College Football Predictions: 3 Picks and Best Bets for Saturday

Saturday’s College Football Picks in Summary

• Iowa +5.5 (-112)
• Georgia -13.5 (-118)
• USC +3.5 (-122)

Saturday's college football slate brings no shortage of compelling matchups, with ranked teams squaring off across the country and several games carrying major conference and playoff implications.

With a loaded board of spreads, totals, and moneylines to choose from, let's narrow things down. Here are three college football bets that stand out for Saturday's action.

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

Saturday’s Best College Football Picks and Predictions

Iowa +5.5 (-112)

Iowa at Michigan, Noon ET

This has all the makings of a low-scoring Big Ten battle, which is why the total is set at a lowly 38.5 points. I think that makes 5.5 points valuable with the Iowa Hawkeyes.

The Hawkeyes have surrendered only 13 points all season, allowing 4.3 points per game through a 3-0 start. They shut out both Northern Illinois and Northern Iowa while limiting Iowa State to 13 points.

The Michigan Wolverines‘ defense has been excellent, too, but its offense hasn't consistently separated from opponents. The Wolverines opened with a 13-12 “win” over Western Michigan and followed that with a 17-10 victory versus Oklahoma before breaking out for a 52-17 win against UTEP. Bryce Underwood has thrown for 504 yards and three touchdowns through three games while adding 156 rushing yards.

A projected defensive struggle gives Iowa a realistic chance to remain within one possession even if Michigan ultimately wins the game, and that style of game is right in Iowa’s wheelhouse.

Iowa has covered twice in three games this year, and the Hawkeyes' defense should give them a chance to stay within the number as Underwood and the Wolverines should have a tough time sustaining drives.

Georgia -13.5 (-118)

Oklahoma at Georgia, 3:30 p.m. ET

The Georgia Bulldogs‘ early-season numbers are ridiculous. The Dawgs are averaging an FBS-best 59.3 points and 539.0 total yards per game while surrendering just 13.3 points per contest. They've been particularly dominant on the ground, producing 253.3 rushing yards per game while allowing only 45.7.

The Oklahoma Sooners‘ defense has been excellent in its own right, allowing only 7.7 points per game, but its offense hasn't operated anywhere near Georgia's level. The Sooners are averaging 25.0 points and 329.7 total yards per game, including only 110.3 rushing yards per contest.

Turnovers could also become an issue. Georgia owns a +3 turnover margin while Oklahoma sits at -4. Against most opponents, the Sooners' defense can compensate for offensive mistakes, but giving Georgia short fields would be a dangerous formula.

At first glance, this spread looks pretty darn big for a matchup between ranked teams, but Georgia's advantages offensively, on the ground, and in turnover battle give the Bulldogs several paths to creating separation in the second half.

USC +3.5 (-122)

Oregon at USC, 7:30 p.m. ET

The USC Trojans have been one of the nation's most productive offenses through four games, averaging 43.0 points and 500.2 total yards per contest. Jayden Maiava has already thrown for 1,173 yards, while the Trojans are averaging 7.2 yards per play.

The Oregon Ducks have been equally explosive, averaging 49.7 points and 506.0 yards per game, so this should be one of Saturday's most entertaining matchups.

I’m most interested in backing USC to cover at this +3.5 number.

The Trojans' defense has quietly been solid, holding opponents to 317.5 total yards per game, including only 113.8 rushing yards per contest. Oregon, meanwhile, has been penalized for 73.7 yards per game and has allowed seven sacks through its first three contests. Those mistakes could become more costly against the best opponent the Ducks have faced thus far.

In what projects as a very competitive game, I'll take USC and the points in the Coliseum against an Oregon team that just hasn’t looked right against good competition this season.

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.

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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.