Hopefully, with the use of our Action PRO tools and on the advice of our Action experts, you made some money in the noon window.
If so, then check out more of our elite college football gambling content for the afternoon games.
We’re locked in on the college football odds and NCAAF picks for Tennessee-Georgia, USF-Miami and more.
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College Football Best Bets
The team logos in the table below represent each of the matchups that our college football betting staff is targeting from today's slate of games. Click on the team logos for any of the matchups below to navigate to a specific bet discussed in this article.
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 3:30 p.m. | |
  | 4:30 p.m. | |
  | 3 p.m. | |
  | 3:30 p.m. | |
 | 3:30 p.m. | |
| 3 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NCAAF Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
Collin's Card: Afternoon Best Bet
The Tennessee-Georgia series has played in fifth gear during the first half for nearly a decade. Since 2019, every iteration of this series has seen at least 30 points on the scoreboard in the first half.
Smart indicated that simulating the speed and physicality of the Tennessee offense can be a challenge.
Josh Heupel's stretch-spread offense is based on a power running game with multiple vertical routes downfield. This could present issues for a Georgia defense that has had problems when it comes to creating a contested catch.
Six different cornerbacks have received significant time for Georgia so far, allowing 13-of-21 targets to be caught.
The Tennessee defense may also be susceptible to the explosive play, ranking outside the top 100 in Rush Success Rate and EPA.
Georgia running backs Nate Frazier and Chauncey Bowens have averaged at least 3.5 yards after first contact, forcing 10 missed tackles through two games.
Gunner Stockton could be the factor that generates enough first downs to put the Bulldogs in scoring position. The first-year starter has already posted two rushing touchdowns and 44 yards on designed attempts.
Read the entire Georgia-Tennessee breakdown and the rest of Wilson's Week 3 picks in this edition of Collin's Card:
Pick: 1H Over 24 (-125, bet365)
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Stuckey's Spots: Afternoon Best Bet
By Stuckey
I hate to fade my beloved Bulls, who I backed preseason to win the American. They undoubtedly have the best resume in all of college football to date with a pair of ranked wins vs. Boise State and Florida.
However, I have to get in front of the train in what is a brutal situational spot.
While USF comes off two massive games, Miami will come into this one riding high after a win over Notre Dame, followed by an early-season "bye week" against Bethune-Cookman.
I wouldn't be surprised if USF wears down hard in the second half, as it has done in past seasons against P4 competition.
I was super impressed by the Hurricanes on both sides of the ball in their opener vs. Notre Dame. The defense looks substantially improved under new defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman and an influx of transfer talent on the back end.
Miami's dynamic duo at defensive end should also cause the South Florida offensive line all kinds of problems.
On the other side of the ball, Carson Beck looked spectacular (and healthy) in his season debut. He also gets to work behind a dominant offensive line that should control the line of scrimmage and has a bevy of explosive weapons on the outside that should win their one-on-one matchups.
I'm not here to shortchange what USF has accomplished so far this season.
The Bulls are the rightful favorite as of this moment to grab the G5 playoff spot, but they did get a bit fortunate vs. Boise State with turnovers and caught a Billy Napier team taking them lightly last week.
Lastly, USF already got the two wins it needs for the College Football Playoff. Now, it basically just needs to stay healthy and win the American.
To do that, it might be best not to run quarterback Byrum Brown as much in this matchup, and USF likely just can’t run the ball with its backs against Miami, which will be able to get pressure with ease without blitzing on obvious passing downs.
I do have a ton of respect for Alex Golesh, who plays to win these types of games. He's not going to get conservative and will try to keep it within a respectable margin, which increases the chances of a Miami beatdown in an ideal situational spot.
It's worth mentioning that Mario Cristobal-led teams are just 11-19 ATS as a favorite of more than two touchdowns.
Check out the rest of Stuckey's Spots here:
Pick: Miami -17.5 (-110, bet365)
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Ianniello's Group of 5 Card: Afternoon Best Bet
The Huskies lost a heartbreaker to Syracuse, 27-20, in overtime last week as 7-point ‘dogs.
UConn led 17-6 on the road in the fourth quarter before Syracuse ripped off two touchdowns to take the lead. But the Huskies went down the field in 47 seconds to tie the game before losing in overtime.
While some might see Saturday as a letdown spot for the Huskies, I see it as an opportunity to prove they’re as good as last year’s 9-4 squad.
UConn’s defense held the Orange to just 47 rushing yards on 27 carries. Quarterback Joe Fagnano threw for over 250 yards, and both Cam Edwards and Mel Brown rushed for over 70 yards.
Delaware’s first season at the FBS level began with a win over Delaware State, but the team lost its quarterback, Zach Marker, early in that game with what is likely to be a season-ending injury. Nick Minicucci has looked solid in relief, but the Blue Hens have struggled to run the ball effectively.
It is a positive sign that Delaware was able to keep pace with Colorado in terms of total yardage, but the Hens lost by 24 points because they made too many mistakes and couldn’t execute the little things. The Blue Hens had two turnovers, a missed field goal, and went just 2-for-10 on third downs.
UConn has a significant advantage to pull away in this game.
UConn ranked fourth nationally in third-down defense last season. The Huskies also ranked fourth in red zone conversion rate on offense. The Huskies are well coached and make the most of their chances on offense, while getting off the field when they need to on defense.
The game will be won on third down, and UConn has the advantage there.
Check out the rest of Ianniello's Group of 5 Card here:
Pick: UConn -8 (-110, Fanatics)
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Ziefel's Top Player Prop
By Doug Ziefel
While the Mountaineers will need a wide receiver to step up with Jaden Bray lost for the season, don't expect it to be Rodney Gallagher.
Gallagher is one of the more experienced options on the West Virginia depth chart, but he is buried in the team's target share numbers.
Through two games, Rodney has seen just two targets, which is seventh on the team, excluding Bray.
It also doesn't help that the West Virginia passing attack has been inefficient, as the Mountaineers rank 115th nationally in completion percentage.
Don't let the boost in opportunity fool you; fade Gallagher until proven otherwise.
Pick: Rodney Gallagher Under 30.5 Receiving Yards (-115, bet365)
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Our Featured Bet Labs System
In non-conference games played in hot temperatures (85–106°F) without much wind (0–10 mph), offenses thrive and pace increases.
This system backs the Over when the weather supports high-tempo play and defenses are less likely to dominate due to early-season conditioning.
In early-season non-conference college football games played in extreme heat with minimal wind, offensive production often flourishes.
High temperatures can slow defenses and lead to more missed tackles, while calm conditions allow passing attacks to operate without disruption.
Teams are still developing defensive cohesion, and the pace of play often favors quick scoring drives.
When the closing total is modest, the environment creates an opportunity for the Over to hit as both sides exploit favorable weather to push the tempo and generate sustained offensive success.
Three Week 3 games fit this system: Washington State-North Texas, Iowa State-Arkansas State, and UTEP-Texas.
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Picks:
- Washington State vs North Texas Over 57.5
- Iowa State vs. Arkansas State Over 55.5
- UTEP vs. Texas Over 51.5
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Breese's Full Action App Card
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