M&WN Staff – Week 3 SEC Picks and Best Bets
By Evan Ertel
![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)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/2710d9052a7830aa91234472e09aa65a2f79152fa6ec0d984e831a84087c0b6e.jpg)
Best Bets
One pick from the weekend you really love, and would prefer if it is not from the games listed above. Can be a side, team total, O/U, or whatever you want!
Evan: Rice @ USF. Say what you want about the narratives at hand in Tuscaloosa, but the other team on the field from last Saturday left me with some real optimism for first-year head coach Alex Golesh, who was hired away from his position as OC at Tennessee. The Bulls allowed fewer points last week versus Alabama than either of their previous two games, and I think the defense rides that confidence into Saturday. USF +2.5
Ryan: Cal @ No. 8 Washington. Washington is absolutely rolling right now and I do not see that stopping against Cal. Penix Jr. is playing out of his mind so far and the offense looks unstoppable. I’ve been riding Washington all year and will continue to do so this week. Washington -21
No. 24 Iowa @ No. 7 Penn State. If Iowa is playing football, you should always take a shot with the under. This has all the makings of a classic Big Ten ugly rock fight. Penn St/Iowa U40
Ethan: No.14 Oregon State @ No. 21 Washington State. Oregon State looks pretty solid so far this year, but the Cougars have an incredible offense. The Beavers were a little sloppy against San Diego State last weekend while Wazzu has been effortlessly winning games so far this season. I’m going with the Cougars to pull off an upset here. A quick aside, if you’re not watching either of these Pac-12 teams right now, you’re missing out on a ton of fun. Washington State +3
Justin: No. 24 Iowa @ No. 7 Penn State. Penn State only has to score like 30 points to cover this spread against Iowa. That seems doable. Penn State -13.5
Andrew: Southern Miss @ Arkansas State. This is truly a disgusting play. ARST has looked absolutely horrible so far. USM has a solid defense but isn’t great offensively. Hold your nose and take the under. Southern Miss/Arkansas State Under 48.5
Next. Maybe Coach Zach Arnett shouldn’t do it his way. dark