College Football Week 8 Best Bets: 25 Bets For A Loaded Slate

College Football Week 8 Best Bets: 25 Bets For A Loaded Slate

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UPDATE: Through Thursday, college football week 8 best bets are 3-0 with UTEP covering, Jacksonville State winning outright, and Tulsa vs. ECU scored 68 points.

Last week, we went 8-3 in my college football best bets article bringing us to 15-8 in the last 2 weeks. This week we have college football kicking off on Tuesday! For this week's best bets article, we head to Texas, The Carolinas, and beautiful St. Paul Minnesota!

I will be updating this article as more bets get placed, so be sure to check back regularly and add us as a featured source to get the latest sports odds, news, and picks!

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JACKSONVILLE STATE VS. DELAWARE BEST BET

DEL @ JVST Odds

Jacksonville State has no reason being an underdog in this matchup. Their defense is average across the board, but their offense is in a great position to take advantage of Delaware's poor defense. Jacksonville State has the 8th-highest EPA/rush, while Delaware's defense is 127th for that metric.

Jacksonville State's path to success in this matchup consists of long, drawn-out drives on the ground. They run 60.2% run plays, so they are more than ready to play to their strengths.

Bet: Jacksonville State Gamecocks +2.5 (-105)


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UTEP VS. SAM HOUSTON STATE BEST BET

UTEP has one win on the season, and they are favored "on the road" at Sam Houston State? SHSU has had the more difficult schedule by a wide margin, but their metrics are so poor that I am not sure the schedule adjustment even matters.

UTEP's defense should be enough for them to come out victorious. I think it is fair to say that UTEP's offense (which has been inept up until this week) will get something going against this SHSU defense that is 134th against the pass and allowing a 45.8% offensive success rate.

Bet: UTEP Miners -2.5 (-115)


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TULSA VS. EAST CAROLINA BEST BET

Although Tulsa's offense is not particularly efficient, both of these teams play at the speed of light. Tulsa is averaging 77.2 offensive snaps per game, while East Carolina is averaging 83.7 offensive snaps per game. I have no doubt that ECU's offense will be able to move the ball against Tulsa; all we need is Tulsa to hold up their end of the bargain just a little bit.

ECUs defense is in the 89th-percentile for Havoc Created; part of this bet is factoring in the potential for ECU defensive scores, which is not out of the cards.

Bet: Tulsa Golden Hurricane @ East Carolina Pirates o55.5 (-105)


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LOUISVILLE VS. MIAMI FL BEST BET

LOU @ MIA Odds

I have long maintained (since before the season started) that this Miami, FL defense is one of the best in the country. They got a very bad rap last season because of their secondary that could not tackle, but they addressed that in the offseason, and it is looking great. The defensive line is just as strong as it was last season, and the secondary is bolstered.

Louisville's defense has been strong as well. They are allowing the 6th-lowest defensive success rate, and they are FIRST in defensive EPA. Pace is average for these teams, so I think the defenses will reign supreme.

Bet: Louisville Cardinals @ Miami (FL) Hurricanes u52.5 (-108)


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NEBRASKA VS. MINNESOTA BEST BET

NEB @ MINN Odds

These teams are pretty evenly matched with regards to their stats. Minnesota has had a slightly tougher schedule according to PFF (40th vs. Nebraska's 79th). Minnesota's defense is strong enough to keep them in this game, and if their offense can play up to their potential, there is no reason Minnesota can't win.

Drake Lindsey has been impressive, while Dylan Raiola has been a tad underwhelming. Minnesota ekes out a win in this Big Ten matchup.

Bet: Minnesota Golden Gophers +9.5 (-110) and ML (+300)


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SAN JOSE STATE VS. UTAH STATE BEST BET

SJSU @ USU Odds

This total seems to be too high given the pace at which these teams play. SJSU averages 72.8 offensive snaps per game, and Utah State is averaging 69.2 offensive snaps per game. The offenses are average at best, and I don't expect many explosive plays from either team. I think 64.5 is too many points for this Mountain West matchup.

Bet: San Jose State Spartans @ Utah State Aggies u64.5 (-105)


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LSU VS. VANDERBILT BEST BET

LSU @ VAN Odds

While LSU's offense is having its offensive struggles, their defense has been extremely strong. This combination has led LSU to a 5-1 record to the under. Neither team is in a rush to get plays off, and even Vanderbilt's defense has flashed some promise. I am going to bet on LSU to continue their defensive dominance and offensive ineptitude.

