NCAA College Football Week 3: Betting Trends For The Top Ten Games

Week 2 was a slow weekend for big matchups, but we’re going to have a marquee matchup in the SEC on Saturday afternoon. The Swamp will welcome the Alabama Crimson Tide to Gainsville for the first big test for Alabama in a hostile environment.

Bryce Young and the young Crimson Tide haven’t experienced a road start on an opposing campus in his career. Is it going to really matter, though? Alabama reloads talent every season and it seems to be the same story in Tuscaloosa. Young team? It usually doesn’t matter when it’s Alabama football.

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They recruit the best high school players in the country that are college ready right away. Having said that, Florida could still be a tough place to play for Alabama on Saturday. If you are going to watch any game this weekend, the SEC Game of the Week has to be the one.

We had two upsets in two of the biggest games last week. The Oregon Ducks opened the Saturday card with a 35-28 on the road at Ohio State. On paper it isn’t much of an upset, but Iowa was an underdog going into Iowa State and won by a score of 27-17. According to the odds it was a small upset.

Our college football picks were a success this past week. The OVER in the Oregon-Ohio State game was our only loss, with four other selections coming up with a win. It was a nice 4-1 week going into Week 3 of the college football schedule. Check out and bookmark the college football picks page for our official plays for the rest of the season.

• Where To Bet On College Football in 2021

Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Oklahoma Sooners (No. 3)

Date and Time: September 18, 12:00 p.m. EST

The following odds are courtesy of BetOnline:

The Nebraska and Oklahoma rivalry is reunited on Saturday afternoon in Norman. For the first time since 2010, Nebraska and Oklahoma will meet. Nebraska left the Big 12 years back and the rivalry was put on hold. Nebraska and Oklahoma was a huge rivalry series, only rivaled by Texas for the Sooners, before the conference realignment.

Oklahoma got off to a slow start in Week 1, barely surviving the Tulane Green Wave with a 40-35 win. The Sooners took care of business in their most recent attempt, but their opponent was the Western Carolina Catamounts in a creampuff matchup. Oklahoma blew the Catamounts out for a 76-0 win, as expected.

Nebraska is going into Norman at 2-1 on the season. It sounds fine but I’m not so sure a 52-7 win over Fordham and 28-3 over Buffalo is going to register. This will be their biggest test of the year, and they must be much better than their 30-22 loss against a Mediocre Illinois team to have a chance against Oklahoma.

Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Oklahoma Sooners Betting Trends:

Nebraska

• 5-2 ATS in their previous seven games
• 1-5 overall in their previous six games versus Oklahoma
• 3-7 overall in their previous ten games versus a team with a winning record
• 11-4 in their previous 15 games versus the Big 12
• UNDER is 4-1 in their previous five games
• UNDER is 7-1 in their previous eight games on the road

Oklahoma

• 8-2 ATS in their previous ten games
• 10-0 overall in their previous ten games
• 6-0 overall in their previous six games at Oklahoma
• 16-1 overall in their previous 17 games in September
• 8-2 ATS in their previous ten games as a favorite
• OVER is 8-4 in their previous 12 games

New Mexico Lobos vs. Texas A&M Aggies (No. 7)

Date and Time: September 18, 12:00 p.m. EST

The following odds are courtesy of BetOnline:

The Texas A&M Aggies are feeling confident going into Week 3 of the college football season. They have one of the better teams in the nation, as Jimbo Fisher has turned the Aggies into a contender in just a few years. Fisher needed some time to recruit his guys, and the result is a pretty good team with a chance of going to the College Football Playoff.

Texas A&M is coming off a 10-7 win in Boulder against the Colorado Buffaloes. They couldn’t afford to lose in that spot and survived behind their elite defense. Along with a 41-10 win against Kent State to open the season, the Aggies take a 2-0 record into Saturday against New Mexico. The Lobos are going to be in tough in Week 3, and need a complete effort to keep this one within 4 touchdowns.

