X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Free College Football Betting Picks - Best Bets, Expert Predictions, Week 8 (October 21, 2023)

Jalen Milroe - College Football Rankings, NCAA CFB DFS Lineup Picks

Mike's CFB betting picks against the spread for Week 8 of the 2023 season (10/21/23). Every FBS college football game analyzed with his top wagers and NCAA best bets.

We are just past the halfway point of the last great college football season. The first half was a wild one and it only promises to get better! A couple of teams have already been eliminated from playoff contention and that's the way it should be! I have no interest in a two-loss LSU in a watered-down playoff, which means I will have little to no interest in next season. That makes me profoundly sad.

I will pick every college football bowl game. Not a top-five. Not a top-10. All of them. Big deal, right? Lots of people make picks. Well, I do them all against the spread. I take the odds of each game and average them out at all the Vegas casinos and round to the nearest half. There will be no ties here. Ties are for the other (European) football.

I also assign a point value based on the confidence I have in each pick. So a score of 1 means that I have little to no confidence, and a score of 5 is one I would place a decent wager on. I keep track of my record and my points from year to year. Here are the results so far. I had a bad week last week, but my head is still above water on the season. I am adding prior seasons to tabs on the sheet. Everything before 2014 is lost to the ghost of The Sports Blog Network. If anyone knows how to find those, I'll go farther back.

 

CFB Betting Picks Overview

As we all know, this is not an exact science. Due to the volatile nature of betting in general, this is for entertainment purposes only. I cannot be responsible for the loss of money, possessions, spouses, or limbs because of my picks. I am a simple man. I can't have that on my conscience.

I will be going to the betting window with all of you as well. Most of these I won't actually wager on at the casinos, but I have been known to stagger around 50 games in a week at various online places just because I love the action. Whatever your betting limits or needs, I can at least give you which way I'm leaning.

 

CFB Betting Picks for 2023 Week 8 (October 21, 2023)

(7) Penn State at (3) Ohio State (-5.5)

Betting Pick Confidence Factor: 3

I know that Penn State doesn't win big games under James Franklin. He also might have his most complete team at Penn State. It's definitely the most complete defense, and even though Drew Allar is green, he is by far Franklin's best quarterback. My issue is that Penn State is not a good running team anyway. Ohio State is going to completely shut down that facet of their offense.

Really...who am I to argue with a model? My thing is...does that take into account playing in one of the most hostile environments in college football? Penn State also played UMass and Iowa, two of the worst offenses above middle school in the entire country. They also piled up the stats against Delaware, Illinois, Northwestern, and West Virginia, who were totally lost in Week 1. Stats look really neat on paper until you start digging.

Everything about this screams Ohio State. Ohio State piled up their stats against Notre Dame, Western Kentucky, and Maryland. All of those offenses are solid. Ohio State is also not a strong running team, so if it comes down to Kyle McCord and Drew Allar, I'll take Allar. Marvin Harrison Jr. gets the nod at receiver, but Penn State's are better as a whole. I don't know if Penn State wins, but this spread feels high. Give me Penn State.

Central Florida at (6) Oklahoma (-17.5)

Betting Pick Confidence Factor: 4

UCF has not looked good at all and the Oklahoma defense has excelled at creating turnovers. Dillon Gabriel is going to go nuts against his former team. BOOMER!

(22) Air Force (-10.5) at Navy

Betting Pick Confidence Factor: 3

Air Force is by far the best service academy this year. Step one of proving it is here. Give me Air Force.

Mississippi State at Arkansas (-6.5)

Betting Pick Confidence Factor: 3

The Bulldogs might be without both Will Rogers and Jo'Quavious Marks. We likely won't receive any pertinent info before kickoff. My best guess after watching the last game for the Bulldogs is that Marks plays but Rogers doesn't. Again, no insider information or anything, this is just based on the last game. I'll take the Piggies at home, especially if Marks is out.

Rutgers (-5.5) at Indiana

Betting Pick Confidence Factor: 1

So this is where we are? Rutgers did everything in their power to lose to Michigan State and nearly succeeded. Indiana has a myriad of problems, but they are at home. That should still count for something. Give me the Hoosiers, but I'm not touching this one.

