Friday. Night. Lights.
There's something special about the lights shining on the gridiron before a massive Saturday slate that features wall-to-wall action. Consider this the appetizer to the main course.
Thursday's college football slate featured only one game, but now we have five lined up for Friday night:
- Indiana State vs. No. 22 Indiana
- Colgate vs. Syracuse
- Colorado vs. Houston
- Kansas State vs. Arizona
- New Mexico vs. UCLA
With five games on deck, let's take a look at our college football picks and NCAAF predictions for the games on Friday, September 12.
College Football Picks, Predictions for Friday, Sept. 12
The team logos in the table below represent each of the matchups that our college football betting staff is targeting from Friday's slate of college football 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 |
|---|---|---|
  | 6:30 p.m. | |
  | 7 p.m. | |
  | 7:30 p.m. | |
  | 9 p.m. | |
  | 10 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. | ||
Indiana State vs Indiana Pick
By Joshua Nunn
Indiana State (2-0) travels to Bloomington to take on Indiana (2-0) on Friday, Sept. 12. This game kicks off at 6:30 p.m. ET and can be seen on the Big Ten Network.
Indiana has moved out to a 48.5-point favorite in the contest with a total set at 60.5. Indiana State, meanwhile, comes in at +15000 on the moneyline to pull off the upset.
Here’s my Indiana State vs. Indiana prediction and college football picks for Friday, September 12.
Indiana State Sycamores
Indiana State enters off a dominant 38-14 victory over Eastern Illinois last week.
Backup quarterback Keegan Patterson came in for injured Elijah Owens to lead the second-half charge against the Panthers and figures to get the call this week on short rest against Indiana.
The offense moved the ball efficiently in the first half, and the defense forced EIU to punt on five of its first-half possessions.
The Sycamores looked impressive against the struggling OVC Panthers, but this week will provide different challenges against a top-25 FBS opponent.
The defense will likely be stressed with attempting to contain the Hoosiers offense, which has averaged 547 yards per game and seven yards per play so far this year.
Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana is coming off a 56-9 home win over Kennesaw State last week, and for the second consecutive week, the Hoosiers started a bit sluggish offensively.
Indiana had two punts early and was stopped on downs in the second quarter, but the offense exploded for five second-half touchdowns to bust open what was a 21-9 game.
IU head coach Curt Cignetti was critical of his defensive secondary in the win, talking about the need to have players in better positions against the pass.
He praised the defensive line and rush unit, which registered two sacks and 14 tackles for loss last week.
Indiana State vs Indiana Prediction
This is a fascinating matchup between a bottom-level Missouri Valley team in Indiana State and the Big Ten Hoosiers.
I laid the big number earlier in the week when it opened up at -41.5, but this line has exploded too far for me to play now. I think I'll look at this one live for an opportunity to take Indiana State at +56.5 or so.
I expect Indiana to put up a big number here, and Cignetti really wants to see this offense start out strong after two sluggish first-half performances thus far.
I can see the execution being a focus in this one, especially early in the game.
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza should get some work early. The run game has been really solid all season, so I expect explosive run plays and quick scores from Indiana in the first half.
The handicap here is that Indiana State is coached by Curt Mallory.
His father, Bill Mallory, is revered by Indiana as the all-time winningest coach in school history. Indiana is honoring one of Mallory’s Indiana teams of the 1990s, and I can just see the dogs getting called off early here once the game is completely out of reach and the Hoosiers' second team comes in.
Indiana has shown this type of approach in prior games with Indiana State, and while I don’t think Cignetti cares either way, he will show mercy in the second half once the score is out of hand, as not to embarrass the son of an IU coaching legend.
With the spot and Illinois on deck, there could be some motivation to extend the game margin early and get Mendoza to the bench.
I'd look for a spot in the game here to snag Indiana State live at +52.5 or better, and I think we'll get the opportunity.
