College Football Picks & Previews

At ScoresandStats, we provide weekly coverage of the NCAAF season, offering predictions and detailed matchup breakdowns in our blog. Best of all, these picks are accessible to everyone, regardless of your subscription status.

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Latest Previews and Predictions

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Oklahoma Sooners vs. Central Florida Knights Pick & Prediction OCTOBER 21st 2023

Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel acknowledges it’ll be unusual going against UCF on Saturday when his No. 6 Sooners host the Knights in Big 12 Conference play in Norman, Okla. “I think now I’m just kind of settling into (the fact) college football is what it is,” said Gabriel, who played his first three seasons for UCF from 2019-21. “Once you think one thing, it’ll turn into a whole ‘nother.” Gabriel is one of the biggest
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Miami Hurricanes vs. Clemson Tigers Pick & Prediction OCTOBER 21st 2023

Perhaps the last team that slumping Miami wants to see this week is Clemson. That’s because the Hurricanes have lost four straight games to the Tigers by a combined score of 178-30. Like it or not, Clemson (4-2, 2-2) will visit Miami (4-2, 0-2) on Saturday night for an Atlantic Coast Conference battle. While Clemson has won two straight games since losing to Florida State in overtime, Miami is reeling. The Hurricanes lost in the
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Stanford Cardinal vs. UCLA Bruins Pick & Prediction OCTOBER 21st 2023

Stanford tries to build off the largest comeback victory in program history when it hosts No. 25 UCLA in a Pac-12 Conference game Saturday night. The Cardinal (2-4, 1-3) rallied from a 29-0 deficit to stun Colorado 46-43 in double overtime last Friday in Boulder, Colo. The victory ended a seven-game conference losing streak for Stanford and instilled a level of confidence that first-year coach Troy Taylor has been hoping to see. “We’re going to
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Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Tennessee Volunteers Pick & Prediction OCTOBER 21st 2023

Alabama may not be the power program it usually is, but the No. 11 Crimson Tide still have plenty to play for this season. Alabama (6-1, 4-0 Southeastern Conference) takes aim at its sixth consecutive victory when it battles No. 17 Tennessee on Saturday afternoon in Tuscaloosa, Ala. The Crimson Tide lead the SEC West by a half-game over No. 19 LSU (4-1 SEC). A victory over the Volunteers (5-1, 2-1) would assure Alabama of
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Michigan State Spartans vs. Michigan Wolverines Pick & Prediction OCTOBER 21st 2023

The Michigan State football program appears to be in disarray, yet the Spartans can salvage their season by defeating their heated rival in East Lansing on Saturday night. The Spartans have lost their past four games heading into their annual showdown with No. 2 Michigan. The skid includes a fourth-quarter collapse against Rutgers last week in which Michigan State squandered an 18-point lead. The Spartans haven’t won a game since head coach Mel Tucker was
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West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys Pick & Prediction OCTOBER 21st 2023

Oklahoma State and West Virginia have found success in a different way this season. The programs historically have relied on their offenses, but the Cowboys and Mountaineers are in the bottom half of the Big 12 in points per game in 2023. Despite their offensive inconsistency, both teams are 4-2 overall and 2-1 in conference play thanks to improved defenses. Points might be at more of a premium than usual when the programs meet Saturday
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Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs. Pittsburgh Panthers Pick & Prediction OCTOBER 21st 2023

Pitt made a quarterback change and it worked out, at least for the short term. Wake Forest might go down that path. The teams meet Saturday at Winston-Salem, N.C., looking for upticks as they begin the second half of their schedules. Pitt (2-4, 1-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) has tried something new, and that could be a winning formula after a dismal opening month of the season. “We talk about playing together and staying together,” Panthers
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Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Northwestern Wildcats Pick & Prediction OCTOBER 21st 2023

Nebraska and Northwestern are both hoping to pick up where they left off before a bye week when they meet in a Big Ten Conference matchup Saturday afternoon in Lincoln, Neb. Nebraska (3-3, 1-2 Big Ten) pulled out a 20-7 win at Illinois before taking last weekend off, while Northwestern (3-3, 1-2) edged FCS school Howard 23-20 on Oct. 7 in its latest contest. The Cornhuskers will continue to start Heinrich Haarberg at quarterback. He
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Houston Cougars vs. Texas Longhorns Pick & Prediction OCTOBER 21st 2023

No. 8 Texas looks to get back on the winning track when it travels to battle Houston on Saturday as the teams renew their rivalry and square off for the only time as members of the Big 12 Conference. It’s the 26th all-time meeting between the programs, the first since 2002 and the first time as conference opponents since the Southwest Conference dissolved after the 1995 season. Texas leads the all-time series 16-7-2 and has

Free NCAAF Picks

The college football regular season spans around 800 games, delivering nonstop action from late August through December. While not every matchup grabs the attention of casual fans, each game holds valuable betting opportunities for those looking to find an edge. 

