College Football Predictions for Every Top-25 Game: Odds, Picks & Best Bets for Week 8
There's no shortage of major matchups on the Week 8 slate, and I'm breaking down my college football predictions for every top-25 game as part of our college football predictions for Week 8.
This week's schedule features 20 games involving top-25 programs - that includes five top-25 matchups, highlighted by Ole Miss vs. Georgia and Tennessee vs. Alabama - and my college football picks for each matchup include a projected final score.
🔮 College football predictions for Week 8
College football picks for every top-25 matchup based on the latest college football odds; subject to change.
🔴 Louisville vs. No. 2 Miami
- When: Friday, Oct. 17 (7 p.m. ET, ESPN)
- Best bet: Louisville +13.5 (-105 via DraftKings)
It would be a very Mario Cristobal move to lose this Friday night game at home to Louisville, but it's hard to imagine the Hurricanes choking at this point. With dominant trench play on both sides led by potential first-round picks Rueben Bain Jr. and Francis Mauigoa, Miami should stay undefeated. But Louisville has the talent to avoid a blowout with players like Chris Bell and Clev Lubin.
Prediction: Miami 30, Louisville 17
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🌽 No. 25 Nebraska vs. Minnesota
- When: Friday, Oct. 17 (8 p.m. ET, FOX)
- Best bet: Nebraska -7 (-110 via bet365)
It's been an up-and-down season for sophomore QB Dylan Raiola, but it's clear he has the talent to take Nebraska to the next level ... that is, as long as head coach Matt Rhule doesn't return to his alma mater, Penn State. Even with rumors of Rhule being the favorite to take over the Nittany Lions, Nebraska should take care of business against a struggling Minnesota offense.
Prediction: Nebraska 31, Minnesota 20
⚓️ No. 10 LSU vs. No. 17 Vanderbilt
- When: Saturday, Oct. 18 (noon ET, ABC)
- Best bet: Vanderbilt -2.5 (-110 via Caesars)
One of four top-25 matchups on the Saturday slate, there's a lot on the line for these programs. Vanderbilt needs to win this game to prove Diego Pavia's capable of keeping this team in the College Football Playoff convo. Stakes are even higher for LSU, with head coach Brian Kelly surely feeling the pressure as the Tigers attempt to make their first CFP run under their frequently criticized coach.
Prediction: Vanderbilt 27, LSU 24
🐝 No. 12 Georgia Tech vs. Duke
- When: Saturday, Oct. 18 (noon ET, ESPN)
- Best bet: Georgia Tech +1.5 (-110 via Caesars)
This is a sneaky awesome matchup between two of the most competitive teams in the ACC. On one side, Georgia Tech has a physical run game led by QB Haynes King and running back Jamal Haynes. On the other side, Duke has a budding star in QB Darian Mensah, and a win here could really elevate the Blue Devils' head coach, Manny Diaz, as a potential option for the Penn State opening.
Prediction: Georgia Tech 30, Duke 27
🅾️ No. 14 Oklahoma vs. South Carolina
- When: Saturday, Oct. 18 (12:45 p.m. ET, SEC Network)
- Best bet: Oklahoma -5.5 (-110 via Caesars)
If Oklahoma hopes to have any shot at the College Football Playoff, it needs to bounce back from its Red River Rivalry loss, and QB John Mateer needs to have a big game. This is also a massive test for South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers, who has top-10 pick buzz but absolutely no help around him on this offense. Unfortunately for Sellers, the Sooners' defense is devastating, and pass rusher R Mason Thomas should tee off.
Prediction: Oklahoma 23, South Carolina 16
🌰 No. 1 Ohio State vs. Wisconsin
- When: Saturday, Oct. 18 (3:30 p.m. ET, CBS)
- Best bet: Ohio State -25 (-110 via Caesars)
This could be the end of the Luke Fickell era in Madison if Wisconsin isn't at least somewhat competitive for a quarter against its head coach's alma mater. The Badgers are a mess on offense, and Ohio State has the best defense in the country thanks to Arvell Reese and Caleb Downs. And another strong performance from Julian Sayin should start to create some real Heisman buzz.
Prediction: Ohio State 38, Wisconsin 10
⬇️ Michigan State vs. No. 3 Indiana
- When: Saturday, Oct. 18 (3:30 p.m. ET, Peacock)
- Best bet: Under 52.5 (-105 via BetMGM)
Like Fickell at Wisconsin, Michigan State's Jonathan Smith has to play a top-five team while his butt is on fire with how hot his seat is getting (Oregon State has a vacancy). Aidan Chiles hasn't worked at QB, and if he plays, I don't expect him to do much against an Indiana defense that shut down Oregon. Vibes couldn't be higher in Hoosierland, either, with Fernando Mendoza's Heisman campaign in full bloom and Curt Cignetti's eight-year contract putting Penn State rumors to rest.
