College Football Week 8 Picks Against the Spread

It’s hard to believe the college football season has surpassed the midway point. How are your bets doing thus far? Winning? I sure hope so! I’m looking for a big week in Week 8. I’d like to turn a nice profit as we are now into the second half of the season. I was taking a look over this week’s games, and these are the ones I like most:

Purdue (+15.5) At Minnesota

Minnesota has over-performed this year. They’re a solid football team, and they’re at home. I just think this is too many points. Purdue isn’t a good team, obviously, but they are playing better lately. The Boilermakers won’t win because the game is up in the Twin Cities, but I do think they’ll keep this close throughout.  Pick: Minnesota 24 Purdue 20

Iowa (+2.5) At Maryland

Iowa’s loss to Iowa State did wonders for me. Why? Because now they aren’t getting any respect from Vegas. That means it’s time to bet on the Hawkeyes. I’ve taken Iowa in 3 straight weeks (Pittsburgh, Purdue, and Indiana) and they’ve come through for me 3-3. They’re going to make it 4-4 this weekend when they go on the road and dismantle Maryland.  Pick: Iowa 31 Maryland 14

West Virginia (+7.5) Versus Baylor

Baylor simply is not the same team on the road as they are at home. And they were exposed defensively against TCU last week. I think West Virginia can keep up with them offensively. I’m not saying they will win the game outright, but it will be tough for Baylor to cover this spread, especially coming off an emotional win.  Pick: Baylor 38 West Virginia 34

Georgia Tech (PK) At North Carolina

North Carolina came into the season with high expectations, and I’m not sure why. This isn’t a team that struck me as a legit football team. The Tar Heels were smacked back to reality early in the season. They nearly righted the ship last week against Notre Dame, but then choked. Stick a fork in them – they’re done.  Pick: Georgia Tech 27 North Carolina 20

Arkansas (+3) Versus Georgia

This line doesn’t make a whole heck of a lot of sense, does it? That’s part of the reason I’m taking Arkansas. I expected Georgia to be a touchdown favorite. However, I also know this is the type of game Mark Richt’s teams consistently lose. Arkansas coming off a heartbreaking loss to Alabama has me worried. Otherwise, they are primed to pull off the upset.  Pick: Arkansas 27 Georgia 24

Oregon (-21) Versus Washington

Oregon’s season appeared to be doomed after a loss to Arizona a couple of weeks ago. After a big win over UCLA, they’re back alive. Oregon still has a shot to compete in the inaugural College Football Playoff. I expect the Ducks to kick butt and take names the rest of the way.  Pick: Oregon 45 Washington 17

Texas A&M (+13.5) At Alabama

This is a game involving two teams that have been exposed in recent weeks. Texas A&M can’t stop anyone, and Alabama can’t score. Both teams’ youth has been exposed. I like Texas A&M in this game because I think it’s going to be hard for Alabama to cover double-digit spreads against anyone going forward except maybe Vanderbilt.  Pick: Alabama 23 Texas A&M 21