NCAA Week 3 Picks

Last week 2-2 +4.6 units

Season 2-3 +2.4 units

UCLA -3 1 unit Pinnacle

I'm going against the public on this one. Memphis does have the talent to keep up with UCLA, and the Bruins' defense has gone AWOL so far this season. But I believe Josh Rosen will find a way to lead his team to victory once again today on the road. 

UL Lafayette@Texas A&M OVER 61.5 3 units Pinnacle

The Aggies' offense shouldn't find much resistance Saturday against the Ragin' Cajuns, who are ranked last nationally in scoring defense (57 points per game) and near the bottom in total defense (590.5). UL Lafayette's only strength is on special teams, their return game should give them good field position and maybe even score. 

Central Michigan +9.5 5 units Pinnacle

This should be a high scoring affair, or maybe not that high. Syracuse offense racks up a lot of yards with star WR Steve Ishmael, but he's not good in the red zone, scoring only 1 TD since the start of 2016. The Orangemen come off a disappoint loss @Middle Tennessee St. Meanwhile, the Chippewas won rather easily as a dog at Kansas. They have a very effective offense and a decent defense. I wouldn't be surprised if they come up with a W today, so I'll take the 9.5 points.

North Texas@Iowa OVER 52.5 5 units Pinnacle

These two teams met two seasons ago and the total went over 75 points. This season I like a lot both the Hawkeyes' and the Mean Green's offense. But I'm not so sure about the Iowa defense that gave up 41 points against the Cyclones, and I'm definitely certain the North Texas defense is no good after giving up 52 points to SMU. I think the total is off by at least 10 points.

Kansas St. -3.5 4 units Pinnacle

The Wildcats are coming off a solid season last year that ended with a bowl win against Texas A&M, and even though they haven't played anyone relevant yet, they look better. Vanderbilt has a struggling passing offense and it won't get any easier for them against a solid Kansas St. defense. I simply don't trust QB Kyle Shurmur against a good team. On the other side, while the Commodores' defense has an interesting scheme, the Wildcats' offense is just too balanced and they should have no problem whatsoever moving the ball. 

San Jose St.@Utah UNDER 59.5 2 units Pinnacle

I don't see San Jose St. scoring on this one. The Utes are definitely capable of going over the number by themselves, but I don't think they will.

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