CFB Week 3 big games: A coach departed, and a quarterback arrival?

As Alabama found out, just because you're a three-touchdown favorite doesn't mean you're not capable of being tested. Yes, the Crimson Tide beat Texas. But if we judge Nick Saban's group by the expectation set by a point spread that rose to -21, then Alabama failed its first test. The team survived Austin, though, keeping all its season-long goals intact.

Last week we proved that you shouldn't bet on a contest just because it's a big game; some of the best plays are to pass. We plucked out the best options from the biggest games and would have been 4-0 had we not been forced into a push on Pittsburgh (+7) in overtime.

Each Tuesday, we take you through the most high-profile games for the coming week and provide some insight on where lines have moved, where they might be headed, and if there's anything worth a bet early on.

No. 6 Oklahoma @ Nebraska (+11.5, 65.5)

Nebraska spent an extra $7.5 million to get rid of Scott Frost now and not on Oct. 1, so no, this isn't the game we thought it might be just two weeks ago. It's worth mentioning, however, that oddsmakers and the market looked at the talent on both teams and made Oklahoma -5 in lookahead lines way back then. The point spread is now 11.5, but all the Sooners have done is beat UTEP and Kent State. It's hold-your-nose time, but at this large a number, a bet on the Cornhuskers is in order. Don't believe me? This line opened at 14 and has been bet down toward Nebraska already.

Line outlook: Nebraska +11.5

No. 22 Penn State @ Auburn (+3, 49)

Auburn didn't inspire confidence trailing at halftime against San Jose State, while Penn State handled Ohio more easily than expected after barely beating Purdue. It's easy to write off the Tigers given their issues since Bryan Harsin took over, but Jordan-Hare Stadium won't be an easy venue for the Nittany Lions on Saturday.

Penn State averaged just 2.5 yards on 33 carries at home against the Tigers last season. We already saw the Nittany Lions struggle on the ground at Purdue, so it would be optimistic to think they can gash Auburn on the road. That leaves Sean Clifford to fend for himself, a situation I'll bet against even without much confidence in Auburn's quarterback play.

Line outlook: Auburn +3

Mississippi State @ LSU (+2.5, 55)

This might not seem like a big game on the surface, but after convincing wins over Memphis and Arizona, this is a referendum-type game for Will Rogers and Mississippi State. LSU is taking heat for its season-opening loss to Florida State, but Brian Kelly's squad has enough talent to be a problem.

If our Heisman long-shot quarterback wants to get on the radar, he needs a road win over a big brand to go along with his gaudy statistics. If the Bulldogs escape Death Valley victorious, they'll set themselves up to be in this column with an intense SEC schedule in October. Hoping Mississippi State can take care of the Tigers is enough to keep me interested.

Line outlook: Pass

Texas Tech @ No. 16 NC State (-10.5, 55.5)

With Texas Tech owning a 2-0 record, you'd think Kliff Kingsbury was still hanging around Lubbock. The Red Raiders beat Houston in overtime, but traveling to Raleigh for a clash with NC State is a major step up, with Devin Leary waiting for a night game at Carter-Finley Stadium. The Wolfpack got a scare in Week 1, but it's time to feast on an inflated Texas Tech team, as the defense will slow the Red Raiders' offense.

Line outlook: NC State (wait to get -10)

No. 11 Michigan State @ Washington (-3, 57.5)

This one features another pair of 2-0 Power 5 teams that are flying under the radar. Maybe there's a reason for that, but we won't know after this week: One will stay undefeated and lurk dangerously in its league. Washington opened -2 and was bet over a field goal (it's always interesting when the favorite is unranked) only to be bet back to -3. It would have been great to get the Huskies under a field goal against Michigan State, but -3 will have to do.

Line outlook: Washington -3

No. 13 Miami @ No. 24 Texas A&M (-5.5, 48.5)

Though it's still clinging to a ranking, Texas A&M ruined what was supposed to be the showdown of the week after losing at home as an 18-point favorite against Appalachian State. That's dropped this line from a lookahead of -8 in favor of the Aggies to under a touchdown. Giving back the key number of seven is a drag but, like the Mountaineers, Miami will have the better quarterback. The Hurricanes can follow in Appalachian State's footsteps by knocking off a reeling A&M team.

Line outlook: Miami +5.5

Matt Russell is a betting writer for theScore. If there’s a bad beat to be had, Matt will find it. Find him on Twitter @mrussauthentic.