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We've still got some work to do before we're profitable, but it's a long season, and gambling is all about the grind. Heading into Week 3, we've got a good mix of heavy favorites and feisty underdogs to celebrate the true kickoff of SEC conference play.
Take a look below for our best bets of Week 3 of the college football season.
Alabama has covered two big spreads to open the year, giving us winners each time. We're going to keep riding the trend as they open SEC play against Mississippi. Ole Miss can score but haven't played a real defense yet this year, and Alabama's offense might be better this year with Tua Tagovailoa running the show than their past two teams that made the national championship.
Boise State (+2.5) over Oklahoma State
This should be a shootout, with both the Broncos and Cowboys capable of putting up massive point totals. I think Boise State quarterback Brett Rypien gives them the edge. Rypien is a fourth-year starting senior and is surrounded by possibly the most talented group of receivers he's had. I like the senior to keep his composure when the pressure is on to score on every drive.
TCU (+12.5) over Ohio State
Ohio State has been running through opponents despite the absence of head coach Urban Meyer, but this is too many points to lay against a talented TCU team. The Horned Frogs have proven their ability to win big games early in the year, taking down No. 6 Oklahoma State on the road last season. The Buckeyes present a bigger challenge, but TCU should be able to put up enough points to land within the number.
Auburn (-10.5) over LSU
Last year, LSU completed a 20-point comeback to upset Auburn and spoil the Tigers playoff hopes. At home to open their SEC season, I expect Auburn to unleash the fury of revenge. The Tigers have won nine straight home games by double digits, and on Saturday they'll make it ten.
Georgia (-33.5) over Middle Tennessee
It's a lot of points to lay, but this Middle Tennessee team was only to manage seven points against Vanderbilt in their season opener, and the Georgia defense presents them with a much more daunting challenge. It might be a nail-biter, but a special teams touchdown here and a late turnover there and the Bulldogs find a way to cover the number.
Penn State (-35) over Kent State
Penn State gave us a winner last weekend with their dominant performance on the road against Pittsburgh. After opening the season with a scare against Appalachian State, look for the Nittany Lions to put on a show for the home crowd and remind them that they believe they're playoff contenders this year.
Baylor (-6.5) over Duke
Duke is a solid team this year, even earning a few votes towards the top 25 in the most recent coaches poll, but they just lost starting quarterback Daniel Jones and defensive back Mark Gilbert. Baylor didn't get a single win at home during last year's dismal season, but if they beat the Blue Devils, could be set for a 4-0 start with a game against Kansas next week. Don't expect Duke to roll over just because of their injuries, but Baylor head coach Matt Rhule should have the Bears prepared.
Now check out our picks for Week 2 of the NFL season