Prediction: Indiana 34, Michigan State 7
🤠 No. 4 Texas A&M vs. Arkansas
- When: Saturday, Oct. 18 (3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN)
- Best bet: Texas A&M -7.5 (-105 via BetMGM)
This game used to be played at Jerry World (AT&T Stadium in Dallas), but it being a true home game for Arkansas in Fayetteville this year probably won't help much. While Bobby Petrino's first game as interim saw Taylen Green thrive, the Razorbacks' defense remains a mess. Texas A&M's offense should have a field day with a dominant offensive line and playmakers like Mario Craver and KC Concepcion.
Prediction: Texas A&M 38, Arkansas 27
🦈 No. 5 Ole Miss vs. No. 9 Georgia
- When: Saturday, Oct. 18 (3:30 p.m. ET, ABC)
- Best bet: Ole Miss +7.5 (-110 via BetMGM)
Both these teams are coming off close calls after Ole Miss nearly got upset by a struggling Washington State program and Georgia survived a wildly officiated game against Auburn. The Bulldogs can't really afford to lose this game if they want to stay in SEC Championship contention, and I'd expect Kirby Smart's defense to be the difference. Look for CJ Allen to make plenty of plays to slow Trinidad Chambliss and Co.
Prediction: Georgia 26, Ole Miss 20
🏴☠️ No. 7 Texas Tech vs. Arizona State
- When: Saturday, Oct. 18 (4 p.m. ET, FOX)
- Best bet: Texas Tech -7.5 (-102 via FanDuel)
This was supposed to be a Big 12 heavyweight clash between last year's conference champ and this year's multi-million dollar roster. However, Arizona State has taken a step back this year without do-it-all back Cam Skattebo, and billionaire Cody Campbell's spending has paid off for Texas Tech. The Red Raiders have one of the best front sevens in the sport led by David Bailey and should win this one decisively, even if QB Sam Leavitt suits up for the Sun Devils. Either way, don't forget to check out Arizona State's star receiver Jordyn Tyson, a likely first-round pick.
Prediction: Texas Tech 27, Arizona State 17
🐅 No. 22 Memphis vs. UAB
- When: Saturday, Oct. 18 (4 p.m. ET, ESPN2)
- Best bet: Memphis -21.5 (-110 via bet365)
UAB was smart to fire head coach Trent Dilfer last week - had the Blazers not moved on from the former Super Bowl-winning QB, Memphis probably would have won this game by 60. Instead, I expect just a 23-point win for a Tigers squad that looks like the best bet to earn the Group of Five spot in the CFP. Memphis' run game is insane thanks to Brendon Lewis, Sutton Smith, and Greg Desrosiers Jr., and head coach Ryan Silverfield is poised for a P4 job.
Prediction: Memphis 40, UAB 17
🦆 No. 8 Oregon vs. Rutgers
- When: Saturday, Oct. 18 (6:30 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network)
- Best bet: Oregon -17.5 (-105 via DraftKings)
Don't expect Oregon to fall apart the way Penn State did after it lost a game at home to a top-10 team. The Ducks should quietly handle Rutgers, and Dante Moore will reignite his Heisman stock with a shining performance against one of the worst defenses in the Big Ten. If you're going to watch this one, keep an eye on Rutgers wide receiver Ian Strong, who is on the NFL radar, as is his QB Athan Kaliakmanis.
Prediction: Oregon 40, Rutgers 20
🐾 Washington State vs. No. 18 Virginia
- When: Saturday, Oct. 18 (6:30 p.m. ET, The CW Network)
- Best bet: Washington State +17.5 (-108 via DraftKings)
It's a little bit funny that Virginia could be 7-1 and ranked in the top 12 by the time it plays Cal on Nov. 1. The Cavaliers have won back-to-back games in overtime, against Florida State and Louisville, to essentially save Tony Elliott's job. QB Chandler Morris, running back J'Mari Taylor, and a deep pass catching group making the Hoos dangerous in a weak ACC. But don't expect Jimmy Rogers' Washington State program to roll over after its near upset of Ole Miss.