I still like the play we made at the opener of -41.5 with the Hoosiers, so let's hope they get up in this one early and we can jump in for a nice middle opportunity.
Pick: Indiana State +52.5 or Better (Live Bet)
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Colgate vs Syracuse Pick
By Joshua Nunn
The Colgate Raiders take on the Syracuse Orange in Syracuse, New York, on Friday, September 12. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET on ACC Network.
Syracuse is a massive 37.5-point favorite in the contest with a total set at 66.5.
This once-spirited rivalry dates back to 1891 and will take place once again in college football Week 3.
Here’s my Colgate vs. Syracuse prediction and college football picks for Friday, September 12.
Colgate Raiders
Colgate comes in having played very impressive FCS football the last couple of weeks despite being winless on the season.
The Raiders had a 31-7 lead on Monmouth in the opener before falling apart in the fourth quarter, and were tied with Villanova deep into the second half of that game.
The development of the passing attack has been critical for Colgate to stay in games, as quarterbacks Zach Osborne and Jake Stearney have combined to throw for 604 yards and five touchdowns thus far.
Overall, Colgate has averaged 445 yards per game offensively with a balanced run-pass attack.
Defensively, Colgate has been a mess. The Raiders allowed 42 points to Monmouth, but the defensive performance was much worse than that.
Monmouth racked up 678 total yards and 491 passing yards in the opening game and had three interceptions in the red zone. Colgate could have given up 70 points there.
Last week, Villanova scored 24 points, but it plays a slower pace with a ball-control style of football seeking to limit possessions while working methodically on offense.
Colgate still gave up 416 yards on just 63 plays, and it's difficult to see this team securing stops against the Orange.
Syracuse Orange
Syracuse avoided a disastrous narrative to start its season with a gritty come-from-behind victory over UConn last week.
Two touchdowns in the final three minutes helped Syracuse take its first lead of regulation. The game would go to overtime, where the Orange scored a touchdown on their first possession, and the Huskies could not answer.
Cuse head coach Fran Brown was so disgusted with the performance that after the win, with fans still in the seats, he had his team line up on the goal line and run gassers in full pads.
I would expect a sharp week of practice from the Orange this week and a full-throttle effort here in this one.
Colgate vs Syracuse Prediction
I'm going to take the over in this one. We hit this one on the opener at 60.5, but I still think we have some meat on the bone at 66.5.
Syracuse defeated Colgate, 65-0, in their most recent matchup in 2023. While I won’t call for a score that lopsided, we should see Syracuse pass the ball up and down the field against a porous Colgate secondary that has shown no propensity to defend the pass this season.
Cuse quarterback Steve Angeli has completed 60% of his passes, but the offense really hasn’t been cranking, and the offensive line has surrendered eight sacks through two weeks.
I expect Syracuse to use this game as an opportunity to give Angeli some confidence and get the offensive line figured out from a pass-blocking perspective.
We should see well over 400 yards from Angeli through the air, and five or more touchdown passes is well within reason. Expect the Orange to put up a massive point total here.
On the other side, Osborne and Stearney were both on the Colgate team that was embarrassed by Syracuse in 2023 and will certainly want to show out in this game to avoid that same level of embarrassment. This is a much-improved Colgate offense — and one I believe can score 14-21 points on the Cuse defense.
The defense is so concerning here for Colgate that I can't see this group keeping the score close. I expect Syracuse to work the passing attack with the second-team offense deep into the second half here.
Watch for Syracuse to rack up over 600 yards of total offense as we see fireworks in the dome on Friday night.
Pick: Over 66.5
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Colorado vs Houston Pick
By John Feltman
The Colorado Buffaloes take on the Houston Cougars in Houston, Texas. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Houston is favored by 4.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -220. The total is set at 44.5 points.
Here’s my Colorado vs. Houston prediction and college football picks for Friday, September 12.
Colorado Buffaloes
Colorado bounced back after a rough performance in their opening game against Georgia Tech last week, defeating the newly transitioned Delaware Fighting Blue Hens 31-10.
