcome sight for those in the Bluegrass State.

Dylan Thompson’s game against Georgia: Thompson completed 21 of 30 passes for 271 yards and four touchdowns, and got off to a fast start picking apart a Georgia zone defense and what soft man coverage they played on a 9-play, 75-yard opening drive. Thompson seemed to not miss any mid-level throws, and had the best game of his career. He looked confident and in command of the offense, leading his team to a big-time win.

Georgia’s defensive struggles: Where to begin for Jeremy Pruitt and company? The Bulldogs surrendered 450 yards of total offense and got picked apart despite its coverage schemes. The ‘Dawgs also got no pressure on Thompson with its front seven, with South Carolina doing a good job of picking up most of the blitz packages Pruitt threw at them. It was not a good showing for Pruitt, considered one of the top defensive minds in college football, in his first big SEC test.