Prediction: Virginia 30, Washington State 20
🐂 No. 21 Texas vs. Kentucky
- When: Saturday, Oct. 18 (7 p.m. ET, ESPN)
- Best bet: Texas -12.5 (-110 via Caesars)
Texas' shot at the College Football Playoff is probably dead, but this is still a team that could make some noise in the SEC thanks to a devastating defense. That's why Kentucky doesn't stand a chance at home, even if Arch Manning continues to looks nothing like the prince that was promised. The Longhorns could run away with this if Quintrevion Wisner looks as good against Kentucky as he did against Oklahoma.
Prediction: Texas 24, Kentucky 10
⬆️ No. 11 Tennessee vs. No. 6 Alabama
- When: Saturday, Oct. 18 (7:30 p.m. ET, ABC)
- Best bet: Over 59 (-110 via Caesars)
A big win against a top-12 team should push Alabama QB Ty Simpson to the top of the Heisman board, if not making him the overwhelming favorite. Nobody is playing the position at a higher level than Simpson right now, and he shouldn't have much trouble picking apart a Tennessee defense that's been horrendous at times. Luckily for Vols fans, Josh Heupel's offense could keep Tennessee in this if Joey Aguilar and Chris Brazzell II come to play.
Prediction: Alabama 37, Tennessee 27
🗡️ No. 20 USC vs. No. 13 Notre Dame
- When: Saturday, Oct. 18 (7:30 p.m. ET, NBC, Peacock)
- Best bet: USC +9.5 (-108 via DraftKings)
If you enjoy scoring, this is the game for you. Both these teams rank top five in SP+ on offense and outside the top 20 on defense thanks to the play of breakout QBs Jayden Maiava (USC) and CJ Carr (Notre Dame). They both also have future first-round playmakers in wide receiver Makai Lemon (USC) and running back Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame). NFL fans already thinking about their fantasy football rookie dynasty drafts next year should definitely tune into this game on Saturday.
Prediction: Notre Dame 34, USC 31
⬇️ FAU vs. No. 19 South Florida
- When: Saturday, Oct. 18 (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPNU)
- Best bet: Under 73 (-110 via Caesars)
While it's no War on I-4, this is still a Florida rivalry, and it should be a good one ... unless you're a fan of defense. This game total is set at 73 thanks to both teams playing at a high-speed pace, with Alex Golesh's South Florida running a Veer and Shoot variation and Zach Kittley's FAU deploying an Air Raid attack. USF QB Byrum Brown will be the difference with his running ability, but FAU's passing combo of Caden Veltkamp and Easton Messer is a fun watch, too. I just don't see these sides reaching such a lofty total.
Prediction: South Florida 44, FAU 24
🐯 No. 16 Missouri vs. Auburn
- When: Saturday, Oct. 18 (7:45 p.m. ET, SEC Network)
- Best bet: Missouri -1.5 (-110 via Caesars)
Two Tigers enter Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday night, and only one will exit victorious - and my money is on Missouri. Auburn's got bad vibes right now following the insanity of the Georgia loss and Damari Alston situation, while Missouri looked ready to make a CFP push even in defeat against Alabama. The Tigers' (Missouri) pass rush, led by Zion Young and Damon Wilson III, should beat up on Jackson Arnold while Ahmad Hardy does enough on offense for Eliah Drinkwitz's team to win.
Prediction: Missouri 24, Auburn 20
🔴 No. 23 Utah vs. No. 15 BYU
- When: Saturday, Oct. 18 (8 p.m. ET, FOX)
- Best bet: Utah -3 (-120 via bet365)
The Holy War is one of the best rivalries in college football, and this year's could be an instant classic with these teams built so similarly. Both Utah and BYU have physical run games led by mobile QBs and hard-nosed defenses with ferocious front sevens. In the end, I think the Utes' defense will be too much for BYU freshman QB Bear Bachmeier, and Utah QB Devon Dampier will create too many splashy plays behind his star offensive linemen (Spencer Fano, Caleb Lomu).
Prediction: Utah 24, BYU 17
⬇️ No. 24 Cincinnati vs. Oklahoma State
- When: Saturday, Oct. 18 (8 p.m. ET, ESPN2)
- Best bet: Under 57.5 (-105 via DraftKings)
Oklahoma State did not get the interim head coach bump the way UCLA did when it fired DeShaun Foster and put Tim Skipper in charge. The Pokes are 0-3 in Big 12 play and have lost all three games by double digits, while Cincinnati has really found its groove in Scott Satterfield's third season in charge. QB Brendan Sorsby is creating NFL draft buzz, and he's not the only Sunday player on this team with tight end Joe Royer and linebacker Jake Golday. Ohio State transfer Evan Pryor is really starting to pop, too.
Prediction: Cincinnati 34, Oklahoma State 17
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