Tami gets frustrated when she sees the school's lacking money when it comes to education but not the football team. Tyra is advised that because of her poor freshman grades, she shouldn't try to get into a good college. Smash wishes he was as sure as everyone else about his comeback after his shattered knee.

Tami becomes angry by Tyra's actions. In an effort to help his grandma, Matt stumbles upon his estranged mother. Coach Taylor tries his best to encourage Smash as he tries to make the college tryouts.

Eric begins to wonder about his job, while Tami is makes nice with Katie McCoy. Julie and Matt connect again. Riggins and Billy work on a money making scheme, which worries Lyla.

Coach Taylor and Smash say goodbye. Tyra begins dating Cash while Julie comforts Matt during hard family times.

Cash exposes a new side to himself in front of Tyra, McCoy is getting even more of the limelight which puts Matt even further on edge, and takes it out on himself and those around him. Elsewhere, Jason is unhappy with Erin's actions.

Coach Taylor becomes angry at Tim and the team after he learns about how they have been hazing the freshmen. Meanwhile, Julie and Matt take a late night swim together and Tyra is shocked when she meets a woman who claims Cash owes her back child support.

Eric and Tami try to calm Jamarca's angry parents; Matt plans a surprise for Julie; Billy helps Tim pursue a scholarship; and Jason, Herc and the Riggins brothers receive good news.

Tim is worried when Jason talks about leaving Dillon. Money troubles cause a riff between Tami and Eric. Tyra leans on Cash when things get tough, while Julie talks to her dad about Matt's idea.

As if the stress of the playoffs wans't enough, now the Panthers are playing a televised game, after being chosen as the high school game of the week. Tyra finds herself in a dangerous situation, after Cash shows his true self. A college coach wants to meet with Riggins, but he has to decide if he wants to go or not.

Buddy opens up to Lyla about their money troubles, after he has a brief run in with the law. Coach Taylor catches Julie and Matt sleeping together. J.D.'s father worries about him losing focus after meeting a new girl. Tyra gets a little tutoring help from Landry for her SAT's.

Tyra is desperate and once again turns to Landry. Coach and Tami learn of a change that could dismantle the Panthers team. Tim sees another side of Lyla. Matt flips out when Grandma suffers an accident. Tensions escalate between JD and Joe.

Landry help Tyra write her college essay. Matt is dealing with the various reactions his grandma will have once he tell her about his plans for college. Lyla leaves Tim's house. Eric and Tami come to a decision on the McCoys. The Panthers get ready to face one of the toughest teams.

In the third season finale, Eric and his contract are up for discussion. Lyla and Tim talk about their future together. Mindy and Billy's wedding day has finally come. Tyra waits for some hopefully happy news about her waiting list status.