College Football Picks Friday Night: 3 Predictions and Best Bets (Nov. 6)

Today’s Best College Football Picks in Summary

• Nebraska -4.5 (-110) vs. Illinois
• New Mexico -9.5 (-102) vs. Nevada
• TCU vs. Arizona Under 46.5 Points (-118)

If you want more FanDuel Research content, be sure to add FanDuel as a preferred source on Google.

Tonight's college football slate features five games, including a Big Ten matchup between Nebraska and Illinois, a Big 12 clash between TCU and Arizona, and a Mountain West matchup featuring New Mexico and Nevada. With conference standings and bowl eligibility on the line, there's plenty at stake as the regular season enters its final month.

Whether you’re looking for college football picks, predictions, or betting analysis, breaking down the latest odds, matchups, and key trends can help identify the best bets to consider.

Let’s get you ready for Friday’s slate by looking at our best bets.

All college football odds via FanDuel Sportsbook. Lines may change after this article is published.

Today’s College Football Predictions, Picks (Friday)

Nebraska -4.5 (-110)

Nebraska at Illinois — 8:00 p.m. ET

It’s not going to feel good to trust Nebraska, who enters Friday's matchup riding a three-game losing streak, but the Cornhuskers have played better than their recent record might suggest. All three losses have come by seven points or fewer, including narrow defeats to Indiana and Oregon.

The Cornhuskers have been particularly impressive defensively, allowing just 15.6 points and 270.8 total yards per game. They rank eighth nationally in total defense and 11th in rushing yards allowed (91.1 per game).

That defensive advantage could prove significant against an Illinois offense averaging 29.0 points and 394.3 total yards per contest. Nebraska's ability to limit opposing rushing attacks could force the Fighting Illini into more obvious passing situations.

The Cornhuskers should also find opportunities offensively. Illinois is allowing 24.3 points and 370.6 yards per game, including 240.8 passing yards per contest. The Fighting Illini have also struggled to get off the field, surrendering a 41.9% third-down conversion rate.

Nebraska's offense has been considerably more effective on third down, converting 49.6% of its opportunities. That efficiency could help the Cornhuskers sustain drives and take advantage of an Illinois defense that hasn't been particularly imposing.

Despite Nebraska's recent struggles, their underlying numbers are mostly pretty good, and I like them to cover at Illinois.

New Mexico -9.5 (-102)

New Mexico at Nevada — 9:00 p.m. ET

New Mexico has emerged as one of the nation's most impressive Group of Five teams, entering Friday's matchup with a 7-1 record and an undefeated mark in Mountain West play.

The Lobos' success has been fueled by an outstanding defense that is allowing just 11.9 points per game, the best mark in the country. New Mexico also ranks fourth nationally in total defense (258.1 yards allowed per game) and fifth against the run (81.6 yards allowed per game).

That could be a major problem for a Nevada squad that has struggled to generate consistent offense. The Wolf Pack are averaging just 23.0 points and 336.0 total yards per game, ranking outside the top 100 nationally in both categories.

Nevada's passing attack has been especially limited, producing only 169.0 yards per game. New Mexico's defensive strength should make it difficult for the Wolf Pack to sustain drives and consistently move the chains.

The Lobos also have a favorable matchup on the ground. New Mexico averages 213.1 rushing yards per game, ranking 14th nationally, while Nevada is allowing 162.0 rushing yards per contest. Running back Scottre Humphrey has been really good, recording 540 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on 111 carries.

New Mexico has won five straight games and is 6-2 against the spread this season. Although the Lobos have played two consecutive five-point games, their significant defensive advantage and ability to control the ground game create a path to a comfortable victory.

TCU vs. Arizona Under 46.5 Points (-118)

TCU at Arizona — 10:15 p.m. ET

Friday's late-night Big 12 matchup features two of the conference's better defenses, making the under an appealing option.

TCU has been particularly impressive on that side of the ball, surrendering just 14.1 points and 287.6 total yards per game. The Horned Frogs rank eighth nationally in scoring defense and 14th in total defense.

Their pass defense has also been excellent, allowing just 174.6 passing yards per contest. TCU has permitted only four passing touchdowns through eight games, tied for the fewest nationally.

That's especially important against an Arizona offense that relies heavily on its passing attack. The Wildcats are averaging 324.1 passing yards per game, ranking sixth nationally, but their rushing offense has been considerably less productive at 131.5 yards per contest.

Arizona's defense has also performed well, allowing just 18.9 points and 334.5 total yards per game. That unit should have an opportunity to capitalize on a TCU offense that has struggled to put points on the board.

The Horned Frogs are averaging just 23.3 points per game, ranking 100th nationally, and their games have averaged only 37.4 combined points this season. Seven of TCU's eight games have finished under the closing total.

Arizona certainly has the offensive firepower to threaten this wager if they’re clicking, but TCU's impressive pass defense can keep the Wildcats in check. With both teams ranking among the top 30 nationally in scoring defense, I’m backing this game to go under 45.5.

College Football Betting FAQ

What is a point spread in college football betting?

The point spread is designed to account for the expected difference between two teams. The favorite must win by more than the listed spread for a bet on that team to cover while the underdog can cover by winning outright or losing by fewer points than the spread.

What is a college football moneyline bet?

A moneyline wager is simply a bet on which team will win the game. Favorites typically have shorter odds and smaller potential payouts while underdogs generally offer larger potential returns.

What does over/under mean in college football?

An over/under, also known as the game total, is a wager on the combined number of points scored by both teams. Bettors can choose whether the final combined score will finish over or under the set total.

What are college football player props?

College football player props are wagers based on an individual player's performance rather than the final outcome of the game. Depending on availability, common markets can include passing yards, rushing yards, receiving yards, touchdowns, and other statistical categories.

New customers can get $200 in Bonus Bets -- guaranteed -- when you bet $5 each day for four days. Place your first wager now! See here for full terms and conditions. Learn about today's other offers at FanDuel Sportsbook Promos.

Looking for the latest college football odds? Head over to FanDuel Sportsbook and check out all of the college football betting options. You can also check out our How to Bet on College Football guide.

Sign up for FanDuel Sportsbook and FanDuel Daily Fantasy today!

The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.