College Football Predictions: 3 Picks and Best Bets for Friday's Games

College Football Picks in Summary

• Army -3.5 (-102)
• Northwestern +20.5 (+100)
• Cal Moneyline (-106)

College football offers plenty of betting opportunities each week — with spreads, moneylines, totals, and player props available across the biggest games on the schedule.

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 this week by looking at our best bets.

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

Friday’s Best College Football Picks and Predictions

Army -3.5 (-102)

Army at Temple, 4 p.m. ET

The Army Black Knights have played only twice thus far, but they have been extremely productive offensively, averaging 41.5 points per game while allowing just 15.5. They opened with a 59-3 rout of Bryant before falling 28-24 to South Florida.

The matchup is especially appealing for Army's rushing attack. The Black Knights are averaging 394.0 rushing yards per game and an absurd 7.3 yards per carry, while the Temple Owls have surrendered 410.3 total yards per game. The Owls are giving up 30.0 points per contest through three games.

Temple's 3-0 record against the spread deserves respect. But if the Black Knights can impose their usual rushing volume and keep Temple's offense from generating explosive plays, Army has a good chance to control this game and win by more than a field goal.

Northwestern +20.5 (+100)

Northwestern at Indiana, 8 p.m. ET

The Indiana Hoosiers have looked dominant through three games, scoring 48.3 points per game while permitting only 5.3, so taking the Northwestern Wildcats to cover might not feel comfortable at first glance. However, the betting results tell a slightly different story. Indiana is 0-3 against the spread this season while Northwestern has covered in each of its first two games.

Northwestern has been impressive in its own right. The Wildcats enter 2-0 while averaging 37.5 points and giving up only 12.5 per game. The level of competition ramps up significantly here, but Northwestern doesn't necessarily need to threaten an upset to cover.

Getting nearly three touchdowns is appealing in a conference matchup between two unbeaten teams, especially with Northwestern showing early signs that it can defend. Indiana may ultimately control the game, but the Wildcats have enough going for them on both sides of the ball to stay within 20 points.

Cal Moneyline (-106)

Clemson at California, 10:30 p.m. ET

This is effectively a coin-flip game, with the Clemson Tigers sitting at -113 on the moneyline and the California Golden Bears at -106. I'll take Cal at home.

Clemson's offense has been a major concern through three games. The Tigers are averaging only 20.0 points and 297.7 total yards per game, including 172.3 passing yards and 125.3 rushing yards. Their 4.7 yards per play also ranks near the bottom nationally.

Cal has been the more productive offense thus far, averaging 31.3 points per game. The Golden Bears also get Clemson in Berkeley for a 10:30 p.m. Eastern kickoff, meaning the Tigers have to make a cross-country trip for a game beginning pretty darn late for an east-coast school.

Neither team has been all that great through three weeks, but Clemson hasn't shown enough offensively to warrant much confidence as a road favorite — at least in my eyes. With Cal getting home-field advantage and listed as a slight ‘dog, the Golden Bears are appealing in what should be a tight contest.

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 up to $250 in Bonus Bets — guaranteed — when you bet $5 every day for five 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.