2024 College Football picks Week 3: Can Ducks, Huskies cover in rivalry games?

The college football season seems to be flying by already, right? 

Here we are, in Week 3, and we've already got some huge rivalry games on tap. 

It's mainly due to conference realignment, but still. 

In addition, Kalen DeBoer will get his first true road test as the new leading man in Tuscaloosa.

Let's dive into my best bets for Week 3.

(All times ET)

Saturday, Sept. 14

No. 4 Alabama -16 @ Wisconsin (noon, FOX and FOX Sports app)

Alabama’s first road game under new coach Kalen DeBoer is a trip to Madison to face Wisconsin. 

These teams play with contrasting styles. Alabama has special talents on offense with a game plan that’s about pushing the ball down the field, while using its uber-athletic quarterback in the run game as an outlet. Alabama’s defense is ninth in points per drive, which is acceptable after playing Western Kentucky and USF. 

Wisconsin is 2-0 after beating Western Michigan 28-14 in week one followed by South Dakota 27-13.

It's hard to find an angle I like for this Big Noon Kickoff battle. This is Alabama’s first game with a new staff and there’s bound to be operational issues working through the noise and environment in Madison. Alabama has 89 rush attempts to only 44 pass attempts this season, and on the road, this trend should continue — protecting a new passing offense while focusing on winning in the trenches. Alabama has offensive line concerns at one position and that’s limiting its ability to pass protect.

Wisconsin is into Year 2 of Phil Longo’s offense, and through two weeks, it is still finding its rhythm. It’s fair to argue if this offense was holding things back for Alabama, but even then, I’d still be disappointed with the lack of points through two weeks. Wisconsin has been unable to