Weekly College Football Viewing Guide: Week 8
Every week during the season, we’ll provide you with a college football viewing guide, featuring the five best games of the upcoming weekend. We’ll also pick those five games against the spread and highlight other matchups that caught our attention from a betting perspective.
In Week 8, the Big Ten standings will finally see some movement beyond the top three teams—No. 2 Michigan, No. 3 Ohio State, and No. 7 Penn State. The rest of the conference is quite average. While Michigan won’t face Ohio State or Penn State until November, there’s a highly anticipated matchup between the Buckeyes and the Nittany Lions taking place Saturday in Columbus with major stakes on the line.
This game, scheduled for Noon ET, is expected to set the tone for an incredible day of college football. It’s not the only ranked vs. ranked game on the schedule, and there are several potential upsets throughout the day.
(Note: All times ET, odds from BetMGM)
No. 7 Penn State at No. 3 Ohio State
Time: Noon | TV: Fox | Line: OSU -4.5 | Total: 45.5
Finally, one of the biggest games of the season is here. Both Ohio State and Penn State are 6-0 and eager to secure a major win in the Big Ten race and the College Football Playoff picture. Penn State has not beaten Ohio State since 2016, and their last win in Columbus was in 2011. This game is a significant step for James Franklin’s program in its quest to reach the CFP.
For Ohio State, this is the next major test for a program aiming to return to the top of the Big Ten and the CFP. While the Buckeyes narrowly won against Notre Dame last month, the Nittany Lions should provide a tougher challenge. Penn State boasts one of the nation’s best defenses, although their offense hasn’t been explosive. Ohio State’s defense has also been excellent this season, so the quarterbacks—Kyle McCord for Ohio State and Drew Allar for Penn State—will face the toughest challenge of their careers. Who will rise to the occasion?
Predictions: Nick Bromberg – PSU +4.5, Sam Cooper – PSU +4.5
No. 17 Tennessee at No. 11 Alabama
Time: 3:30 p.m. | TV: CBS | Line: Alabama -8.5 | Total: 49
Alabama (6-1) hasn’t been its dominant self this season, but the team is still winning games. Nick Saban’s squad has won five straight since their Week 2 loss to Texas and has a perfect 4-0 record in SEC play. However, they have unfinished business with Tennessee, who defeated them last season on a last-second field goal, ending a 15-game losing streak against Alabama.
While last year’s Tennessee team had one of the best offenses in the country, this year has been a different story. The Vols are off to a 5-1 start but have yet to win a true road game since Week 3. Their passing game struggled in their recent matchup against Texas A&M, and quarterback Joe Milton will need to improve if they want a chance at an upset in Tuscaloosa.
Predictions: Nick – Alabama -8.5, Sam – Alabama -8.5
Washington State at No. 9 Oregon
Time: 3:30 p.m. | TV: ABC | Line: Oregon -20.5 | Total: 62.5
After a heartbreaking loss to Washington, Oregon needs to respond. The Ducks had multiple failed fourth-down decisions that ultimately cost them the win. Now 5-1, they face Washington State, a team that has struggled after a strong start to the season.
Washington State started 4-0 but has since lost back-to-back games. Their offense, once on fire, has been struggling, and their recent matchup against Arizona saw them gain only 234 yards with three turnovers. Can quarterback Cam Ward recapture his early-season magic and lead WSU to an upset?
Predictions: Nick – WSU +20.5, Sam – WSU +20.5
No. 16 Duke at No. 4 Florida State
Time: 7:30 p.m. | TV: ABC | Line: FSU -14 | Total: 49
While Florida State and North Carolina seem to be the frontrunners in the ACC race, Duke shouldn’t be counted out. The Blue Devils are 5-1 with their only loss coming against Notre Dame in a close game. However, they lost their quarterback Riley Leonard to an ankle injury in that game, and his absence may affect their performance against Florida State.
Florida State holds a perfect 6-0 record and is coming off two convincing victories. Duke’s defense has significantly improved, but FSU will need another strong offensive game to stay undefeated.
Predictions: Nick – Duke +14, Sam – FSU -14
No. 14 Utah at No. 18 USC
Time: 8 p.m. | TV: Fox | Line: USC -7 | Total: 53.5
Despite numerous injuries, Utah remains in the Pac-12 race. The two-time defending conference champions claimed a 34-14 victory over Cal in their last game, relying on a heavy running attack in the absence of starting quarterback Cam Rising. On the other side, USC is looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss to Notre Dame. Utah cost USC a CFP berth and Pac-12 title last year, so the Trojans will be eager to seek redemption.
Predictions: Nick – Utah +7, Sam – USC -7
Head-to-Head ATS Predictions:
Nick: 13-22-2, Sam: 21-14-2
Week 8 Best Bets:
No. 22 Air Force (-10.5) at Navy: With two service academy teams that run the option, expect a low-scoring game. The under is a safe bet. Pick: Under 34.5
No. 17 Tennessee at No. 11 Alabama (-8.5): Alabama’s defense can handle Tennessee’s ground attack, while the Vols’ struggling passing game is unlikely to succeed on the road. Alabama should win, but it might not cover the spread.
