Well, we made it to Week 3. We finally get to see some teams competing in conference play. Thankfully, Michigan and the Wisconsin Badgers get a bye week before battling each other in Week 4. Now let’s take a look at the inner conference games.
Big Ten
In the Big Ten, we only have one conference game, and that is Ohio St vs Indiana. I 100% expect the Buckeyes to blow the Hoosiers out. But I am intrigued to see how freshman QB Michael Penix will do against the phenomenal Ohio St defense. On the other side of the ball, there is the potential Heisman candidate, Justin Fields, who has over 400 yards so far this year with 6 touchdowns and 0 interceptions.
ACC
We have 3 games in the ACC this weekend. Those games are North Carolina vs Wake Forest, Clemson vs Syracuse, and Florida St. Let’s start with the Tar Heels @ Wake Forest. This one will be interesting considering that both teams are looking hot right now. However, I do think UNC coming off of wins against S Carolina and Miami will end up winning this game. If you find yourself free round 6pm tonight, I highly recommend you tune into this game on ESPN.
Next we take a look at #1 Clemson vs Syracuse. In 2017 Syracuse defeated, at the time #2 Clemson, 27-24 at home. Then last year the Tigers beat the Orange 27-24 at Death Valley. This year, Clemson returns to the Carrier Dome and the score will not be close.
Finally, we have the dumpster fire that is Florida St vs #25 Virginia. This game is gonna be a blow out! I don’t see the Seminoles competing with the Cavaliers after blowing the lead against Boise St and only beating UL Monroe because of a missed PAT in OT.
SEC
Now let’s take a look at the SEC, aka the best conference in the country. This weekend, there will be only two conference games. Those games are #2 Alabama vs S Carolina and #9 Florida vs Kentucky. When it comes to the Crimson Tide, they will handle the Gamecocks with ease. When it comes to the Gators, we will find out if Feleipe Franks is actually a good quarterback. Even though it’s not a conference game, Tennessee vs Chattanooga will be interesting to see if the Vols can beat one (maybe two) of the three FCS teams they play.
BIG 12
The BIG 12 has zero conference games this weekend, but I am extremely interested in the Iowa St vs #19 Iowa game. The spread of this game has the Hawkeyes at -2, and they can cover that after how the Cyclones struggled against Northern Iowa in Week 1.
PAC 12
To round out the power five conferences, we have the PAC 12, who also has zero conference games in Week 3. Just like the BIG 12, there is only one game that I will be interested in and that’s Arizona St vs #18 Michigan St. If the Sun Devils can upset the Spartans in East Lansing, they will become a top 25 team. I am curious if the Spartans defense can contain freshman QB Jayden Daniels, who almost has 600 passing yds with 3 touchdowns and 0 interceptions.
To wrap up the Week 3 Power 5 preview, here are some bets to take this weekend!
North Carolina Moneyline +120
Washington St -9.5
Colorado -4
Central Michigan -1
UTSA +17
USC -4
Iowa -1.5
Arizona +14.5
TCU -2
Zac Nighswonger is a Contributor for the Unwrapped Sports Network website. Follow him @2015nighswonger on Twitter.