College Football Picks for Saturday, October 31, 2026

College Football Picks and Predictions for Saturday, October 31, 2026

Halloween Saturday has a loaded college football schedule. Florida and Georgia meet in Jacksonville, Ohio State heads west to face USC, Notre Dame plays Navy in Foxborough, and Arizona visits Texas Tech in a ranked Big 12 matchup.

There are also some interesting lines involving Indiana, Oregon, BYU and Miami. A few of these favorites are laying enormous numbers, and I don’t see much reason to automatically back a ranked team simply because the opponent doesn’t have a number next to its name.

Here are our Saturday college football picks. Spreads are reference numbers from the October 29–30 betting market.

For more college football predictions, check out our free NCAAF picks⁠.

College Football Picks at a Glance

Notre Dame vs. Navy

Notre Dame is favored by more than four touchdowns, and that is an enormous number against an opponent that can shorten games through its running attack. Navy doesn’t need to match Notre Dame’s offensive talent to stay within the spread.

Best Bet: Navy +30.5

I’ll take Navy with the points. Notre Dame should win comfortably, but the Midshipmen can burn enough clock to make covering thirty points difficult.

Arizona vs. Texas Tech

Texas Tech is favored by 3.5 in a ranked Big 12 matchup. Arizona has enough offensive ability to compete, and this doesn’t look like a game where either team should be laying a substantial number.

Best Bet: Arizona +3.5

Give me Arizona with the hook. Texas Tech has home field, but getting more than a field goal in a competitive conference game appeals to me.

Wisconsin vs. Iowa

The total is just 36.5, which tells you how little offense the market expects. Both teams have the defensive ability to make this a field-position game.

Best Bet: Under 36.5

I’ll take the under. It’s a low number, and a defensive touchdown could hurt, but this looks like a matchup where both offenses will struggle to sustain drives.

SMU vs. Syracuse

SMU is favored by around ten points, and the Mustangs have the stronger overall offensive profile. Syracuse gets home field, though, and has enough scoring ability to make this competitive.

Best Bet: Syracuse +10.5

I’ll take Syracuse with the points. SMU can win without covering double digits, and that extra half-point above ten matters.

Boston College vs. Duke

Duke is favored by about a touchdown. Boston College has struggled to generate consistent offense, and the Blue Devils should have opportunities to control the game at home.

Best Bet: Duke -7

I’ll lay the touchdown with Duke. Boston College needs a much better offensive performance to keep this close, and I’m not convinced the Eagles can produce it.

California vs. NC State

NC State gets home field and is favored by seven. California can make this competitive if it controls possession, but the Wolfpack should have opportunities against the Golden Bears’ defense.

Best Bet: NC State -7

I’ll back NC State. The home situation and stronger offensive matchup make the Wolfpack the preferred side, although a seven-point spread doesn’t leave much room for mistakes.

Illinois vs. Maryland

Illinois is a slight road favorite, and this looks like one of the closer Big Ten matchups. Maryland has home field, but Illinois has been the more dependable team.

Best Bet: Illinois -2.5

I’ll lay the short number with Illinois. The Illini only need to win by a field goal, and I prefer their overall consistency.

UAB vs. South Florida

South Florida is favored by 7.5, but the total is only 42.5. That suggests a game where neither offense is expected to produce much scoring.

Best Bet: Under 42.5

I’ll take the under. UAB could struggle to move the football, and South Florida doesn’t necessarily need a high-scoring game to win.

Bowling Green vs. Western Michigan

Western Michigan is favored by nearly two touchdowns. Bowling Green has enough offensive ability to make things competitive, but the Broncos have the stronger home situation.

Best Bet: Western Michigan -12.5

I’ll lay the points with Western Michigan. The Broncos should control enough of the game to build separation, especially if Bowling Green struggles defensively.

Michigan vs. Rutgers

Michigan is favored by more than two touchdowns, and Rutgers gets home field. The Wolverines have the stronger talent, but covering a number this large on the road is never automatic.

Best Bet: Rutgers +15.5

I’ll take Rutgers with the points. Michigan should win, but the Scarlet Knights have enough room to keep this within two scores.

