This weekend brings a loaded college football slate with some tight matchups that could impact conference standings and the playoff picture. While we don’t think this week will be as wild as last week, there’s always a chance for some underdogs to come through and wreak havoc on the rankings.
We’re highlighting some of the biggest games, focusing on key storylines and where the smart money lies. These are the top matchups for Week 7, including the best college football predictions, picks and prop bets for each.
Iowa State: -3 -118
West Virginia: u53.5 –110
Iowa State comes into this matchup with a spotless 5-0 record. This also includes wins over Houston and Baylor. With a stretch like that, you’d think they would slide into an easy win against West Virginia.
Rocco Becht has led the offense with pretty decent production, but it’s the defense that's been the real star of the show. They’ve allowed just 10 points per game.
West Virginia has been up and down this season, boasting a 3-2 record and a dangerous ground game, led by CJ Donaldson Jr., who’s piled up 361 rushing yards. He’s going to give the Iowa State defense some headaches.
West Virginia has the home-field advantage, but they’ve struggled against ranked teams, losing their last seven against AP-ranked opponents.
We think Iowa State’s strong defense and balanced offense give them the edge in this one. This is considering their success on the road. Look for the Cyclones to exploit West Virginia’s vulnerable pass defense.
Pick: Iowa State -3
Prop Bet: Rocco Becht Over 1.5 touchdown passes
Ohio State: -3.5 -104
Oregon: o52.5 –115
Two undefeated teams clash in Eugene, with Oregon looking to defend their home turf.
Ohio State, fresh off a 35-7 thrashing of Iowa, has a dominant offense averaging a monstrous 46 points per game.
Oregon, meanwhile, has been dominant as well, winning all five games and showing great balance between their passing and rushing attacks. However, they’ve been shaky against lesser competition at times. It’s a bit weird, but some teams have their own struggles.
Both teams have high-powered offenses. This could come down to who executes better down the stretch.
While Ohio State’s defense has been stingy, allowing just 6.8 points per game, Oregon’s ability to protect the ball and move it through the air will keep them in it.
With Autzen Stadium providing a hostile environment, Oregon should cover the spread in a close one.
Pick: Oregon +3.5
Prop Bet: Dillon Gabriel Over 250.5 passing yards
Ole Miss: -3.5 -115
LSU: u62.5 –115
Ole Miss heads to Death Valley in a pivotal SEC clash.
The Rebels’ offense has been nothing less than explosive, but they’re coming off a tough stretch of games, and LSU’s defense presents their toughest challenge yet.
LSU, fresh off a bye, has the added advantage of extra preparation, and their home crowd will be fired up for this primetime matchup. All of the non-tangibles are favoring the Tigers in this game.
LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier has been solid under center, and the Tigers’ offensive line has been excellent in protecting him. The key to this game is whether Ole Miss can disrupt Nussmeier and take advantage of any mistakes.
We expect a close game, but the extra rest and LSU’s home-field advantage is what gives them the slight edge.
Pick: LSU +3.5
Prop Bet: Garrett Nussmeier Over 2.5 touchdown passes
Texas: -14.5 -110
Oklahoma: o50 –110
The Red River Rivalry is always one of the most anticipated matchups of the year, and this season is no exception.
Texas has been totally dominant, averaging 45 points per game, with a defense that’s been just as effective. We’re not sure if we’ll see Quinn Ewers or Arch Manning under center, but we also think it doesn’t matter, either. Both of these studs have been effective.
Oklahoma, on the other hand, is still finding its offensive rhythm, relying on QB Michael Hawkins Jr. to make plays. Injuries at wide receiver have really slowed their ability to keep pace with high-scoring teams.
Texas’ combination of a relentless offense and a sturdy defense makes it hard to see Oklahoma keeping this one close. Expect Texas to pull away in the second half as they typically do once they’re firing on all cylinders.
Pick: Texas -14.5
Prop Bet: Quinn Ewers Over 2.5 touchdown passes
South Carolina: o49.5 -115
Alabama: -21 -110
Alabama is looking to bounce back after a surprising and horrifying loss to Vanderbilt, while South Carolina continues to struggle offensively.
The Gamecocks were held to just three points in their last outing and will face a fired-up Crimson Tide team at Bryant-Denny Stadium. We think Alabama is going to light this one up just to make a statement.
Alabama has historically dominated at home against conference opponents, and their defense should have no problem containing South Carolina’s limited attack.
We're fairly confident in this college football prediction as we expect Alabama to come out angry and cover the spread.
Pick: Alabama -21
Prop Bet: Jalen Milroe Over 275.5 passing yards
Week 7 of college football offers plenty of excellent matchups with high stakes for conference standings and playoff hopes.
Whether it's Iowa State's stout defense, Oregon's home-field advantage, or Alabama's bounce-back game, there's no shortage of exciting plays to watch and bet on this Saturday.
As always, college football is naturally unpredictable. Even the most confident picks can be shaken up by unexpected performances as we’ve seen in Week 6. Keep an eye on key injuries, home-field factors, and late-week updates to make the best bets.