Coming off best slate of the college football season, we head into Week 8 with the rankings looking much different. Last weekend Tennessee took down Alabama, which propelled the Vols to No. 3 in the country. I don’t know about you, but I root for chaos in college football and last weekend felt like the beginning of what could be a crazy remainder of the season. The top teams all feel vulnerable on any given weekend and with so many marquee matchups on the horizon, buckle up.
With that being said, not to damper the excitement or anything but this weekend does not have as many premier matchups. I wouldn’t say it’s a bad week of college football but rather one where you have to dig a little deeper to find your spots. I was able to find both a Big Ten and Big 12 game offering strong value.
Want more CFB bets? Tom Casale and Joey Knish preview the Week 8 slate in Friday's edition of Hit the Books:
Northwestern @ Maryland (-13.5, 51)
I know, this game is definitely not on the radar of many. But, as I mentioned, sometimes you have to dig a little deeper and I did just that. This matchup is one that features a 5-2 Maryland Terrapins team playing host to the 1-5 Northwestern Wildcats. Remember when Northwestern knocked off Nebraska in Dublin in Week 0 and it looked like the Wildcats could have a half-decent team this season? That feels like years ago, as they have since dropped five straight. Heading into Maryland, this is a good opportunity for the offense to get back on track and score some points. The Maryland defense ranks 157th in yards allowed per game and 180th in points allowed.
Do you see where I’m going with this yet? On top of the Maryland defense being vulnerable, the Wildcats defense is even worse, ranking 187th in yards allowed per game and 205th in points allowed. Terps quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa is questionable due to injury, but regardless of whether he plays this Maryland passing attack – one of the best in the country – will have success against this Northwestern defense. Backup quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. is waiting on his chance, and if Tulia isn’t 100%, I have more than enough faith in Edwards moving the ball. Maryland currently ranks 40th in total offense and 28th in passing yards. Stats are fun, especially when they lead you to an over, and at 50.5 (-115) that’s what I’m locking in here. I expect Maryland to get comfortably into the high 30s, with Northwestern doing its part to help this over the number.
Bet: Northwestern/Maryland over 50.5 (-115) BetMGM
Kansas St @ TCU (-4, 54.5)
The matchup of the night comes from the Big 12 conference where the TCU Horned Frogs are hosting the Kansas State Wildcats. Getting right to the point here: I’m taking the points in this game. This number is too high and I actually think the Wildcats are a live ‘dog in this one. I dabbled on the moneyline as well but am officially locking in +4 at (-114) odds.
TCU has gone through a gauntlet in October. Since the beginning of the month, the Horned Frogs have played Oklahoma, Kansas, and Oklahoma State, winning all three contests. This is a spot they could be the more worn-down team after going to overtime a week ago, while Kansas State is fresh off a bye.
Wildcats running back Deuce Vaughn is one of the most electric players in the country, posting 661 yards on the ground – 110.2 per game – through six games. This game can be won on the ground and in a battle of strength vs. strength, give me the dual threat of Deuce Vaughn and Adrian Martinez. Look for this game to come down to the fourth quarter and in this conference matchup, I feel comfortable getting over a field goal with the Wildcats.
Bet: Kansas St +4 (-114) PointsBet