Week 3 of the college football season is upon us.
After cashing his Week 2 early bet in Buffalo vs. FIU, Action Network senior writer Collin Wilson returns with a Big Ten vs. ACC wager in Week 3.
Let's dive into Wilson's college football picks and NCAAF predictions for Virginia Tech vs. Maryland in Week 3 below.
College Football Picks for Virginia Tech vs Maryland
| VA Tech Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-3 -110 | 53.5 -112o / -108u | -155 |
| Maryland Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+3 -110 | 53.5 -112o / -108u | +130 |
The James Franklin redemption tour will hit the road in Week 3.
The former Penn State head coach was relieved of his duties during the 2025 season, landing at Virginia Tech in time for a full recruiting and transfer portal cycle.
The Hokies have been on fire through two games, first beating VMI, 73-3, in the opening week of the season. Week 2 provided a bit more competition against an Old Dominion team coached by a familiar face in Ricky Rahne.
Franklin and Rahne spent a big chunk of their careers together, dating back to their offensive coordinator and graduate assistant positions at Kansas State 20 years ago.
Despite a steaming spread that nearly reached three touchdowns, Virginia Tech covered in a 23-point victory to give Franklin the cover against Rahne.
Up next is a date with a Maryland team that presents plenty of familiarity.
Franklin has deep-rooted connections in the state of Maryland with extensive coaching history in the region. The current Hokies coach served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the Terrapins from 2000-04 and 2008-10.
His relationship with Maryland high school coaches never faded in the Prince George's County and Washington, DC, areas.
Those close ties played out on the field during Franklin’s tenure as Penn State head coach.
Removing the pandemic season of 2020, Penn State won every iteration of the series against Maryland from 2015-25. The 2017-24 sample was painful for the Terrapins, as the Nittany Lions won those seven games by a combined score of 319-42.
This is a game Franklin will have circled for personal and recruiting reasons.
Although the updated Action Network Power Ratings are in line with the market spread, this is a game that Virginia Tech will want to win with margin for its new head coach.
Pick: Virginia Tech -3 or Better
