“Between Bets” is an article series revealing our staff’s best wagers across the NFL, College Football, NASCAR and PGA Tour. This edition’s bets feature our favorite 2024 Week 7 College Football picks for ATS and totals.
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
2024 College Football Week 7 Picks (ATS & Totals)
California @ #22 Pittsburgh | Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET
In Pittsburgh, the 22nd-ranked Panthers are 3.5-point favorites over the California Golden Bears. Pitt has been one of the hottest teams in the country, boasting a perfect 5-0 ATS and SU record after their impressive 34-24 road win over UNC. Their fourth-ranked total offense, led by dual-threat QB Eli Holstein, has been getting the better of defenses all season.
Meanwhile, California is coming off a heartbreaker, blowing a 20-point fourth-quarter lead to Miami. Now, they’re forced to travel across the country to face a surging Pitt team, which isn’t an ideal bounce-back scenario for anyone.
There’s not much history between these teams, with their last matchup coming way back in 1966. However, given Cal’s emotional letdown and Pitt’s dominance on both sides of the ball, we’re riding with the Panthers to cover the small spread.
Pick: Pittsburgh -3 (-115)
#4 Penn State @ USC | Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET
In Southern California, the USC Trojans are looking to avoid their third conference loss as they host the fourth-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions. Penn State comes in as a 5.0-point favorite, but they’ve been inconsistent against the spread this season, sitting at just 2-3 ATS. They did, however, handle UCLA comfortably last week despite missing star RB Nicholas Singleton, leaving Kaytron Allen to shoulder the load.
USC, on the other hand, has struggled in Big Ten play, losing to Minnesota as 10.5-point favorites and relying on a massive second-half comeback to beat Wisconsin at home. Their defense has been vulnerable, particularly late in games, which could spell trouble against a well-coached Penn State team that boasts the fourth-ranked defense in the country.
We backed Penn State in Week 1 against West Virginia, a game where they shut down one of the best offenses they’ve faced this season. We’re confident they’ll handle business again against a reeling USC team.
Pick: Penn State -5.0 (-112)
#18 Kansas State @ Colorado | Saturday, 10:15 p.m. ET
The Saturday slate wraps up with a nightcap in Boulder, Colo., where the 18th-ranked Kansas State Wildcats visit the 4-1 Colorado Buffaloes. Kansas State has been a different team on the road, failing to cover in both of their away games this season, including an ugly 38-9 loss to BYU. That said, they’re still 5.5-point favorites against Colorado, a team gaining momentum.
After getting smacked by Nebraska in Week 2, Colorado has rebounded with a 3-0 ATS and SU record, beating UCF, Baylor and Colorado State. Folsom Field will be packed, and the home crowd will be behind Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter and the rest of this feisty Buffaloes squad.
With Kansas State’s road struggles and Colorado’s recent surge, we’re taking Colorado and the points in what should be a close game.
Pick: Colorado +4 (-110)
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*Photo Credit: Christopher Creveling – USA TODAY Sports*
