After a week that turned the 2022 college football season upside down, the top 25 favorites on Saturday, Week 3, may be more cautious. With two games between ranked rivals on the schedule and some top non-conference games still in the works, there’s still a lot to figure out before the league officially kicks off to wrap up September.
The most notable Saturday is Nightcap. 13 Miami visits 24 Texas A&M with the Aggies just wrapped up one of the aforementioned losses to Appalachia. The Hurricanes are looking to make adjustments under first-year coach Mario Cristobal, while Aggies coach Jimbo Fisher aims to keep his seat from getting too hot. Speaking of Cristobal, his former team was No. 1 in another top-25 matchup. 25 Oregon hosts 12 Bew. The Cougars are feeling good after a home win over Baylor, while the Ducks are still aiming to recover from a poor first week against Georgia.
There is also No on the list. 6 Oklahoma welcomes rival Nebraska fresh from the Cornhusks firing coach Scott Frost. 1 Georgia visits SEC East rivals South Carolina and Auburn to welcome tough non-conference tests from No. 1. 22 Penn State is featured on CBS. In other words, there’s no shortage of storylines to chew on before Saturday wraps up.
Be sure to stick with CBS Sports for college football coverage throughout the day, starting with the opening ceremony. Let’s take a look at our expert picks for the best games of Week 3.
Caesars Sportsbook Odds | Always East
Do not. 6 Oklahoma, Nebraska
Featured Games | Nebraska Corn Flayers v Oklahoma Jaguar Land Rover
noon | fox, Fubo TV (Free Trial) – Oklahoma has yet to meet a Big Five opponent under new coach Brent Venables. In fact, both of its victories have come against top-ranked teams. 95 and no. Ranked 108th on the CBS Sports 131 ranking. While Nebraska is struggling, a leap in talent — and a new coaching direction — makes this game a little trickier than early results had assumed. Last season’s bad Nebraska played better Oklahoma by seven points. With the race going on in Lincoln, Nebraska, don’t expect things to get out of hand. Pick: Nebraska (+11.5) – Sheikhan Jayaraj
Do not. 1 Georgia in South Carolina
Featured Games | South Carolina Cockers v Georgia Bulldogs
Noon | ESPN, Fubo TV (Free Trial) – South Carolina’s woes on the offensive line caused disaster in this game. The Gamecocks are struggling to protect quarterback Spencer Rattler and haven’t shown much quick offense in either game. With five players selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Georgia’s defense looks to have barely budged, and the Bulldogs may be able to prevent South Carolina from hitting double digits. While coach Kirby Smart is unlikely to improve the scoring on a respected former assistant, Georgia should cover, even if its offense keeps things flat. Prediction: Georgia (-24.5) – David Cobb
Do not. 22 Penn State Auburn
Featured Games | Auburn Tigers v Penn State Nittany Lions
3:30 PM | CBS, CBSSports.com, CBS Sports App — While Penn State had the bigger win of the two teams, the Nittany Lions struggled against Purdue. So, I’m not ready to believe that the Nittany Lions are the road favorites against Auburn, even if Auburn doesn’t inspire much confidence. In this game, the best unit on the field will be the defense, so it’s hard to imagine either team being able to pull the other too far. That makes Auburn and Points an attractive option. Prediction: Auburn (+3) – Tom Fornelli
Do not. 12 BYU in no. 25 Oregon
Featured Games | Oregon Ducks vs. BYU Cougars
3:30 PM | Fox, Fubo TV (Free Trial) – In short: BYU outperforms Oregon in the vast majority of job groups. Despite missing his first two catch targets, quarterback Jalen Hall flashed his NFL arm in his displeasure with Baylor last weekend. Offensive and defensive lines have been outstanding for most of the past three seasons. Minor players were terrific, while running back Christopher Brooks was terrific. Instead, Oregon has gone 1-4 in its past five FBS games and has been beaten 201-90. With victories over Baylor, USC, Utah and four other Big Five opponents over the past year, don’t expect the Cougars to be intimidated by Oregon’s recruiting star. Prediction: Brigham Young University (+3.5) – Jayaraj
UTSA Ranked #21 Texas
Featured Games | Texas Longhorns vs. UTSA Road Runners
8 p.m. Longhorn Network – It’s a potential trap game for the Longhorns, but I do think they’ll win. However, the status of the Hudson card makes me hesitant to consider Texas as a 12.5-point favorite. Card is at his best when playing with his legs, and his ankle injury could limit his game. Most importantly, Jeff Traylor’s team has enough momentum to go up against one of the flagship institutions of the Big 12. Texas got the win, but the Road Runners screened. Forecast: UTSA (+12.5) —Austin Neveson
Do not. Miami ranked 13th. 24 Texas A&M University
Featured Games | Texas A&M A&M vs. Miami (FL) Hurricanes
9 p.m. ESPN, Fubo TV (Free Trial) – It’s going to come down to the quarterback battle, and the winner is the obvious one. Tyler Van Dyke is more talented than Haynes King, with better protection and more weapons. The offense from Van Dijk and the Hurricanes will set the pace, which will lead to this game in the ’30s. Texas A&M will not be able to suspend. Multiple turnovers at Texas A&M in the second half would not only give Miami a cover, but an outright win. Prediction: Miami (+5.5) –Barrett Sally
Which college football picks can you confidently pick in Week 3, and which hot picks will be eliminated? Visit SportsLine to see which teams will win and make up the difference — all from a proven computer model that has made nearly $3,400 in profits over the past six-plus seasons — and find out.