College GameDay: Picks for Week 3

Stephen Samraby:Steve Samra09/18/21

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College GameDay took place today from University Park, Pennsylvania, ahead of the gigantic matchup between the Penn State Nittany Lions and Auburn Tigers.

With a raucous crowd on-hand prior to the famous Penn State Whiteout, the College GameDay crew made their selections for Saturday’s games. Additionally, former Penn State star Saquon Barkley joined the fun as the guest picker.

Barkley owns multiple records for Penn State, as he’s the Nittany Lions’ all-time rushing touchdowns and total touchdown leader. Furthermore, Barkley’s also the career all-purpose yards leader in program history.

With the return of Penn State’s prodigal son on College GameDay, the energy of a ranked match-up was palpable. With anticipation growing, Desmond Howard, Lee Corso and Kirk Herbstreit made their picks for an exciting Saturday slate.

Here are all of College GameDay’s Week 3 picks:

Auburn at Penn State: While Herbstreit didn’t make a pick, Howard is rolling with Penn State. “Penn State’s gonna win a close one tonight here in the Whiteout,” said Howard.

Shockingly, Barkley is going with the Nittany Lions as well.

“Our fans gonna come to play, our defense gonna come to play. We’re gonna get it done,” said Barkley.

After mentioning Penn State hasn’t beaten an SEC team in 14 years during his monologue, Corso readied to make his selection. “I’d be crazy not to pick Penn State — the Whiteout!” exclaimed Corso, as he put on the Nittany Lion mascot head.

Everyone on College GameDay is going with Penn State over Auburn.

Alabama at Florida: “This is the day we find out how good Alabama is,” said Herbstreit. While Florida’s offense could make it difficult, everyone picked the Crimson Tide.

Arizona State at BYU: “BYU’s been a good story so far … but I’m going with the fighting Herm Edwards and ASU,” said Howard. However, Howard is alone in his sentiment — the rest of College GameDay is going with BYU.

Cincinnati at Indiana: “They come with that Luke Fickell attitude,” stated Howard. As the Bearcats look for a gigantic win, Barkley disagrees with Howard that they’ll get it. Additionally, Herbstreit is going Cincinatti, while Corso is going with Indiana.

Fresno State at UCLA: “UCLA played Fresno for the first time 94 years ago — Fresno won that game. Not today,” said Corso. Everyone is in agreement, thinking Chip Kelly keeps things rolling.

Virginia Tech at West Virginia: “My boy David Sills gave me an update that they’re ready to go. I’m going WV,” said Barkley. While Howard agrees with the Penn State great, Corso and Herbstreit believe in Virginia Tech.

Virginia at North Carolina: “Don’t sleep on Sam Howell,” said Herbstreit. However, he could only convince Corso — Howard and Barkley went with Virginia.

Oklahoma State at Boise State: “Oklahoma State upsets Boise — their first trip to Idaho,” said Corso. While Corso and Herbstreit believe the Cowboys will like Idaho, Barkley and Howard think they’ll leave with a loss.

Purdue at Notre Dame: “I’ve been going back and forth — especially over the pettiness about the drum. I just think the Fighting Irish will pull this one out,” said Howard. Additionally, everyone agrees that Notre Dame will get the victory.

Florida State at Wake Forest: “Florida State — Big win!” exclaimed Corso. Following the huge upset, the crew is in agreement that the Seminoles get back on track.

Michigan State at Miami: “I can’t come to Penn State and pick Michigan State,” said Barkley. However, Howard and Corso can — they’re rolling with the Spartans.

Nevada at Kansas State: “Kansas State upsets Nevada, because they’re playing in Kansas,” said Corso. However, Herbstreit disagrees with Corso, while Barkley and Howard are going with Kansas State as well.

College GameDay Crew Picks:

Kirk Herbstreit: Alabama, BYU, Cincinnati, UCLA, Virginia Tech, North Carolina, Oklahoma State, Notre Dame, Florida State, Miami, Nevada

Desmond Howard: Penn State, Alabama, Arizona State, Cincinnati, UCLA, West Virginia, Virginia, Boise State, Notre Dame, Florida State, Michigan State, Kansas State

Lee Corso: Penn State, Alabama, BYU, Indiana, UCLA, Virginia Tech, North Carolina, Oklahoma State, Notre Dame, Florida State, Michigan State, Kansas State

Saquon Barkley: Penn State, Alabama, BYU, Indiana, UCLA, West Virginia, Virginia, Boise State, Notre Dame, Florida State, Miami, Kansas State