College Football Predictions This Week: 4 Picks and Best Bets for Saturday, Oct. 17

Saturday’s College Football Picks in Summary

• Northwestern -7.5 (-105)
• Texas -11.5 (-110)
• Missouri +5.5 (-112)
• Auburn +20.5 (-104)

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.

Saturday’s Best College Football Picks and Predictions

Northwestern -7.5 (-105)

Northwestern at Michigan State, Noon ET

The Northwestern Wildcats have been one of the more pleasant surprises in the Big Ten, and the ‘Cats have an excellent opportunity to continue their strong start against the Michigan State Spartans.

The Wildcats are averaging 35.4 points per game while surrendering just 16.2 points per contest. Michigan State, meanwhile, is scoring only 21.3 points per game and allowing 25.7.

Northwestern's offensive efficiency is particularly impressive. The Wildcats are generating 7.1 yards per play, including 10.3 yards per pass attempt, and they're averaging 203.0 rushing yards per game.

Michigan State's offense has struggled to generate consistent production. That could make moving the ball against Northwestern's defense particularly difficult.

Northwestern has also covered the spread in four of its five games this season, and numberFire gives the Wildcats a 78.7% chance of winning Saturday.

With advantages on both sides of the ball, Northwestern to cover catches my eye.

Texas -11.5 (-110)

Florida at Texas, Noon ET

The Texas Longhorns return home following a disappointing loss to the Oklahoma Sooners, and the Longhorns have an appealing opportunity to bounce back.

The Gators have struggled defensively, allowing 34.2 points per game. Florida's defense also ranks 116th nationally in EPA allowed per play, highlighting its inability to consistently prevent opposing offenses from moving the ball.

That should create opportunities for Texas to generate explosive plays and put points on the scoreboard.

Florida's recent defensive performances have been particularly concerning. The Gators surrendered 45 points to Missouri and 38 to South Carolina in their last two outings, with the South Carolina game coming at home.

Texas has been much more effective defensively, allowing just 16.0 points per game while limiting opponents to 264.6 total yards per contest.

Florida possesses a productive offense, averaging 39.6 points per game, but Texas' defensive strength should make sustaining drives more difficult than usual for UF.

With the Longhorns facing a vulnerable Florida defense at home, Texas has a favorable matchup to produce a convincing victory.

Missouri +5.5 (-112)

Missouri at Ole Miss, 3:30 p.m. ET

The Missouri Tigers and Mississippi Rebels meet in a ranked SEC showdown, and I'm siding with the Tigers to keep things close.

Missouri enters this matchup averaging 35.8 points per game while allowing just 17.7 points per contest. Ole Miss has been slightly more productive offensively, averaging 38.8 points, but its defense has surrendered 28.0 points per game.

That defensive disparity makes Missouri particularly appealing as an underdog.

There's also an interesting disconnect between the betting market and the projections. FanDuel Research's numberFire model gives Ole Miss just a 51.2% chance of winning outright despite the Rebels being favored by 5.5 points.

Missouri's defensive advantage should help the Tigers remain competitive, and their offensive production suggests they have enough firepower to capitalize on an Ole Miss defense that has struggled at times.

Auburn +20.5 (-104)

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

The Georgia Bulldogs enter Saturday's matchup with the Auburn Tigers as the nation's top-ranked team, but laying more than three touchdowns against an SEC rival is a significant ask.

The Bulldogs have been outstanding offensively, averaging 46.2 points and 474.8 total yards per game. Their defense has also impressed, allowing just 14.0 points per contest.

However, Auburn has enough offensive balance to potentially keep this matchup closer than the spread suggests. The Tigers are averaging 180.0 rushing yards per game, and their ability to establish the ground game could prove particularly important. Sustained rushing possessions would help Auburn shorten the game and limit Georgia's offensive opportunities.

Auburn also enters this matchup coming off a bye, giving the Tigers additional preparation time. Meanwhile, the Dawgs had a grueling road game at Alabama last week.

Georgia is clearly the superior team, but Auburn's ability to run the rock and control possession makes taking the points an intriguing option.

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.