We are already entering the seventh week of the 2023 college football season, so we have a decent grasp of what certain teams are going to look like.
With that said, we went 0-3 on our picks in Week 6, with Colorado, Rice, and Missouri failing to cover the spread in their respective games.
Despite falling short last week, it’s time to put that behind us and look forward to this week of action. Here are our favorite bets in college football for Week 7.
Skyler Carlin’s 2023 CFB Best Bets Record: 11-9
College Football Week 7 Predictions
All NCAAF betting odds used for these CFB Week 7 predictions are current as of Monday, Oct. 9, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
Illinois vs Maryland Prediction: Maryland -14 (-110)
It was a disappointing showing from Maryland in its loss to Ohio State in Week 6, losing its first game of the season. The Terrapins entered as 17-point road underdogs against the Buckeyes and went on to lose by 20.
The good news for Maryland and quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa is that this is a perfect get-right spot versus Illinois in Week 7. Illinois owns a dismal 2-4 record through the first six weeks and has yet to cover the spread in any of its first six contests.
Meanwhile, Maryland has won all four of its home games this season, going 2-2 ATS. While Illinois has a solid pass defense, Maryland is averaging 280.5 passing yards per game (27th in the nation), and Illinois is giving up 176 rushing yards per game.
The Terrapins are also averaging a solid 148.8 rushing yards per game, so once they secure a decent lead, they can still have success on the ground to help cover the spread.
Miami vs North Carolina Prediction: North Carolina -3.5 (-108)
Mario Cristobal had a late-game blunder for Miami in the 23-20 loss to Georgia Tech, refusing to kneel the ball late in the game. The Hurricanes would proceed to fumble on a running play and Georgia Tech would throw a game-winning touchdown with time winding down.
While some teams would rally after a devastating loss, this seems like a turning point — in a bad way — for Miami. On the other side of the field, North Carolina is shaping into a well-rounded squad.
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Besides having future first-round pick Drake Maye under center, the Tar Heels are also registering 174.2 rushing yards per game (46th in the nation), and the defense is holding teams to an average of only 19 points per game (30th in the nation).
North Carolina has won four straight meetings against Miami and is 2-1 ATS at home thus far.
North Carolina State vs Duke Prediction: Duke -4 (-110)
Duke is coming off a bye week after playing Notre Dame close at home in Week 5, and it will be at home in Week 7 versus North Carolina State.
The Blue Devils are averaging only 206 passing yards per game with Riley Leonard at quarterback, but they are also producing 199.4 rushing yards per game (23rd in the nation).
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Duke is also surrendering only 11.2 points per game (fourth-fewest in the nation), which gives the Blue Devils a recipe for success. Being able to run the ball with ease and playing stifling defense should lead to Duke covering the spread at home.
North Carolina State has played on the road twice this season and has won both games. At the same time, the Wolfpack have failed to cover the spread in both of those contests.
North Carolina State is only 1-4-1 ATS and Duke is 3-2 ATS this season.
College Football Week 7 Schedule & Scores: AP Top 25
Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023
(1) Georgia @ Vanderbilt, noon ET
Indiana @ (2) Michigan, noon ET
(3) Ohio State @ Purdue, noon ET
Syracuse @ (4) Florida State, noon ET
Arkansas @ (11) Alabama, noon ET
California @ (16) Utah, 3 p.m. ET
UMass @ (6) Penn State, 3:30 p.m. ET
(8) Oregon @ (7) Washington, 3:30 p.m. ET
Texas A&M @ (19) Tennessee, 3:30 p.m. ET
(23) Kansas @ Oklahoma State, 3:30 p.m. ET
(14) Louisville @ Pittsburgh, 6:30 p.m. ET
Arizona @ (19) Washington State, 7 p.m. ET
Auburn @ (22) LSU, 7 p.m. ET
(10) USC @ (21) Notre Dame, 7:30 p.m. ET
(25) Miami @ (12) North Carolina, 7:30 p.m. ET
Missouri @ (24) Kentucky, 7:30 p.m. ET
(18) UCLA @ (15) Oregon State, 8 p.m. ET
NC State @ (17) Duke, 8 p.m. ET