Often, the best betting value lies in games featuring less well-known teams or matchups that may seem less thrilling, were overlooked performances and market inefficiencies can lead to strong profit potential.

Here are some of our free NCAAF picks for this week’s games:\

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How to Gain Access to Premium College Football Picks

Looking to get access to top-quality NCAAF picks? Our handicapper services offer a curated selection of expert picks from seasoned professionals to boost your chances of success.

With our Starter tier, you’ll receive a limited number of picks along with consensus betting data. For more in-depth coverage, our Starter Plus, Classic, and Premium tiers provide increasingly greater access to expert selections.

If you prefer flexibility, you can also purchase individual picks from a handicapper for a one-time fee.

For the best value, we suggest the Classic package, which unlocks almost all of our services and ensures you receive expert NCAAF picks on a weekly basis.

How to Choose a Handicapper: What to Look For in a Professional

When selecting a college football handicapper, it’s essential to find someone who offers more than just predictions. A top-tier handicapper brings expertise, transparency, and a track record of success to help guide your betting strategy. 

Here are the key qualities to consider when choosing a college football handicapper:

Proven Track Record and Consistency

The first thing to look for in a handicapper is a documented history of success. A reputable handicapper will have a proven track record of delivering consistent results over multiple seasons, rather than cherry-picking wins or relying on a few standout bets. 

They should provide detailed records of their past picks, showing both wins and losses to give you a clear and transparent view of their performance. This demonstrates accountability and long-term profitability, which is crucial for sustained success in college football betting.

In-Depth Analysis and Research

A reliable handicapper doesn’t rely on gut feelings or trends alone. Instead, they base their picks on thorough research and in-depth analysis of statistics, matchups, team dynamics, injuries, and betting market trends. They should have a clear process for evaluating games and providing well-thought-out predictions. 

A great handicapper will also explain the reasoning behind their picks, helping you understand the logic and data driving their decisions. This is a sign that they put genuine effort into their work, rather than offering quick, uninformed guesses.

Transparency and Accountability

Transparency is critical in choosing a reliable handicapper. A trustworthy expert will be upfront about both their successes and failures. They won’t promise unrealistic results or guaranteed wins, as the nature of sports betting involves inherent risk. Instead, they’ll be clear about their methods, openly share their process, and stand by their results—good or bad.

Look for handicappers who provide detailed explanations for each pick, showing the reasoning behind their choices. This level of transparency helps you understand how their predictions are made and gives you more confidence in the betting decisions you make.

Specialization in College Football

Sports handicapping requires deep knowledge, and you’ll want to select a handicapper who specializes in college football. Experts who spread themselves too thin by covering multiple sports may lack the depth of knowledge required to make accurate picks consistently in college football. A college football specialist will have a keen understanding of the teams, players, and coaching strategies that make a difference on the field.

These experts stay up-to-date with team dynamics, player injuries, roster changes, and how specific matchups influence the outcome of a game. Specialization ensures the handicapper can give you the most informed and accurate picks based on their in-depth knowledge of the sport.

Realistic Expectations and Money Management

Lastly, a good handicapper promotes responsible betting and realistic expectations. They won’t make wild promises of overnight success or tell you to bet recklessly. Instead, they’ll guide you on how to manage your bankroll effectively and bet within your limits. A solid betting strategy is about long-term profitability, not chasing quick wins.

The right handicapper will focus on a disciplined approach, teaching clients how to manage losses, stay consistent, and grow their bankroll over time through smart, calculated bets.

 

Our Current Best NCAAF Handicappers

At ScoresandStats, we have a great selection of football handicappers to shadow. Below is a look at some of our top current NCAAF handicappers:

To get a closer look at each handicapper’s stats for a particular sport, you can visit their profile to see their recent wagers, wins, and losses. 

 Here’s a look at the recent NCAAF stats for Robert Ferguson:

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Ferguson has made their success by betting on the spread. They currently boast a win rate of over 50%.