Auburn vs. Ole Miss

Ole Miss is favored by thirteen at home. Auburn has struggled to establish consistent offensive production, and the Rebels should be able to create opportunities against the Tigers’ defense.

Best Bet: Ole Miss -13

I’ll lay the points with Ole Miss. Auburn can make this difficult if it controls the running game, but the Rebels have the stronger offensive matchup.

Marshall vs. Old Dominion

Marshall is a slight road favorite in a game that looks competitive. Old Dominion gets home field, but Marshall has enough defensive ability to control the pace.

Best Bet: Marshall -2.5

I’ll take Marshall. A field-goal victory would cover, and the Thundering Herd have the stronger overall matchup.

Kansas State vs. Colorado

Colorado is a slight favorite in some markets, while other books have Kansas State favored. That disagreement tells you how close this game is expected to be.

Best Bet: Kansas State +1.5

I’ll take Kansas State with the points if the underdog number is available. Colorado has home field, but the Wildcats have enough offensive ability to win outright.

Coastal Carolina vs. Georgia State

Georgia State is favored by 6.5 at home. Coastal Carolina has been inconsistent, and the Panthers should have opportunities to generate offense.

Best Bet: Georgia State -6.5

I’ll lay the points with Georgia State. Coastal can make this competitive, but the home team has the stronger situational advantage.

UConn vs. Air Force

This is practically a pick’em, with different sportsbooks favoring different teams. Air Force has home field, but UConn has enough offensive ability to stay competitive.

Best Bet: UConn +2.5

I’ll take UConn if the points are available. In a game this close, getting more than a field goal’s worth of protection isn’t necessary, but even 2.5 is useful.

Temple vs. East Carolina

East Carolina is favored by 5.5 at home. Temple has been inconsistent offensively, and that makes the Pirates the more dependable side.

Best Bet: East Carolina -5.5

I’ll lay the points with East Carolina. Temple needs a strong defensive performance to stay competitive, and the Pirates should generate enough offense to win by a touchdown.

Louisiana Tech vs. South Alabama

Louisiana Tech is favored by 5.5 on the road. South Alabama has home field, but the Bulldogs have shown enough offensive consistency to justify the favorite’s role.

Best Bet: Louisiana Tech -5.5

I’ll back Louisiana Tech. The Bulldogs should have enough scoring opportunities to win by more than a field goal.

Stanford vs. Louisville

Louisville is laying more than three touchdowns, and Stanford faces a difficult road assignment. The Cardinals have enough offensive firepower to create a large lead.

Best Bet: Louisville -22

I’ll lay the points with Louisville. Stanford needs to avoid turnovers and keep the game slow, but the Cardinals have the stronger matchup on both sides of the ball.

Northwestern vs. Oregon

Oregon is favored by just 3.5 against a ranked Northwestern team. That makes this one of the more interesting Big Ten games of the afternoon.

Best Bet: Northwestern +3.5

I’ll take Northwestern with the hook. Oregon has home field, but the Wildcats have been competitive enough to deserve respect. This could come down to a late field goal.

Arizona State vs. BYU

BYU is favored by 16.5 at home. Arizona State has struggled to establish consistent offensive production, and the Cougars should have opportunities to control the game.

Best Bet: BYU -16.5

I’ll lay the points with BYU. Arizona State can make this closer if it protects the football, but the Cougars have the stronger offensive and defensive matchup.

Florida vs. Georgia

Georgia is favored by about twelve points in Jacksonville. The Bulldogs have the stronger overall profile, but Florida has enough defensive talent to make this a competitive rivalry game.

Best Bet: Florida +12

I’ll take Florida with the points. Georgia should win, but asking the Bulldogs to cover nearly two touchdowns against a ranked rival is a substantial demand.

Minnesota vs. Indiana

Indiana is favored by three touchdowns, but the total is only 41.5. That combination suggests the market expects the Hoosiers to dominate defensively.

Best Bet: Under 41.5

I’ll take the under. Minnesota could struggle to score, and Indiana doesn’t need to run up a huge total if it controls the game early.

Kansas vs. TCU

TCU is favored by around a touchdown. Kansas has enough offensive ability to make this competitive, particularly if the Jayhawks avoid giving away possessions.

