While the big FBS games grab most of the headlines this weekend, we’re looking at some top FCS Week 8 picks. Ranked teams like Stephen F. Austin and Montana State sit near the top of the polls. However, some underdogs have been pulling through as well. Southeastern Louisiana just upset a top-10 Lamar team. North Dakota knocked off South Dakota State. Teams like Harvard remain unbeaten. Let’s break down the top FCS Week 8 picks that I’m taking right now.
FCS Week 8 Picks And Best Bets
Southeastern Louisiana at Stephen F. Austin (-20.5)
Stephen F. Austin enters this Southland showdown at 7-0 and ranked number two after their 56-0 shutout of Nicholls last week. The Lumberjacks average just over 40 points per game and only allow about 13 points per game. They also have a great home field.
Southeastern Louisiana sits at 4-3 overall and 2-2 in conference play. They’re averaging 28.4 points per game and allowing 28.3 points per game. Kyle Lowe leads the Lions with nice dual-threat production, and the team just beat number 10 Lamar 34-31 on the road for a statement win.
Southeastern’s rushing attack has been able to get 172 yards per game, and they’ve converted nicely in the red zone. Stephen F. Austin’s defense ranks among the better units in the FCS, though. However, the Lumberjacks have not faced a Lions team that just moved the ball effectively against a ranked opponent.
A three-score cover remains possible, yet the 20.5-point spread gives Southeastern Louisiana room to stay competitive. My concern is that they just came off a big upset win. Can they contain their emotions and keep it rolling? Or will another road game against another top-tier team, with a hangover from last week’s win, trip them up?
FCS Week 8 Best Bet: Stephen F. Austin (-20.5)
Weber State at Montana State (-24.5)
Montana State ranks as the playoff committee’s number one team at 6-1. They’re averaging around 40 points a game and allowing just under 19. The Bobcats dominate at home in Bozeman and bring a balanced attack that controls the line of scrimmage.
Weber State arrives at 5-3 and ranked 22nd after three straight wins, including a 27-20 win over Idaho State. The Wildcats average 36 points per game. However, they’ve allowed 34 per game, which could expose them against better teams.
Montana State’s defensive front creates consistent pressure and limits explosive plays, while Weber’s recent success has come against moderate competition. The Bobcats’ efficiency on third downs and red-zone scoring should wear down the Wildcats over four quarters.
Weber has shown they can score in bunches, yet Montana State’s ability to hold opponents to low scores for most of the season makes this large cover in play. The 24.5-point line looks high for two ranked teams. However, the Bobcats should control the tempo and pull away in this game.
FCS Week 8 Best Bet: Montana State -24.5
North Dakota at South Dakota (-2.5)
Both of these teams enter at 6-2 and sit inside the top 10 in FCS polls. North Dakota just beat the then-ranked number one team, South Dakota State, 21-10 with a strong defensive effort and an efficient offense.
South Dakota is averaging 39 points a game and features a productive offense under Autsin Modrzewski. The Coyotes hold a slight edge in scoring, yet North Dakota’s defense just limited a top-ranked team and forced some critical stops.
These two programs match up closely in total yards and turnover margin. North Dakota’s ability to run the ball and control the clock can give them the path to another big win. South Dakota’s home-field advantage at the DakotaDome matters, but the Fighting Hawks already proved they can win a tight, low-scoring game.
The 2.5 points are undervaluing North Dakota’s recent momentum and defensive performance. I even like this one on the moneyline.
FCS Week 8 Best Bet: North Dakota +2.5
Lehigh (-4.5) at Villanova
Lehigh is currently 6-1 and ranks in the Top 15 after a solid start in the Patriot League. The Mountain Hawks average 34.3 points while allowing just 17. Villanova is 3-4 and 2-2 in league play, scoring 25 points per game, but allowing close to 30. The Wildcats have shown improvement, especially in their 38-17 road win over Fordham. However, their defense continues to give up yards and points against good offenses.
Lehigh’s balanced attack and red-zone efficiency should exploit Villanova’s vulnerabilities. The Mountain Hawks control the line of scrimmage and force opponents into long fields. Villanova’s recent output has improved, but they struggle to sustain drives against physical defenses.
The 4.5-point spread offers value on a road team that has already taken care of quality competition. Lehigh could grind out a double-digit win here as long as they continue to execute at a high level.
FCS Week 8 Best Bet: Lehigh (-4.5)
Princeton at Harvard (-10.5)
Harvard remains unbeaten at 5-0. The Crimson average 27 points while allowing just 14, and quarterback Charlie Smith continues to distribute the ball very well. Princeton is 4-1 with a strong defense that’s only allowing 10.2 points per game. Both teams play physical Ivy League football. I like under 38.5 points in this one as well, with two really good defenses.
Harvard’s ability to generate explosive plays has really stood out and gives them a nice edge at home in Cambridge. Princeton’s defense ranks among the nation’s best, but the Crimson move the chains consistently and have a high third-down conversion rate. The 10-5 point spread seems like a lot in what I expect to be a low-scoring game. As much as I like this Harvard team and I think they’ll win, 10.5 points is too much.
FCS Week 8 Best Bet: Princeton +10.5
