Top College Football Week 3 Picks & Predictions (2024)

by Scott Bogman |
Sep 12, 2024

College football betting expert Scott Bogman will provide his top picks and predictions for each and every week of CFB action. Let’s get ready for this weekend’s games with Bogman’s best college football bets for Week 3. Check out all of his top picks and predictions below.

College Football Week 3 Picks & Predictions

Arizona vs. Kansas State (Friday)

This game sees two offenses that can be strong. We saw that on display as KState needed 34 points to beat Tulane last week and tuned up FCS TN-Mar for 450 in week 1. Arizona was sleepwalking against NAU and didn't get in rhythm, but this team is ranked for a reason and should come to play with one of the best QB-WR combos in Noah Fifita and Tet McMillan. Arizona was soft against the run in Week 1 against New Mexico, giving up over 200 yards, including 130 and 2 TDs to QB Devon Dampier. KState QB Avery Johnson is also a duel-threat QB capable of a similar performance, and RB DJ Giddens is already in the top 20 (16th) in rushing yards, with 238. The KState defense was torched for 491 yards against Tulane, who had a brand new QB and only five returning starters. The system points towards the over in this game with a slight lean toward KState.

Pick: OVER 59.5

LSU vs. South Carolina

The difference in this game will be how the LSU OL handles South Carolina's #1 graded pass rush. LSU counters with a Top 20 Pass Block Grade with NFL draft prospects Will Campbell and Emory Jones. Garrett Nussmeier grades better in a clean pocket, of course, but in 12 pressures this season, he's completed seven passes and has a TD. LSU has been humming on offense but the defense has been rough, LSU is 84th in PFF DEF Grade and gave up 21 to FCS Nicholls State (slightly above average FCS offense). New QB LaNorris Sellers hasn't found his rhythm yet, but this could be the game the way LSU has played so far. This total has shrunk already and we are showing a lean toward the Over, wait to take it at the peak of the dip.

Pick: OVER 49

Alabama vs. Wisconsin

The line here has opened up toward Alabama but the system still shows value on the Tide. Alabama was a mess offensively at home against USF last week but came together for 28 points in the 4th quarter. South Florida was able to put up an impressive 206 rushing yards last week, but 108 of those came from QB Byrum Brown, who only amounted to 14 total points. Wisconsin beat two weaker opponents but lost ATS in both. Wisconsin is 87th in PPG, 89th in Passing offense, and 51st in Rushing offense. Both of these teams have looked strong on defense so far, but Alabama is on a different level (PFF Grade 6th to WIS 49th). Wisconsin is a strong team that might be able to run the ball a bit, but Alabama WILL run the ball successfully and might have found some rhythm in the 4th quarter last week. Get this number fast, as it has opened by a point already.

Pick: Alabama -16

Boston College vs. Missouri

Ranked on Ranked Matchup! Missouri WR Luther Burden was sick, not injured in the game last week, and will be back for this game, which is huge for the Over here. Missouri has looked solid on offense this season, returning the majority of an outstanding offensive team against their first true test in BC this season. Missouri ranks 6th in offensive roster strength and have put up 89 points through two games. Boston College has also looked great offensively, running the ball down FSU's throat in Week 1 from their three-headed monster of RBs Robichaux, Ward, and QB Castellanos. BC followed that performance up with 306 yards against FCS Duquesne. Missouri will try to force BC to throw, and while staying in the pocket and slinging it isn't Castellanos best asset, he's 19/26 with 340 yards, six TDs, and no INTs so far this season. Boston College could be able to move the ball a bit against the Tigers, and Castellanos has been efficient. Missouri should do the heavy lifting, and with the BC offense humming, the over is very reachable.

Pick: OVER 53.5

Washington vs. Washington State

This game is at a 'neutral site' at Lumen Field in Seattle, a whole 10-minute drive away from Husky Stadium. Emotions will run high in a rivalry game, and Washington State beat the spread and ran this game close against a Washington squad that made it to the National Championship last year. Washington State only has five returning starters from that squad, and Washington was gutted in the coaching staff and roster, so this will be a completely different game. The Huskies defense and Cougars offense have both been very impressive without being truly tested yet. Washington State QB John Mateer has been outstanding and ranks 10th in the FBS through two games with over 250 rushing yards but Washington has allowed only 26 rushing yards by the QB in their first two games. Washington is still putting things together on both sides of the ball but have a much higher roster strength and team grade no matter what the early results have been. Washington State's defense may have held Texas Tech to only 16 points, but the Red Raiders put up 491 yards, and the lack of scoring was going 1-5 on 4th downs and four turnovers. The level of competition seems like too big of a jump for the Cougars in this one, and there is a big lean toward the Huskies.

Pick: Washington -4.5

Navigate