Best Bet: Kansas +7.5

I’ll take Kansas with the points. TCU has home field, but the Jayhawks can keep this within one possession.

Colorado State vs. Utah State

Utah State is favored by 6.5 at home, and the Aggies should have opportunities against a Colorado State defense that has been inconsistent.

Best Bet: Utah State -6.5

I’ll lay the points with Utah State. The Aggies have the stronger home situation and should be able to create separation offensively.

UTEP vs. North Dakota State

North Dakota State is favored by more than three touchdowns. UTEP faces a difficult road matchup against a team capable of controlling the game physically.

Best Bet: North Dakota State -24.5

I’ll back the Bison. It’s a large number, but North Dakota State has the stronger matchup and should be able to control the line of scrimmage.

FIU vs. Liberty

Liberty is favored by two touchdowns at home. FIU has struggled to maintain offensive consistency, and the Flames should have opportunities to build a lead.

Best Bet: Liberty -14

I’ll lay the points with Liberty. FIU needs to produce more offense than it has shown recently to stay competitive.

Southern Miss vs. UL Monroe

Southern Miss is a modest road favorite. UL Monroe has home field, but Southern Miss has the stronger overall profile.

Best Bet: Southern Miss -3.5

I’ll take Southern Miss. The Golden Eagles should generate enough offense to win by more than a field goal.

Utah vs. Cincinnati

Utah is favored by 6.5 on the road. Cincinnati has home field and enough offensive ability to make this interesting, but the Utes have been one of the stronger Big 12 teams.

Best Bet: Utah -6.5

I’ll lay the points with Utah. Cincinnati can keep this close if it controls possession, but the Utes have the stronger defensive foundation.

Virginia vs. Wake Forest

Wake Forest is favored by nearly two touchdowns. Virginia has enough offensive ability to make this competitive, and the Cavaliers don’t need to win outright to cover.

Best Bet: Virginia +13.5

I’ll take Virginia with the points. Wake Forest has home field and should win, but the spread feels large for a conference matchup.

New Mexico vs. San Jose State

New Mexico is favored by more than two touchdowns on the road. San Jose State has struggled, and the Lobos have enough offense to take advantage.

Best Bet: New Mexico -14.5

I’ll lay the points with New Mexico. The Lobos should be able to generate scoring opportunities against a defense that hasn’t been dependable.

Purdue vs. Penn State

Penn State is favored by around nine points at home. Purdue has struggled offensively, but the Boilermakers can make this competitive if they protect the football.

Best Bet: Purdue +9.5

I’ll take Purdue with the points. Penn State should win, but the Nittany Lions haven’t shown enough offensive consistency to make laying nearly ten particularly attractive.

Nevada vs. UCLA

UCLA is favored by more than three touchdowns. Nevada faces a difficult road assignment, and the Bruins have enough offensive talent to build a large lead.

Best Bet: UCLA -22.5

I’ll lay the points with UCLA. Nevada needs a strong defensive performance to keep this close, and I don’t see enough evidence to trust that happening.

South Carolina vs. Oklahoma

Oklahoma is favored by 4.5, with a total around 44.5. This looks like a defensive SEC matchup where neither offense will have an easy afternoon.

Best Bet: Under 44.5

I’ll take the under. Both teams have enough defensive talent to make sustained drives difficult, and a lower-scoring contest looks more likely than a shootout.

Appalachian State vs. Georgia Southern

Georgia Southern is favored by about five points at home. Appalachian State has enough offense to compete, but the Eagles have the stronger home situation.

Best Bet: Georgia Southern -5

I’ll lay the points with Georgia Southern. Appalachian State can make this competitive, but the Eagles should generate enough offense to win by a touchdown.

Oklahoma State vs. Iowa State

Oklahoma State is favored by around nine points on the road. Iowa State has home field and enough defensive ability to make this competitive.

Best Bet: Iowa State +10

I’ll take Iowa State with the points. Oklahoma State has been the stronger team, but asking the Cowboys to win by double digits on the road is a substantial demand.

Clemson vs. Florida State

Florida State is favored by 6.5 at home. Clemson has struggled at times, but the Tigers have enough defensive talent to keep this close.

