College Football Week 3 Preview – The Three Best Games

College football betting is shaping up for a memorable Week 3 of the schedule. There are tons of side notes and storylines surrounding this week’s premier matchups that are sure to make things interesting for both bettors and books.

Tennessee Volunteers at Florida Gators (-29.5)

Almost 30 points. That’s how much hate is worth. Since new Tennessee head coach Lane Kiffin falsely accused Florida head coach Urban Meyer of recruiting violations this summer, the Volunteers have had a bulls eye on them. Meyer will undoubtedly tell his team to not only beat UT, but to make Kiffin eat his words. The Gators reminded bettors why they’re the national champs, rolling over their first two opponents. Florida leads the nation in scoring, averaging 59 points over the opening two weeks of the season.

The Vols are sticking with quarterback Jonathan Crompton for this week’s tilt, despite his dismal performance against UCLA last weekend. Crompton passed for just 93 yards and was picked off three times in the 19-15 loss to the Bruins. Quarterback trouble was Tennessee’s main issue in 2008. The feeble offense ruined solid efforts from the Vols’ underrated defense. Tennessee has only allowed an average of 13 points in its first two games and has put the squeeze on opposing running backs for under 60 yards allowed per contest.

Texas Tech Red Raiders at Texas Longhorns (-17.5)

In another revenge game, the Longhorns look to erase last year’s shocking defeat in Lubbock. That 39-33 defeat spoiled Texas’ BCS title hopes. This season, the Red Raiders don’t have WR Michael Crabtree or QB Graham Harrell to lean on. But, in the first two games of the 2009 season, Texas Tech has shown it can still put points on the board. Quarterback Taylor Potts has passed for 456 yards per game – tops in the nation. The Raiders have already scored 10 touchdowns through the air – with three of those landing in the hands of WR Lyle Leong.

The Longhorns are depending on their air attack, behind Heisman candidate Colt McCoy. Texas is ninth in the nation in passing but has shown an improved running game that wasn’t there the last time these teams met. Behind a trio of running backs the ‘Horns have rumbled for 195 yards per game and have found the end zone for seven rushing touchdowns. Last season, Texas scored just 33 times on the ground for an average of just over two per game.

Nebraska Cornhuskers at Virginia Tech Hokies (-4)

The Huskers have jumped out as a favorite to win the Big 12 North title after a solid start to the season. Nebraska has shown an ability to put scores on the board but has been more impressive with its defense. They’ve allowed just 12 total points in their first two games. Nebraska has a young team that will get its first true test of the season at Lane Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Keeping versatile QB Tyrod Taylor under pressure will be the Huskers’ main objective. The Hokies’ signal caller has shown major improvement in his passing game since 2008. Last year, he passed for just two touchdowns while throwing seven interceptions. This season, Taylor already has two scores – both coming in a blowout win over Marshall last weekend. Virginia also has a superb backfield combo of Ryan Williams and David Wilson, who combined for 329 yards and four touchdowns on Saturday.