But as I dug into the post-game box score, I noticed many concerning aspects from that matchup.
First, Delaware outgained Colorado offensively, 413 to 388, in total yards. Colorado only ran one more offensive play than the Hens, so the result appears to be a bit of a box-score fraud.
Quarterback Kaidon Salter was battling an illness last week and was pulled from the matchup.
Quarterbacks Ryan Staub and Julian Lewis got their chance under center, where Staub could throw for two touchdown passes but one pick.
Salter is expected to make the start on Friday, but it is a tough matchup for the Colorado offense.
Looking at their offensive performances through two weeks, the Buffs' offense has relied on explosive plays to generate scores. They've been a middling team in Rush and Pass EPA per Play through two games.
I am concerned about the matchup, mainly because of the injury report.
Omarion Miller and Dallan Hayden are questionable, and head coach Deion Sanders mentioned in his press conference that Hayden is closer to being game-ready than Miller.
The Buffs will miss Phillip Houston on the offensive line, and tight end Charlie Williams is also out.
The situation is much uglier on the defensive side of the ball, which has already struggled for two weeks.
Defensively, the Buffs' secondary is completely depleted, with four players already declared out for Friday's matchup.
The Coogs do not pose a huge offensive mismatch for their defensive unit, but considering how much Colorado has struggled thus far, it’ll have their hands full being shorthanded.
What's important to note is that the Buffs have not done much to celebrate defensively except for their ability to limit Pass Explosiveness. However, the injuries in the secondary could impact that significantly, so their matchup against a struggling Coogs' offense will not be as easy as it may seem on paper.
I already had concerns about the Buffs heading into Friday night's game, but these injuries make it even more of a reason. They will already be shorthanded defensively, and if Miller cannot suit up, that will be an even larger blow to their offense.
Houston Cougars
The Coogs have been a force on the defensive side of the ball through their first two matchups, and they have an opportunity to make a statement on Friday evening.
The Coogs enter the matchup ranking second nationally in EPA per Pass allowed and third in Available Yards Allowed.
I understand they've faced Stephen F. Austin and Rice thus far, but I am willing to go on a limb and say those teams are expected to be far better than people perceive. Even if you want to throw those defensive numbers out due to the level of talent those teams have, the reality is that the Coogs have only allowed nine points through two weeks.
Head coach Willie Fritz's team has been impressive thus far, but I have a lot of concerns on the offensive side of the ball.
Quarterback Connor Weigman, who transferred from Texas A&M, is coming off an injury-riddled campaign.
Weigman's numbers aren't impressive, but he has four touchdowns and zero picks through two games. The offense has relied mainly on explosive plays thus far and has yet to establish any rhythm offensively.
Running back Dean Connors has taken on the heavy workload, but has shared work with other backfield members. Running mate J'Marion Burnette has been ruled out for Friday, as well as a couple of other members of the wide receiver room.
The Coogs rank outside the bottom 110 nationally in Pass and Rush Success Rate, which is concerning heading into the matchup.
However, the matchup against the shorthanded Buffs' defense isn't too harsh.
It's an excellent opportunity for the Coogs to make a statement to the Big 12 on Friday, and I really like the matchup at home.
Colorado vs Houston Prediction
I am laying the points with the Coogs at home.
I know their work isn't against the best competition, but people have taken their recent outcomes too lightly.
I love the matchup for the Houston defense, especially since the Buffs may be without Omarion Miller.
I have never been a huge Salter fan, and he lacks the consistency to be an effective passer.
The Colorado defense is a complete mess, so the Houston offense should be able to find its footing here.
I think the Coogs dominate at home with surplus matchups on both sides of the ball.
Pick: Houston -4.5 (Play to -6)
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Kansas State vs Arizona Pick
By John Feltman
The Kansas State Wildcats take on the Arizona Wildcats in Tucson, Arizona, on Friday, Sept. 12. Kickoff is set for 9 p.m. ET on FOX.