How College Football Handicappers Find Value

College football handicappers use a blend of data analysis, trends, and market insights to identify value in betting lines. The goal is to spot games where the odds don’t accurately reflect the likely outcome, providing bettors with an edge. 

Here’s a closer look at how professional handicappers uncover value in college football and the tools they rely on:

Advanced College Football Statistics and Metrics

Handicappers go beyond wins and losses, diving into advanced stats to better understand a team’s true strengths and weaknesses. These key college football-specific metrics provide deeper insight:

  • Yards per Play (YPP): Measures offensive and defensive efficiency by tracking how many yards a team gains or allows per play, helping assess overall team performance.
  • Turnover Margin: Tracks the difference between turnovers forced and turnovers committed, a key factor in determining which teams control the game.
  • Red Zone Efficiency: Looks at how well a team scores or defends inside the opponent’s 20-yard line, offering insights into execution in critical situations.
  • Third-Down Conversion Rate: Gauges a team’s ability to sustain drives and control possession, a vital stat for both offense and defense.

By analyzing these metrics, handicappers can identify teams that are over- or underperforming compared to traditional measures like win-loss records or point differentials

Recent Trends and Team Form

While season-long performance is important, handicappers also focus on recent trends to detect changes in team momentum. A team trending up or down might offer value if the betting lines haven’t fully adjusted. Key trends include:

  • Recent Game Performance: How well a team has played in its last few games, particularly against similar competition or under specific conditions like home vs. away games.
  • Impact of Injuries: Injuries to key players or their return to action can significantly alter a team’s performance. A star player coming back after an absence might make a team undervalued if the betting market hasn’t caught on.
  • Coaching Adjustments: Changes in strategy or lineup, especially mid-season, can lead to improved performance. Handicappers often catch these improvements before the betting lines reflect them.

Public Betting Trends and Line Movement

Understanding public betting behavior and how sportsbooks adjust lines is another strategy handicappers use to find value. By monitoring how the public bets, handicappers can exploit inefficiencies in the market. Common strategies include:

  • Fade the Public: Betting against popular public picks can create value, especially when the majority of bettors are backing one team and pushing the line in their favor.
  • Sharp Money Movement: Tracking where professional or “sharp” bettors are placing their money can provide insight into the smarter side of a game. Sharp bettors often move lines based on in-depth knowledge, creating opportunities for handicappers to capitalize.

Situational Factors in College Football Betting

Handicappers also evaluate situational factors that can significantly impact a game’s outcome. These factors are often overlooked by the general public but can play a crucial role in predicting performance. 

Examples include:

  • Home-Field Advantage: College football teams typically perform better at home due to crowd support, comfort with the environment, and reduced travel fatigue. Some teams have particularly strong home-field advantages.
  • Travel and Fatigue: The college football schedule can be demanding, especially for teams playing multiple road games in a row or coming off a short week. Handicappers consider travel distance and rest days when assessing team performance.
  • Weather Conditions: Outdoor games are heavily influenced by weather, especially in parts of the country where conditions like heavy rain, snow, or strong winds can alter a team’s game plan. Handicappers analyze how certain teams perform under adverse weather conditions.

Market Inefficiencies and Overreactions

College football betting markets are not always perfectly efficient, and handicappers look to exploit these inefficiencies. Public perception, media hype, and recency bias often cause overreactions that skew betting lines, creating value for sharp bettors. Areas of focus include:

  • Overreaction to Injuries: When a key player is injured, betting lines may overreact, making a team appear weaker than they really are. A sharp handicapper will evaluate the team’s depth and adaptability to find value in this situation.
  • Recency Bias: Bettors tend to overvalue a team’s most recent performance, whether it’s a big win or a significant loss. Handicappers find value by betting against inflated lines resulting from this bias.
  • Undervalued Teams: Teams that struggle early in the season but start to improve may offer significant value before the betting market fully adjusts. Handicappers identify these under-the-radar improvements and capitalize on the market’s delayed reaction.

Combining Tools to Find Value

By combining advanced statistics, situational analysis, and an understanding of market movements, college football handicappers can uncover value where betting odds don’t align with the true probabilities of a game. Whether it’s identifying an undervalued team, taking advantage of public betting trends, or spotting inefficiencies in the market, professional handicappers use these strategies to offer informed picks that help their clients gain an edge.

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