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Week 3 of the college football season brings a slate packed with conference clashes, headlined by a high-profile SEC showdown between Georgia and Tennessee. The Bulldogs, currently ranked sixth, enter as 3-point favorites after the opening line of -5.5 tightened. Georgia has owned this rivalry in recent years, taking eight straight from the 15th-ranked Volunteers. This matchup is one of three ranked-on-ranked battles on the board, with No. 5 Miami set to meet No. 18 South Florida and eighth-ranked Notre Dame squaring off against No. 16 Texas A&M.
Beyond the SEC, the Big Ten delivers some compelling contests with Oregon facing Northwestern and USC taking on Purdue. Over in the ACC, Clemson meets Georgia Tech in another heated divisional game. With league play kicking into gear across the country, the level of urgency rises, making these conference duels even more critical to weigh when putting together Week 3 betting picks.
- What? College Football Week 3
- Where? U.S.A
- When? Friday, September 12 – Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Georgia vs. Tennessee
Below are the odds from three of the best college football betting sites.
| NCAAF |  |  |  |
| Georgia | -170 | -170 | -170 |
| Tennessee | +145 | +149 | +149 |
| Georgia -3.5 | -110 | -110 | -110 |
| Tennessee +3.5 | -110 | -110 | -110 |
| Over 49.5 | -110 | -110 | -110 |
| Under 49.5 | -110 | -110 | -110 |
Sixth-ranked Georgia heads to Knoxville this weekend to battle No. 15 Tennessee in what oddsmakers project will be a tightly contested SEC showdown. Both squads have cruised past early-season opponents, but this matchup marks the first real benchmark of the year and could carry significant postseason implications.
Georgia’s most recent outing was a 28-6 victory over Austin Peay, while Tennessee dismantled East Tennessee State with a 72-17 blowout. The Bulldogs initially hit the board as touchdown favorites, which aligns with their dominance in this series — the Volunteers have dropped six straight both straight-up and against the spread against Georgia.
While the Bulldogs’ comfortable Week 2 win may be influencing the betting market, that single result shouldn’t overshadow their sustained edge in this rivalry. When these programs last squared off, Georgia carved up Tennessee’s highly regarded defense in a 31-17 triumph, continuing a trend of decisive wins by multiple scores no matter where the game is played.
You can read our Bovada sportsbook review for much more information about this betting site.
Miami Florida vs. South Florida
Miami enters this clash fresh off a dominant 45-3 victory over Bethune-Cookman, while South Florida rides in on the momentum of a narrow 18-16 win against Florida. Oddsmakers see a clear gap between the two sides, listing the Hurricanes as 18-point favorites and projecting them to win by multiple scores.
Notre Dame vs. Texas A&M
Texas A&M has been lighting up the scoreboard to start the season, piling on 86 points in just two outings and sitting 16th in the nation in scoring offense. That type of firepower makes the Aggies a legitimate threat against any opponent.
Notre Dame, meanwhile, has been one of the more dependable teams for bettors lately, cashing both the spread and the over in three straight games. The Irish defense has been less convincing, allowing 27 points per contest, which sets the stage for another high-scoring affair.
Oddsmakers have the total at 50.0, a number that appears very attainable given the current form of both programs. With primetime energy inside Notre Dame Stadium, expect each side to push the pace. The Irish have enough offensive versatility to hang around, while A&M’s big-play ability keeps constant pressure on the defense.
When you factor in recent results and the offensive rhythm both teams are riding, the over at 50.0 looks like the smart angle. This matchup has all the makings of a game that surpasses the total comfortably.
Oregon vs. Northwestern
Oregon rolls into college football Week 3 unbeaten at 2-0 and sitting at No. 4 in the AP Poll, and the Ducks have looked every bit the part of a playoff contender. Their offense has been nearly unstoppable, averaging 64 points per game — the third-best mark in the country. Northwestern hasn’t kept the same pace, opening with a 1-1 record and tallying just 45 total points through two contests.
The Ducks haven’t just been about offense, either. Their defense has clamped down, giving up only 16 points across their first two outings, good for eighth nationally. Northwestern’s defense hasn’t fared as well, allowing 30 points so far, which could spell trouble against one of the nation’s most explosive attacks. With oddsmakers setting the line at -27.5, Oregon looks positioned to cover with relative ease.
Oregon’s strength comes from its balance. The Ducks rank inside the top 10 in rushing yards and interceptions, proving they can dictate tempo on both sides of the ball. Northwestern’s uneven production on offense and defense may not be enough to withstand that kind of pressure.
All signs point toward a one-sided affair, and the numbers suggest a lopsided score. Oregon is projected to win comfortably, with a potential final tally that would more than clear the spread.
USC vs. Purdue
Purdue welcomes USC to Ross-Ade Stadium with a spotless 2-0 start and momentum on their side. The Boilermakers have already proven they can deliver for bettors at home against the spread, and catching three touchdowns on the line (+21) gives them a realistic shot to stay within striking distance.
The Trojans have steamrolled their first two opponents, piling up 132 total points, but this trip marks their first road test of the year. Purdue’s defense, which currently sits ninth nationally in points allowed, suggests they may be able to slow USC’s high-octane offense more effectively than most. That defensive presence makes the underdog a legitimate play.
Offensively, Purdue isn’t without weapons either — ranking 29th in points scored — which should help them avoid being overwhelmed by USC’s explosive attack. Add in the comfort of playing at home, and the Boilermakers appear equipped to keep things more competitive than the spread implies.
Looking at this college football matchup as a whole, Purdue covering looks like a strong possibility. A projected score of USC 38, Purdue 20 points to a Trojans win, but one that still lands the Boilermakers inside the number.
Clemson vs. Georgia Tech
Clemson heads into this contest firmly in the national spotlight, checking in at No. 12 in the AP poll and No. 11 in the Coaches rankings. The Tigers have had Georgia Tech’s number in recent years, stringing together four consecutive victories in the series.
The Yellow Jackets have opened the year with a 2-0 mark, but the level of competition they’ve faced so far doesn’t quite compare to what Clemson brings. This matchup represents their first real test of the season.
Defensively, Clemson has shown plenty of bite, ranking 24th nationally in points allowed and proving capable of shutting down opposing offenses. Oddsmakers list the Tigers at just -3.0, asking them to win by a slim margin to cash. Given their dominance in this rivalry and overall talent edge, that number looks manageable.
Taking into account Clemson’s rankings, defensive efficiency, and success against Georgia Tech, the Tigers appear to be the value side. Back them to cover the -3.0 spread and extend their winning streak in the series.
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