Boston College at Georgia Tech (-4.5)

Betting Pick Confidence Factor: 3

This feels low. The Eagles are much worse on the road. Give me the Bees.

Baylor at Cincinnati (-3.5)

Betting Pick Confidence Factor: 4

Really? I know that Baylor's defense is a problem, but Cincinnati hasn't been able to move the ball on anyone. Nippert Stadium hasn't stopped their new conference foes from beating on the Bearcats. Baylor is the better team. Give me the Bears outright.

Memphis (-6.5) at UAB

Betting Pick Confidence Factor: 2

I like UAB, but the inconsistency of Jacob Zeno and the defense as a whole is pushing me away from them. I'm changing it up and taking Memphis.

Western Michigan at Ohio (-16.5)

Betting Pick Confidence Factor: 2

The Bobcats didn't even cover this against a sad Ball State team. Give me the Broncos.

Charlotte at East Carolina (-6.5)

Betting Pick Confidence Factor: 2

Home field is supposed to be worth seven points, so I'll take the Pirates.

Louisiana-Monroe at Georgia Southern (-16.5)

Betting Pick Confidence Factor: 2

The Warhawks have been all over the place this year. I hate this line, but the Eagles are the far better team. I'm hoping they show it.

Akron at Bowling Green (-7.5)

Betting Pick Confidence Factor: 2

Every once in a while, the Falcons flash what kind of team they can be. They did that last week against Buffalo. I'm a firm believer in going with the better team. That has to be the Falcons. Give me Bowling Green at home.

Washington State at (9) Oregon (-19.5)

Betting Pick Confidence Factor: 3

This is the kind of thing that makes Washington State extremely hard to bet. However, this game is in Autzen. Oregon is going to blow them out.

(17) Tennessee at (11) Alabama (-8.5)

Betting Pick Confidence Factor: 3

For those of you who are still confused as to why I'm opposed to the conference realignment craze, this is a big reason. I'm still bitter about the Big 12 taking away Oklahoma/Nebraska every year and that happened 27 years ago.

So much for getting a bargain on this. Vegas knows what I know. Tennessee's defense may be better, but the offense is inconsistent to a frightening level. Alabama's strength is still their secondary. I'm taking the Tide at home.

South Carolina at (20) Missouri (-7.5)

Betting Pick Confidence Factor: 5

Luther Burden is going to light that secondary up like Rockefeller Center on Christmas. Missouri by at least two scores!

North Texas at (23) Tulane (-20.5)

Betting Pick Confidence Factor: 2

Is Tulane this much better than everyone else in the conference? Probably, but they don't always play like that. Give me Tulane, but I'm probably leaving this one alone.

Minnesota at (24) Iowa (-3.5)

Betting Pick Confidence Factor: 5

Way too low. Floyd of Rosedale doesn't even know what Minneapolis looks like anymore. He's been in Iowa City since 2015. He stays there. Expect an ugly Iowa win. Somewhere along the lines of 13-3 with Leshon Williams scoring the lone touchdown. Iowa is nothing if not predictable.

Wisconsin (-2.5) at Illinois

Betting Pick Confidence Factor: 4

Tanner Mordecai is out with a broken hand, but unless Illinois' run defense is significantly improved over the last two weeks or so, Braelon Allen is going to have a monster game. Give me Wisconsin.

Northwestern at Nebraska (-11.5)

Betting Pick Confidence Factor: 2

Wow, this feels high. Nebraska's defense has been good, but the offense isn't geared to cover a spread like this. Northwestern is a lot better than they were last year when they beat the Huskers in Dublin. I'm not saying Northwestern wins this outright, but I think they hang around. I'll say 23-13 or 23-17 Nebraska. Somewhere in that range. Give me the Wildcats.

South Florida (-1.5) at Connecticut

Betting Pick Confidence Factor: 3

USF has not only burned me in the past month, but they have stolen my car and driven it through my house. It's carnage betting on this team. That said, Byrum Brown is still the best player on the field. Give me USF.

