CFB Week 3 betting preview: Key matchups, nuggets, and insights

Odds and data via theScore Bet and ESPN Bet

Notre Dame's upset loss and Texas' domination over Michigan highlighted an exciting Week 2 slate. There aren't many marquee matchups in Week 3, but chaos could still ensue.

Let's get to our game previews and nuggets for the weekend.

Big game previews

No. 4 Alabama @ Wisconsin (+16, O/U 50.5)

Alabama defeated Western Kentucky and South Florida to open the season. Although South Florida only trailed 14-13 in the third quarter, a 28-point fourth quarter led to a blowout win.

Wisconsin is the first true test for Alabama, but this hefty line is more indicative of oddsmakers' lack of respect for the Badgers than it is of the Crimson Tide's prowess.

Wisconsin showed vulnerabilities against Western Michigan and South Dakota, the two easiest matchups on its schedule. There are also question marks surrounding quarterback Tyler Van Dyke, who will likely struggle against Alabama's loaded defense. It's hard to know if Alabama deserves to be more than a two-touchdown favorite given its opposition so far this season, but the Crimson Tide should ultimately compete for an SEC title while the Badgers are a modest Big Ten squad.

No. 16 LSU @ South Carolina (+7, O/U 50)

South Carolina went from being completely disrespected to potentially overvalued in one week.

The Gamecocks escaped an upset loss to Old Dominion in Week 1, leading to oddsmakers listing them as a double-digit underdog against Kentucky. They proved that line was foolish with a dominating win on the road last Saturday, but was that result more about Kentucky's shortcomings or South Carolina's potential?

Despite losing its opener to USC, LSU is a formidable SEC threat with an elite quarterback in Garrett Nussmeier. South Carolina has an athletic defensive front, but it'll have its hands full against the Tigers' offense. The Gamecocks' offense could struggle to keep pace.

No. 24 Boston College @ No. 6 Missouri (-16.5, O/U 54)

Boston College's surprising Week 0 win over Florida State earned it national respect in Bill O'Brien's first year running the program.

Missouri, meanwhile, came into the season with more hype than it had in years, which was justified based on the roster. However, it's impossible to evaluate the Tigers after two weeks. They're looking absurdly dominant on both sides but haven't played a decent opponent. They didn't allow a single point in their first two contests, defeating Murray State 51-0 and soaring past Buffalo 38-0.

Missouri's first test will come Saturday. The betting line assumes Missouri's first two weeks aren't a fluke. Boston College's offense is looking prolific under O'Brien, but will it be stifled by Missouri's stout defense?

Texas A&M @ Florida (+4.5, O/U 47)

Florida coach Billy Napier has the warmest seat in college football. A home loss to Texas A&M this Saturday would ensure his days in Gainesville are numbered.

Florida quarterback Graham Mertz missed Week 2 with a concussion and is expected to return this week, but the Gators might be better off without him, as his inconsistencies as a passer have derailed his college career.

Texas A&M fell out of the AP Top 25 after its opening-week loss to Notre Dame, but it's rightfully a road favorite against Florida.

Week 3 betting nuggets

• No. 20 Arizona travels to No. 14 Kansas State for a Friday night kickoff. Kansas State is a 7-point favorite as Arizona deals with injuries to its running back and offensive line.
• Both Arizona and Kansas State have yet to cover a spread this season. Arizona +7 has attracted 71% of bets, but 53% of the handle (money wagered) is on Kansas State to cover.
• Tennessee is the biggest favorite of the week as a 49-point home favorite over Kent State.
• North Texas @ Texas Tech is the largest total of the week at 69.5.
• Troy @ Iowa is the lowest total of the weekend at 39. The over is 2-0 in Iowa games this season.
• Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer is 12-2-1 against the spread versus non-conference opponents.
• The tide is turning on Colorado. It was the most bet team in Week 1, but 68% of bets are on Colorado State to cover +7.5 against its rival.
• After struggling the first two weeks of the season, Oregon is a 16-point favorite over Oregon State. While 72% of the bets are on Oregon State +16, 54% of the handle is on Oregon -16.

Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on X @soshtry for more betting coverage.