Oct 2, 2026
Montana State vs. Idaho prediction: Why Montana State is favored to win in college football Week 5 [2026]
Read Article College football picks today: Week 5 Friday best bets include Penn State vs. Northwestern play [10/2/2026]
Updated: | First published:
Written by Ryan Leaver, Senior Sports and Betting Editor
Get college football picks and best bets for Friday, October 2, 2026.
Today’s college football picks for October 2, 2026 are here, with Penn State vs. Northwestern and Montana State vs. Idaho among the top plays identified by our model across Friday’s college football schedule.
Dimers’ predictive analytics engine runs 24/7, searching the latest football odds to uncover top betting edges. The result? Data-backed picks that help Dimers Pro members make smarter decisions.
List of college football picks tonight [10/2, updated 7:34PM ET]
Below, you’ll find today’s college football best bets, ranked by edge for Friday, October 2, 2026.
Northwestern +2.5 (-102)
- Edge: 3.0%
- Probability: 53.5%
- Matchup: Penn State vs. Northwestern (8:00PM ET)
Our model has identified value on Northwestern +2.5 at -102 odds. A 53.5% probability produces an edge of 3.0%, making this the strongest play for today's college football slate.
Idaho +14.5 (-114)
- Edge: 2.2%
- Probability: 55.5%
- Matchup: Montana State vs. Idaho (10:30PM ET)
Idaho +14.5 carries a 2.2% edge and a probability of 55.5% at -114 odds, according to our model.
Northwestern ML (+120)
- Edge: 2.1%
- Probability: 47.6%
- Matchup: Penn State vs. Northwestern (8:00PM ET)
Northwestern ML at +120 odds shows a 2.1% edge, supported by a 47.6% probability in simulations.
NCAAF best bets summary: Friday, 10/2/2026
As of 7:34PM ET, here are our top college football bets by edge recommended by our model:
| Matchup | Bet | Odds | Edge | Prob. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penn State vs. Northwestern | Northwestern +2.5 | -102 @ Caesars | 3.0% | 53.5% |
| Montana State vs. Idaho | Idaho +14.5 | -114 @ Caesars | 2.2% | 55.5% |
| Penn State vs. Northwestern | Northwestern ML | +120 @ BetRivers | 2.1% | 47.6% |
List of upcoming college football games to bet on now
- Penn State vs. Northwestern (8:00PM ET, Friday)
- Montana State vs. Idaho (10:30PM ET, Friday)
- Memphis vs. Charlotte (11:00AM ET, Saturday)
- Michigan vs. Minnesota (12:00PM ET, Saturday)
- Notre Dame vs. North Carolina (12:00PM ET, Saturday)
- Alabama vs. Mississippi State (12:00PM ET, Saturday)
- Stanford vs. Wake Forest (12:00PM ET, Saturday)
- Boston College vs. Southern Methodist (12:00PM ET, Saturday)
- UCF vs. Houston (12:00PM ET, Saturday)
- West Virginia vs. Iowa State (12:00PM ET, Saturday)
College football offer for Week 5
Make the most of the picks in this article—including Northwestern +2.5—with the Underdog Fantasy offer below:
Conclusion
Our college football best bets are locked and loaded for October 2, 2026, featuring plays such as Northwestern +2.5 vs. Penn State and Idaho +14.5. Powered by advanced simulations, these picks are here to boost your betting game.
Our predictions are sourced from current data to help you make informed decisions. For additional resources and advice, head to our Responsible Gambling hub.
All odds and probabilities in this article are correct and accurate at the time of publication.
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Ryan Leaver uses advanced statistical models and simulations to predict outcomes and provide predictions for the NBA, NFL, college football, college basketball, and soccer. He offers detailed game previews, best bets, props, and futures articles.
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