We are beginning to settle into this 2026 college football season as we come into week 3. Last week, my bets were Army -3, Utah -11.5, Northern Iowa -11.5, and Portland State +25.5, and that resulted in another 3-1 week, with Army not being able to maintain the double-digit lead that they had late in the game. That now puts me at 9-3 on the college football season so far, so I am hopeful to keep that up going forward. If you have any doubt on my record, check for yourself here!
College Football Week 3: Akron Zips @ Minnesota Golden Gophers
My first pick this week takes us to Minneapolis, where the Gophers will host the Zips of Akron. Minnesota is a good team that has been well orchestrated by coach PJ Fleck, and they are coming off of an embarrassing blowout loss to Mississippi State last week. I think Minnesota got caught napping early in that one and never got the car back on the road.
However, with the Zips coming into town, PJ Fleck has been known to run the score up on significantly lesser G5 and FCS teams, and there is no better spot to ride that train than this one. I have seen Minnesota sitting around -23.5 to -24.5, and I will take them at -23.5. Remember that 24 is a key number: three touchdowns plus three extra points, and a field goal. So let’s lock the Gophers and sit back to watch this picnic.
College Football Week 3: Brigham Young Cougars @ Colorado State Rams
As you probably saw in the picture above for this article, I am in love with backing coach Jim Mora Jr. (son of Jim Mora Sr. (“Playoffs?!”) and the Colorado State Rams this Saturday. I will set the scene: BYU is walking into a juggernaut in Canvas Stadium at 7:30 PM EST after beating Arizona last week in an absolute war. The CSU faithful had their home fortress bouncing in Week 1 against rival Wyoming, who are not good whatsoever, but Coach Mora knows how to run a program.
I think BYU will underestimate the Rams here, and according to my preferred rating systems/projections, CSU is the play here. I have seen both +17.5 and +18, so the more points for insurance and a cover, the better. So there it is: I will climb on the Rams back, hold onto the horns, and be full charge towards BYU at +18.
College Football Week 3: FCS Dabbles and Leans
Once again, let’s head over to the wonderful world of FCS football to find some winners. The first FCS pick I am going with is more of a fade of the other side, and that matchup is Georgetown facing Richmond. Georgetown has not looked good this season, and they did give Lafayette fits but I don’t think Lafayette is good either so give me Richmond -11.5. The next FCS lock I have is going to be Albany moneyline as they take on Monmouth. Albany has looked impressive so far, and their only loss was to FBS Buffalo, and while this game opened at 3.5/4 and moved all the way to 1/1.5 I still like Albany here.
To conclude this week’s picks, I also have a lean in the FCS with Youngstown State going to Brookings, SD, to face South Dakota State. Youngstown State’s football is still being underrated this season, in my opinion, and I really like them in this spot, even though SDSU is always a tough team. As always, if I have any other plays for this weekend, you can find them here!
