Here is my complete list of Week Eight College Football Previews from least important to most important. For more College Football analysis check out the Week 9 College Football Picks Podcast.
56. Austin Peay @ Central Florida
This one should be real ugly real fast. Austin Peay is a surprising 5-3 at the FCS level. That’s not going to mean much because Central Florida seems real legit thus far being one of the only remaining undefeated teams left in the country. Scott Frost thinks his Golden Knights will be able to take down South Florida and take the division.
55. San Jose State @ BYU
Something has to give. Both teams are really awful but I still can’t get over that BYU lost by sixteen against my East Carolina Pirates. This shouldn’t be a fun one to watch at all but give me BYU to get the win but stay away from the bet.
54. Texas State @ Coastal Carolina
Both teams are 1-6 but Coastal Carolina has looked like the better team with some solid performances in close losses. Give me Coastal to find a way to get the job done.
53. Louisiana Tech @ Rice
Louisiana Tech is 3-4 but man have they suffered some tough losses in games you could easily argue they should of won. Rice on the other hand is 1-6 and probably close to firing their head coach. I look for Louisiana Tech to make a push towards another bowl game meaning this is a must win game for the Bulldogs. Give me La Tech minus the points.
52. Toledo @ Ball State
What the heck has happened to Ball State? They looked like they were going to be a tough out for the whole MAC in the first couple weeks of the season but boy have the wheels came off in Muncie. Toledo is probably the best team in the MAC so this one should be ugly considering Central Michigan came into Muncie last week and won by 47. Give me Toledo minus the points.
51. San Diego State @ Hawaii
The Aztecs were one of the best stories of the season when they knocked off Arizona State, Stanford, Air Force and Northern Illinois but then Boise State came into town and ruined the party then Fresno State repeated what Boise did and all of sudden San Diego State is in desperate need of a victory. It’s a good thing Hawaii is their next game. The Rainbow Warriors are 3-4 but their three wins have been against Western Carolina, Umass and San Jose State. Give me the Aztecs big in Hawaii.
50. Appalachian State @ UMASS
Umass finally scored their first win last week at home against Georgia Southern. Umass has been a weird team this year, they were winless but have really played their competition well despite losing every game. App State is winning the games they need to but they’ve kept the games a little closer than expected. Give me Umass plus the points but App State gets the win.
49. Georgia Southern @ Troy
I really thought Georgia Southern would improve some in year two of Chad Lunsford’s era but boy was I wrong. Georgia Southern is still winless this season and that’s not going to change since they have to go on the road to Troy. Troy will be bowl eligible if they get this win so that’s more than a reason to play up against a winless team. Give me Troy minus the points.
48. UTSA @ UTEP
The Miners of UTEP are winless and in yet another year of disappointment. I’m sure they’ll fire their head coach in the coming weeks but they did play Southern Miss somewhat tough but they just couldn’t find a way to score any points. UTSA has a bowl game on their mind and this is a must win for them. Give me UTSA to win this one but stay away from the spread.
47. Missouri @ UCONN
UCONN is coming off back to back wins for the first time in quite some time. Missouri got a much needed win last week at home against Idaho and has been playing much better the past three weeks. Mizzou played Kentucky and Georgia pretty tough on the road for a team that was looking awful the first month of the season. Give me Mizzou to come into town and get a nice size win.
46. Old Dominion @ North Texas
North Texas was playing great all year long and then last week happened! I mean who could of predicted that Florida Atlantic would put up 69 points on the Mean Green. Luckily for North Texas they get a rebound game against Old Dominion who is really struggling to move the ball. This is a must win for North Texas if they want to remain a player in the Conference USA. Give me North Texas to find a way to win the game but ODU covers.
45. UNLV @ Fresno State
I’m just going to go ahead and say it. Jeff Tedford was the best hire of the offseason. Tedford has already taken a team that only won one game last year and now has them at 5-2 in year one. Oh yeah and those two losses were at Alabama & Washington. This team is legit. Just ask San Diego State who got absolutely waxed by the Bulldogs. UNLV on the other hand is a mess. The Runnin’ Rebels have been up big the past two weeks only to lose both games. Give me Fresno State minus the points.
44. Louisiana Monroe @ Idaho
Idaho has been a pretty disappointing team this year and that’s unfortunate considering its their last year in the FBS. They were a bowl team last year and if they want any hope at making another one than this is a must win game. You could argue the same for Louisiana Monroe who is 3-4 and in desperate need for a victory if they want to make the postseason. Give me Louisiana Monroe and the points.
