Analysis/Gambling

College Football Week 3 Preview: LSU–Ole Miss Leads a Packed September 17–19 Schedule

By Gamble Guy | North American Talk Radio | September 16, 2026

My pick’em show appears at the bottom of the article!!

Two top-10 teams meet in Oxford, two more ranked teams collide in Louisville, and Houston visits Texas Tech in a Friday-night Big 12 test. Those games headline a Week 3 schedule that also sends Georgia to Arkansas, Florida State to Alabama and Michigan State to Notre Dame.

This preview covers the September 17–19 games involving FBS teams, including their matchups against FCS opponents. Rankings are from the AP Top 25 released after September 12. Kickoff times are Eastern. The listed spreads are a September 16 snapshot from MyBookie and BetUS, both sponsors of North American Talk Radio. Numbers and prices can change before kickoff; “no posted line” means a spread could not be verified on that sportsbook’s public board when this article was prepared. The Week 3 schedule should be checked again before publication for late changes.

The ranked games

No. 7 LSU at No. 8 Ole Miss — Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

MyBookie: LSU −3 (−110). BetUS: LSU −3 (−115).

The week’s marquee matchup carries immediate SEC weight. LSU enters unbeaten and travels to an Ole Miss team that has also opened 2–0. Three points make this close enough that a turnover, a short field or one explosive play could decide it. For the Rebels, protecting their home field would deliver an early statement against a top-10 opponent; for LSU, a road win would strengthen an already impressive start. Watch which offense stays patient when the first big play is unavailable.

No. 22 Houston at No. 13 Texas Tech — Friday, 8 p.m.

MyBookie: Texas Tech −7½ (−110). BetUS: Texas Tech −7½ (−105).

Both teams arrive unbeaten, giving this Friday game more weight than a routine early-season conference matchup. Texas Tech has the home advantage and is favored by more than a touchdown, but Houston has a chance to show whether its 2–0 start holds up against one of the Big 12’s ranked contenders. The question is whether the Cougars can keep the game within reach long enough to put pressure on the Red Raiders in the fourth quarter.

No. 16 SMU at No. 23 Louisville — Saturday, 3:30 p.m.

MyBookie: Louisville −1½ (−110). BetUS: Louisville −1½ (−105).

This is the closest spread among the ranked matchups. SMU is 2–0; Louisville is 1–1 and gets its opportunity at home. With so little separating them on the betting board, field position and finishing drives may matter more than a flashy early gain. The winner gets a valuable result against a ranked ACC opponent, while the loser faces an immediate climb back into the conference race.

No. 2 Georgia at Arkansas — Saturday, noon

MyBookie: Georgia −24½ (−110). BetUS: Georgia −24½ (−110).

Georgia’s first road trip against an SEC opponent asks more of the Bulldogs than their ranking alone suggests. They are substantial favorites, but Arkansas has the crowd and an opportunity to turn one early mistake into a difficult afternoon for the visitors. Georgia’s priority is to establish control before the Razorbacks can make the game emotional; Arkansas needs sustained drives and a clean start to keep the pressure on.

No. 5 Miami at Wake Forest — Friday, 7:30 p.m.

MyBookie: Miami −21 (−110). BetUS: Miami −21 (−105).

Miami opens the ranked-team portion of the weekend on Friday night. The Hurricanes are 2–0 and favored by three touchdowns, making this a test of how quickly they can impose their pace on the road. Wake Forest’s path to a competitive game starts with avoiding empty possessions and forcing Miami to work through long fields. A fast Hurricanes start would make the upset task considerably harder.

Michigan State at No. 3 Notre Dame — Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

MyBookie: Notre Dame −29 (−110). BetUS: Notre Dame −29 (−115).

The names evoke a major rivalry, even if this year’s spread points to a pronounced gap. Notre Dame enters 2–0 and is expected to control the game at home. Michigan State needs to limit the Irish’s short-field opportunities and find a way to sustain drives of its own. For Notre Dame, the standard is more than simply winning: a sharp performance would reinforce its place near the top of the poll.

UTSA at No. 1 Texas — Saturday, 8 p.m.

MyBookie: Texas −30 (−110). BetUS: Texas −30 (−110).

