CFB Week 3 best bets: Play the Syracuse-Pitt total
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The Week 3 college football slate looks a lot more ideal from a betting perspective than the previous two. Here's where the edges are for this Saturday.
Syracuse at Pitt (-22.5, 50)
I have no clue how Syracuse scores in this one, let alone moves the ball. Quarterback Tommy DeVito was sacked more than any Power 5 quarterback last season and the early returns indicate nothing's changed: He was dropped seven times last week by UNC, which held the Orange to just 202 yards and six points.
Pitt is far from the tuneup that Syracuse needs. The Panthers have one of the best defenses in the country and they're fresh off a shutout in their opener.
This is not going to be a fun game to watch. I suggest finding something else to keep you occupied.
Pick: Under 50
SMU at North Texas (+14, 70.5)
SMU's offense was frustrating to watch two weeks ago against Texas State. One of the most prolific passing units in the country from a season ago changed course and attempted to establish the run, much to the chagrin of SMU and over bettors.
I'd prefer it if head coach Sonny Dykes stuck to the blueprint here. North Texas' secondary can give up some chunk plays, which is bad news against quarterback Shane Buechele and his star-studded supporting cast. If Dykes goes back to a more balanced approach, the Mustangs should find success against a Mean Green defense that ranked No. 88 in the country in yards per rush allowed (4.7) last season.
These two clubs combined for 76 points last season and will be in for a similar result Saturday.
Pick: Over 70.5
UCF at Georgia Tech (-7.5, 62)
It's some serious disrespect for Central Florida to lay only 7.5 points a week after an inconsistent Florida State club nearly closed as a two-touchdown favorite over Georgia Tech.
Georgia Tech has infinitely more juice than it had in head coach Geoff Collins' first season last year, and I didn't think I'd be selling so quickly. However, I'll bank on Central Florida's athleticism here.
For the umpteenth time, we aren't talking about the Knights enough this season. They could be the class of the Group of 5 yet again with two-thirds of the offense and 75% of the defense back from last year's squad.
I'm ecstatic to lay the chalk here.
Pick: UCF -7.5
(Odds source: theScore Bet)
Alex Kolodziej is a betting writer for theScore. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 12 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AJKolodziej.