LSU vs. Vanderbilt Best Bet: LSU Tigers @ Vanderbilt Commodores u49.5 (-112)

Check out our complete LSU vs. Vanderbilt Prediction.


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ARIZONA VS. HOUSTON BEST BET

ARI @ HOU Odds

I simply don't see a world in which Houston scores enough to push this number. Their offense is 128th in EPA/rush and 99th in EPA/pass on offense. Arizona's defense is no joke, allowing a mere 34.2% success rate.

Alternatively, Houston's defense is stout. They are very effective against the pass, and they are specifically effective on early downs. Houston's skill set dictates this game, and that means we are in for a low-scoring affair.

Arizona vs. Houston Best Bet: Arizona Wildcats @ Houston Cougars u46.5 (-110)


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CENTRAL MICHIGAN VS. BOWLING GREEN BEST BET

Both of these teams are averaging under 70 offensive snaps per game, with BGSU averaging 65.8. BGSU's offense is one of the worst in college football, ranking 118th in EPA/pass and 104th in EPA/rush. All things considered, the Falcons defense is rather strong. They are 40th in late-down success allowed and 42nd in average 3rd-down distance allowed.

The lack of offensive success for BGSU and their defensive potential make the under a play for me in this MAC matchup.

Central Michigan vs. Bowling Green Best Bet: Central Michigan Chippewas @ Bowling Green Falcons u43.5 (-110)


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DUKE VS. VIRGINIA TECH BEST BET

GT @ DUKE Odds

This is far and away my favorite pick of the week. This Duke team has suffered two losses coming back to back to Illinois and Tulane near the front end of the season. Duke's offense is very strong, and they are poised to take care of a Georgia Tech defense that has allowed 20+ points 5 times this season to much worse teams. There is no telling how many points Duke is going to put up.

While Duke's defense is not their strongest unit, they are strong enough to get Georgia Tech's offense off of the field in a quick manner to let Darian Mensah and this Blue Devils offense do their thing to the Yellow Jackets.

Duke vs. Virginia Tech Best Bet: Duke Blue Devils -1.5 (-110)


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WEST VIRGINIA VS. UCF BEST BET

WVU @ UCF Odds

The Mountaineers get to catch a sliding UCF team off of the back of 3 straight losses to Kansas State, Kansas, and Cincinnati. West Virginia is in the middle of a similar skid, but their competition has been tougher in Kansas, Utah, and BYU. WVU's schedule to date has been tougher than UCF's according to PFF, as they have played the 18th-toughest schedule while UCF has played the 88th.

West Virginia boasts the 37th-ranked defensive success rate while being particularly strong against the rush. UCF's offensive strength is their rush attack, which West Virginia is primed to resist.

West Virginia vs. UCF Best Bet: West Virginia Mountaineers +7.5 (-115) + ML (+250)


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OLD DOMINION VS. JAMES MADISON BEST BET

ODU @ JMU Odds

Old Dominion's explosiveness on offense gives them the advantage in this matchup. They have a big-time throw rate of 7.45%, one of the highest in the league. Their ability to create big plays complements their 46.2% offensive success rate. ODU's 87th-rated strength of schedule played outpaces JMU's 119th, and ODU's 0.21 EPA/play suggests that their offensive success can will them to a win.

Old Dominion vs. James Madison Best Bet: Old Dominion Monarchs +2.5 (-115)


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UTSA VS. NORTH TEXAS BEST BET

UTSA @ UNT Odds

I love how UTSA's defense matches up against North Texas. UNT has one of the strongest offensive units in all of college football in my opinion, but UTSA defends extremely well against the rush, something UNT does very well.

We also saw UNT's defense get completely exposed by South Florida this past weekend. The blueprint is out there, and I expect UTSA's offense to exploit some of the Mean Green's defensive weaknesses.

UTSA vs. North Texas Best Bet: UTSA Roadrunners +4.5 (-110)


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OLE MISS VS. GEORGIA BEST BET

MISS @ UGA Odds

These two teams are eerily similar in my mind. Georgia's defense is a shell of its former self, especially in the passing game. However, Ole Miss has had trouble defending against the run. Offensively, Ole Miss has an edge in the passing game and a very slight edge in the run game.