Texas carries the No. 1 ranking into another in-state matchup. UTSA’s challenge is to keep the Longhorns from turning early possessions into a runaway game. Texas, meanwhile, must handle the expectations that come with its new position atop the poll. The result may be expected; the more revealing question is whether the Longhorns maintain their execution from start to finish.

Florida State at No. 10 Alabama — Saturday, 3:30 p.m.

MyBookie: Alabama −20 (−110). BetUS: Alabama −19½ (−110).

This matchup has the names of a heavyweight game, although both books make Alabama a clear favorite. The half-point difference between the two listed spreads also shows why readers should check the number they intend to use. Florida State needs an efficient start and a way to keep Alabama from dictating field position. For the Crimson Tide, this is a chance to carry their 2–0 start into another prominent national game.

Kentucky at No. 9 Texas A&M — Saturday, 3:30 p.m.

MyBookie: Texas A&M −17 (−110). BetUS: Texas A&M −17 (−105).

Texas A&M is unbeaten and has a three-score spread at home, but Kentucky offers an early SEC measuring stick. The Aggies will want to turn their home advantage into control of the line of scrimmage. Kentucky’s best opportunity is to make A&M earn points through sustained drives and keep the game close into the second half.

No. 12 USC at Rutgers — Saturday, 3:30 p.m.

MyBookie: USC −24 (−110). BetUS: USC −24 (−110).

USC enters 3–0 and heads across the country for a Big Ten road game. The Trojans are heavily favored, yet the travel and conference setting make their opening possessions worth watching. Rutgers needs to shorten the game and avoid giving USC easy scoring chances. A composed road performance would keep the Trojans’ strong start moving in the right direction.

No. 11 BYU at Colorado State — Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

MyBookie: BYU −18 (−110). BetUS: BYU −18 (−105).

BYU’s 2–0 opening has lifted it to No. 11, and this trip gives the Cougars a chance to protect that position away from home. Colorado State needs to make BYU uncomfortable early rather than spend the night chasing a large deficit. How the Cougars handle the road setting will be as important to watch as the final margin.

Western Kentucky at No. 4 Indiana — Saturday, 4 p.m.

MyBookie: Indiana −44½ (−110). BetUS: Indiana −44½ (−110).

Indiana is favored by more than six touchdowns, the largest spread among its fellow top-five teams this week. Western Kentucky’s immediate task is to avoid turnovers that make a difficult assignment worse. For the Hoosiers, the useful measure will be whether they play with the same discipline expected in a tighter game.

Kent State at No. 6 Ohio State — Saturday, noon

MyBookie: Ohio State −52½ (−110). BetUS: Ohio State −52½ (−110).

Ohio State is 1–1 after falling from the top of the poll. The Buckeyes have a clear chance to reset against Kent State, but this game is best judged by their execution rather than the size of the projected margin. Kent State will look for manageable possessions and opportunities to prevent the game from getting away immediately.

Buffalo at No. 14 Penn State — Saturday, noon

MyBookie: Penn State −41 (−110). BetUS: Penn State −41 (−115).

Penn State returns home unbeaten and heavily favored. Buffalo faces the demanding task of keeping the Nittany Lions from building an early lead through field position and quick scores. Penn State’s focus is to take care of its assignment while continuing to develop the consistency it will need against tougher Big Ten opposition.

Kennesaw State at No. 15 Tennessee — Saturday, 7:45 p.m.

MyBookie: Tennessee −35½ (−110). BetUS: Tennessee −35½ (−110).

Tennessee’s 2–0 start has moved it up the rankings. Kennesaw State will try to keep the Volunteers from settling into a comfortable rhythm, particularly early. Tennessee should have the advantage, but the more useful takeaway will be how cleanly it runs its offense and handles a game in which it is expected to win comfortably.

Utah State at No. 17 Utah — Saturday, 3:30 p.m.

MyBookie: Utah −28 (−110). BetUS: Utah −28 (−110).

The in-state pairing gives Utah State a familiar opponent and Utah a chance to continue its 2–0 start. The Utes are four-touchdown favorites. Utah State needs to find enough offense to keep Utah from controlling possession and field position throughout the afternoon. Utah will want to establish that control early.

