SportsTalkATL Staff’s College Football Gambling Locks: Week 3

Chase Irle’s Locks

Season Record (9-7)

Florida (+14.5) vs. Alabama

It’s hard to argue with anyone that says Alabama is the best team in the country. They’ve looked every part of the defending champions through the first two weeks. Still, 15.5 points is a hell of a lot of points for a QB that is going into a hostile environment for the first time as a starting quarterback. The Tide shouldn’t have much of a problem winning this one, but the opportunity for a closer game or a backdoor cover is too much for me to pass up.

Georgia (-31) vs. South Carolina

I’m pretty confident UAB, who UGA just beat like a drum, is better than South Carolina, and Kirby isn’t going to be taking any chances after what has happened in this series in the past.

Ole Miss (-14) vs. Tulane

Tulane is a good team. They nearly beat Oklahoma, but they still aren’t nearly as talented as a team like Ole Miss. I don’t expect Kiffin to take the Green Wave lightly, and the Rebels offense can put points up in a hurry.

UCF (-7) at Louisville

I’m on the Gus Bus. Golden Knights roll past the Cardinals

Alex Lord’s Locks

Season Record (7-8)

Florida vs. Alabama (-14.5)

Alabama’s first big test was Miami in the season opener, and they handled the Hurricanes. Roll Tide Roll! The Swamp is certainly different than a neutral Mercedes-Benz Stadium, but Bryce Young is the real deal. I wouldn’t be shocked if this was a three-touchdown game for most of the day; the only question will be if the Gators can sneak in a backdoor cover.

Georgia (-31) vs. South Carolina

South Carolina might be the third or fourth-worst team in their own state, let alone the SEC East. This is one of the most talented teams Kirby Smart has had during his time in Athens; it feels like UGA’s year (until they face Bama). The Dawgs keep rolling over the Gamecocks, who might be worse than the UAB team UGA smothered last week.

Ohio State (-26.5) vs. Tulsa 

These next two picks were selected with the same strategy in mind. Every time a powerhouse program lays an egg, expect them to steamroll their next opponent. The Buckeyes were embarrassed on defense against Oregon; expect a different story against Tulsa.

Clemson (-28.5) vs. Georgia Tech

Clemson, who lost Week 1 to UGA, bounced back by trouncing South Carolina State. Georgia Tech handled Kennesaw State last week, but I wouldn’t be shocked if that frustration from Week 1 carried over to Week 3 for the Tigers.

Miami vs. Michigan State (+6.5)

This is my upset of the week. I am taking the Spartans money line because Miami is fraudelant. The Spartans handled Northwestern, while the Canes got embarrassed by Alabama then needed a late-game field goal to beat Appalachian State in their home opener. Take the points, sprinkle money line.

Jake Gordon’s Locks (@cantguardjake)

Season Record: 10-7

You all deserve better out of me. I’m getting sloppy. I managed to hedge with Costal Carolina against Kansas in the second half, but it was still way too close for comfort. I’m going to get back to form and start focusing on underdogs again.

Alabama (-14.5) v. Florida

Okay, let me get this one out of the way because I’m going against everything I just said. I think Alabama is just that far ahead of everyone else, but I wouldn’t be shocked to see Florida keep this one close and backdoor at the end. I picked Mercer to cover against Alabama, but this is a totally different situation. 55 points is a lot different from 14 and a hook. I think Alabama wins comfortably.

*Note, I’ll take the over in this game unless rain becomes a problem.

Michigan State (+8) @ Miami (u56.5)

Sparty has had a lot of fight in them to start 2021, and I think they’re in a good spot to have a close game against a Miami team that is still pretty talented. This one could really go either way, but I like Michigan State to at least keep it close and possibly win outright. The public is all over the over, so I will pivot here.

Fresno State (+10) @ UCLA

I’ve been saying it — Fresno State is not a bad team. This will be some good Pac 12 after dark action, and Chip Kelly needs to be careful.

UCONN @ Army (-18 1H)

I’m conflicted on this game, because I think UCONN could come out as a live dog (no pun intended) after Randy Edsall’s exit. Or maybe they roll over and Army rubs their belly for two and a half hours (pun intended).

Tulane @ Ole Miss o76

Eh, why not. Ole Miss overs have been good to me this year, and Willie Fritz has a good offense.

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