Kansas State enters this matchup as a 1-point favorite on the spread, with the moneyline sitting at -115. Arizona, meanwhile, comes in as a -105 underdog to pull off the upset. The over/under stands at 54.5.
Here’s my Kansas State vs. Arizona prediction and college football picks for Friday, September 12.
Kansas State Wildcats
The Wildcats have had a dreadful start to their 2025 season and should be 0-3. Instead, they enter Friday night 1-2, desperately needing a win to even up their conference record to 1-1.
Army dominated Kansas State in the time-of-possession battle last week, as the 'Cats lost as 17.5-point home favorites. The previous week, Army lost to FCS Tarleton State as a 14-point favorite.
It's been hideous on the offensive side of the ball, but last week, the defense let K-State down.
The Wildcats couldn't get off the field, and in typical service academy offense fashion, Army took the clock down and took advantage of its limited possessions.
The 'Cats need to improve their defensive performance this week, starting with stopping the run.
Kansas State is above average in Defensive Line Yards and Points Per Opportunity, but it has allowed too many explosive plays. It's also discouraging to see that it's below average in Rush EPA/Play.
Arizona has been excellent on the ground through two games despite its competition not being the best. Kansas State will need to tighten things against the run, or it will be in trouble again on Friday night.
Offensively, quarterback Avery Johnson has been efficient on the ground and through the air. His one turnover last week was not the best throw, but it deflected off his receiver.
Sticking with the offense, runing back Dylan Edwards has been out since the first quarter of the season-opening game against Iowa State, and he remains questionable to play. The 'Cats also lost starting offensive lineman George Fitzpatrick, which is very concerning heading into Friday's matchup.
The offensive line was already struggling with him in the lineup, so that's a massive loss. It's hard to project what type of consistency the offense can provide, especially without Edwards.
Through their first three games, the Wildcats have relied on explosive plays. Well, Arizona has done an excellent job of limiting its opposition in those areas thus far.
I have many questions about this Kansas State team, and I don't have much confidence that it can win on the road despite being a short favorite.
Arizona Wildcats
It was a shaky 2024 season for quarterback Noah Fifita, who clearly missed having former head coach Jedd Fisch, who's now at Washington. Fifita has turned the page to 2025 and looked sharp through two games.
Given the competition, I'm taking the results with a grain of salt, but there's a lot to like about the offense.
Arizona underachieved offensively last season, but now it has new offensive coordinator Seth Doege from Marshall. He has instilled a fast-paced, uptempo offense in Tucson.
So far, the results have been excellent, and now they will get their first actual test against Kansas State. I like their chances of putting up a strong offensive performance, as the K-State defense has been underwhelming thus far.
Arizona should have plenty of opportunities to create explosive plays through the air and ground, considering Kansas State has allowed many explosives thus far in three games.
I've always been a massive fan of Fifita, and this is a perfect system for him to execute at a high level.
Defensively, I've been highly impressed thus far. The Wildcats' secondary ranks amongst the best in the Big 12, and many of their additions through the portal should pay dividends.
Kansas State has been efficient through the air, but Arizona's secondary is the strength of its defense. This unit has been excellent at preventing pass explosives thus far.
Friday should be a strong indicator of how legit Arizona is, but I give the Desert 'Cats an edge heading into the matchup regardless.
Kansas State vs Arizona Prediction
I'd typically be all over Kansas State to bounce back here, but that team has been an absolute disaster. I also don't like some of the injuries it's dealing with, so I couldn't support it here.
Instead, I'll target the Arizona team total over. I'm a huge believer in this offensive system, and due to its lack of schedule strength, this is the best betting approach.
We have enough data on the Kansas State defense thus far, and its metrics are extremely underwhelming. I expect a significant effort from Fifita and the offense in their first home conference game of the season.
