College Football Week 3 Best Sports Betting Picks & Predictions

By - Finn September 14, 2024 Comments (0) 8 Mins Read

PHOTO USA Today Sports Images

Rosters are still jelling, and adjustments continue to be made after seeing the first live competition of the college football season. A team in the first half of September is not likely to resemble what it will be by November, if not by October.

The flux of the initial few weeks translates to opportunity for bettors.

Memphis +6.5 at Florida State

Florida State coach Mike Norvell faces his former program at a pivotal juncture for the Seminoles’ 2024 season. After losses to ACC opponents Georgia Tech and Boston College, Florida State needs a bounce-back win in the worst way, and the Seminoles may well get it against Memphis.

However, the offensive struggles through the first two losses suggest the Seminoles will have to rely on defense to get over the hump. And with a defensive tussle, covering the 6.5-point spread may prove to be a tall task.

Memphis has started strong on defense, giving up just 17 combined points in wins over North Alabama and Troy. The opposing talent level jumps this week, but a Tigers front seven featuring Cormontae Hamilton and Chandler Martin can rattle Florida State quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, who has struggled in his first two starts as a Seminole.

Those looking for a parlay from this matchup may also consider wagering under the 53.5-point total offered at most books.

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Washington State +8.5 vs. Washington (in Seattle at Lumen Field)

Despite the breakup of the Pac-12, in-state rivals Washington and Washington State are keeping the 124-year-old Apple Cup series alive. Newly christened Big Ten Conference member Washington has dominated the Apple Cup in recent years, winning all but two installments since 2009.

However, Washington State heads into the 116th edition riding high after a pair of blowout wins to open the season. The Cougars blasted Portland State 70-30 in Week 1, then overwhelmed Texas Tech en route to a 37-16 win in Week 2. Washington State surrendered yards to the Red Raiders — 491 in total — but generated four takeaways to deny Texas Tech scoring opportunities.

In its first two games under new head coach Jedd Fisch, Washington has been slow off the blocks on offense. The Huskies, in fact, didn’t score in the first quarter against both Weber State (a 35-3 win) and Eastern Michigan (a 30-9 victory). Look for the Washington State defense to come out aggressive early in pursuit of a takeaway.

Win or lose, if the Cougars dictate the tone early, they should pull Washington into a closely contested akin to last year’s 24-21 battle won by the Huskies.

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Jalen Milroe Two or More Touchdowns +320 (DraftKings)

Alabama shook off a slow start and the threat of a deflating, upset loss last week vs. South Florida with a pair of Jalen Milroe rushing touchdowns. The quarterback’s ability to take off opened the field for the Crimson Tide’s receivers, and the rout was on by the fourth quarter of what became a 42-16 victory.

Milroe leads Alabama into Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday for a showdown with Wisconsin, a perennial Big Ten contender built on physical play. In wins over Western Michigan and South Dakota, the Badgers allowed just 14 and 13 points while holding the Broncos and Coyotes to 3.8 and 4.4 yards per carry, respectively.

Neither offense Wisconsin has faced possesses weapons approaching those that make up the Alabama attack, starting with the dual-threat Milroe. The improved passing touch he demonstrated Week 1 against Western Kentucky and his proven game-changing ball-carrying forces the Wisconsin defense to adjust its coverage based on personnel.

Milroe’s explosiveness on the ground could again be the catalyst to jump-starting the Alabama offense, as it was in Week 2 vs. USF.

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