Best College Football Bets Week 3 | CFB Picks & Predictions

The Week 3 college football slate doesn’t have the same star power as Week 2. Some big games are on the calendar, but many of the teams in these contests are also questionable in 2023. However, we've identified a few betting lines with a ton of value on Saturday!

We break down our best bets every week on WSN. Make sure to check back every Friday for the best college football bets on the slate!

#11 Tennessee @ Florida

• Date: Saturday, September 16
• Time: 7:00 pm EST
• Moneyline: Tennessee (-245) | Florida (+205)
• Spread: Tennessee -6.5 (-110) | Florida +6.5 (-110)
• Total:Over 58.5 (-110) | Under 58.5 (-110)

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook 

PICK: Florida +6.5

The Swamp will be rocking on Saturday night as the Florida Gators will host the 11th-ranked Tennessee Volunteers. Tennessee is clearly the better team of the two, but the line is shocking. Florida is a 6.5-point dog at home, which is too big of a number not to take when this game is in Gainesville.

Tennessee hasn’t been challenged once this season, facing Virginia and Austin Peay in their first two games. They dominated these opponents as they should have, but they haven’t been prepared for a game of this magnitude. Meanwhile, Florida already played on the road in Utah and lost, but this game made them more battle-tested. 

Tennessee’s defense is why they’re favored in this matchup by 6.5 points. The front seven is incredible, and they lead the country in sacks and tackles for loss. Florida’s offensive line has been a liability at times this season, so we expect to see a lot of quick game to counter the fast pass rushers. 

Florida is a better team than the rankings show. They have never been a road team, and everyone points to their opening loss against Utah for why 2023 isn’t their year. However, quarterback Graham Mertz has been a bright spot for the team, especially when throwing under pressure. 

Mertz can play, and Florida is strong on the defensive side of the ball. The opener against Utah wasn’t a good spot for the Gators, but Saturday night in the Swamp is exactly where the team shines. 

This game will come down to the fourth quarter, and Florida will be in the contest. However, we expect Tennessee’s front seven to take over, so don’t expect a moneyline winner for Florida. The viable betting option is taking the 6.5 points, as the Gators can play with the best teams in the country on their own turf. 

Colorado State @ #18 Colorado

• Date: Saturday, September 16
• Time: 10:00 pm EST
• Moneyline: Colorado State (+1200) | Colorado (-2400)
• Spread: Colorado State +23.5 (-110) | Colorado -23.5 (-110)
• Total: Over 61 (-110) | Under 61 (-110)

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook

PICK: Over 61 (-110)

What Coach Prime has done at Colorado has been nothing short of remarkable. Deion Sanders has led the team to a 2-0 record, and the Buffaloes are currently the 18th-ranked team in the country.

There is excitement around the program for the first time, and we finally get to witness the Colorado vs. Colorado State rivalry game on Saturday night.

Colorado is a superior team, which is clear based on the 23.5-point spread in their favor. However, the Buffaloes struggle on the defense, so it’s best to avoid the spread. Seeing Colorado State score points in this contest wouldn't be surprising. 

Nebraska had plenty of chances to score last week but shot themselves in the foot on multiple occasions, which led to turnovers. The total is listed at 61 points, which is high, but it’s a viable betting option. 

Colorado likes to go fast, and we should see them convert on more chances than last week. Colorado State is coming off a 50-24 loss to Washington State. The Buffaloes can do the same if the Cougars posted 50 on the Rams. 

Colorado averages 509.5 yards of offense through two games, and they don’t lean on the run. The team has been consistently throwing the ball with Shedeur Sanders, and this won’t stop. If the Buffaloes can score 50+ in this game, which isn’t asking for much, this matchup will sail over 61 points.