43. Kansas State @ Kansas
Bill Snyder and his Wildcats have been somewhat of a let down this year. The defense was loaded coming into the season but the offense has struggled. Sure, some of that could be the fact veteran quarterback Zach Ertz went down right before they had to play TCU and Oklahoma but even with Ertz healthy the offense wasn’t where it was supposed to be. Kansas on the other hand is just flat out awful. The Jayhawks only mustered up a nice 21 yards of offense last week and only had three yards of offense at halftime. Give me K-State minus the points with whoever they put under center.
42. Wisconsin @ Illinois
Illinois played Minnesota better than I thought they would. I picked the Illini to cover and I was right but they were in that football game. Wisconsin is not Minnesota though despite their incredibly soft schedule. The line is at 26 right now so I’d have to say take the points but I wouldn’t touch this game.
41. South Alabama @ Georgia State
South Alabama is starting to put things together and it started with the victory at Troy two weeks ago. Georgia State is over achieving this year as well despite being .500 and 3-3. Both teams have 3 wins so this is a big time game for their bowl aspirations. Give me South Alabama minus the one point to win this one.
40. Tulsa @ SMU
Tulsa really let me down last week at UCONN. I knew their defense was bad but I know they can move the ball much better than they did no matter who is the quarterback. SMU also barely won at Cincinnati getting a fumble in overtime to win the game. SMU is now one game away from bowling and this is at home so I expect the Mustangs to play up for this one.
39. UAB @ Southern Miss
UAB had a bowl game in their sights and then they lost to a winless Charlotte team. That was a big blow to their chances at a bowl but all they have to do is find two more wins and they’re bowling. Southern Miss on the hand is 5-2 and almost a shoo in for a bowl game and perhaps the Conference USA championship. The spread is at 13.5 at the moment so give UAB to rebound and to cover but Southern Miss gets the win and becomes bowl eligible.
38. Stanford @ Oregon State
Uh oh. The Oregon State run defense is awful so is there a chance Bryce Love runs for a thousand yards this game? Stanford seems to have found their way again after an early season two game skid against USC and San Diego State. Oregon State at this point would love to just find a conference win and it’s not going to happen here. Give me Stanford minus the points.
37. Tulane @ Memphis
Memphis had one of the all time great comebacks in their program history last week at Houston. The Tigers struggled to score in the first half and then caught fire in the second half and scored on every single possession they had. Tulane got down big to South Florida last week but battled back and made it very respectful with a nice backdoor cover. Tulane runs that triple option attack that will definitely test this Memphis defense once again. Give me Tulane and the points.
36. Florida International @ Marshall
Marshall is looking like the class of the Conference USA with a nice 6-1 record and with their one loss being at NC State where they were winning for the majority of that game. Florida International is in year one of the Butch Davis era and the team has bought in. The Panthers are 4-2 and playing at a much higher level than most everyone figured. Give me FIU to cover but Marshall gets the win.
35. Arkansas @ Ole Miss
This is one SEC game that I could really care less about. Ole Miss can’t even play in the postseason this year. Both starting quarterbacks are injured. I guess if Arkansas wants any chance at a bowl game then they need to win this. Give me Arkansas and the points.
34. Arkansas State @ New Mexico State
New Mexico State is 3-4 but they are once again another team that is probably better than their actual record when you see the somewhat close games vs Troy, Arizona State, etc. Arkansas State on the hand is 4-2 and looking like one of the main contenders in the Sun Belt. New Mexico State is thinking bowl game this year but they’ll need to not just play a close game against a good team, they need to find out how to win one of these games. Give me Arkansas State minus the 6 points.
33. Buffalo @ Akron
Both of these MAC teams are in desperate need for a victory so this could be a good game. Buffalo has been exceeding expectations but last week they lost a game most thought they could win. Akron is coming off a thumping to Toledo but has played better than Buffalo as late. Give me Akron minus the three points.
32. Florida Atlantic @ Western Kentucky
This is a big time Conference USA matchup Western Kentucky is 3-1 in conference and Florida Atlantic is 3-0. Florida Atlantic seems to be finding their groove though after putting up 69 points against a good North Texas team. Western Kentucky had a nice road win at Old Dominion. Give me Western Kentucky and the 7 points.