Pick: Arizona Team Total Over 27.5 (Play to 28)
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New Mexico vs UCLA Pick
By Road To CFB
The New Mexico Lobos take on the UCLA Bruins in Pasadena, CA. Kickoff is set for 10 p.m. ET on the Big Ten Network.
UCLA is favored by -15.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -700. The total is set at 53.5 points.
Here’s my New Mexico vs. UCLA prediction and college football picks for Friday, September 12.
New Mexico Lobos
New Mexico is tough to read. In the Lobos' season opener, they played fairly well at Michigan, losing 34-17 with a few notable plays and a really nice game plan.
The following week, New Mexico beat Idaho State, 32-22, but it trailed in the fourth quarter.
The defense appears to be significantly better than last season, particularly when it comes to limiting explosive plays. The team is disciplined, committing just three penalties for 18 total yards through two games, but the offense, especially on the ground, took a sizable step backward.
Quarterback Jack Layne is averaging just 5.9 yards per target with one touchdown and three interceptions.
Montana State transfer Scottre Humphrey (174 yards) hasn't been able to get much going after contact, as his average of 2.68 yards after contact ranks ninth among Mountain West running backs (min. 20 attempts).
Up front, New Mexico has generated a decent push, and Humphrey takes advantage of those lanes created, but at the second level, almost nothing is happening.
The other concern on offense is the lack of receivers creating separation. Tight end Dorian Thomas dominates the target share (20, accounting for nearly 30% of Layne's targets) and Keagan Johnson is averaging fewer than six yards per reception.
There's very little to get excited about in the passing game.
The Lobos have yet to play an offense above FBS average, and this week doesn't introduce that to the schedule.
UCLA Bruins
What happens when you build the whole plane out of Nico Iamaleava? We're finding out in Pasadena this season and so far, it hasn't been good.
He leads the Bruins in rush attempts and yards, and UCLA enters this game 0-2 and coming off a loss to UNLV. If Iamaleava isn't completing a big pass or scrambling for a first down, UCLA has gotten absolutely nothing going.
Both opponents so far, we think, have been quality — Utah appears to be the Big 12 frontrunner and UNLV turned it around after a bad Week 1.
However, UCLA isn't a good football team right now. Week 1's results are skewing the defensive numbers (Utah went 14-for-16 on third down and out-gained UCLA 492-220), but I don't believe this unit is very good.
Late downs have been a particular pain point on both sides of the ball, as UCLA has converted just 20.8% of its third downs this season while allowing opponents to combine for a 73.1% conversion rate.
Penalties didn't help that number last week, as the Bruins committed 14 of them for 129 yards.
Is Week 3 the game to expose this unit? Not likely. But it's an existing problem worth watching.
New Mexico vs UCLA Prediction
This number has grown in favor of UCLA (up from -13.5) and down from the opening point total (55.5).
If you jumped on either early, you have a good number.
UCLA has a poor ATS record as a home favorite, posting just a 16-30 mark since 2014, and the Bruins haven't broken .500 ATS since at least then.
Over the past three seasons, the Bruins are just 4-10 ATS in those situations (0-1 last year).
Neither of these teams runs a great pace, nor has a great offense.
New Mexico managed 60 plays from scrimmage last week against Idaho State and 76 the week before while being dominated by Michigan. UCLA ran just 51 plays against Utah and 70 plays against UNLV last week.
The Bruins make things worse by being dreadful on third downs; through two games, they're just 5-for-24 on third downs.
There's little by way of a threatening New Mexico pass offense, and UCLA can't convert on third down. This could be a very underwhelming offensive showcase.
New Mexico doesn't have the defense to counter Iamaleava, but putting the entire offense on his shoulders doesn't scream confidence.
I'm also not buying New Mexico to keep pace with this total against a Power Four defense, elite or otherwise.
I'm betting the under with two struggling offenses and at least one really bad all-around team.
Pick: Under 53.5
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