CFB betting: Biggest games of Week 3

There aren't a lot of big games on the Week 3 schedule, but what makes college football so great is you never when an upset will occur. No. 1 Clemson and No. 2 Alabama likely won't fall this week though, as both teams are favored by over three touchdowns on the road.

There are some interesting contests on the slate, even with few top 25 matchups, including a pivotal SEC showdown and UCF hosting a Power 5 opponent.

Here's the betting breakdown for Week 3's biggest matchups:

Florida at Kentucky

Line: Florida -8.5

The Gators opened up -11 on the road, but that number didn't last long.

Bettors jumped on home underdog Kentucky, dropping the line to 8.5. It's not surprising to see sharps back a double-digit SEC home underdog, but it is surprising that the Wildcats received a lot of early action, even after losing quarterback Terry Wilson to a season-ending knee injury suffered against Eastern Michigan. Troy transfer Sawyer Smith will make his first start for Kentucky on Saturday against Florida's ferocious defense.

Losing its starting quarterback isn't the only obstacle for Kentucky. This is a big revenge spot for Florida after the Wildcats upset the Gators at home last year. Dropping a game to Kentucky isn't common for the Gators, who have dominated this series over the years, especially in Lexington. Florida is 15-0 straight up and 11-4 against the spread in their last 15 trips to Kentucky.

The Wildcats are in a tough spot without their starting quarterback while facing a strong Florida team. If you believe Florida will win this game outright, then consider laying the points with the Gators. Kentucky is just 3-23 ATS over its last 26 losses at home.

Stanford at UCF

Line: UCF -7.5

Stanford is coming off an emotional loss to Pac-12 rival USC and now must travel across the country to face UCF. The Cardinal opened as a 6-point underdog, but bettors didn't see value there. Instead, early money came in on the Knights, pushing the line to 7.5.

The good news for Stanford is quarterback K.J. Costello will return this week after sitting out the 45-20 loss to the Trojans, although the same can't be said for All-Conference left tackle Walker Little. Little is out for the season due to a knee injury. The Cardinal will likely be without tackle Foster Sarell for this game too.

UCF freshman quarterback Dillon Gabriel started for the injured Brandon Wimbush last week against Florida Atlantic and finished just 7-for-19 passing. However, those seven completions went for 245 yards. Expect both Gabriel and Wimbush to play on Saturday against a Cardinal defence that USC true freshman pivot Kedon Slovis just torched.

Stanford is coming into the game with offensive line injuries, but head coach David Shaw has excelled in this spot. Stanford is 17-6 both SU and ATS under Shaw when coming off a loss, and 14-5 ATS as an underdog. Expect a much better effort from the Cardinal on the road this week.

Iowa at Iowa State

Line: Iowa -2.5

It's arguably the biggest day of football ever in the state of Iowa. The Hawkeyes and Cyclones are battling in a matchup of top 25 teams, and ESPN's College Gameday will be in Ames for the first time.

The Cyclones opened as a one-point favorite at home, but bettors quickly pounced on the Hawkeyes, moving the line to Iowa -2.5. Iowa State struggled in its opener, needing overtime to get by Northern Iowa, 29-26. The Cyclones were resting during a bye week and preparing for their in-state rival, and Iowa is coming off a 30-0 shutout win over Rutgers.

This looks like an even game on paper, but beware of Iowa State catching points at home. The Cyclones are 11-2 ATS in their last 13 games as home underdogs.