M&WN Staff – Week 3 SEC Picks and Best Bets

STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI - SEPTEMBER 16: Jo'Quavious Marks #7 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs carries the ball during the first half against Denver Harris #10 of the LSU Tigers at Davis Wade Stadium on September 16, 2023 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI - SEPTEMBER 16: Jo'Quavious Marks #7 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs carries the ball during the first half against Denver Harris #10 of the LSU Tigers at Davis Wade Stadium on September 16, 2023 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
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Audric Estime #7 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish huddles over De'Javion Stepney #5 of the Central Michigan Chippewas
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 16: Audric Estime #7 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish huddles over De’Javion Stepney #5 of the Central Michigan Chippewas during the second half at Notre Dame Stadium on September 16, 2023 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

No. 6 Ohio State @ No. 9 Notre Dame (Buckeyes -3, 54.5)

Evan:  (The guys here are clearly not Big Ten fans.) I think Sam Hartman might give Notre Dame their best shot at a title yet in the CFP Era, and I really don’t love saying that. Can Marcus Freeman outcoach Ryan Day? Hartman has yet to throw an interception this year compared to Kyle McCord’s six, I think a mistake-free game from Hartman is the difference here. Notre Dame +3

Ryan: I have no idea why I am picking ND here. I just have a feeling Hartman has a big game that’ll start his Heisman campaign. Notre Dame +3

Ethan:  The Buckeyes really seemed to get rolling this past weekend. I’m sold on them getting that offense moving in the right direction finally. Ohio State -3

Justin:  Sure, why not? Notre Dame -3

Andrew:  The vibes favor Notre Dame, but I think the Buckeyes remind everyone they’re still superior. Their defense looks great this year, and their offense found its groove. Should be a fun game though. Ohio State -3