The 2016 College football season continues and there are some huge matchups this weekend including Florida State at Louisville, Pittsburgh at OSU, Michigan State at Notre Dame and Texas at Cal. Here's our Preview and Betting Tips for Week 3 .
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College Football Week 3 Betting Tips
Florida State Seminoles at Louisville Cardinals (Sunday 18 September 2:00am)
This should be an exciting matchup between two highly ranked teams. Florida State had a dominant week 2 win over Charleston Southern and now find themselves ranked 2nd in the country. That win came at a cost. All-American defensive back Derwin James suffered a cartilage tear in his left knee and will miss a significant amount of the season.
The Louisville Cardinals are somewhat of a “buzz” team at the moment. Thanks to the play of quarterback Lamar Jackson. Who has already thrown 7 touchdowns in two games and amassed over 1000 yards of total offense. Things won’t be that easy against this Florida State defense and we should see a decline from Jackson in this game. I believe Louisville are slightly overrated (especially this game) and I’m a bit surprised to see the line at just -1.0 (Florida State).
Louisville are 0-6 against ranked teams (last three years). While Florida State are a very healthy 9-3. Also the under has been a good bet when Florida State is on the road. 6-0 in their last six road games.
Prediction: Florida State 35 Louisville 31
Tip: Total Points Under 68.0 - $1.92 at Sportsbet
Pittsburgh Panthers at Oklahoma State Cowboys (Sunday 18 September 5:30am)
Pittsburgh will head into Boone Pickens Stadium full of confidence on Saturday. After grinding out a win against Penn State last week the Panthers will now face an angry Oklahoma State. Who might have a bit of trouble letting go of last week’s loss to Central Michigan. That game ended with a big officiating mistake and even though the NCAA admitted “it should not have happened” they also stated once the referee declares the game is ended the score is final.
It will be a huge test for the Oklahoma players to bounce back. Especially against an aggressive, old-school football team like Pitt. Oklahoma States quarterback Mason Rudolph is a top tier QB who will have success against Pittsburgh. Especially if head coach Mike Gundy lets him air it out all day.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 30 Oklahoma State 31
Tip: Total Points Over 59.0 - $1.92 at Sportsbet
Michigan State Spartans at Notre Dame Fighting Irish (Sunday 18 September 9:30am)
There is a long history between these two teams and there will be a lot of pride on the line in this traditional-rivalry game. The first game between these two dates back to 1897 and since then they have played each other 77 times. Notre Dame leads the all-time series 48-28-1.
The Spartans will come into this game very fresh as they had an early week 2 bye. This should benefit their defense as it gives coaches extra time to get ahead of Notre Dame Offense. Michigan State will have a tough time stopping the potent Fighting Irish Offense. An Offense we saw put up 47 points against Texas in week 1. They won’t be putting that many points on the board against Michigan States defense but I do think they will get a close victory.
Prediction: Michigan State 20 Notre Dame 24
Tip: Total Points Under 50.5 - $1.92 at Sportsbet
Texas Longhorns at California Golden Bears (Sunday 18 September 12:30pm)
Texas got everybody’s attention in week 1 after a dramatic overtime win against Notre Dame. They are now ranked 11th in the country and are not taking their foot off the gas. College football is much better when Texas are in the National Championship discussion.
Hosting the Longhorns will be the California Golden Bears. After starting their season in Sydney with a win over Hawaii the California Golden Bears then lost to San Diego State in another shootout 40-45. The biggest problem is their defense which will be magnified against an Offense like Texas.
It really looks like Texas has a point to prove this year and that gives me more confidence that they will continue to press late in games. This scoreboard will resemble a basketball score after four quarters.
Prediction: Texas 51 California 42
Tip: Total Points Over 81.0 - $1.92 at Sportsbet
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
