Each week, I will use this space to tell you what I think are a few of the best bets heading into the weekend. I will also throw in an upset of the week, which will be a team that is at least a touchdown underdog that I am picking to win outright.
I will also give you picks on other games involving potential College Football Playoff teams. There may be scenarios for teams I am not listing that get them CFP consideration, but I do not consider them likely.
Last week, I went 2-1 to get back to above .500 overall (11-10). The upset special is in a bit of a slump and now sits 2-5 straight up and ATS. I feel good about this week’s pick.
Here are the best bets for Week 8 with odds from Caesars Sportsbook.
Week 8 Picks
Wisconsin at No. 25 Purdue
Featured Game | Purdue Boilermakers vs. Wisconsin Badgers
It feels weird to write a number to the left of my Boilermakers. I don’t know if Purdue is really that good, but I do know they are good at hitting the under. In fact, the Boilers are a perfect 6-0 in that regard this season and the Badgers are pretty reliably under as well. This one feels like a rock fight. Pick: Under (40)
Clemson at No. 23 Pittsburgh
Featured Game | Pittsburgh Panthers vs. Clemson Tigers
Guess who else is perfect at hitting the under this season? That’s right – Clemson. That is largely due to having an elite defense and a dysfunctional offense. The Tigers defense is good enough to dictate the style of play and the score, even against a pretty good offense like the Panthers have. Pitt may win, but the Panthers will likely have to do so scoring well below their average. Pick: Under (46.5)
BYU at Washington State
Featured Game | Washington State Cougars vs. BYU Cougars
The line for this game has almost doubled since Washington State announced the firing of coach Nick Rolovich and four assistants on Monday. It is going to be a scramble mode week of prep for the Cougars and you cannot blame them if they are a bit preoccupied. BYU can take advantage and pick up a win to get headed back in the right direction. Pick: BYU (-3.5)
Upset of the Week
No. 8 Oklahoma State at Iowa State
Featured Game | Iowa State Cyclones vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys
This line surprised me. It’s not that the Cyclones have been terrible or anything, but they have not lived up to their preseason expectations. Meanwhile, the Cowboys are on a serious roll including a big, come-from-behind win at Texas last Saturday. There is a reason why they are in the top ten. Pick: Oklahoma State (+220)
Other CFP candidates
Which college football picks can you make with confidence in Week 8, and which top-10 team will go down hard? Visit SportsLine to see which teams will win and cover the spread — all from a proven computer model that has returned almost $3,700 in profit over the past five-plus seasons — and find out.
