College Football Picks Tonight: Best Bets for Sep. 21

• College football fans have a lot to look forward to on Saturday, September 21, 2024
• Two games have caught my eye, and both deserve a slap or two from us bettors
• See the best way to bet on these Saturday college football games below

We have to be the luckiest people on the planet because we’ve got not one, but two ridiculously good games today. If we’re being honest, I like the “new college football” with all the weird conferences. If anything, we get more marquee programs facing off so there is that. Even the traditionalists have to admit that it’s pretty cool to see.

Think about it, since when does USC play Michigan in September? That’s what we’re getting tomorrow at 3:30 pm on CBS. Then, when they get done, all we have to do is flip the channel ABC and we’ll catch the Tennessee/Oklahoma game at 7:30 pm. I don’t have to tell you, but today could easily be the greatest day of our lives. Maybe better.

All we have to do now is find something to bet. We can’t have these kids suiting up and playing for nothing. Luckily, I found a way to get home on both of these things. Even better, it was super easy. We’re good.

College Football Odds Tonight

All odds taken Sept. 21 from FanDuel. Claim the ESPN Bet promo code to sign up and tail our picks. 

ESPN BET

Offer

T&Cs

Bet $10 & Get $100 + 30 Days of ESPN+

Must manually enter promo code DIME to claim offer.

Must be 21+, offer available in MI, NJ, PA, WV only.

LOCK IN PROMO

CODE: DIME

CODE: DIME

SIGNUP OFFER

USE PROMO CODE
DIME

BET $10, GET $100
+ 30 DAYS OF ESPN+

GET OFFER NOW

USC Gets Loose Saturday Afternoon

So far this season, the USC Trojans look different. Sure they are scoring points like they always do. It’s no secret that Lincoln Riley is a coach that will light up the scoreboard. The thing that has looked different this season, is their defense. They actually tackle people now.

“The coaching story of the year so far is the tackling improvement by the USC defense.”@CoachUrbanMeyer & @gerrydinardo analyze how D’Anton Lynn’s “Rugby” and “Box” tackles have helped ignite No. 11 @uscfb’s improved defense.#B1GFootball pic.twitter.com/rliy3wRcCG

— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) September 20, 2024

I know that Utah State may not be the best measuring stick, but USC just beat them 48-0 last week. At the end of the day, shutting out anyone is tough and after watching them hold LSU in check the week before, I think we can trust these kids. It’s not like they’re facing the toughest offense in Michigan.

The real hurdle is going to be whether or not they can score on the Michigan defense. I think they can. This isn’t last year. The magic is over. We just watched Arkansas State hang 18 points on the Wolverines. That’s like 40+ for USC when you use the USC/Arkansas State conversion chart. I think we’re looking at a 31-17 type game here. Feels right.

• The Pick: USC -3.5 (+116) * With a 50% Profit Boost

Tennessee Might Be the Best Team in the Country

I know I’m saying a lot here but I seriously think Tennessee might be the best team in the country. Like USC, they can score but they are on a different level in terms of offensive output. And defensively, they’ve only allowed 13 points all season. All that’s left for them to do now is go to the newest members of the SEC and let them know what SEC football is all about.

headed west 🛫#GBO 🍊 pic.twitter.com/zHmwhj0jJ1

— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) September 20, 2024

I know the narrative is Josh Heupel returning to Oklahoma and that’s all fine, but this game is played on the field. Obviously Heupel will have something to do with who wins or loses, but this one is about talent. Especially at the quarterback position. Not for nothing, Tennessee has the best quarterback in this game and it’s not close.

Nico Iameleava could easily win the Heisman this season if he could play a full game. The problem is, Tennessee waxes everyone they play so he never plays a full game. I’m thinking that finally happens Saturday night and when it does, he’ll hang a 40-burger on the Sooners. There is no chance Oklahoma can score 40+ on Tennessee’s defense. They’re drawing dead here. Feels right.

• The Pick: Tennessee Volunteers -5.5 (+111) – With a 50% Profit Boost