New Mexico Lobos vs.Texas A&M Aggies Betting Trends:

New Mexico

• 0-12 overall in their previous 12 games on the road
• 1-5 ATS in their last six games in September
• 1-9 overall in their previous ten games in Week 3
• UNDER is 12-6 in their previous 18 games as an underdog

Texas A&M

• 4-1 ATS in their previous five games
• 10-0 overall in their previous ten games
• 7-0 overall in their previous seven games at Texas A&M
• 4-1 ATS in their previous five games as an underdog
• UNDER is 5-2 in their previous seven games

Cincinnati Bearcats (No. 8) vs. Indiana Hoosiers

Date and Time: September 18, 12:00 p.m. EST

The following odds are courtesy of BetOnline:

The Cincinnati Bearcats had a brief scare in the first-half against Murray State, but exploded in the second-half. Cincinnati and Murray State went into the break tied at 7-7, and the Bearcats had a 42-7 lead at the end of 4 quarters.

Cincinnati opened the season with a 49-14 win over Miami Ohio, and are carrying a record of 2-0 going into Indiana. They were a Group of Five buster last year, and have the talent to do something similar in 2021. The Bearcats have a couple of tough matchups with meetings versus Indiana and Notre Dame the next two weeks.

The Hoosiers had no chance against a strong Iowa defense in Week 1. They were lost against a good defense in a 34-6 loss. Indiana responded for a 56-14 win over Idaho, but they’re back to seeing an elite defense in Week 3 against the Bearcats. Interesting game here.

Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Indiana Hoosiers Betting Trends:

Cincinnati

• 12-1 overall in their previous 14 games
• 10-5 ATS in their previous 15 games
• 3-12 overall in their previous 15 games versus the Big Ten
• UNDER is 12-6 in their previous 18 games
• UNDER is 4-1 in their previous five games on the road

Indiana

• 7-3 overall in their previous ten games
• 9-2 ATS in their previous 11 games
• 6-1 ATS in their previous seven games at Indiana
• 10-3 ATS in their previous 13 games in Week 3
• UNDER is 4-1 in their previous five games

Michigan State Spartans vs. Miami Hurricanes (No. 24)

Date and Time: September 11, 12:00 p.m. EST

The following odds are courtesy of BetOnline:

Michigan State is looking to start off 3-0 in Mel Tucker’s second season as the head coach of the Spartans. The Spartans look much improved and more disciplined after finishing 2-5 a season ago. MSU has wins over Northwestern, 38-21, and Youngstown State, 42-14.

The Spartans were underdogs going on the road to Northwestern in Week 1 and were clearly the better team. Kelly Walker was a beast on the ground with 264 yards and 4 touchdowns on 11.5 yards per carry. Northwestern isn’t Alabama or anything, but the Wildcats are always a well-coached team that can be tricky to beat on the road.

Miami disappointed in the season opener with a non-competitive loss against Alabama, 44-13. It was all Alabama from the start and to the end. They didn’t look particularly good against Appalachian State in a 25-23 win this past weekend either. You can find this matchup on our underdogs picks for Week 3 page.

Michigan State Spartans vs. Miami Hurricanes Betting Trends:

Michigan State

• 16-4 overall in their previous 20 games in Week 3
• 5-12-1 ATS in their previous 18 games
• 3-10 ATS in their previous 13 games as an underdog
• OVER is 5-0 in their previous five games
• OVER is 7-1 in their previous eight games in September

Miami

• 1-4 ATS in their previous five games
• 1-7 ATS in their previous eight games versus the Big Ten
• 1-4 ATS in their previous five games as an underdog
• 1-6 ATS in their previous seven non-conference games
• 0-5 ATS in their previous five games at Miami

Purdue Boilermakers vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (No. 12)

Date and Time: September 11, 2:30 p.m. EST

The following odds are courtesy of BetOnline:

This is another game I would consider interesting. Interesting in the sense that I could make an argument for either side. It’s a no-bet for me, but could play out to be an interesting game. Notre Dame is at home on NBC in South Bend against the Purdue Boilermakers.

Notre Dame has been just barely surviving through two games this season. They needed overtime to beat Florida State, 41-38, and then a late touchdown to come from behind to beat another upset minded team in the Toledo Rockets, 32-29. Yikes. But the Fighting Irish are still alive and ranked No. 12 in the country.

Now a Big Ten team, Purdue, comes to South Bend as 7-point underdogs. Purdue beat Oregon State, 30-21, and then pasted the worst team in the FBS, Connecticut, by a score of 49-0. I don’t know what to think of the Boilermakers yet this season, but we’ll get a better clue on Saturday. Oddsmakers are screaming for Purdue money the way it appears at the moment.

