Tennessee has become a trendy title pick. The computers have fallen hard, too. (ESPN’s FPI gives the Vols the fourth-best odds — ahead of Georgia — to win the national championship).

It is a program less than two years removed from being the top-ranked team in the nation, led by a coach (Josh Heupel) who previously nearly led a Group of Five team to an undefeated season. It is an offense with a five-star quarterback who came to Knoxville on an $8 million NIL deal (Nico Iamaleava). It is a defense with a potential top-five draft pick on the edge (James Pearce Jr.).

Tennessee has the nation’s top-scoring offense (63.7 points per game) and the nation’s top-ranked unit in total defense, contributing to the largest scoring margin (plus-178) in a team’s first three games in SEC history.

Thus, the Vols have attracted nearly 80 percent of bets (and 90 percent of money) for their visit to Oklahoma, where the Sooners are ranked (No. 15) underdogs of at least four points for the first time in 46 years.

Oklahoma is flawed, especially on its offensive line, which has struggled to protect its talented and inexperienced quarterback (Jackson Arnold) in back-to-back efforts against inferior competition. The Sooners appear weaker on the surface, simply due to its move to the SEC.

But the world looks different in Norman, where Oklahoma — a top-10 offense and defense last season — has posted the best home record in college football since 1999, where the Sooners have gone undefeated in four of the past six seasons.

During the Vols’ resurgence the past two seasons, Tennessee suffered five of its six losses on the road. Now, Iamaleava will be truly tested for the first time, with the redshirt freshman making his road debut against a strong defense. 

It has been 24 years since Oklahoma was a home dog of at least a field goal, when the Sooners topped No. 1 Nebraska. Heupel started that game for the Sooners at quarterback. Current Oklahoma coach Brent Venables was co-defensive coordinator.

It will be tough for OKLAHOMA (+7) to repeat the feat, but the line — which jumped as much as five points in the past week — reflects perception more than reality. 

Illinois (+8.5) over NEBRASKA

The Cornhuskers — who have eight home losses since 2022 — have much to prove before matching their newfound hype. The Illini haven’t lost by more than four points in their past nine games and could force freshman Dylan Raiola into mistakes, having averaged 2.5 takeaways per game.

OHIO STATE (-39.5) over Marshall

Ryan Day loves style points. The Buckeyes — who have outscored their opponents by a combined score of 108-6 this season — have 20 wins of at least 39 points since 2019.

N.C. State (+20.5) over CLEMSON

The prospect of backing a true freshman quarterback in Death Valley is frightening, but the Wolfpack won’t be intimidated, having beaten the Tigers twice in the past three seasons. Five of the past seven meetings between the schools have been decided by 10 points or fewer.

Kent State (+48.5) over PENN STATE

The Golden Flashes suffered a 71-0 loss to Tennessee last week. It’s out of their system.

Usc (-6) over MICHIGAN

An improved Trojans defense and the efficiency of Miller Moss — who is completing 72.7 percent of his passes and led USC to victory over LSU — will hand the defending champs their second home loss of September. Best of luck to new Wolverines quarterback Alex Orji, who lost a preseason battle to a former walk-on and has thrown a total of seven passes in three seasons.

Miami (Ohio) (+28) over NOTRE DAME

I remember what happened the last team the Irish — now, without three starting offensive linemen — played a team from the MAC.

LOUISVILLE (-10.5) over Ga. Tech

The Cardinals, coming off their first ACC title game appearance and first 10-win season in a decade, could reach greater heights in Jeff Brohm’s second season. Seventh-year senior Tyler Shough — who made previous stops at Oregon and Texas Tech — will show off the improved attack against the Yellow Jackets’ 91st-ranked pass defense.

LSU (-24.5) over Ucla

There is a reason that Chip Kelly took a $4 million pay cut and left a Big Ten head coaching job in one of the world’s most desirable cities to become a coordinator in Ohio. He knew disaster — like the 42-13 home loss to Indiana — was ahead.

OKLAHOMA STATE (+2.5) over Utah

The oft-overlooked child of the Sooner state continues to be underestimated despite winning 21 of its past 25 Big 12 home games (10 victories against ranked opponents). The Cowboys’ enticing Big 12 title odds (+800) won’t last much longer.

Vanderbilt (+21) over MISSOURI

The past three meetings between Clark Lea and Eli Drinkwitz have been decided by an average of fewer than 10 points per game. New Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia — who led Vanderbilt to an upset of Virginia Tech and led New Mexico State to a win at Auburn last season — will narrow the talent gap.

SOUTH FLORIDA (+16.5) over Miami

South Florida students have set a new school record for ticket demand, opening the upper deck of Raymond James Stadium. In front of previous record-setting crowds — 2021 vs. Florida and last season vs. Alabama — the Bulls covered the spread, and also did so in the most recent dogfight against the Crimson Tide. The Power Four will be calling second-year coach Alex Golesh soon enough.

OLE MISS (-34.5) over Georgia Southern

The Lane Train isn’t slowing down. You deserve the benefit of the doubt if you’ve outscored your first three opponents by a combined 168-9.

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Betting on College Football?

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UL-Monroe (+44.5) over TEXAS

Forget Arch Manning. The Warhawks are led by quarterback General Booty. General Axel Booty. Seriously.

BYU (+6.5) over Kansas State

The Cougars thrive under the lights in Provo, where the team has won 29 of its past 34 night games. Kansas State’s Avery Johnson — who has never thrown for 200 yards — will step into such a unique atmosphere for the first time and be forced to air it out against a top-25 run defense.

Best bets: Ohio State, Oklahoma State, South Florida
This season: 24-21 (4-5)
2014-23 record: 1,272-1,206-30