Predictions for College Football Games in Week 3 with Point Spread Analysis

Aug 31, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks linebacker Debo Williams (0) celebrates after a sack against the Old Dominion Monarchs in the second quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

• Check out our Week 3 college football picks against the spread for Saturday (Sep. 14)
• We’re off to a red-hot 6-1 start on CFB ATS picks this season
• Below, see my best Week 3 college football picks against the spread, including plays on South Carolina and Purdue

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We’re off to a 6-1 start on our 2024 college football picks against the spread, and we’re not looking to slow down the winnings anytime soon. Week 3 provides another full slate of games to make money on our ATS wagers.

In my Week 3 college football picks against the spread, I’m targeting a few intriguing undervalued underdogs, plus a road favorite. Among my top Week 3 CFB picks against the spread is a play on South Carolina in their SEC showdown with LSU.

Let’s dive into our expert college football picks against the spread for Week 3 (Saturday, September 14th).

LSU vs South Carolina Odds

All odds as of September 11th at ESPN Sportsbook. Check out the best football betting apps for college football against the spread betting.

ATS Picks #1: South Carolina +7 (vs LSU)

Kicking off my Week 3 college football picks against the spread is a play on the South Carolina Gamecocks against the LSU Tigers. This line originally opened with the Tigers favored by 8.5 but has been steadily moving in the direction of the Gamecocks.

Line movement is never a clear-cut reason to bet a game, but the public is all over the Tigers in the college football public betting trends. The line move towards the underdog indicates there is some big money on Shane Beamer’s team.

South Carolina is riding high after a dominant 31-6 road victory over Kentucky in Week 2. The Gamecocks’ defense was suffocating, recording five sacks and holding the Wildcats to just 183 total yards.

The Gamecocks have the defense to slow down an LSU team that is yet to find its identity. The Tigers lost outright as 4-point favorites against USC in their opener before beating FCS opponent Nicholls State in a less-than-impressive showing last week.

LSU’s offense, in particular, has lacked the explosive playmaking ability that defined last year’s team. With the game being played in Columbia, South Carolina should benefit from the passionate home crowd at Williams-Brice Stadium.

I predict South Carolina will ugly up the game and limit possessions, covering the 7-point spread in the process. Brian Kelly is just 6-18 against the number when laying six or more points on the road, and this is a trend I expect to continue.

• Pick: South Carolina +7 (-110)

Notre Dame vs Purdue Odds

ATS Picks #2: Purdue +10 (vs Notre Dame)

Speaking of home underdogs in college football Week 3, I’m all over Purdue +9.5 in their showdown with Notre Dame. The Irish have won eight straight over the Boilermakers, but haven’t covered a double-digit spread against them since October 2011.

Purdue is coming off a bye week, so they will have plenty of time to prepare for this ND team. I expect the Irish to continue relying heavily on their ground game, which could be an issue facing a Purdue defense that allowed just 140 rushing yards per game in 2023.

A day for the record books, @Hcard7. pic.twitter.com/9MrG5E0HtV

— Purdue Football (@BoilerFootball) August 31, 2024

The Boilermakers’ offense, led by quarterback Hudson Card, looked impressive in their season opener against Indiana State. Card completed an incredible 96% of his passes for 273 yards and four touchdowns.

The Boilermakers also have a potent rushing attack led by running back Devin Mockobee, who has eclipsed 800 yards in each of the past two seasons. I think Purdue will be able to move the ball on an ND rush defense that is allowing 4.7 yards per carry in the early goings of 2024.

Finally, the key reason to consider backing the Boilermakers here is the injury to Irish quarterback Riley Leonard. The former Duke pivot Leonard injured his left labrum taking a hit against Northern Illinois, but is still starting in Week 3. Expect a more conservative gameplan from the Irish.

• Pick: Purdue +10 (-110)

Cincinnati vs Miami (OH) Odds

ATS Picks #3: Cincinnati -3 (vs Miami OH)

Wrapping up my college football Week 3 picks against the spread is a play on the Cincinnati Bearcats in their matchup with the Miami Ohio RedHawks. I think the high-powered Cincy offense will simply be too much for the RedHawks to handle on Saturday.

Cincinnati’s potent offense is averaging 32.5 points and 553.5 yards per game through their first two contests. Quarterback Brendan Sorsby has thrown for 681 yards and five touchdowns, while running back Cory Kiner is averaging an impressive 7.4 yards per carry.

GOOD MORNING. GO BEARCATS.@GoBearcatsFB on the board after the 52-yard DIME from Brendan Sorsby to Jamoi Mayes.#Big12FB | 📺 ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/Ax9PLeTGSq

— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) September 7, 2024

In contrast, Miami Ohio struggled offensively in their season opener against Northwestern, scoring just six points and gaining only 267 total yards. Quarterback Brett Gabbert completed 22 passes for 227 yards but threw two interceptions and no touchdowns.

Cincinnati has simply dominated in this rivalry, known as the “Battle for the Victory Bell.” Bearcats have won 16 of the last 17 meetings against Miami Ohio, including a dramatic 31-24 overtime victory last season. Scott Satterfield’s team has gone 4-2 ATS in their last six visits to Oxford.

Cincinnati’s depth and talent should overwhelm the RedHawks team that is struggling to open the season. I predict the talent disparity becomes evident as this game wears on, with Cincinnati pulling away in the second half to cover the number.

• Pick: Cincinnati -3 (-130 — buy the half point)

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