Pittsburgh at Wake Forest (-1.5)

Betting Pick Confidence Factor: 4

Wake couldn't beat Louisville on their best day. Pitt is light years ahead of where they were a couple of weeks ago with Phil Jurkovec. Christian Veilleux still has work to do, but he isn't making crippling mistakes. Give me Pitt.

Oklahoma State at West Virginia (-3.5)

Betting Pick Confidence Factor: 3

Has Vegas watched the Pokes in the last two weeks or so? This line really has me questioning if they have. West Virginia is a good team, but Ollie Gordon is a special player. Give me OSU.

Central Michigan (-4.5) at Ball State

Betting Pick Confidence Factor: 3

The Cardinals are winless against FBS teams, so this checks out. Give me CMU.

Eastern Michigan at Northern Illinois (-11.5)

Betting Pick Confidence Factor: 1

One good game and this happens? Call me a tougher sell than most bettors. Give me the Eagles, but I'm not touching this.

Buffalo (-6.5) at Kent State

Betting Pick Confidence Factor: 3

No juice on a Kent State +6.5 bet on FanDuel feels nuts. Go look at the juice (or lack thereof) on the Kent side. Whenever I'm given an incentive to bet the dog by Vegas, I get nervous. Eastern Michigan covered this line. I have to think Buffalo does too. Give me the Bulls.

(8) Texas (-22.5) at Houston

Betting Pick Confidence Factor: 2

Wow, this feels high. I see some on Houston as a trendy upset pick. That's not happening. However, I don't really see Texas winning by this much either. 17? Sure. Maybe even 20. I expect more of a 45-24 game. That's getting close to Texas not covering, so I'm not going nuts on this. Give me Houston and the points.

Toledo (-2.5) at Miami (OH)

Betting Pick Confidence Factor: 5

Really? My birthday was last month, fellas. Toledo's offense has been a wreck for the better part of a month already. A defense like the Redhawks is going to eat them alive. Miami outright, maybe by double figures.

UTSA (-2.5) at Florida Atlantic

Betting Pick Confidence Factor: 2

FAU didn't get the memo that they are supposed to be worse with a backup quarterback. That speaks volumes about Daniel Richardson. Frank Harris was Daniel Richardson before Daniel Richardson was cool. Give me the O.G. (UTSA).

Hawaii (-1.5) at New Mexico

Betting Pick Confidence Factor: 1

Hawaii is the better team, but that doesn't always mean a lot. Give me Hawaii, but I'm not touching this. Both teams are really inconsistent.

Virginia at (10) North Carolina (-23.5) 

Betting Pick Confidence Factor: 2

Virginia still has Tony Muskett at quarterback. It feels like they're trying to lose. Give me the Heels.

(13) Mississippi (-6.5) at Auburn

Betting Pick Confidence Factor: 5

What people are missing is the fact that Georgia's offense isn't built to be explosive. LSU's is and look what they did to Auburn. Ole Miss is much the same way. Ole Miss by a couple of touchdowns or more!

Texas Tech (-3.5) at BYU

Betting Pick Confidence Factor: 3

Two of the most disappointing teams in a disappointing conference are squaring off in Provo and no one cares. I do because I'm betting Tech! Home field may be worth seven points, but having Kedon Slovis as your starting quarterback has to take those right back. If the Red Raiders do what they should have done last week and run Tahj Brooks until he passes out, they'll roll.

TCU at Kansas State (-6.5)

Betting Pick Confidence Factor: 3

This was THE game in the Big 12(10 14) not once, but twice last year. Now Will Howard is mortal (and likely benched) and the fans are just a bunch of grown adults wearing purple. Josh Hoover makes TCU better, but Avery Johnson makes Kansas State a lot better. Give me K-State.

Appalachian State (-6.5) at Old Dominion

Betting Pick Confidence Factor: 3

The Monarchs have busted spreads all season and App State is struggling right now. This still feels low to me though. Give me the Mountaineers for under a touchdown.

