Free College Football Picks 1/3/2025

North Texas vs. Texas St College Football Pick Prediction 1/3/2025

North Texas vs. Texas St Team Profiles

North Texas vs. Texas St 4PM ET—North Texas improved to 6-6 following their 24-17 road win at Temple. The Mean Green broke a five-game losing streak. They did face the toughest competition from the AAC over this period. Their wins came against weak opponents. Texas St is 7-5 with their 45-38 road win at South Alabama. The Bobcats have won three of their final four. They were competitive at home in defeat to Louisiana and a three-point home loss to playoff bound Arizona St.

The Pick with the Explanation

The First Responder Bowl is played outdoors in Dallas Texas. The weather will be 61 degrees with clear skies and light wind. Texas St will be without their starting running back and right tackle. On defense five starters will opt out. Four starters on offense will opt out for North Texas including quarterback Chandler Morris. They have also been hit with injuries to starters on offense. Freshman Drew Mestemaker get the start for the Mean Green. Mestemaker threw five passes this season for 69 yards and is a threat to run. Bobcats quarterback Jordan McCloud will start at quarterback. The senior completed 70% of his passes for 8.2 yards per pass attempt. He is a threat to run with seven rushing touchdowns. The Mean Green away from home allowed 43 points per game with 5.1 yards per rush and 8.8 yards per pass attempt. They gave up 540 yards per game away from home. The Bobcats offense in their past five games has averaged 49 points per game with 5.6 yards per run and 9.3 yards per pass attempt. Defensively in this period they have allowed 31 points per game with 7.7 yards per pass attempt. Both defenses suspect in defending the pass. Freshman Mestemaker should be throwing to open receivers so no worry about a lack of scoring here. Play North Texas and Texas St over 62.5.

Minnesota vs. Virginia Tech College Football Pick Prediction 1/3/2025

Minnesota vs. Virginia Tech Team Profiles

Minnesota vs. Virginia Tech 7:30PM ET—Minnesota improved to 7-5 with their 24-7 road win at Wisconsin. The Golden Gophers broke a two-game losing streak. They have notable wins at Illinois and home to USC. They battled Michigan to a three-point defeat on the road and Penn St 26-25 at home. Virginia Tech sits at 6-6 after their 37-17 home win to Virginia to become bowl eligible. The Hokies broke a three-game losing streak all against bowl bound teams. Two victories came to mid-major schools with double digit home wins to Boston College and Georgia Tech.

The Pick with the Explanation

The Dukes Mayo Bowl is outdoors in Charlotte North Carolina. The temperature will be 40 degrees with clear skies and 15 MPH wind. Minnesota will be without a starting right tackle and reserve running back. Virginia Tech was hit hard by opt outs. There could be up to 14 starters opting out of this game. Virginia Tech quarterback Dones is doubtful with several injuries. Redshirt freshman Williams Watson could start at quarterback. He played well in his second start against Virginia throwing for 254 yards and a touchdown. He rushed for 48 yards and a score. Minnesota quarterback Max Brosmer completed 67% of his passes for 7 yards per pass attempt. Too many starting opt outs for the Hokies here will make it tough against a physical Golden Gophers team. The Golden Gophers covered 9 of 11. Their defense held opponents to 18.8 points per game away from home and allowed 2.9 yards per run. Play Minnesota -8.5.