Week 3 of the college football season promises a thrilling showdown as teams vie for dominance. This week features several high-stakes matchups that will significantly impact the rankings. Key games include a crucial ACC battle between No. 12 Clemson and Georgia Tech, and a pivotal contest between No. 19 Alabama and Wisconsin, where the Crimson Tide need a victory. The afternoon brings a highly anticipated clash between No. 6 Georgia and No. 15 Tennessee, alongside an in-state rivalry between No. 5 Miami and No. 18 South Florida.
The evening slate offers even more excitement. No. 3 LSU and Florida face off in a traditionally dramatic encounter. However, the main event might be the showdown between No. 8 Notre Dame and No. 16 Texas A&M. Notre Dame, aiming to recover from a Week 1 loss, cannot afford another defeat, while a victory for Texas A&M would drastically boost their national standing. These games will drastically shape the college football landscape.
Here's a breakdown of our expert picks against the spread, with odds and analysis:
**Noon ET:**
* **Georgia Tech +3.5 (-110) vs. Clemson:** Georgia Tech has shown surprising strength, defeating Colorado and dominating Gardner-Webb. While Clemson's performance has been less impressive, Georgia Tech's consistent play suggests they can keep this game close. (Pick: Will Backus)
* **Alabama -20.5 vs. Wisconsin:** Alabama is favored heavily, and rightly so. While Wisconsin’s passing game showed some flashes against Middle Tennessee, the level of competition is vastly different. Expect Alabama to dominate. (Pick: Tom Fornelli)
**3:30 PM ET:**
* **Purdue +20.5 vs. USC:** Purdue's run-heavy strategy could present challenges for USC's struggling run defense. If Purdue controls the tempo, they can keep this closer than the spread suggests. (Pick: Cody Nagel)
* **Georgia -3.5 vs. Tennessee:** Georgia's strong defense, combined with their historical success against Josh Heupel's offenses, gives them a significant edge. While Tennessee's quarterback will have moments, Georgia's dominance should prevail. (Pick: Shehan Jeyarajah)
**4:30 PM ET:**
* **Miami -17.5 vs. South Florida:** Miami's superior line play should allow them to control the game against South Florida. If they effectively pressure the quarterback, they should secure a comfortable home victory. (Pick: Chip Patterson)
**7:30 PM ET:**
* **Florida +7.5 vs. LSU:** While Florida is coming off a loss, their talent level remains high. LSU's offense still needs refinement, allowing Florida's defense to potentially keep it competitive. (Pick: David Cobb)
**7:30 PM ET:**
* **Notre Dame Money line -258 vs. Texas A&M:** Texas A&M's improved offense presents a challenge, but Notre Dame's stronger rushing attack and quarterback's running ability give them the edge in this crucial matchup. (Pick: Brandon Marcello)
For more detailed analysis and picks from our advanced computer model, visit SportsLine. This model boasts a 31-19 record since the start of last season on top-rated money-line and over/under picks.
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Originally published at: https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/college-football-picks-predictions-odds-betting-lines-week-3-games/
