Public bettors cashed two of their top three bets last week, as both Ohio State and Buffalo covered their -37 and -5 spreads, respectively.
While the public is generally drawn to favorites — as it's easier to stomach getting behind the better team — this week features an anomaly among the most popular picks, as bettors have flocked to a 17-point underdog.
Texas A&M (-21) vs. Arkansas
12 p.m. ET (AT&T Stadium)
The Aggies have attracted 77% of bettors in what's on pace to be one of the 10 most heavily bet games on Saturday. Those bets have accounted for only 67% of dollars wagered, but A&M has still moved from -16.5 to -21 since opening.
Why the public loves A&M: The Aggies are only 2-2, with wins against Northwestern State and UL Monroe, but they've still given the public plenty of reason to get behind them. They've played both Alabama and Clemson thus far, and have given each team its hardest challenge of the season.
BYU (+17) at Washington
8:30 p.m. ET
As it stands now, BYU is receiving the highest percentage of bets we've ever recorded for an underdog of more than two touchdowns (our numbers date back to 2005). The Cougars are attracting 79% of bettors, but only 52% of dollars, which has helped move this line from its opener of +16.5 to +17.
Why the public loves BYU: Washington has had a quiet 3-1 start to the season, and most casual bettors' only impression of the Huskies probably came in their one loss against Auburn.
Washington's wins since that game haven't exactly caught the public's eye either — especially last week's 27-20 win over Arizona State as a 17-point favorite.
BYU, on the other hand, has handled being a big underdog quite well this season. In the two games in which it was a double-digit dog, the Cougars not only covered but won outright.
>> All odds as of Thursday at 6 p.m. ET. Download The Action Network App to get real-time college football odds and track your bets.
Fresno State (-8.5) vs. Toledo
10:30 p.m. ET
Fresno State has received a higher percentage of bets than any other team to this point. Eighty-two percent of bettors are behind the Bulldogs, and those bettors are accounting for 87% of dollars, but this line has actually moved toward Toledo, going from +10 to +8.5.
Why the public loves Fresno:After a bye week, Fresno State's already ferocious defense should be flying on Saturday. The Bulldogs have allowed fewer than 300 yards and 16 points per game through their first three matchups this season.
