College Football Picks Week 3: Games the Odds Makers Have Wrong

Week 3 of the college football season is less than a day away and all of the sports gamblers and pick em' experts are scrambling to lock in their final predictions.

There are some great matchups this week, so, correctly predicting some of these games may be a little more difficult.

Vegas has had week three's odds out for quite some time now and whether you like to go with the underdogs or roll with the favorites, here are four games Vegas has wrong.

Central Florida at Florida International

Line - Central Florida -5.5

Two Florida programs that are currently on the rise as they both won their conference last season and won both of their bowl games. But this line is crazy to me.

I get that Central Florida hasn't given up a touchdown all season, but they've only played Charleston Southern and Boston College. Last week's win over the Eagles is what began to generate some of the hype for this Knight team but last time I checked Boston College wasn't anywhere near an elite program.

Maybe Vegas didn't watch the Florida International game against Louisville last weekend where the Golden Panthers were also the underdog and beat the Cardinals 24-17. Sure, Louisville isn't an elite team either but at least FIU did it on the road.

UCF hasn't faced a player like T.Y. Hilton yet who is receiving some national attention for the Heisman Trophy. The kid is so fast and I haven't seen a defense yet that has been able to stop him on offense or special teams.

Maybe FIU still needs a few more big wins to earn their respect but I would take the money line for the Golden Panthers and definitely the +5.5 for the home team.  

Michigan State at Notre Dame

Line - Michigan State +5

This was supposed to be the year the Fighting Irish put their program back on top of the college football world and competed for a BCS bowl. But after a 0-2 start all of those expectations have lowered quickly.

Michigan State is a very talented team on both sides of the ball and they know how to finish games, unlike Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish had both games won, but lost both of them. Including letting the Michigan Wolverines go 80 yards in 28 seconds to win the game.

Okay, I understand Notre Dame hurt itself in these games by turning the ball over five times and they are still loaded with talent. But what does that matter? The only thing that counts is are you winning. Notre Dame is not and I refuse to pick a team based off hoping that they will play to their potential.

The road team is 9-1 in the last 10 meetings against the spread and Michigan State is 10-4 in the last 14 meetings against Notre Dame.

Put me down for the road team as the spread should be much higher.

Arizona State vs. Illinois

Line - Arizona State +2

Is it just me or is the wrong team the underdog in this game?

Arizona States quarterback Brock Osweiler is having a fantastic season completing 74 percent of his passes and he has a solid offensive line protecting him.

Illinois loves to run the football with Jason Ford and Troy Pollard but the front seven for Arizona State will make it difficult to do so. Sophomore quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase will have to spread the ball around to wide receivers Darius Millines and A.J. Jenkins to open things up.

The Sun Devils are 6-1-2 in their last nine games as an underdog and they are 5-0 against the spread in their last five games against Big Ten teams.

Both teams have question marks on the defensive side of the ball but I'll take the team with the more proven quarterback and explosive offense. I'll also go with the team that is not coached by Ron Zook.

West Virginia at Maryland

Line - Maryland -1

Maryland should be favored by a lot more. Well, at least two points more.

I like West Virginia and quarterback Geno Smith but they are just a cheaper version of the Oregon Ducks. If Norfolk State could keep it competitive for 30 minutes, you can guarantee Maryland will be able to do the same. 

Maryland is led by head coach Randy Edsall and quarterback Danny O'Brien, who is very underrated. The Terrapins have enough offense and weapons at the receiver position like Kevin Dorsey to keep up with the Mountaineers.

Maryland is a team that's on the rise and I'll take the home team and the -1.

The favorite is 10-4 in the last 14 meetings between these two teams. Look for Maryland to move into the Top 25 with this victory and West Virginia to fall out of it.