2017 College Football Week 3: Underdog Picks
Here are my three favorite underdog picks for this weekend:
Tennessee (-5) over Florida
The Volunteers bounced back with an easy victory after a long, tough win against Georgia Tech two weeks ago. The Gators, on the contrary, had to take the week off due to Hurricane Irma, after suffering a tough loss to Michigan. On top of it all, Florida will be without nine of their players due to suspension, including several of their top offensive weapons. I’m honestly really surprised that the Vols are even underdogs in this one. Look for Butch Jones’ team to take this one on the road.
Louisiana Tech (-7) over Western Kentucky
LA Tech-WKU games are always really fun to watch, and the last few years particularly, have produced some great entertainment. This year’s premiere C-USA battle should be no different. LA Tech had to replace three all-conference players after last season, but they have some new offensive weapons who will be looking to prove themselves, specifically QB J’mar Smith and RB Jarred Craft. Tech will have their work cut out for them on the road, but look for them to pull off the (minor) upset.
SMU (-18) over TCU
This is one of the biggest and most historic rivalries in college football. Not only are these two teams playing for an Iron Skillet (literally), but they’re playing for bragging rights as the best team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, and perhaps even in the state of Texas this season with the way most Texas teams are looking right now. SMU has been rebuilding ever since they were hit with the death penalty 30 years ago, but this year’s team finally looks poised for the upset. Look for RBs Xavier Jones and Braeden West to help establish the run early, WR Courtland Sutton (a likely NFL first-rounder) to make big plays on the long ball, and DB Jordan Wyatt to help the secondary prevent TCU QB Kenny Hill from throwing downfield. This game should be electric.
