by The college football slate for Week 3 is a bit underwhelming, as the Power-Five conferences take it easy before conference play opens up next week. However, there are still some intriguing matchups worth keeping an eye on.
THE LOCKS
While I don’t like the word “lock,” I still use it often, and these games are as sure as they come.
Western Michigan +28.0 (at Iowa)
Historically, Iowa is known for their imposing defense and low-scoring offense, and this year’s Hawkeye team is no different. This is a team that is unlikely to score four touchdowns, let alone win by 28 points.
Penn State -14.5 (at Illinois)
This is a Penn State team that is looking to take the jump from great to elite this year. A great team wins conference games on the road against inferior appoints, an elite team dominates inferior conference opponents, no matter the venue. Look for Penn State to come out fast and never look back.
The 60/40 Games
There is a little more uncertainty with these games. But 60 times out of 100, this is how I see these games going.
Kansas State -4.0 (at Missouri)
The reigning Big-12 champs have looked solid up to this point, while Missouri, although also undefeated, has looked unimpressive to this point. Road games are always a challenge in college football, but K-State will win by at least a touchdown.
LSU -9.5 (at Mississippi State)
LSU was considered a national title contender to start the year and, although they fell flat on their face in the opener against Florida State, this is still an extremely talented team. Jayden Daniels opened the year as a top Heisman candidate and will look to bounce back this week in Starkville.
Arkansas -8.0 (vs. BYU)
KJ Jefferson is a dynamic runner and a more than capable passer for a Razorbacks team that should be able to overmatch a BYU team on Saturday night. In what may turn out to be a down year for the SEC, Arkansas still has SEC talent and an SEC environment going for them in this matchup. They will beat BYU by 10+ points.
The Longshots
These predictions may raise some eyebrows, but that’s the whole point. These upsets won’t have the same national implications as last week’s picks, but they will be sure to shake up the college football landscape.
Florida Upsets Tennessee at Home
Tennessee is not the 11th best team in college football. Last year, the Volunteers won 11 games for the first time since 2001, and this year’s ranking is largely based on last season’s success. From a raw talent perspective, Joe Milton has all the traits. He has one of the strongest arms in the country and the size and speed to be a lethal runner, but he has yet to put it all together. The Swamp is one of the harshest environments in college football, and Florida will use that to their advantage to upset an overrated Tennessee team.
Minnesota Takes Down UNC in Chapel Hill
Drake Maye and North Carolina will score points on offense, there’s no question about that, but the real question is their defense. UNC struggled with an App State team last week that they were supposed to beat by 19. Minnesota is no App State. Look for the Golden Gophers to knock off UNC on the road.
*Disclaimer: These picks are just for fun and are not gambling advice
All odds are courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook, via ESPN
