College Football Week 7: Expert Picks, Predictions, and Best Bets

College football Week 7 expert picks, predictions, and best bets are back as we gear up for an exciting slate of college football action in Week 7.

As the college football season reaches Week 7, the stakes are higher than ever, and conference standings are beginning to take shape. The dream of a berth in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff grows more tangible with each passing week, and every game becomes a chance to define legacies or derail seasons.

Already, upsets have shattered expectations, and standout performances have propelled teams beyond their preseason predictions. With conference play intensifying, the path to the postseason is becoming a proving ground—a test of who truly belongs among the nation’s elite. The pressure to perform is palpable, and the margin for error grows thinner with every snap.

Week 7 brings new opportunities and challenges, where teams on the cusp must rise to the moment or watch their playoff hopes slip away. With conference races heating up, every matchup carries weight, setting the stage for what could be a season-defining Saturday.

For those looking for the best bets across the college football landscape, Week 7 offers a slate of pivotal games that will not only impact conference standings but could also reshape the playoff picture. It’s a week where dreams could be solidified or shattered, and the pursuit of a championship continues to intensify.

Check out our other college football expert picks! 

College Football Week 7 Expert Picks and Best Bets

Wisconsin vs. Rutgers Betting Preview

All Wisconsin vs. Rutgers odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Wednesday, Oct. 9.

• Spread
  Rutgers -2.5
• Moneyline
  Wisconsin +115, Rutgers -135
• Over/Under
  41
• Game Time
  Noon ET
• Location
  SHI Stadium | Piscataway, NJ
• Predicted Weather at Kick
  70 degrees, mostly sunny
• How To Watch
  Big Ten Network

After a solid start to the season, Rutgers (4-1, 1-1) tasted defeat for the first time at Nebraska in a low-scoring contest that saw the Cornhuskers control the pace. It wasn’t until late in the fourth quarter that the Scarlet Knights found life, with Athan Kaliakmanis connecting for a touchdown to narrow the gap. There was a silver lining for those who believed in Rutgers: they managed to cover the +7.5 spread.

Now, they focus on Wisconsin (3-2, 1-1), a team fresh off a dominant 52-6 victory over Purdue. The Badgers are looking to build on that momentum as they even their record in conference play and keep their eyes on a Big Ten title run.

For Rutgers, the path to success starts with senior running back Kyle Monangai. With 667 rushing yards and six touchdowns this season, he’s been the engine driving the offense, averaging 5.8 yards per carry. But last week, the ground game faltered, and the offensive line must step up to create the push needed to stay competitive. The Scarlet Knights aren’t built for shootouts; they’re built to grind teams down.

If there’s unrest in Madison, this could be the week it’s exposed. Monangai, who’s been averaging 23 carries per game, could see an increased workload—perhaps even 30 touches—as Rutgers leans on its star to set the tone. Wisconsin enters the matchup on a five-game winning streak over the Scarlet Knights, with the most lopsided victory in 2021 (53-2).

It won’t be pretty, but in the trenches and with the grit, Rutgers may have what it takes to wear down the Badgers.

Prediction: Rutgers 24, Wisconsin 20

Best Bet: Rutgers -2.5

Count the missed tackles Kyle Monangai forced on this run: pic.twitter.com/ZPGmVATwD1

— Brian Fonseca (@briannnnf) September 28, 2024

Penn State vs. USC Betting Preview

All Penn State vs. USC odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Wednesday, Oct. 9.

• Spread
  Penn State -5,5
• Moneyline
  Penn State -220, USC +180
• Over/Under
  50.5 points
• Game Time
  3:30 p.m. ET
• Location
  Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum | Los Angeles, CA
• Predicted Weather at Kick
  76 degrees, partly cloudy
• How To Watch
  CBS

Penn State faces a road test against USC, and the stakes are high for the No. 4 ranked team in the country. For the Nittany Lions to succeed, they’ll need Drew Allar to step up in a hostile environment, where the margin for error shrinks with every snap. The pressure could expose Penn State’s recent struggles if this game is close in the second half.

Penn State’s offense roared to life against West Virginia and two MAC teams, showcasing explosive playmaking against defenses ranked below 65th in the SP+ rankings. But as Big Ten play began, the Nittany Lions have stumbled, averaging just 348 yards in the last two weeks. Neither Illinois nor UCLA could fully capitalize, but the trend raises concerns as the competition stiffens.

Meanwhile, USC is looking for redemption. After a clean season opener against LSU, the Trojans have been plagued by turnovers, giving the ball away thrice in the last three games. Yet, there is a belief in a turnaround, especially at home, where USC’s defense can rise to the occasion and slow Penn State’s rushing attack. For the Trojans, the game plan is simple: stay patient, lean on the defense, and take the quick midrange passes when they’re there.

Penn State’s defense, while formidable, has shown some vulnerabilities—failing to force a turnover against UCLA.

