College Football Picks: Week 8

Good morning college football fans! It should be another exciting Saturday with perfect weather conditions nearly everywhere. Last week we went 4-4 (including the Thursday night pick), but easily could've gone 6-2. Unfortunately, we lost the Ole Miss team total on the hook (ugh), and Houston failed to cover after being up 10 late, giving up a touchdown with under five minutes to go. Still, I liked the reads for week 7 and we gave out some easy winners. For the season, we are sitting at 14-10 (near 60%), after a sizzling start in weeks 4 and 5. Let's get some more winners.

Pittsburgh at Miami: Miami Team Total Over 34.5 (12pm ET) The Panthers have lost their last two games, and just gave up 4 touchdowns at Boston College last week. Not to downgrade my hometown Eagles, but Miami is simply in a different league. They continue to roll and have serious championship aspirations. I don't trust Pittsburgh's defense on the road in this spot. Last year, Miami beat Pittsburgh 38-7 on the road. I think they cruise again.

Texas A&M at Alabama: Over 49.5 (3:30pm ET) I considered Alabama's reasonable team total here, but I also like getting a very modest full game total in this SEC battle. The weather looks clear in Tuscaloosa, and I expect Alabama to score in the mid-30s. After two tough losses to Georgia and Tennessee, they probably need to run the table to stay in the playoff picture. The Aggies should be able to contribute a few touchdowns as well to get us up and over.

San Jose State at Nevada: San Jose State +7.5 (5pm ET) The 4-3 SJSU Spartans head south to take on the 2-4 Nevada Wolf Pack (every time I say that, I still picture Zach Galifianakis giving his insane toast on the roof at Caesar's Palace). SJSU has already played four road games this year, winning three (the only loss coming at then #14 ranked USC in week one). Nevada meanwhile has lost four of their last five. I considered taking SJSU at the current line of +6.5, but getting a full touchdown felt safer, so I'm willing to lay the juice here (-138).

Vanderbilt at Kentucky: Over 50.5 (7:30pm ET) If you only see 51.5 available, I'd still go over, but I like buying the extra point when the number is hovering around a key total. A bunch of likely final scores land on exactly 51, including 27-24, 30-21, 31-20, 38-13, and 41-10. Vanderbilt has given up an average of over 40 points to opponents over their last three games. Kentucky has gone over this total in all but one game this season (last week against an excellent Oklahoma defense). I'm taking the over.

Houston at Utah: Utah Moneyline and Alt Full Game Over 50.5 (10:15pm ET) Getting these two picks at -109 feels reasonable. Separately, I'd lean Utah -6.5 and the total over 56.5. But I know some apps give boosts for same game parlays. If you have a 25-50% boost to get attractive plus money, this should be a fun one.

Alt. Team Total 3 Leg Parlay (-103): LSU at Auburn: LSU Team Total Over 23.5 (12pm ET) Rutgers at Northwestern: NU Team Total Over 27.5 (12pm ET) Colorado at Oklahoma State: OK ST Team Total Over 27.5 (7pm ET)

Bonus Leans and Parlay Legs to consider: Indiana ML at Michigan. Iowa ML at Minnesota. Texas ML at home vs Ole Miss

Have a great weekend!

Zach