Another 1-1 night to start our Week 8 weekday pick blogs. Rice cruised to a 32-point win as small underdogs, which was a sweat-free winner. We played the over in James Madison-Marshall, which was a dud before it kicked off. Shortly before the kick, Rasheen Ali and a few more Marshall starters were announced out. By no means was this an excuse for the game staying under, but I did specifically tout Ali’s importance to this game. No one would have known he was out, and at that point, we had to ride with what we had. With that being said, we have one game left. Let’s deep dive into tonight’s Week 8 Friday Night College Football Picks.
Marshall w/out RB Rasheen Ali & 5 other starters tonight vs. James Madison, sources told @ActionNetworkHQ
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) October 19, 2023
Week 8 Friday Night College Football Picks
SMU (-21) at Temple (O/U54.5)
Another weekday clash in the American Athletic Conference as SMU heads to Philly to take on the Owls. Clearly, there is a class discrepancy between these two, as SMU is a 21-point road favorite. Truthfully, that number seems very fair and could definitely come down to a last-minute sweat.
The last thing I want to be a part of is being upset if SMU has their foot off the gas with one minute left while up 19. Or have to root on a Temple team that has not moved the ball all game and try to punch it in on a last-ditch effort against SMU backups.
I want to take a look at the total here. 54.5 is a little above average in college football these days, and a number SMU can near on their own. In their six games this season, The Mustangs have scored 30 plus five times. On the other hand, Temple has let up 40 plus in four straight!
Temple’s games consistently go a little something like this. They get down early and are required to ramp up the pace in offense. This creates a more volatile game script, which allows big plays and scores to happen at a much quicker rate. Temple ramping up the pace will have no bearing on SMU’s offense. They love to play fast and will have absolutely zero issues airing it out against this Temple defense.
The weather looks extremely clear in Philadelphia now. Let’s cheer on for some points.
The Pick: Over 54.5