Best Bet: Clemson +6

I’ll take Clemson with the points. Florida State has home field and could win, but the Tigers have enough talent to make this a one-possession game.

Washington State vs. San Diego State

San Diego State is favored by 2.5 at home. Washington State has enough offensive ability to compete, and this looks like a close matchup.

Best Bet: Washington State +2.5

I’ll take Washington State with the points. San Diego State has home field, but the Cougars have a reasonable chance to win outright.

Miami vs. North Carolina

Miami is ranked No. 1 and favored by two touchdowns. North Carolina gets home field, but the Tar Heels face a difficult assignment against one of the country’s strongest teams.

Best Bet: Miami -14

I’ll lay the points with Miami. The Hurricanes have enough offensive talent to create separation, and North Carolina needs a much better defensive performance than it has shown against stronger opponents.

Ohio State vs. USC

Ohio State is favored by 6.5 on the road. The Buckeyes have the stronger overall profile, but USC has enough offensive ability to keep this competitive in Los Angeles.

Best Bet: USC +6.5

I’ll take USC with the points. Ohio State may win, but this is a difficult road environment against an opponent capable of scoring. The Trojans have enough offense to keep it within a touchdown.

Mississippi State vs. Texas

Texas is favored by more than twenty points. Mississippi State has struggled against stronger opponents, and the Longhorns should have opportunities to dominate at home.

Best Bet: Texas -20.5

I’ll lay the points with Texas. Mississippi State needs to avoid turnovers and sustain long drives, but the Longhorns have the stronger matchup.

Georgia Tech vs. Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is favored by 7.5 at home. Georgia Tech has enough offensive ability to make this competitive, particularly if the Yellow Jackets establish the running game.

Best Bet: Georgia Tech +7.5

I’ll take Georgia Tech with the points. Pittsburgh has home field, but the extra half-point above seven makes the underdog attractive.

Missouri vs. Arkansas

Missouri is favored by ten points on the road. Arkansas has home field, but the Tigers have shown enough offensive ability to create separation.

Best Bet: Missouri -10

I’ll lay the points with Missouri. Arkansas can make this competitive if it controls the clock, but the Tigers have the stronger overall matchup.

Washington vs. Nebraska

Nebraska is favored by 7.5 at home. Washington has enough offensive ability to stay competitive, and the Huskies should have opportunities if Nebraska makes defensive mistakes.

Best Bet: Washington +7.5

I’ll take Washington with the points. Nebraska has home field, but the spread gives the Huskies room to keep this within one possession.

Army vs. Memphis

Memphis is favored by around six points, and the total is near 60.5. Army’s ability to control the clock makes the under interesting, particularly if the Black Knights can sustain long drives.

Best Bet: Under 60.5

I’ll take the under. Memphis has enough offense to score quickly, but Army should be able to shorten the game through its running attack.

Texas State vs. Boise State

Boise State is favored by 10.5 at home. Texas State has enough offense to compete, but the Broncos have the stronger home situation.

Best Bet: Boise State -10.5

I’ll lay the points with Boise State. Texas State can score, but the Broncos should create enough opportunities to win by two touchdowns.

Northern Illinois vs. UNLV

UNLV is favored by more than three touchdowns. Northern Illinois has struggled offensively, but getting 24.5 points provides plenty of room.

Best Bet: Northern Illinois +24.5

I’ll take Northern Illinois with the points. UNLV should win comfortably, but covering nearly twenty-five requires a dominant performance from start to finish.

Oregon State vs. Fresno State

Oregon State is favored by five points on the road. Fresno State has home field and enough offensive ability to make this competitive, but Oregon State has been the more dependable team.

Best Bet: Oregon State -5

I’ll back Oregon State. The Beavers should have enough offense to win by more than a field goal, although Fresno State’s home advantage is worth respecting.

College Football Best Bet of the Week

Arizona Wildcats +3.5 against Texas Tech is my College Football Best Bet of the Week. This is a ranked Big 12 matchup, and I don’t see enough separation between the teams to justify giving Texas Tech more than a field goal.

Arizona has enough offensive ability to win outright, and the Wildcats can still cover if they lose by three.

Final Pick: Arizona Wildcats +3.5