College Football Week 3 Predictions: LSU/Ole Miss, TTU/Houston, and much more

College Football Week 3 Predictions 

Week 2 saw Texas rally, Oregon upset, Michigan bounce back, and a variety of interesting games. Week 3 features key matchups in the ACC, Big-12, and SEC, along with a few games flying under the radar. The hype train takes a stop in Oxford, Mississippi, as new LSU head coach Lane Kiffin will no doubt hear it from the Ole Miss faithful. Much of the focus is on the ‘Save’ College Sports Act that is building steam. Funny how the players will be capped but not the coaches when it comes to salaries and movement to an extent.

Marquee Matchups

#7 LSU vs. #8 Ole Miss: The last 3 meetings have been decided by 14 points and with the firepower on the field this Saturday night, we should get another banger. LSU signal caller Sam Leavitt is dealing with a sore shoulder, but indications are he will be playing. This College Football podcaster leans towards Ole Miss QB Trinadad Chambliss as the better player. That said both have proven dynamic quarterbacks able to keep a play alive when it appears dead. Even if Clemson has fallen from the elite ranks, LSU destroyed them. The defensive side of the ball in the form of forced turnovers and holding offenses to a field goal from time to time instead of a touchdown will decide the outcome.

The Pick: LSU –2.5

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: LSU -2.5

• Elite Passing Attack
• Chambliss is a stud
• Offensive Show

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#13 Texas Tech vs. #22 Houston: This early season Big-12 scrap could give us a view of how competitive the league will be. Last year the Red Raiders ran away with the title, unlike two years ago when it came all the way down to the last week to see who would play in the conference championship. Both teams looked just okay against Oregon State, but that’s to be expected in September. Texas Tech has a solid quarterback this year. Time will tell if the Red Raiders can improve on offense to be a national contender. The Cougars are averaging over 300 rushing yards per game, but it’s early in the season, so let’s see if they can run it well versus the Texas Tech defensive line.

The Pick: Texas Tech -7.5

FanDuel

4.6/5

Tip: Texas Tech -7.5

• Red Raider defense the difference
• Cougars can run the ball
• Can Tech through the ball

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Under The Radar

#16 SMU vs. #23 Louisville: The Cardinals engaged in a highly entertaining Week 1 matchup in a loser effort to Ole Miss. The Mustangs made things more difficult than it needed to be from turnovers in a thin margin win over FSU a day later. SMU QB Kevin Jennings is the far more experienced quarterback compared to what appears to be a rising name in Lincoln Kienholz from Louisville. Both programs have great coaches, and one can assume they have their players ready to go.  With a total of game points at 59.5, It’s almost guaranteed to be a thriller well in the 4th quarter.

The Pick: SMU +1.5

Maryland vs. Virginia Tech: The Terps have been building their program slowly and have a legit quarterback in Malik Washtingon to lead them. New Virginia Tech head coach James Franklin brought with him a bunch of former Penn State players and high school recruits. This is an early season test to set the tone for conference play. Hokies QB Ethan Grunkemeyer was a 4-star coming out of high school and did get some reps last year. Stats are deceiving in September; that said both defenses have gotten hits on opposing QBs.

The Pick: Virginia Tech –2.5

Saturday Upset Special

Fresh off an ass whooping of the Golden Gophers in Minneapolis the Bulldogs take the show on the road yet again, this time upsetting South Carolina as a +4 dog.

Hardcore Barnburners

Florida vs Auburn: These name brand programs have sputtered lately, so the best thing to do is separate early in the season. Neither have a real chance to win the SEC, but the winner could begin to climb back up the ladder in the league.

The Pick: Auburn +2.5

Colorado vs Northwestern: Last year it was clear the Buffs were transitioning from a pass-first offense to wanting to lean into establishing their ground game. Northwestern seemed to improve as the season went along on offense but still needed to tighten up on defense.

The Pick: Colorado +3.5

Against The Spread

Mississippi State +4 versus South Carolina

North Texas +2.5 versus Texas State

Ohio +6.5 versus South Alabama

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Quick Hits Recap

-Texas overcame a 23-3 deficit in the 4th quarter to shock Ohio State 24-23.

-Oklahoma State upset Oregon as a huge underdog. The Ducks had a record of 57-0 when facing an FBS foe favored by at least 24 points.

-The Cowboys, winning 39-31 over Oregon, broke a 21-game losing streak to FBS teams.

-Texas A&M scored 24 unanswered points in the 4th quarter to defeat ASU 48-20.

-BYU trailed Arizona at the half only to pull away on the backs of their defense and QB Bear Backmeier’s 4 total touchdowns to win 28-17.

-Mississippi State outrushed Minnesota 252 to 13 in a 38-13 beatdown.

-Washington needed a late interception from Utah State’s Hail Mary sneaking out with the victory 16-14.

-Youngtown State QB Beau Brundgard threw for 290 yards and 6 TD’s while also rushing for 111 yards and two rushing touchdowns setting a school record.

Written by Chris Carlson Host of The College Ball Show available under  The Rope A Dope Radio Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker, I-Heart Radio, Amazon Podcasts, Tunein, Deezer, Podchaser, Castbox  & More! Follow on Twitter @RopeADopeRadio