Oct 2, 2026
Penn State vs. Northwestern prediction favors Penn State 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, going over the latest football odds to find top betting edges. The result? Data-backed plays that help Dimers Pro members make smarter decisions.
List of college football picks tonight [10/2, updated 7:03AM ET]
Below, you’ll find today’s college football best bets, ranked by edge for Friday, October 2, 2026.
Northwestern +2.5 (+100)
- Edge: 3.5%
- Probability: 53.5%
- Matchup: Penn State vs. Northwestern (8:00PM ET)
Our model has identified value on Northwestern +2.5 at +100 odds. A 53.5% probability produces an edge of 3.5%, making this the strongest play for today's college football slate.
Idaho +15.5 (-110)
- Edge: 2.9%
- Probability: 55.3%
- Matchup: Montana State vs. Idaho (10:30PM ET)
Idaho +15.5 carries a 2.9% edge and a probability of 55.3% at -110 odds, according to our model.
Penn State vs. Northwestern Over 45.5 points (-110)
- Edge: 2.2%
- Probability: 54.5%
- Matchup: Penn State vs. Northwestern (8:00PM ET)
Penn State vs. Northwestern Over 45.5 points at -110 odds shows a 2.2% edge, supported by a 54.5% probability in simulations.
NCAAF best bets summary: Friday, 10/2/2026
As of 7:03AM 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 | +100 @ FanDuel | 3.5% | 53.5% |
| Montana State vs. Idaho | Idaho +15.5 | -110 @ DraftKings | 2.9% | 55.3% |
| Penn State vs. Northwestern | Over 45.5 Points | -110 @ BetRivers | 2.2% | 54.5% |
List of upcoming college football games to bet on now
- Pittsburgh vs. Virginia Tech (7:00PM ET, Friday)
- Liberty vs. Delaware (7:00PM ET, Friday)
- Penn State vs. Northwestern (8:00PM ET, Friday)
- Montana State vs. Idaho (10:30PM ET, Friday)
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 +15.5. Powered by advanced simulations, these picks are here to boost your betting game.
Our predictions are grounded in 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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