Northern Iowa at No. 18 Iowa — Saturday, 4 p.m.

MyBookie: No posted line. BetUS: No posted line.

Iowa enters unbeaten against an FCS opponent. Northern Iowa will try to turn this into the kind of field-position game in which every possession matters. The Hawkeyes’ task is to avoid giving the visitors that opening and to convert their advantages into points without allowing the score to remain close deep into the game.

UTEP at No. 19 Michigan — Saturday, 3:30 p.m.

MyBookie: Michigan −35½ (−110). BetUS: Michigan −35 (−110).

Michigan is back in the Top 25 and is a substantial favorite at home. UTEP’s challenge is to withstand the Wolverines’ early push and create scoring chances of its own. The books differ by half a point on Michigan’s spread, another reminder that published odds should carry their source and date.

Troy at No. 20 Missouri — Saturday, 7 p.m.

MyBookie: Missouri −26½ (−110). BetUS: Missouri −27 (−105).

Missouri is 2–0 and favored by nearly four touchdowns. Troy needs to keep the Tigers from building a cushion that lets them control the rest of the night. Missouri can use this game to sustain its momentum, but Troy has every reason to make the ranked home team prove its edge on the field.

Portland State at No. 21 Oregon — Friday, 10:30 p.m.

MyBookie: No posted line. BetUS: No posted line.

Oregon’s 1–1 record makes this a chance to steady its season after an early setback. Portland State is an FCS visitor facing a ranked opponent in Autzen Stadium. The Ducks will want a decisive response and a clean performance before the schedule moves on.

West Virginia vs. No. 25 Virginia — Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

MyBookie: Virginia −10½ (−110). BetUS: Virginia −10½ (−110).

Virginia’s 2–0 start has kept it in the Top 25, and West Virginia now gets a chance to challenge that standing. The game is scheduled for Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, so it should be treated as a neutral-site matchup. Virginia is favored by more than a touchdown; West Virginia needs to keep the Cavaliers from turning the game into one played entirely on their terms.

New Mexico at No. 24 Oklahoma — Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

MyBookie: Oklahoma −23 (−110). BetUS: Oklahoma −22½ (−110).

Oklahoma is 1–1 after a steep drop in the rankings. The Sooners have an opportunity to respond at home, but New Mexico can make them work for it by protecting the ball and sustaining drives. Oklahoma’s attention should be on playing a complete game, particularly before more demanding opponents arrive.

Power Four matchups and major-school games

Syracuse at Pittsburgh — Thursday, 7:30 p.m.

MyBookie: Pittsburgh −10½ (−110). BetUS: Pittsburgh −10½ (−105). Pittsburgh opens the week at home against an ACC opponent. Syracuse needs to prevent an early deficit from putting the game squarely in the Panthers’ hands; Pitt has a chance to turn its home advantage into a conference win.

Arizona State at Kansas — Saturday, noon

MyBookie: Arizona State −5½ (−110). BetUS: Arizona State −5½ (−105). This is one of the tighter Big 12 games on the schedule. Arizona State is a road favorite, while Kansas has an opportunity to change the picture with a strong start. A one-possession game late would be no surprise given the spread.

North Carolina at Clemson — Saturday, noon

MyBookie: Clemson −3½ (−110). BetUS: Clemson −3½ (−110). Clemson is only a slight home favorite in an ACC game with more uncertainty than the program names alone might suggest. North Carolina can put real pressure on the Tigers by keeping the game close and forcing them to finish drives.

NC State at Vanderbilt — Saturday, 12:45 p.m.

MyBookie: Vanderbilt −3½ (−110). BetUS: Vanderbilt −3½ (−110). The books see little separation between these ACC and SEC opponents. Vanderbilt gets the home field; NC State gets a chance to earn a notable road result. Late-game execution could settle it.

Miami (Ohio) at Cincinnati — Saturday, 3:30 p.m.

MyBookie: Cincinnati −14½ (−110). BetUS: Cincinnati −14½ (−105). The rivals meet for the Victory Bell with Cincinnati favored by two touchdowns. Miami needs to make the Bearcats earn their yards and avoid playing from far behind; Cincinnati can seize control by establishing its ground game.

