College Football Week 3 Betting Picks & Predictions
As the college football season progresses, teams are still in the process of jelling and making adjustments after the first few games. Rosters are evolving, and what we see in the early weeks of September may not be indicative of how a team will perform in November or even October. This period of flux in the initial stages of the season can present opportunities for bettors looking to make some strategic wagers.
Memphis +6.5 at Florida State
One of the intriguing matchups in Week 3 features Memphis facing off against Florida State. The Seminoles, under the guidance of coach Mike Norvell, are coming off losses to ACC opponents Georgia Tech and Boston College. They find themselves in a pivotal moment in their 2024 season, desperately needing a bounce-back win. While Florida State may have the upper hand in this game, their offensive struggles in the first two losses suggest that they may have to rely heavily on their defense to secure a victory.
On the other side, Memphis has shown strength on the defensive end in their wins over North Alabama and Troy, where they only gave up a combined 17 points. The Tigers’ front seven, led by players like Cormontae Hamilton and Chandler Martin, has the potential to disrupt Florida State’s offense, particularly quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, who has had a rough start to his Seminole career.
For those looking to make a parlay from this matchup, considering betting under the 53.5-point total could be a strategic move. This game has the potential to be a defensive battle, with both teams looking to control the pace and limit scoring opportunities.
Washington State +8.5 vs. Washington
A classic rivalry matchup in Week 3 sees Washington State taking on Washington in the 116th edition of the Apple Cup. Despite the breakup of the Pac-12, these in-state rivals are keeping the tradition alive. Washington has been dominant in recent years, winning all but two matchups since 2009. However, Washington State comes into this game with momentum after blowout wins in their first two games.
The Cougars have shown strength on both sides of the ball, particularly on defense, where they have been able to generate turnovers and limit scoring opportunities for their opponents. Washington, under new head coach Jedd Fisch, has struggled offensively in the early stages of the season, failing to score in the first quarter in both of their wins.
In what promises to be a closely contested matchup, Washington State has the opportunity to set the tone early and potentially pull off an upset against their rivals. The Cougars will look to disrupt Washington’s offense and capitalize on any mistakes to secure a victory.
Jalen Milroe Two or More Touchdowns +320
Alabama’s Jalen Milroe has been a key player for the Crimson Tide, showcasing his dual-threat abilities in their recent win over South Florida. Milroe’s rushing touchdowns helped spark the Alabama offense and lead them to victory. As Alabama prepares to face Wisconsin, Milroe’s impact on the game could once again be significant.
Wisconsin, known for their physical style of play, will present a challenge for Milroe and the Crimson Tide offense. However, Alabama’s array of offensive weapons, coupled with Milroe’s dynamic skillset, could prove to be too much for the Badgers to handle. Milroe’s ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs will force the Wisconsin defense to make adjustments and potentially open up opportunities for the Crimson Tide’s playmakers.
In a game that could come down to individual performances, Milroe has the potential to shine and make a significant impact on the outcome. Bettors looking for a strategic wager may want to consider backing Milroe to score two or more touchdowns in what promises to be a competitive matchup.
Conclusion
As college football enters Week 3, bettors have a plethora of intriguing matchups to consider. From traditional rivalry games to key conference showdowns, the opportunities for strategic betting are abundant. By analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of each team, along with key player matchups, bettors can make informed decisions when placing their wagers. Whether it’s taking advantage of favorable spreads or targeting specific player performances, Week 3 presents a wealth of betting possibilities for college football enthusiasts.