College Football Week 3 opening line report

Each week we'll break down the opening lines for the biggest college football games on the card to see where the early money is going and how the spread may move leading up to kickoff. Week 3 features Clemson and Alabama both laying over three touchdowns on the road.

Alabama at South Carolina

Opening Line: Alabama -21

One week after being a 54-point favorite over New Mexico State, the Crimson Tide are back in their typical spread range as a three-touchdown favorite on the road over an SEC opponent. Alabama opened -21, but sharp bettors thought that line was a little low and the Crimson Tide moved to -25. While sharps already gobbled up the best number, consider grabbing Alabama at -25 if you like the Crimson Tide this week. The line is likely to climb another point or two before kickoff. Alabama hasn't been a profitable bet of late, however, going 1-4 against the spread in its last five games.

Clemson at Syracuse

Opening Line: Clemson -24

Like Alabama, No. 1 Clemson is laying over three touchdowns on the road this week over a conference opponent and the early money backs the favorite. Clemson opened -24 over Syracuse but quickly moved to -25.5. Some sportsbooks are even dealing the Tigers at -27.

Syracuse beat Clemson in the Carrier Dome two years ago and almost upset the Tigers on the road last season. However, another close game seems unlikely after the Orange got blasted 63-20 at Maryland on Saturday. The public will back Clemson in this matchup, although sharp bettors could look to buy back on Syracuse (bet the other side) if the line continues to rise. The Tigers have been money on the road, going 6-0 ATS in their last six away games.

Iowa at Iowa State

Opening Line: Iowa State -1

It's a big game in the state of Iowa on Saturday and early bettors are siding with the visiting Hawkeyes. Iowa State opened as a slight one-point favorite but the line has shifted to Iowa -1.5. The Cyclones had a bye to prepare for their in-state rivals, while the Hawkeyes had a mini-bye, rolling over lowly Rutgers 30-0.

Expect the bets to be split pretty evenly on these two teams throughout the week. Iowa should close as a short road favorite unless sharp bettors trying to middle the game (betting each side in an attempt to win both ways) buy back on Iowa State closer to kickoff. The Cyclones haven't been kind to bettors of late, going 0-6 ATS in their last six games.

Stanford at UCF

Opening Line: UCF -6

This is an interesting game because it's a spot many experienced bettors identified over the summer. Stanford is coming off an emotional defeat by Pac-12 rival USC and now must travel across the country to face UCF. Despite the Cardinal getting a generous six points, early bettors continued to side with UCF, pushing the line to 7.5.

The good news for Stanford is quarterback K.J. Costello is expected to return this week after sitting out the 45-20 loss to the Trojans, although the status of left tackle Walker Little for Saturday is still unclear. Expect the line to shift back to Stanford once it's confirmed Costello will start. There could be some value with the Cardinal this week, as Stanford is 17-4 ATS in its last 21 games following a straight-up loss.

Florida at Kentucky

Opening Line: Florida -11

The Gators opened up -11 on the road, but that number didn't last long. Bettors jumped on home 'dog Kentucky, dropping the line to nine. It's not surprising to see sharp bettors back a double-digit home underdog in the SEC - but it is surprising that the Wildcats got a lot of early action, even after losing quarterback Terry Wilson to a season-ending knee injury against Eastern Michigan.

Expect the public to be all over in Florida, driving the number back up to -10. If you like the Gators, jump on them early because -9 is likely the best line you'll get. Florida has dominated this series SU and is 9-3 ATS the last 12 meetings.

Thomas Casale is theScore's Supervising Editor of Sports Betting. He's been following the sports betting industry for almost 30 years. A devoted fan of the wishbone offense, Thomas bets on all sports but specializes in college football, NFL and college basketball. Find him on Twitter @TheTomCasale.