Predictions for Week 8 College Football Games with Point Spreads

• Check out our Week 8 college football picks against the spread for Saturday (Oct. 19)
• We’re featuring ATS picks for Alabama vs Tennessee, NC State vs Duke, and Tulsa vs Temple
• Below, see my best Week 8 college football picks against the spread, including analysis and predictions

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Week 8 of the college football season brings us another great slate of games to analyze for our CFB  against the spread picks. This week, we’re focusing on a high-profile SEC showdown and two under-the-radar conference battles.

In my Week 8 college football picks against the spread, I’m targeting a road favorite, an undervalued home underdog, and a potential upset in the AAC. Among my top Week 8 CFB picks against the spread is a play on Alabama in their SEC clash with Tennessee.

Let’s dive into our expert college football picks against the spread for Week 8 (Saturday, October 19th).

Alabama vs Tennessee Odds

All odds as of October 17th at DraftKings Sportsbook. Check out the top USA betting sites for college football against the spread betting.

ATS Picks #1: Alabama -3 (vs Tennessee)

I’m going to one of the marquee Week 8 CFB matchups for my first entrée in my CFB ATS picks. I’m picking Alabama to cover -3 in their SEC showdown with Tennessee on Saturday in Knoxville.

Alabama has dominated this rivalry in recent years, winning 14 of the last 20 meetings against the spread. Over their last three head-to-head contests, the Crimson Tide have outscored the Vols by a combined 135-9.

The Tide have an explosive offense led by dual-threat QB Jalen Milroe and talented freshman WR Ryan Williams. Bama ranks 10th nationally in scoring at 41.7 points per game, and should exploit a suspect Tennessee secondary that has been vulnerable to big plays.

In contrast, Josh Heupel’s normally high-powered Tennessee attack has sputtered of late, averaging just 20.7 points over their last three outings. Redshirt freshman QB Nico Iamaleava seems to have hit a wall, and I don’t believe the Vols have the firepower to keep up with Alabama in a shootout.

Despite the game being played at Neyland Stadium, sharp money appears to be on the Tide. The line has moved a half point in favor of Bama, and the CFB public betting trends show Bama getting 78% of the money with only 67% of bets.

• Pick: Alabama -3 (-110)

NC State vs Duke Odds

ATS Picks #2: NC State +10 (vs Duke)

Another addition to my Week 8 college football picks against the spread is NC State +10 vs Duke in Saturday ACC action. This is an ugly play given the Wolfpack’s 0-6 ATS record, but that’s typically where you find some of the best betting value.

Despite their 3-4 record, the Wolfpack have been competitive in most games this season, including a seven-point loss to Syracuse last weekend and a four-point loss to Wake Forest the week prior. I expect some positive regression to the mean for their ATS numbers.

Final#1Pack1Goal pic.twitter.com/hx2CKlhKB5

— NC State Football (@PackFootball) October 13, 2024

The low total of 46.5 points indicates a tight, low-scoring affair, which should keep NC State within striking distance. NC State’s passing game, ranked 43rd in success rate, could be the key to covering the spread.

Quarterback CJ Bailey has shown promise this season, throwing for 1,070 yards and six touchdowns. This aerial attack matches up well against Duke’s defense, which ranks 110th in passing success rate allowed.

While NC State’s run defense has been a weakness, ranking 107th in PPA per rush allowed, they catch a break against Duke’s weak rushing offense. The Blue Devils are only averaging 3.33 yards per carry and don’t have the talent to truly exploit this edge.

Duke’s recent travel schedule has also been brutal, playing games at Miami and Pittsburgh. This fatigue factor should work in NC State’s favor as the game wears on. Back NC State against the spread to get their first cover of 2024 in your CFB spread picks.

• Pick: NC State +10 (-110)

Tulsa vs Temple Odds

ATS Picks #3: Tulsa +3 (vs Temple)

For my final play in my Week 8 college football picks against the spread, I’m looking at one of the more low-profile Saturday matchups. I’m backing Tulsa to stay within a field goal against Temple in an AAC matchup at Chapman Stadium.

Tulsa has been a strong road underdog in recent years, going 6-3 against the spread (ATS) in that role since the 2023 season, including a 2-1 ATS mark this year. When the Golden Hurricane was a three-point road underdog in Week 4 vs Louisiana Tech, they won outright in overtime.

The Golden Hurricane have also had Temple’s number lately, winning the last three head-to-head matchups by an average of over 18 points per game. In last season’s meeting in Tulsa, Kevin Wilson’s team rushed for nearly 300 yards and had 500+ total yards of offense in a 48-26 win.

Temple’s rush defense is a major factor in my CFB ATS prediction. The Owls rank 128th in the nation and are giving up nearly 234 yards per game on the ground. Tulsa’s rushing attack, meanwhile, averages a solid 182.5 yards per game.

This game has a fairly low total at 53 points, and I think Tulsa will exploit Temple’s primary weakness and control the clock. If the Golden Hurricane can establish the run and shorten the game, I think they will cover, and are a great upset pick as well.

• Pick: Tulsa +3 (-110)

Brady’s 2024 CFB ATS Picks Record: 17-7

Week 8 of the college football season is shaping up to be an exciting one, with several marquee matchups on the schedule. As always, bettors are eager to get in on the action and make their predictions for the week’s games. Let’s take a look at some of the key matchups and point spreads for Week 8.

One of the most highly anticipated games of the week is the matchup between #2 Georgia and #18 Auburn. Georgia is currently favored by 14 points in this SEC showdown. The Bulldogs have been dominant all season, boasting one of the top defenses in the country. Auburn, on the other hand, has had an up-and-down season but has shown flashes of brilliance. This game could go either way, but Georgia’s defense may be too much for Auburn to handle.

Another intriguing matchup is the game between #6 Michigan and #8 Michigan State. Michigan is favored by 4 points in this Big Ten clash. Both teams have looked strong this season, with Michigan State boasting a high-powered offense and Michigan relying on a stout defense. This game could come down to the wire, but Michigan’s defense may give them the edge in this matchup.

In the ACC, #16 North Carolina State will take on #12 Miami, with Miami favored by 3 points. Both teams have had solid seasons so far, with Miami coming off a big win over North Carolina and NC State looking to bounce back from a tough loss to Boston College. This game could go either way, but Miami’s offense may be too much for NC State to handle.

Finally, in the Big 12, #4 Oklahoma will face off against TCU, with Oklahoma favored by 13 points. Oklahoma has been one of the top teams in the country all season, led by Heisman Trophy candidate Spencer Rattler. TCU has had a solid season as well, but Oklahoma’s high-powered offense may be too much for them to handle.

Overall, Week 8 of college football promises to be an exciting one, with several key matchups that could have a big impact on the College Football Playoff picture. Bettors will be eagerly watching these games and making their predictions based on the point spreads. It’s sure to be a thrilling weekend of college football action.