31. Eastern Michigan @ Northern Illinois
Eastern Michigan is 2-5 but all five of their losses have been by a touchdown or less. Northern Illinois is a for real contender to win the MAC. NIU is 5-2 and both their losses have been by a touchdown or less but NIU does have a road trip to Toledo schedule for next week. So perhaps they look past this one. Give me Eastern Michigan plus the touchdown but NIU gets the W.
30. Rutgers @ Michigan
Wait could this actually be a game? Rutgers scored a nice win against Purdue and now have won two in a row. Michigan well we all know the offense is really really struggling. I assume Harbaugh will have Michigan play to win big but will the offense get it going? Give me Rutgers plus the 24 points.
29. Miami (FL) @ North Carolina
I really don’t feel like this Miami team is that good but man has the schedule worked out great for them. North Carolina looks absolutely awful with their lone win being at Old Dominion. Give me UNC plus the points in this one but I don’t like this game at all.
28. Indiana @ Maryland
Maryland has had some awful luck this year if you haven’t heard they’re on their third string quarterback. Indiana has played pretty good of late despite the past two games being losses. Give me Indiana minus the four points.
27. Texas @ Baylor
Baylor seems to be somewhat improving each week despite being winless. Texas is good enough to keep every game close but has lost some big games. They could of beat USC and Oklahoma State but made mental mistakes. Give me Baylor and the points.
26. New Mexico @ Wyoming
This is a big game for Wyoming since they can’t afford another conference loss if they want to get back to mountain west championship game. New Mexico is simply playing to get back to another bowl game at this point so it’s a big game for both teams. Give me Wyoming minus the two points.
25. Minnesota @ Iowa
Minnesota got a much needed win last week after a three game losing skid. Iowa lost an overtime game at Northwestern and needs to get back on track. Both teams are 4-3 and should be bowling by the end of the year. Give me Minnesota plus 7.5!
24. California @ Colorado
California has been one of the big surprises of this years season. I still don’t understand why they went for two at home against Arizona last week but hey they’re still quite a success story when you see what they were projected as. Colorado is 4-4 and coming off a bad loss at Washington State where three of their quarterbacks played in the game. The Buffs offense was supposed to be the strength of this team and clearly it’s not. Give me Cal plus 3.5!
23. Boise State @ Utah State
Boise State is coming off two huge conference wins against San Diego State and Wyoming and are primed to challenge Colorado State to win the division but don’t look past this game because Utah State has been known to give Boise State trouble in years past. Utah State is 4-4 and coming off a blowout win on the road against UNLV. Give me Boise State minus the points, I think this team is finally playing the way they should have all year.
22. Texas Tech @ Oklahoma
Texas Tech started out 4-0 and is now 4-3 and probably going to be 4-4 after this week. So the question will be if Kliff Kingsbury has done enough to come back as football coach next year? I think its bowl game or bust for Kingsbury so that makes every game huge for him. Oklahoma knows it can’t afford another loss if they want to make the playoffs. Give me Texas Tech and the points but Oklahoma gets the win.
21. Virginia @ Pittsburgh
Virginia finally came back to earth last week when they got destroyed at home by Boston College. Pittsburgh came up with a huge win at Duke last week to keep their postseason hopes alive. Pitt despite losing starting QB Max Browne for the season could still go bowling if they can get a win here. Give me Virginia plus the 3 points as Bronco Mendenhall gets his Cavaliers to rebound.
20. Air Force @ Colorado State
Colorado State is cruising right now and looking like their destined for a big time matchup vs Boise State for the division title but don’t sleep on these games. Air Force has won two in a row and is always a tough team to prepare for. CSU must not look past the Falcons or they’ll pay dearly for it. Give me Air Force plus the points but CSU gets the win.
19. Vanderbilt @ South Carolina
Both these teams had last week off but the week before South Carolina got a nice win at Tennessee while Vanderbilt got smacked in the mouth at Ole Miss. This is a huge game for Vanderbilt who can’t afford to fall to 3-5 on the year. South Carolina locks up a bowl game if they get this win so this game certainly means something. Give me Vanderbilt plus the points in this one.
18. Duke @ Virginia Tech
Duke was once 4-0 and a real surprise team but they’ve lost four in a row and now find themselves in dire need of a victory. Virginia Tech looks like the real deal with each passing week but Duke always seems to play Virginia Tech tougher than expected. Give me Duke plus the points but I wouldn’t touch this game.
17. Tennessee @ Kentucky
Kentucky sure found a way to blow it this year with the Florida game and then got absolutely destroyed last week at Mississippi State. Tennessee well you should know their story. They haven’t scored an offensive touchdown in well over a month and Butch Jones is most likely to be fired unless maybe he wins out. Give me Kentucky minus the 3.5 although this is another I really don’t want to touch.
