NCAAF Pick: Troy -2.5 (-110) at BetAnySports (visit our BetOnline Review)
They say that, in football, the jump from Week 1 to Week 2 tends to be the most significant in the odds betting market given the overreaction from the public.
Well, it seems we were victims of this virus as well, since our play on Alabama (from our last article) was based on how unconvincing Texas looked in Week 1 against Rice, just to see them pull a historic upset of the Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa seven days later. Fun fact: That’s the first Longhorns’ victory, in ‘Bama, since 1982.
So, with the overreaction out of the way, let’s take a look at the NCAAF odds for Week 3 and list our Editor’s Picks for Saturday while we shop around the best offshore sportsbooks.
Tennessee Volunteers vs. Florida Gators
Saturday, September 16, 2023 – 07:00 PM EDT at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
Dirty Swamp
For our first pick, we’re getting dirty in the swamp! That’s right, on Saturday we’re rolling with the Gators at home, in one of the top games of the week.
In Week 3, the Tennessee Volunteers are heading to the Ben Hill Griffin Stadium as 7-point favorites. However, the Vols have not won in this venue since 2003!
This might have something to do with the results for Tennessee so far, as they’ve won both games they’ve played so far. First, Austin Peay was defeated 30-13 and then Virginia (49-13), in Week 2.
However, this Virginia squad is very far away from the level that the public is used to, however, they’re still a household name. Maybe that’s why our expert, Rainman, sees an upset in the swamp.
The Pick
“The Gators’ run defense will do the most to help Florida’s upset bid by limiting the Volunteers’ rush attack without sacrificing any ability to defend against Tennessee’s historically inaccurate and inconsistent quarterback Joe Milton.
Florida is able to rely on the strong linebacker play of Scooby Williams and Shemar James, who are profiting from the experience they gained stepping in for run-stopper Ventrell Miller.” Rainman
NCAAF Pick: Florida +7 (-120) at BetOnline
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. North Carolina Tar Heels
Saturday, September 16, 2023 – 03:30 PM EDT at Kenan Stadium
Defense Wins
For his best bets article, our expert Willie Bee is eyeing the Minnesota-North Carolina total in a game that should feature a lot of defense.
Despite looking great in Week 1 against South Carolina, last Saturday we saw a Drake Maye that struggled to lead the Tar Heels to victory against Appalachian State, in what ended up being a double-OT win… AT HOME!
Meanwhile, Minnesota’s offense has disappointed despite their 2-0 record. The Golden Gophers failed to cover both spreads against teams of lesser quality.
The Pick
“Each squad is coming off wins over Group of 5 teams, though Minnesota and North Carolina failed to cover similar spreads in their victories. The Golden Gophers were slow to get their offense moving, then turned it over twice in the second half of a 25-6 win vs. Eastern Michigan. North Carolina had to fight the whole way against Appalachian State before escaping with a 40-34 double-overtime decision.”
“North Carolina’s defense was a letdown last week, but both stop units will step up in this one to give us an ‘under’ winner.” Willie Bee
NCAAF Pick: Under 49 (-108) at Heritage Sports (visit our Heritage Sports Review)
Kansas State Wildcats vs. Missouri Tigers
Saturday, September 16, 2023 – 12:00 PM EDT at Memorial Stadium
Computer Predictions
After looking at our NCAAF Predictions, our college football expert Jason Radowitz, is backing the Kansas State Wildcats to beat the Missouri Tigers, on the road. Kansas State is currently the #15 ranked team in the nation and a victory against an SEC opponent will help them hover around that position for one more week.
Let’s trust the computers!
The Pick
“Kansas State has earned nearly 500 yards per game on offense. They’ve also held teams to just over 256 yards per game on defense. They’re playing great ball with Will Howard at quarterback.
“Meanwhile, DJ Giddens has added 27 carries for 180 yards. That’s an average of 6.7 yards per carry. Missouri’s run defense has been good so far. But against Kansas State, that likely won’t continue.” Jason Radowitz
NCAAF Pick: Kansas State -5 (-110) at BetAnySports
Georgia Southern Eagles vs. Wisconsin Badgers
Saturday, September 16, 2023 – 12:00 PM EDT at Camp Randall Stadium
Bad Badgers!
This season, I’m not a fan of the Wisconsin Badgers and, for this week, our football expert Donnie RightSide is not a believer as well.
The Badgers have looked bad in their two games (1-1) so far. They opened up the season against a Buffalo team that hung around the game for longer than they should have and next week Washington State pulled the upset on Wisconsin.
The Pick
“Take a look at Wisconsin’s opening line -16.5. It’s now ballooned to -20 so you’re getting some last-minute value here on Georgia Southern. Let’s also remind ourselves Week 1 Wisconsin looked great at home going up against Buffalo. Took a little bit of time to get that offensive gear but once it did it rolled down the field.
Then a ridiculous performance in Week 2 against Washington State. Now they come back home in what should be an easy victory over Georgia Southern. But not so fast if I’m going to get four points here. I’m going to take the 20.” Donnie RightSide
NCAAF Pick: Georgia Southern +20 (-108) at Heritage Sports
James Madison Dukes vs. Troy Trojans
Saturday, September 16, 2023 – 07:00 PM EDT at Memorial Stadium
What Ya Talking ‘Bout?
Finally! The pick nobody is talking about, in my humble opinion, is Troy laying the 2.5 at home against James Madison.
Yes, I know that JMU beat Virginia last week but, as mentioned previously, this is not the same Cavaliers from 2 decades ago when the program ranked in the top spots. That plus the carryover from the Duke’s last season could affect the perception of public bettors.
The Pick
While it is true that the Trojans’ defense hasn’t really shown yet, this team tends to do well on that side of the ball. This line opened up as a pick’em and quickly went up to -2.5 for Troy.
Let’s lay the points and hopefully, we cash some tickets! Enjoy the weekend.
NCAAF Pick: Troy -2.5 (-110) at BetAnySports
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
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