This Saturday, under the lights, Penn State faces a defining moment. On the other hand, USC is looking to finally win a close one, with the confidence that their defense can set the stage for victory. Fight On. The Trojans get a big home win.

The Prediction:  USC 31 – Penn State 27

Best Bet: USC +5.5

Here's what happens when #USC's offensive line gives Miller Moss time in the pocket:

– Great protection picking up five-man pressure even with late blitzer.
– Makai Lemon cooks the defender with jerk route (unbelievably hard to cover with this much space)
– Convert third-and-8 pic.twitter.com/r3hl8IL1Jm

— Shotgun Spratling (@ShotgunSpr) October 9, 2024

Florida vs. Tennessee Betting Preview

All Florida vs. Tennessee odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Wednesday, Oct. 9.

• Spread
  Tennessee -15,5
• Moneyline
  Florida +495, Tennessee -685
• Over/Under
  55.5 points
• Game Time
  7:00 p.m. ET
• Location
  Neyland Stadium | Knoxville, TN
• Predicted Weather at Kick
  66 degrees, partly cloudy
• How To Watch
  ESPN

The Florida Gators head into a pivotal matchup with Kentucky, fresh off victories over Mississippi State and UCF. Yet, the road has been unkind to them, with Florida dropping six of its last eight away games. Quarterback DJ Lagway has shown flashes, completing 69.1 percent of his passes for 667 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions. But the question lingers: can the Gators maintain their form against stronger defenses?

Meanwhile, Tennessee aims to bounce back after a loss to Arkansas. The Volunteers have been formidable at home, winning 17 of their last 18 games in Knoxville. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava has led the way, completing 66.7 percent of his passes for 1,050 yards, seven touchdowns, and just two interceptions. With wideouts, Dont’e Thornton Jr. and Bru McCoy combining for 493 receiving yards, Tennessee’s offense is loaded with potential but still searching for consistency.

Florida has thrived against weaker defenses but struggled when tested by Miami and Texas A&M. Tennessee’s defense stands as one of the toughest the Gators have faced, and the Volunteers will look to show it on Saturday. Florida’s wins may be propped up by victories over struggling opponents, and this trip to Knoxville could bring them back to reality.

Tennessee’s offense may not have reached its full potential. However, Florida’s defensive flaws remain, and Josh Heupel’s ability to refine his young offense might be the difference. Many might be afraid that this is a look-ahead game for Tennessee with Alabama looming, but I believe the Vols bounce back in a big way at home at the expense of the Gators.

The Prediction: Tennessee 44 – Florida 13

Best Bet: Tennessee -15.5

“Guys believe in him. Guys know he’s talented, but they know that he works hard, too” — Josh Heupel on Nico Iamaleava (🎥: The Josh Heupel Show) pic.twitter.com/bSZA9wIpJY

— zach ragan (@zachTNT) November 29, 2023

Ole Miss vs. LSU Betting Preview

All Ole vs. LSU odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Wednesday, Oct. 9.

• Spread
  Ole Miss -3.5
• Moneyline
  Ole Miss -160, LSU +135
• Over/Under
  63.5 points
• Game Time
  7:30 p.m. ET
• Location
  Tiger Stadium | Baton Rouge, LA
• Predicted Weather at Kick
  78 degrees, partly cloudy
• How To Watch
  ABC

After a well-timed open weekend, LSU returns to action, sitting at 1-0 in SEC play after a gritty win over South Carolina. But now, their defense faces its most formidable challenge yet: Ole Miss. The Rebels come into this matchup ranked second in the nation in passing, third in scoring defense, and tenth in scoring offense, lighting up the scoreboard with 44 points per game behind Jaxson Dart and a dynamic array of skill players.

Their last meeting was one for the ages. Ole Miss piled up 706 yards of offense and held on for a 55-49 victory, covering as a 2.5-point underdog. While LSU has retooled after losing key players to the NFL, the Rebels bring back most of the playmakers from that shootout—except for Quinshon Judkins, now at Ohio State.

Garrett Nussmeier, the heir to Heisman winner Jayden Daniels, leads an LSU offense that hasn’t missed a beat, entering the week as the SEC’s second-leading passer, right behind Dart. Though top targets Malik Nabers and Brian Johnson Jr. have moved on, the Tigers still boast Kyren Lacy and Mason Taylor as elite pass-catchers. Yet, Ole Miss remains a step ahead, with Tre Harris leading the conference in receptions and receiving yards—though his status is uncertain after leaving the South Carolina game with an injury.

The gap widens defensively. The Rebels are surrendering just 7.5 points per game, while LSU allows 21.6. Both teams have had their stumbles—Ole Miss fell to Kentucky, and LSU barely escaped South Carolina—but the picture is clear.

Even under the lights of Death Valley, Ole Miss holds the upper hand. The Rebels, more balanced and potent, appear poised to emerge victorious once again.

The Prediction: Ole Miss 34 – LSU 24

Best Bet: Ole Miss -3.5