Eastern Michigan at Wisconsin — Saturday, 12:30 p.m.

MyBookie: Wisconsin −24½ (−110). BetUS: Wisconsin −23½ (−110). Wisconsin is favored at Camp Randall, although the books differ by a point. Eastern Michigan’s route to a competitive afternoon depends on limiting early damage and finding enough offense to keep the Badgers from dictating the entire game.

Louisiana Tech at Baylor — Saturday, 4 p.m.

MyBookie: Baylor −19½ (−110). BetUS: Baylor −19½ (−110). Baylor has the home field and a sizable spread. Louisiana Tech needs to turn possessions into points rather than allow the Bears to build a comfortable halftime lead.

Stanford at Duke — Saturday, 4 p.m.

MyBookie: Duke −9½ (−110). BetUS: Duke −9½ (−110). Duke is favored by more than a touchdown in this ACC matchup. Stanford’s challenge is to keep the Blue Devils from building momentum at home and to remain close enough to make the fourth quarter matter.

Mississippi State at South Carolina — Saturday, 4:15 p.m.

MyBookie: South Carolina −4 (−110). BetUS: South Carolina −3½ (−110). This SEC game has one of the smaller spreads on the board. Mississippi State can put the pressure on the home side with a strong opening, while South Carolina will try to make its slight advantage stand up over four quarters.

Florida at Auburn — Saturday, 7 p.m.

MyBookie: Florida −2½ (−110). BetUS: Florida −2½ (−110). Florida is a narrow road favorite in a matchup that could swing on a single late possession. Auburn’s home crowd gives it an opportunity to disrupt that expectation. Neither side has much room for turnovers or missed scoring chances.

Virginia Tech at Maryland — Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

MyBookie: Virginia Tech −3 (−110). BetUS: Virginia Tech −3 (−105). A three-point road spread points to a competitive ACC–Big Ten meeting. Maryland needs to capitalize on its home setting; Virginia Tech has a chance to show it can handle a close game away from home.

Colorado at Northwestern — Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

MyBookie: Northwestern −3½ (−110). BetUS: Northwestern −3½ (−110). Northwestern is a modest favorite in a matchup where neither team has been given much separation on the board. Colorado’s opportunity is to keep the game within one score and force the Wildcats to deliver late.

Purdue at UCLA — Saturday, 11 p.m.

MyBookie: UCLA −14 (−110). BetUS: UCLA −14 (−110). This late Big Ten game gives UCLA a two-touchdown edge. Purdue must avoid falling into an early hole on the road; UCLA will aim to establish control before the second half.

Bowling Green at Iowa State — Saturday, noon

MyBookie: Iowa State −23½ (−110). BetUS: Iowa State −23½ (−110). Iowa State is a clear favorite, but Bowling Green gets a chance to test how consistently the Cyclones can move the ball. An early turnover or short field would make the visitors’ assignment tougher.

Akron at Minnesota — Saturday, noon

MyBookie: Minnesota −24 (−110). BetUS: Minnesota −23½ (−110). Minnesota returns home favored by more than three touchdowns. Akron needs to sustain drives to keep the Gophers’ offense on the sideline and prevent the score from getting away.

Georgia State at UCF — Saturday, 7 p.m.

MyBookie: UCF −18½ (−110). BetUS: UCF −18½ (−110). UCF is favored at home against a Sun Belt visitor. Georgia State’s best opening is to make the Knights play through long drives rather than give them quick scoring opportunities.

Arkansas State at TCU — Saturday, 8 p.m.

MyBookie: TCU −20 (−110). BetUS: TCU −20 (−105). TCU is a substantial home favorite. Arkansas State needs to make this a four-quarter game; the Horned Frogs will look to take command with a fast, efficient start.

Maine at Boston College — Saturday, 2 p.m.

MyBookie: No posted line. BetUS: No posted line. Boston College hosts an FCS opponent and will want to establish control early. Maine’s chance lies in keeping the Eagles from turning a handful of possessions into a decisive lead.

