Week 9 Saturday Best Bets: NCAA Football Expert Picks and Predictions (10/31)

Nate Hornung

Written by: Nate Hornung

Published: Fri Oct 30, 2026, 3:50 pm ET

Read Time: 6 minutes

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Ohio State Buckeyes logo
Today7:30 pm ET
USC Trojans logo

Ohio State Buckeyes
Odds

Spread

Total

Moneyline

-6.5

-108

51

-108u

-235

USC Trojans
Odds

Spread

Total

Moneyline

+6.5

-105

51

-110o

+203

See Picks & Statistics For The Game

A spooky Saturday slate of NCAA Football is upon us as Halloween is lined with plenty of games on the slate. Despite there only being two ranked on ranked contests, tons of top teams are in action which should lead to a very entertaining Week 9 Saturday board. Let's dive into our expert picks to see if they found anything worth our action this weekend.

Along with my own best bets below, be sure to check out our other NCAA Football content as well.

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

NCAA Football Saturday's Predictions – October 31

#22 Arizona vs. #13 Texas Tech NCAA Football Picks

Best Bet: Texas Tech -3.5 (-110) BetOnline

I was able to get the Red Raiders for a flat field goal, but I think they win this game by a touchdown. When Arizona played a real contender in BYU, they lost 28-17 on the road. This is a matchup where the hosts prove that there are different tiers of teams in this conference, and the Wildcats are not one of them. BYU, Utah and Texas Tech are head and shoulders above the rest.

Sure, Arizona beat Cincinnati whom the Red Raiders just lost to. But coming off that first L of the season in Lubbock, I've got to imagine they bounce back and leave no doubt.

#25 Wisconsin vs. Iowa NCAA Football Picks

Kirk Ferentz and Iowa are very tough to beat at home, and I think they are favored for a reason - NCAA Football Expert Picks

Kirk Ferentz and Iowa are very tough to beat at home, and I think they are favored for a reason

Best Bet: Iowa ML (-135) BetOnline

All week the Hawkeyes had been laying the field goal and the hook at home as an unranked favorite over the No. 25 Wisconsin Badgers. I was hesitant because the total is so low, currently listed at 36.5. It would be very tough to cover that number. However I think Iowa is the right side, and their moneyline has dropped to a price that I can stomach.

Kinnick is a tough place to play, and the Hawkeyes prove it on Saturday. Let's just take the spread out of the equation.

#17 Florida vs. #3 Georgia NCAA Football Picks

Best Bet: Georgia -11.5 (-110) BetOnline

I have flipped back and forth on this game, but am now confidently laying the points with the Bulldogs. Florida will not have an answer for their offense that will thrive in this domed stadium, plus the Bulldogs' defense should be able to smother any offense the Gators can put together.

Regardless of who is under center for Florida, I see Georgia winning with ease.

Minnesota vs. #4 Indiana NCAA Football Picks

Best Bet: Minnesota +20.5 (-108) BetOnline

I'd feel much more comfortable getting the full three touchdowns in this spot, but let me explain my rationale. The Gophers are catching 20 points on the road in Bloomington. Yes, Indiana is a top five team in the nation. But look at the total. Books only expect there to be around 40 points in this game. The Gophers might only need two touchdowns to cover this number.

Do I think Minnesota has a shot at winning? Absolutely not. But they will run the ball, bleed clock, and make it extremely hard on the Hoosiers to get anything going offensively. The Gophers know how to make teams stoop down to their level, and I see them doing so on Saturday. Again, Indiana likely wins this game by two touchdowns, maybe even 17 points. But a 28-10 ball game stays under the total (where I lean), and also gives the Gophers a cover on the road.

Washington vs. Nebraska NCAA Football Picks

Back the Nebraska QB to use his legs plenty this weekend at home - NCAA Football Expert Picks

Back the Nebraska QB to use his legs plenty this weekend at home

Best Bet: Anthony Colandrea Over 39.5 Rushing Yards (-112) BetOnline

I absolutely love this prop, and it is back to a playable number. Plus, some of the other books have this at 46.5 or even 49.5, so #value already secured. He's only cleared 40+ rushing yards in three games this year, but he did so in a game with five sacks, and had 38 rushing yards while taking four sacks against Oregon.

The point is, the guy runs the ball. He's averaging 9.7 carries per year this season and 47.7 rushing yards per game, but in his last four, those numbers are up to 64.75 yards on 12.5 carries. I like him to keep using his legs in this big time night game in Lincoln.

The Huskies let three different QBs eclipse 50 yards on the ground this year, and none of them are as good of a runner as Colandrea.

A Moneyline Parlay to Take Us Home

Jeremiah Smith and the Buckeyes head to LA to face the USC Trojans without Julian Sayin - NCAA Football Expert Picks

Jeremiah Smith and the Buckeyes head to LA to face the USC Trojans without Julian Sayin

Best Bet: Texas Tech/Georgia/Ohio State ML Parlay (+179) BetOnline

I have two units on this bad boy, that is priced at +179. Three teams simply to do their job and win the game as favorites. One at home, one on the road, and one on a neutral site.

Texas Tech (also on the -3), Georgia (also on the -11.5), and lastly Ohio State. Nearly 2-1 odds at +179, two units risked to bring home 3.58.

Even without Julian Sayin, Ohio State has an incredible offense, and the defense alone is enough to win this game. Sure, traveling out West is tough, but the Buckeyes know they can't afford anymore losses, and ultimately I like their team and coaching staff much more than that of the Trojans. Following a bye, the Buckeyes get the win, even if the Trojans are in a "bounce back spot at home".

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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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