Purdue Boilermakers vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish Betting Trends:

Purdue

• 2-5 ATS in their previous seven games
• 2-4 overall in their previous six games
• 0-7 overall in their previous seven games versus Notre Dame
• 4-2 ATS in their previous six games versus Notre Dame
• 6-2 ATS in their previous eight games in September

Notre Dame

• 18-2 in their previous 20 games
• 1-4 ATS in their previous five games
• 20-0 overall in their previous 20 games at Notre Dame
• 8-1 overall in their previous nine games versus Purdue at Notre Dame
• OVER is 6-1 in their previous seven games versus the Big Ten

Alabama Crimson Tide (No. 1) vs. Florida Gators (No. 11)

Date and Time: September 18, 3:30 p.m. EST

The following odds are courtesy of BetOnline:

The SEC Game of the Week is on CBS on Saturday afternoon. It’s the first big SEC matchup of the year, as Bryce Young and the Alabama Crimson Tide head to Gainsville to visit the Florida Gators. The Gators are looking for the upset against the No. 1 team in the country.

Alabama is off to a perfect start with a 44-13 win over Miami, and then a sloppy 48-14 win against Mercer. It’s an easy win, but Nick Saban can’t be thrilled with the execution. Not much of a surprise in a lookahead spot, though. If they get all of the kinks worked out this week, then Alabama are going to be in fine shape in Gainesville.

The status of this one is not clear at the moment for Florida. Who is going to be starting at quarterback? Anthony Richardson gives the Gators the best chance of winning this game, and looks like the next Cam Newton.
The Gators seem confident with Emory Jones against Alabama, though. Richardson is dealing with a hamstring injury after a touchdown run against South Florida, so that may have something to do with it. If Richardson doesn’t start, and he’s healthy, expect to still see him at some point.

Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Florida Gators Betting Trends:

Alabama

• 9-3 ATS in their previous 12 games
• 7-0 overall in their previous seven games versus Florida
• 9-3 ATS in their previous 12 games versus Florida
• 5-0 overall in their previous five games on the road
• 2-7 ATS in their previous nine games in September

Florida

• 14-4 overall in their previous 18 games
• 1-5 ATS in their previous six games
• 12-1 overall in their previous 13 games at Florida
• 10-3 overall in their previous 13 games versus the SEC

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs. Clemson Tigers (No. 6)

Date and Time: September 18, 3:30 p.m. EST

The following odds are courtesy of BetOnline:

The Clemson Tigers beat SC State in a free win after losing a physical game against Georgia, 10-3. Clemson needed a game like that after they locked horns with the best defense in the country. The Tigers are going to need better play out of DJ Uiagalelei going forward.

Clemson ran the ball all over SC State, but Uiagalelei wasn’t great with 171 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception. This is another relatively easy test for Uiagalelei. He needs a good start to get his confidence up going into the thick of the ACC schedule.

Georgia Tech is 1-1 going into Saturday following a 22-21 loss against Northern Illinois, and a 45-17 win over Kennesaw State. Neither effort was impressive for Georgia Tech. They have been transitioning to a pro style offense since Paul Johnson stepped down and it’s been a tough time for the Yellow Jackets since then.

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs. Clemson Tigers Betting Trends:

Georgia Tech

• 2-6 overall in their previous eight games
• 0-5-1 ATS in their previous six games versus Clemson
• 0-6 overall in their previous six games versus Clemson
• 2-7 overall in their previous nine games
• 3-7 ATS in their previous ten games in September

Clemson

• 5-10 ATS in their previous 15 games
• 10-0 overall in their previous ten games at Clemson
• 6-0 overall in their previous six games versus Georgia Tech at Clemson
• 0-5 ATS in their previous five games in September

Tulsa Golden Hurricane vs. Ohio State Buckeyes (No. 9)

Date and Time: September 18, 3:30 p.m. EST

The following odds are courtesy of BetOnline:

The Ohio State Buckeyes look to bounce back after getting upset by the Oregon Ducks in Columbus on Saturday. Tulsa hopes to add to their frustrations with an even bigger upset at the Horseshoe.