16. Louisville @ Wake Forest
This game means a little more than it normally would considering Louisville paid to have Wake Forest’s playbook last season. Wake has revenge on their mind. Give me Wake plus the points.
15. UCLA @ Washington
Washington needs rebound after the Arizona State loss. If they’re smart they’ll just run the ball all game because the UCLA run defense is absolute trash. Josh Rosen could really test this Washington secondary. Peterson should have his Huskies ready for this one though. Give me Washington minus the points in this one.
14. Florida State @ Boston College
This is a big game. Mainly because this is a must win if Florida State wants any chance of bowling this year. Boston College also hasn’t won a home conference game since November of 2014. Give me Florida State minus the points for that reason alone.
13. Nebraska @ Purdue
I think we all know Mike Riley is on his way out the door in Lincoln but the question is will he be able to get the cornhuskers to a bowl in his final season. Purdue was looking like a shoo in for a bowl game but then the boilermakers lost at Rutgers and left me thinking just how good is this Purdue team? This game should tell us quite a bit. Give me Purdue minus the points.
12. Utah @ Oregon
Both these teams have had injuries at the QB position but for Oregon is was a little worse because their backup wasn’t an experienced QB. Oregon is in their third string starting QB and it’s been a disaster all year. The Utah defense hasn’t been what it usually is so if Oregon can find a way to not turn the ball over they could win this game. Give me Utah minus the points.
11. Houston @ South Florida
Houston really shit the bed last week when the blew the Memphis game. They now have two AAC losses which means they really need to find a way to get this game. South Florida is loaded and primed to win the American if they can win this and the Central Florida game. Give me Houston and the points but USF gets the win.
10. Michigan State @ Northwestern
Michigan State is still undefeated in the Big 10 after storming back to beat Indiana and now comes a big test at Northwestern. Northwestern edged out Iowa in overtime last week and seems to be improving as the season is going along. Michigan State finds a way to remain unbeaten in conference play give me MSU minus the points.
9. Mississippi State @ Texas A&M
This is a pretty compelling matchup both teams are in contention for 2nd place in the SEC West. Miss State has struggled on the road in their conference play thus far. Give me Texas A&M plus the points in this one.
8. TCU @ Iowa State
TCU has been really impressive all year long we know that but how about the job Matt Campbell has done at Iowa State! Most of that has been accomplished with the backup quarterback as well. They’re ranked for the first time since the early 2000s. Ames is a tricky place. Give me Iowa State plus the points but TCU gets the W.
7. Georgia vs Florida
The worlds biggest cocktail party should be a good one as always. Florida still can’t move the ball but Georgia has not faced a defense this good all season. The spread is just too high. Give me Florida plus the points in this one.
6. Washington State @ Arizona
Who knew this would be a huge game coming into the season? Rich Rod was on the hot seat but I think that’s changed a bit now. Both teams are at the top of their divisions but can’t afford a loss so something has to give. Give me Arizona plus the points.
5. Georgia Tech @ Clemson
Clemson sure did luck up with a perfect bye week before playing the triple option and Georgia Tech. One could easily argue that Georgia Tech should be undefeated right now if they could kick a field goal. Clemson should be ready to go after the week off but the spread is still really high. Gun to my head give me Georgia Tech and the points but I prefer the over on 48 points over.
4. USC @ Arizona State
Is Arizona State actually for real? This should be the week that really figures that out for us. This is a huge game in Tempe. The winner will be in first place or tied for first as we enter November. I like USC to bounce back and get the win. Give me USC minus the points.
3. Oklahoma State @ West Virginia
Mike Gundy and the Cowboys sure lucked up with that overtime bonehead play by the Texas quarterback last week they can’t afford to do the same this week against West Virginia. Will Grier is too good and this WVU crowd and offense should be rolling. Give me West Virginia plus the points in this one.
2. NC State @ Notre Dame
Wow. That was impressive Notre Dame. I’m actually starting to somewhat believe but here’s a big test. Back to back tough games which they haven’t had to do all year. The NC State defensive line is legit and should test this Notre Dame run game. Give me NC State plus the 7.5 here.
1. Penn State @ Ohio State
I hope I’m wrong here. Penn State is coming off a huge victory at home against Michigan. Ohio State has had this one circled for a year though, plus they had the week off to focus on this one. Give me Ohio State minus the points in this one.
