College football picks, schedule: Predictions against the spread, odds, top 25 games in Week 3

Week 3 of the 2023 college football season may not be “loaded” with big-time games — in fact, it’s the earliest week in a season without a top 25 matchup since 2019 — but there are a number of showdowns on the slate that should peak fan interest. Among them is the much-publicized nightcap with Deion Sanders and No. 18 Colorado hosting rival Colorado State at Folsom Stadium.

More than three-touchdown favorites, the Buffaloes appear poised to improve to 3-0 in Coach Prime’s first season despite a completely revamped roster. Getting to 5-0 will be a bit more difficult with No. 13 Oregon and No. 5 USC on the docket the following two weeks.

Elsewhere, the top four teams in the SEC East — at least historically — will battle as division opponents for the final time this season. No. 1 Georgia hosts South Carolina in the first SEC on CBS Game of the Week of 2023, while Florida hosts No. 11 Tennessee with the Gators looking to win their 10th straight meeting in The Swamp against the Volunteers.

Be sure to stick with CBS Sports throughout the day for college football coverage from the opening kickoff onward. Let’s take a look at our expert picks for the best games in Week 3.

Odds via SportsLine consensus | All times Eastern

No. 7 Penn State at Illinois

Noon | Fox, fubo (Try for free) — While Illinois has struggled defensively to begin the season, I anticipate it’ll look better this weekend. As talented as Drew Allar may be, he’s not the dual-threat type that has posed the Illini so many problems. Illinois was hesitant to bring pressure in the first two games for fear of Toledo’s Dequan Finn or Kansas’ Jalon Daniels breaking free for long runs. On the other side, while the Illinois offense has looked good, Penn State will be the…

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Author : Will Backus

Publish date : 2023-09-15 20:22:17

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