College Football Week 3: Expert Picks, Predictions, and Best Bets

College Football Week 3 features top-25 matchups, conference battles, and non-conference titles. Here are the college football Week 3 expert picks, predictions, and best bets. 

We’ve seen big shakeups in the top 25 as some teams in the preseason top 10 have entirely fallen out of the top 25, and other squads have found their way into the top 10 as the best teams in the nation jockey for a spot in the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff.

In Week 3, we’re looking for the best bets across the college football landscape. So, what are the Week 3 college football expert picks, predictions, and best bets?

College Football Week 3: Expert Picks, Predictions, and Best Bets

Colorado vs. Colorado State

• Spread
  Colorado -7
• Moneyline
  Colorado -275, Colorado State +220
• Over/Under
  58.5
• Game time
  7:30 p.m. ET
• Location
  Canvas Stadium | Fort Collins, Colo.
• How to Watch
  CBS

Since Coach Prime took over, the Colorado Buffaloes have only secured two wins by eight or more points: a 36-14 victory over Nebraska and last year’s 43-35 overtime thriller against Colorado State.

Colorado’s performance against the spread (ATS) is a growing concern for bettors, as they are 0-2 ATS this season. After last week’s loss to Nebraska, where they were physically outmatched, there seems to be waning confidence in the Buffaloes. However, Colorado State doesn’t bring the same level of physicality, giving the Buffs a more favorable matchup.

With superior skill players and solid protection for Shedeur Sanders, Colorado should control this game, much like they did in their opener against North Dakota State. Despite playing on the road, they are well-positioned for success.

I’m fading the public with 58% of the tickets and 60% of the handle on Colorado State as home underdogs. Colorado will get their first cover of the season.

The Prediction: Colorado 34, Colorado State 23

Best Bet: Colorado -7

CSU is out for revenge this weekend after last year's Rocky Mountain Showdown against Colorado 🍿👀

(via @Romi_Bean) pic.twitter.com/aquzOVnfsL

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 12, 2024

UCF vs. TCU

• Spread
  UCF -2.5
• Moneyline
  UCF -140, TCU +115
• Over/Under
  61.5
• Game time
  7:30 p.m. ET
• Location
  Amon G. Carter Stadium | Fort Worth, Texas
• How to Watch
  Fox

UCF leads the nation with an impressive 419 rushing yards per game, though this has come against weaker competition in New Hampshire and Sam Houston. With a talented backfield featuring RJ Harvey, Peny Boone, Myles Montgomery, and Johnny Richardson, the Knights’ ground attack appears legitimate.

It will be their strongest statement of the season if they can replicate this rushing success on the road against TCU. TCU’s defense struggled mightily in 2023, allowing 160.9 rushing yards per game (81st nationally) and 421.5 total yards per game, contributing to their 5-7 finish.

Though TCU held Stanford to just 116 rushing yards in the season opener, they still allowed 27 points. This game has been close in betting circles, with the favorite flipping since the opening line.

In the end, UCF’s potent ground game should overwhelm TCU. While Josh Hoover will likely keep things competitive, expect UCF to prevail on the road.

The Prediction: UCF 34, TCU 27

Best Bet: UCF -2.5

Fun Fact:

Sam Houston’s offense did not cross the 50 yard line until their final 4th qtr drive, and only finished with 67 rushing yards. This UCF Defense has impressed but the real this is this Saturday vs TCU⚔️ pic.twitter.com/aYXttfSm2A

— ⚔️RBJ🪄 (@RBJ2K1) September 9, 2024

Indiana vs. UCLA

• Spread
  Indiana -3
• Moneyline
  Indiana -160, UCLA +130
• Over/Under
  46.5
• Game time
  7:30 p.m. ET
• Location
  Rose Bowl | Pasadena, Calif.
• How to Watch
  NBC

Washington transfer Ethan Garbers threw for 272 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions while adding 47 rushing yards in UCLA’s tight 16-13 win over Hawaii. Despite the turnovers, Garbers demonstrated his dual-threat ability, contributing both in the air and on the ground. However, against Indiana’s strong defense, UCLA will need to control the ball better, making Garbers a risky DFS option, as the Bruins may lean on the run game.

Indiana enters this matchup after dominating Western Illinois, outgaining them 703-121 and forcing three turnovers in a 77-3 blowout. Quarterback Kurtis Rourke passed for 268 yards and two touchdowns while running back Justice Ellison had an efficient day, rushing for 117 yards and two scores on just nine carries.

This Week 3 matchup has all the makings of a smashmouth defensive battle. UCLA comes off a bye after an underwhelming showing against Hawaii, where the Rainbow Warriors’ defense caused significant problems, forcing two interceptions, six tackles for loss, and shutting down nearly half of UCLA’s rushing attempts. If Hawaii’s front seven could disrupt UCLA, Indiana’s defense could be even more dominant.

Head coach DeShaun Foster and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy originally planned to emphasize the run game, but an early deficit against Hawaii pushed UCLA into passing situations. A similar scenario against Indiana could spell trouble for the Bruins. Curt Cignetti’s defense at James Madison was formidable; that intensity has carried over to Bloomington. Although UCLA presents a bigger test than Indiana’s previous opponents, I expect the Hoosiers to make a statement with another impressive defensive performance in Week 3.

The Prediction: Indiana 23, UCLA 16

Best Bet: Indiana ML -160

Little over 24 hours until @IndianaFootball's Big Ten opener at the Rose Bowl.

WHO ELSE IS FIRED UP FOR TOMORROW?!? pic.twitter.com/0pNKbKKrIu

— TorresOnIndiana (@TorresOnIndiana) September 13, 2024

Memphis vs. Florida State

At this point in the season, betting on Florida State feels risky, given their back-to-back losses. However, the key to successful wagering is finding value; there might be some with the Seminoles here.

Had this line been available back in July, Florida State would likely have been favored by around -24 points. Although they’ve underperformed in 2024, it’s worth considering whether Georgia Tech and Boston College are better than expected. Both teams showcase strong quarterback play and solid defenses, and they could be challenging ACC contenders moving forward.

Another factor is head coach Mike Norvell, who built Memphis into a contender before leading Florida State. Norvell knows the Memphis program well, guiding them to a 12-2 season and a Cotton Bowl appearance in 2019. His 23-4 record with Florida State over the last two seasons shows his ability to turn things around.

With the pendulum likely swinging back, Norvell has a chance to salvage the season, starting this weekend by jumpstarting the offense against his former team. It might not be a dominant performance, but Florida State will do enough offensively while relying on their defense to force turnovers and create short-field opportunities.

The Seminoles will secure their first win of 2024 on Saturday and cover the spread in the process.

Score Prediction: Florida State 31, Memphis 17

Best Bet: Florida State -7