The biggest matchup in college football’s Week 3 odds may have taken a slight detour on its way Wednesday night.
LSU listed quarterback Sam Leavitt as questionable to play Saturday night at Ole Miss. However, while the point spread was initially lowered from Tigers -3 to -1.5, most sportsbooks quickly switched to LSU -2.5.
So maybe color makers are skeptical of Leavitt’s status.
“I see (the line) being on the other side of their pick if Leavitt is out,” Caesars Sports head of football merchandising Joey Feazel said, indicating Ole Miss would be the favorite. “I’m not sure what to think. But it’s a big game for both sides, so of course if he’s available I think he’ll play.”
Tipsters and sharp bettors offer their insights on that matchup and more in college football Week 3 betting.
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No. 7 LSU has wins at home against Clemson and Louisiana Tech so far while standing at 2-0 straight up (SU) and 1-1 against the spread (ATS). Saturday night’s trip to Oxford looks to be much more challenging.
No. 8 Ole Miss is also 2-0 SU/1-1 ATS, already coming off a tough test, at a neutral site against Louisville in Week 1. The Rebels held on for a 41-38 win as 6-point favorites.
Caesars Sports opened LSU -2.5 and quickly advanced to -3 on Sunday. Wednesday night’s news briefly shook things up, but the Tigers were set at -2.5, and they’re no doubt popular under coach Lane Kiffin, who left Ole Miss last December.
“A lot of love comes into this LSU team. Ever since LSU beat Clemson, that’s been the case,” Feazel said. “I don’t expect that to change. I expect heavy LSU action and money down the stretch leading up to game time.”
On Wednesday night, the total actually fell to 57.5, after opening at 59.5. But as Feazel alluded to, the crowd will almost certainly call it quits as Saturday’s 7:30pm ET kickoff approaches.
Sam Leavitt’s status will be crucial in the LSU-Ole Miss clash (Getty Images).
FOX gets the first key contest in the Week 3 college football odds with a Big 12 battle Friday night between No. 22 Houston (2-0 SU/1-1 ATS) and No. 13 Texas Tech (2-0 SU/0-2 ATS).
The Red Raiders didn’t look impressive last week as 25.5-point favorites at Oregon State. Texas Tech trailed 24-21 in the fourth quarter, but came away with a 35-24 victory.
Caesars opened Texas Tech as 9.5 point favorites and the sharp money landed on Houston +9.5 and +8.5. As of Monday morning, LSU was at -7.5, where the line remained Wednesday night for a Friday 8pm ET kickoff.
“Texas Tech has come out flat the first two weeks,” Feazel said. “Right now, there’s more Houston action on the spread and the money line. It’ll be interesting to see how it looks closer to Friday night.
“I think there’s some Texas Tech love there. We’ll see if it becomes more balanced.”
Miami, last year’s College Football Playoff runner-up, is clearly the class of the ACC so far this year. Saturday’s SMU-Louisville clash could show which ACC outfit is second best.
The Cardinals (1-1 SU/2-0 ATS) are at home but are only 1.5-point favorites over the Mustangs (2-0 SU and ATS). There has been no line movement since Wednesday night.
“There’s a little more money in Louisville and a little more in Over,” Feazel said of the early action. “We’re probably going to continue to see a little bit more Louisville action. And we’re definitely going to see good Over action with the ability of those two offenses.”
Hence, a high total of 59.5, which already reached 60.5 once, on Sunday. Don’t be surprised if it breaks the 60 barrier again before kickoff Saturday at 3:30 PM ET.
Louisville and SMU will battle to see who is the ACC’s second-best team (Getty Images).
As it turns out, college football betting expert Paul Stone is already involved with SMU vs. Louisville. Even at this early point, the Cardinals will likely need to win out to stay in the picture for the 12-team College Football Playoff.
Stone likes Louisville’s chances, taking the Cardinals -1.5 in a game he believes they will win by at least one field goal.
“SMU’s Kevin Jennings is the more heralded of the two quarterbacks entering this game,” Stone said. “But I really like Lincoln Kienholz and I feel he will be the difference on Saturday.
“Kienholz is big (6-2, 215 pounds) and can impact a game with his arms and legs.