Ole Miss is 17th in late-down success, where Georgia's defense is 79th. Ole Miss' defensive line is poised to pressure Gunner Stockton, and I think Ole Miss will make the day long for the Georgia Bulldogs.

Ole Miss vs. Georgia Best Bet: Ole Miss Rebels +7.5 (-110)


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OHIO STATE VS. WISCONSIN BEST BET

OSU @ WIS Odds

41.5 is a low-enough total to bet on explosive plays, and there is no doubt in my mind we see an Ohio State defensive score in this game. OSU's left side of their defensive line has extremely favorable matchups, and they are going to cause chaos for Hunter Simmons and this Wisconsin team. I would not be surprised if we get a final score of like 35-7, with Wisconsin scoring a late TD.

Ohio State vs. Wisconsin Best Bet: Ohio State Buckeyes @ Wisconsin Badgers o41.5 (-105)


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MISSISSIPPI STATE VS. FLORIDA BEST BET

MSST @ FLA Odds

If you looked up the phrase "game Billy Napier loses" in the dictionary, you will find Mississippi State @ Florida on 10/18 at 4:15 PM ET. Florida has played a difficult schedule, and while their defense has shown up, their offense has been lackluster. DJ Lagway is always susceptible to the turnover bug, and Mississippi State is competent enough to capitalize off of those mistakes.

Mississippi State is 14th in EPA/rush, and their defense is not anything to sneeze at. Mississippi State is a live 'dog in this SEC matchup.

Mississippi State vs. Florida Best Bet: Mississippi State Bulldogs +9.5 (-105) + ML (+285)


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PITTSBURGH VS. SYRACUSE BEST BET

PITT @ SYR Odds

Syracuse has quietly faced the 9th-toughest strength of schedule according to PFF, while Pitt has faced the 80th, so while Pitt's stats look better than Syracuse's, they are a bit inflated. Syracuse gets the privilege of coming off of a bye, while Pitt is coming off of a close victory against Florida State. Syracuse has a higher big-time throw rate and a lower turnover-worthy play rate than their ACC counterpart.

I wouldn't be surprised if Syracuse head coach Fran Brown has some tricks up his sleeve in this one. Syracuse keeps it close.

Syracuse vs. Pittsburgh Best Bet: Syracuse Orange +11.5 (-115)


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USC VS. NOTRE DAME BEST BET

USC @ ND Odds

USC has one of the best offenses in college football. They are currently rated #1 in EPA/pass and #4 in EPA/rush. They are top 5 in both early-downs EPA/play and late-down success rate. This offense will be going against a Notre Dame defense that is half as strong as they were last season.

USC also has the #1 rated safety in the country according to PFF, Bishop Fitzgerald. USC's offensive line did not allow a sack against Michigan last week (one of the strongest pass-rush units in the country). I think USC wins this game and knocks Notre Dame out of playoff contention.

USC vs. Notre Dame Best Bet: USC Trojans +9.5 (-105) + ML (+275)

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MISSOURI VS. AUBURN BEST BET

MIZ @ AUB Odds

This is purely a pace play. Missouri averages 78.2 offensive snaps per game, while Auburn is averaging 70.8. Missouri's offense is extremely efficient, as they are 5th in net EPA/play and 9th in offensive success rate.

There is also a similar dynamic in this game as there is in Ohio State vs. Wisconsin, where I am almost banking on an explosive defensive score from Missouri to get this total over. Their defense is so strong, and they are going to make Jackson Arnold's day long.

Missouri vs. Auburn Best Bet: Missouri Tigers @ Auburn Tigers o43.5 (-110)

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STANFORD VS. FLORIDA STATE BEST BET

FSU @ STAN Odds

We have to get gross for one game, right? Florida State has been on a skid dating back to September 26th, losing to Virginia, Miami (FL), and Pitt. Two of those losses were as touchdown favorites or greater. The stats don't look great for Stanford, but this is a play on the current status of FSU, and I think their rating is inflated due to their win against Alabama at the beginning of the season.

Stanford pulls off the upset in this ACC matchup.

Stanford vs. Florida State Best Bet: Stanford Cardinal +17.5 (-115) + ML (+650)


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I would love to hear from you all. You can interact with me on Threads and best of luck this week!