In a game that saw the Ohio State defense falter, and CJ Stroud failed to come up big when the team needed him, Oregon walked into Columbus for a 35-28 win. Ohio State looked lethargic to open the season at Minnesota in the first-half. They were able to bounce back in the second-half.

However, we didn’t see Ohio State get into form in the second-half versus Oregon. Stroud missed a few big passes that could have changed the course of that game. They likely win with Justin Fields starting that one.

Tulsa enters Columbus off a competitive loss on the road against Oklahoma State, 28-23. Ohio State has no time to relax or they’re going to be in for another unexpected fight. They have a lot more to lose in this one versus Tulsa.

Tulsa Golden Hurricane vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Trends:

Tulsa

• 9-3 ATS in their previous 12 games
• 11-0 ATS in their previous 11 games on the road
• 1-4 overall in their previous five games
• 0-5 overall in their previous five games versus the Big Ten
• 1-7 overall in their previous eight games in Week 3

Ohio State

• 17-3 overall in their previous 20 games
• 19-1 overall in their previous 20 games at Ohio State
• 6-0 ATS in their previous six games versus the AAC
• OVER is 6-2 in their previous eight games
• 13-1 in their previous 14 games in September

Auburn Tigers (No. 22) vs. Penn State Nittany Lions (No. 10)

Date and Time: September 18, 7:30 p.m. EST

The following odds are courtesy of BetOnline:

If a few things break Penn State’s way this week, they could be a top-5 team going into next week. They’ll have to win and look for teams ahead of them to fall. I think a win against two ranked teams would be enough.

Penn State opened the season with an impressive 16-10 win over the Wisconsin Badgers in Madison. That was one of the biggest wins of the first week. In what a lot of people perceived as a letdown spot, Penn State took care of business against Ball State for a 44-13 win.

That doesn’t look like much versus a MAC opponent, though Ball State won the MAC last year, and like I said, you had people calling for a letdown. You have to give Penn State credit for coming out and playing well again.

Auburn has not been tested in their first two games. Matchups against Akron and Alabama State are back-to-back creampuff games. The Tigers held nicely for a 60-10 and 62-0 win, but are they ready to go on the road in a hostile environment against a quality Penn State team?

Auburn Tigers vs. Penn State Nittany Lions Betting Trends:

Auburn

• 6-3 ATS in their previous nine games
• 7-0 ATS in their previous seven games in September
• 1-5 ATS in their previous six games versus Auburn
• UNDER is 5-0 in their previous five games on the road

Penn State

• 6-0 ATS in their previous six games
• 13-3 ATS in their previous 16 games at Penn State
• 0-5 ATS in their previous five games games versus the SEC
• UNDER is 6-3 in their previous ten games

Virginia Cavaliers vs. North Carolina Tar Heels (No. 21)

Date and Time: September 18, 7:30 p.m. EST

The following odds are courtesy of BetOnline:

Virginia and North Carolina could turn into an entertaining contest. Brennan Armstrong has been coming to life in the Cavaliers’ offense. Armstrong has passed for 7 touchdowns and 1 interceptions on 71.6% completions against William & Mary and Illinois.

He looked great against the Illinois’ defense with 405 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 1 interception. Armstrong is going to see a tougher challenge against North Carolina, and Sam Howell came to life this past week versus Georgia State. It’s Georgia State, but Howell seemed to get his confidence back after struggling in Week 1 versus Virginia Tech.

The Tar Heels made it look easy in a 59-17 win following a 17-10 loss versus the Hokies. Howell passed for 353 yards and 3 touchdowns with no interceptions. He also rushed for 104 yards with 2 touchdowns on 9.5 yards per carry. North Carolina has a pulse and they’re at home again. 9 points might be too many points, though. This is the potential to be the sleeper matchup of Week 3.

Virginia Cavaliers vs. North Carolina Tar Heels Betting Trends:

Virginia

• 7-1 ATS in their previous eight games
• 6-1 overall in their previous seven games
• 5-1 ATS in their previous six games versus North Carolina
• 0-7 overall in their previous seven games on the road
• 4-1 ATS in their previous five games versus the ACC
• OVER is 13-5 in their previous 18 games

North Carolina

• 2-5 ATS in their previous seven games
• 8-1 overall in their previous nine games at North Carolina
• 2-4 ATS in their previous six games as a favorite
• OVER is 7-3 in their previous ten games