Mercer at Georgia Tech — Saturday, noon

MyBookie: No posted line. BetUS: No posted line. Georgia Tech gets an FCS visitor before moving further into its schedule. The Yellow Jackets’ measure is a disciplined performance that gives Mercer few openings to make this a close afternoon.

Southern Illinois at Illinois — Saturday, 2 p.m.

MyBookie: No posted line. BetUS: No posted line. Illinois is at home against an FCS opponent. Southern Illinois will try to make each possession count; Illinois needs to convert its advantages into an early cushion.

Wagner at California — Saturday, 3:30 p.m.

MyBookie: No posted line. BetUS: No posted line. Cal has an opportunity to take care of business at home. Wagner’s task is to stay within reach long enough to put pressure on the Golden Bears.

Murray State at Oklahoma State — Saturday, 7 p.m.

MyBookie: No posted line. BetUS: No posted line. Oklahoma State hosts an FCS opponent in the evening window. The Cowboys will look for a clean start that prevents Murray State from gaining confidence.

Eastern Washington at Washington — Saturday, 7:15 p.m.

MyBookie: No posted line. BetUS: No posted line. Washington welcomes an FCS visitor. The Huskies can set the tone by controlling field position and avoiding the mistakes that give an underdog extra possessions.

North Dakota at Nebraska — Saturday, 7:15 p.m.

MyBookie: No posted line. BetUS: No posted line. Nebraska hosts an FCS opponent under the lights. North Dakota needs to limit explosive plays and make the Huskers sustain drives; Nebraska will want to take charge early.

The rest of the FBS slate

• Coastal Carolina at Delaware — Saturday, 11:30 a.m. MyBookie: Delaware −5 (−110). BetUS: Delaware −5 (−110). Delaware gets the home edge in an early FBS matchup; Coastal Carolina can change the game by staying close into the fourth quarter.
• Tulane at Kansas State — Saturday, noon. MyBookie: Kansas State −20½ (−110). BetUS: Kansas State −20½ (−110). Kansas State is a strong favorite, while Tulane needs to avoid the kind of early deficit that would let the Wildcats control the afternoon.
• North Texas at Texas State — Saturday, noon. MyBookie: Texas State −3 (−110). BetUS: Texas State −3 (−110). This is a one-possession spread between two programs seeking a useful early-season result.
• Wyoming at Central Michigan — Saturday, 1 p.m. MyBookie: Central Michigan −1½ (−110). BetUS: Central Michigan −1½ (−110). One of the board’s closest games could come down to field position and a late scoring opportunity.
• Temple at Toledo — Saturday, 3 p.m. MyBookie: Toledo −6 (−110). BetUS: Toledo −6 (−105). Toledo has the home advantage; Temple needs to stay within one score to keep pressure on the Rockets.
• Ball State at Liberty — Saturday, 4 p.m. MyBookie: Liberty −14½ (−110). BetUS: Liberty −14½ (−110). Liberty is favored by two touchdowns, putting the burden on Ball State to keep the game close early.
• East Carolina at Old Dominion — Saturday, 6 p.m. MyBookie: Old Dominion −3 (−110). BetUS: Old Dominion −3 (even money). A narrow spread gives both sides reason to expect a meaningful fourth quarter.
• Charlotte at Appalachian State — Saturday, 6 p.m. MyBookie: Appalachian State −17½ (−110). BetUS: Appalachian State −17½ (−110). App State has a sizable home edge; Charlotte needs sustained drives to keep it competitive.

More Opportunities

• FIU at Florida Atlantic — Saturday, 6 p.m. MyBookie: Florida Atlantic −7 (−110). BetUS: Florida Atlantic −7 (−105). The in-state meeting gives FIU a chance to challenge a one-touchdown road spread.
• Marshall at Missouri State — Saturday, 6:30 p.m. MyBookie: Marshall −4½ (−110). BetUS: Marshall −4 (−115). The books differ by half a point in a game that projects to stay close.
• Nevada at Middle Tennessee — Saturday, 7 p.m. MyBookie: Nevada −3½ (−110). BetUS: Nevada −3½ (−110). Nevada is a slight road favorite; Middle Tennessee has an opening to overturn that expectation at home.
• Georgia Southern at Jacksonville State — Saturday, 7 p.m. MyBookie: Jacksonville State −3½ (−110). BetUS: Jacksonville State −3 (−115). The small spread makes a late swing plausible.
• Ohio at South Alabama — Saturday, 7 p.m. MyBookie: South Alabama −7 (−110). BetUS: South Alabama −7 (−110). Ohio needs to keep this within one possession against a home favorite.
• UConn at Southern Miss — Saturday, 7 p.m. MyBookie: UConn −3 (−110). BetUS: UConn −3 (−115). UConn travels as a slight favorite, leaving Southern Miss a clear chance to win at home.

