Two Picks on the Gridiron: NCAA Football Expert Picks for 9/3

Nate Hornung

Written by: Nate Hornung

Published: Thu Sep 03, 2026, 6:00 am ET

Read Time: 5 minutes

Bret Bielema and Illinois host UAB this Thursday to kick off their season - NCAA Football Expert Picks

ncaaf

UAB Blazers logo
Live
Illinois Fighting Illini logo

UAB Blazers
Odds

Spread

Total

Moneyline

+27.5

-110

55

-105u

+1592

Illinois Fighting Illini
Odds

Spread

Total

Moneyline

-14.5

-120

55

-115o

-1600

See Picks & Statistics For The Game

Week 1 of the College Football season begins with 11 contests on Thursday evening. Unfortunately, as of Wednesday afternoon, there is only one spread sitting inside of two touchdowns. It might not be the most competitive night of action, but nevertheless, there is action to be had! Go read about our NCAA Football expert picks for Thursday, including a couple of player props!

Check out the best odds on the market and tons of picks for the NCAA Football Season.

NCAA Football Thursday's Predictions – September 3

Look, it's only Week 1, and there's only 11 games on Thursday. There's only one with a single digit spread, ironically the only one within three scores as well. Take it easy. There is no reason to overdo it, but with that being said, I found three picks in two games to bet on. Let's dip our toes into the player prop market.

Colorado vs. Georgia Tech NCAA Football Picks

Best Bet: Justice Haynes (GT) Over 79.5 Rushing Yards (+100) BetOnline

Let's talk about Mr. Haynes. You can read my full breakdown on this game here, but I'll give you the cliff notes.

Haynes ran for 100+ yards in six of seven games last year before injury, going for 7.1 per carry. He had a 20 yard rush in all of those games as well, and I think the Yellow Jackets will lean on him early. They already run the ball over 54% of the time, and they should rely on him as new QB Alberto Mendoza eases in to the system.

Haynes also faces the Colorado defense, who were second worst in rushing yards allowed last year, giving up over 220 per game. I don't expect anything to change this year in the trenches for the Buffaloes. Haynes could have 100, so feel free to ladder him up to 90+ (+150) or 100+ (+210) if you feel compelled to do so. I certainly have those slips in my pocket.

This might be the only time this season we see Haynes' rushing yards prop listed for double digits, or at least lower than 90. Gotta pounce while we can, as this kid could be putting up Ashton Jeanty numbers this year.

I will also be on the Yellow Jackets -6.5 as well. This team is much more talented, more disciplined, has the better coach, and is playing at home. I expect them to control the game, put together long, time consuming drives on offense, and I have little faith in the Buffaloes on either side of the ball. Give me Haynes for 80 rushing yards and the hosts to win by a touchdown.

UAB vs. Illinois NCAA Football Picks

Katin Houser is playing his fifth season of college football, throwing for 18 and 19 touchdowns the past two years at East Carolina - NCAA Football Expert Picks

Katin Houser is playing his fifth season of college football, throwing for 18 and 19 touchdowns the past two years at East Carolina

Best Bet: Katin Houser (ILL) Over 2.5 Passing Touchdowns (+120) BetOnline

If you don't know Katin Houser, let's learn. The East Carolina gunslinger makes the move back to the Big Ten this season. He fills in for Luke Altmyer to lead this Illini offense. Houser began his career at Michigan State, starting a few games in 2023, clearing this line just once. At ECU in 2024, he cleared this line three times, but played 10 games. And last year, he did not clear this line at all. So why are we taking it on Thursday?

I think Bret Bielema wants to set the tone for the year. Altmyer had three touchdowns in the first two weeks last year, and in the opener against Eastern Illinois in 2024. Point being, Bielema isn't afraid to air it out and run up the score against weaker opponents, hence the 52-3 win last year over Western Illinois. He wants to build comfortability in the offense for his new QB, and he will do that by letting him fire away. They'll have a couple extra days before hosting Duke, so I am not worried about them easing up at all.

UAB is projected to have one of the worst defenses in the American Conference, and the entire country, especially in the secondary. I think for plus money, Houser to pad the stats is certainly a play.

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Nate Hornung
Nate Hornung

Nate has been a recreational sports bettor for about 5 years. In that time, he has grown to love the pursuit of winners and sticking it to The Man. Nate loves data and uses his understanding of numbers to help him be a more profitable sports gambler, however he will be the first to tell you this game is about more than just stats.

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