Western Blowout?

• Western Michigan at Rice — Saturday, 7 p.m. MyBookie: Western Michigan −9½ (−110). BetUS: Western Michigan −9½ (−115). Western Michigan has the larger edge on the board, but must deliver it on the road.
• UAB at Louisiana — Saturday, 8 p.m. MyBookie: Louisiana −7½ (−110). BetUS: Louisiana −7½ (−105). Louisiana is favored by a little more than a touchdown in a matchup UAB can tighten with a strong start.
• James Madison at San Diego State — Saturday, 10 p.m. MyBookie: San Diego State −2 (−110). BetUS: San Diego State −2 (−110). This late game carries one of the week’s smallest spreads.
• Northern Illinois at Arizona — Saturday, 10:30 p.m. MyBookie: Arizona −34½ (−110). BetUS: Arizona −34½ (−110). Arizona is heavily favored, and Northern Illinois needs an efficient opening to avoid chasing the game.
• Fresno State at San Jose State — Saturday, 11 p.m. MyBookie: Fresno State −6½ (−110). BetUS: Fresno State −6½ (−115). Fresno State is favored on the road in a late Mountain West matchup.
• South Dakota at Boise State — Saturday, 10 p.m. MyBookie: No posted line. BetUS: No posted line. Boise State hosts an FCS opponent and will seek to establish control before the game reaches the late-night window.
• Montana at Oregon State — Saturday, 11 p.m. MyBookie: No posted line. BetUS: No posted line. Oregon State faces an FCS visitor in one of the night’s final kickoffs.

Check MyBookie and BetUS for most of these lines

• Duquesne at Washington State — Saturday, 3:30 p.m. MyBookie: No posted line. BetUS: No posted line. Washington State will look to take care of its home assignment against an FCS opponent.
• Delaware State at South Florida — Saturday, 7 p.m. MyBookie: No posted line. BetUS: No posted line. South Florida hosts an FCS visitor and will want an early lead.
• UT Martin at Memphis — Saturday, 7 p.m. MyBookie: No posted line. BetUS: No posted line. Memphis gets an FCS opponent at home and a chance to set its own pace.
• Nicholls State at Sam Houston — Saturday, 7 p.m. MyBookie: No posted line. BetUS: No posted line. Sam Houston has the home field; Nicholls State will try to keep the game within reach.
• Southeastern Louisiana at Louisiana–Monroe — Saturday, 4:30 p.m. MyBookie: No posted line. BetUS: No posted line. ULM hosts an FCS opponent and will aim to turn its home advantage into a steady start.
• Stonehill at UMass — Saturday, 3:30 p.m. MyBookie: No posted line. BetUS: No posted line. UMass gets an FCS visitor and an opportunity to control the game early.
• East Texas A&M at Tulsa — Saturday, 8 p.m. MyBookie: No posted line. BetUS: No posted line. Tulsa will look to make its advantage count against an FCS opponent.
• North Dakota State at Sacramento State — Saturday, 10:30 p.m. MyBookie: North Dakota State −27½ (−110). BetUS: North Dakota State −27½ (−110). Sacramento State is on the FBS schedule this season and faces a demanding matchup with an FCS program the books favor heavily.

Editor’s publication check: Refresh both MyBookie and BetUS before posting, especially games currently marked “no posted line.” North American Talk Radio has a sponsorship relationship with both sportsbooks. Odds are provided as reporting context, not a guarantee of an outcome.

More NCAA: https://natalkradio.us/category/ncaa/

North American Talk Radio may earn a commission if you make a purchase through links in this article, at no additional cost to you.