Coastal Carolina (-10.5) at Arkansas State

Betting Pick Confidence Factor: 2

That hook makes me nervous, but if Grayson McCall is going to play like he did in 2020, it won't matter. Give me CCU.

Colorado State at UNLV (-7.5)

Betting Pick Confidence Factor: 3

That hook seals it for me. Colorado State is doing things behind Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi and Tory Horton. I'm game. Give me the Rams outright!

Utah State at San Jose State (-4.5)

Betting Pick Confidence Factor: 3

Every time I try to believe in the Aggies, they go out and play a game that makes me wonder if anyone on the team has ever seen a football before. Give me SJSU.

(2) Michigan (-24.5) at Michigan State

Betting Pick Confidence Factor: 2

The Wolverines have decided that maybe style points do count over the last couple of weeks. Give me Michigan.

(16) Duke at (4) Florida State (-14.5)

Betting Pick Confidence Factor: 2

Duke has never beaten Florida State. With a healthy Riley Leonard, I think they would have a chance. However, even if Riley Leonard does play in this game, he most certainly won't be at 100%. Still, the Duke defense has been really solid. I'll take Duke because of that hook, but I still think they lose.

Army at (19) LSU (-31.5)

Betting Pick Confidence Factor: 2

Wow, talk about a contrast in styles! I see this a lot like the Auburn game last week. The way to get to that LSU defense is deep. Auburn had no chance at doing it and Army doesn't either. Give me LSU.

(14) Utah at (18) USC (-6.5)

Betting Pick Confidence Factor: 3

I'd hate to break it to you, but Utah beat the Trojans once without Cameron Rising last year. They destroyed the Trojans with him in there. This is a game where the loss of Brant Kuithe hurts worse. This is the exact same Utah front seven that dominated the Trojans in both games last year. Maybe Utah loses, but it won't be by a touchdown. Give me Utah.

I can guarantee you this won't help. On the surface, it looked like Lincoln Riley slunk out of Norman in the middle of the night after a loss. The reality was that the team quit on him before that. I'm guessing that the team either knew Riley was leaving or they had a strong feeling that he was. USC is not like Oklahoma. They more than anyone know what kind of business this is because they make as much as most of their coaches. USC may not quit the way that the Oklahoma team did, but the last thing you need is another distraction facing the Utah front.

Clemson (-3.5) at Miami (FL)

Betting Pick Confidence Factor: 4

Well..this is interesting. On the road even! I trust Tyler Van Dyke a hell of a lot more than Cade Klubnik. I still like Miami outright.

Georgia State at Louisiana (-3.5) 

Betting Pick Confidence Factor: 4

The bettors still don't believe in Darren Grainger and Marcus Carroll. Don't make the same mistake. The Panthers are the better team by a rather large margin. I like GSU outright.

Nevada at San Diego State (-13.5)

Betting Pick Confidence Factor: 2

Eh...I don't know. The Aztecs aren't built to cover spreads like this. Give me Nevada and the points.

Arizona State at (5) Washington (-27.5)

Betting Pick Confidence Factor: 2

Letdown game or not, I can tell you right now this is too many points. Since being blanked by Fresno, The Fun Devils are 3-0 against the spread (2-1 in some spots). That trend continues. Washington wins but doesn't cover.

(25) UCLA (-16.5) at Stanford

Betting Pick Confidence Factor: 2

UCLA is not Colorado. Give me the Bruins.

I have 19 each of the two and three-point bets this week, but I only have three minimum bets. I'm not taking the easy way out. I have eight four-pointers and five max bets to try and bring home some cash. Good luck out there!



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!

More College Football Analysis

More Betting Picks

POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Victor Mesa Jr.

Starting Rehab Assignment On Saturday
Ryan Weathers

To Begin Rehab Assignment On Sunday
Colby Thomas

Heating Up At Triple-A
Dallas Cowboys

Cowboys Don't Feel Forced To Draft A Running Back
Emmanuel Rodriguez

Has Quiet Start To 2025
Jeff McNeil

Hitting Eighth In Season Debut
Brandon Sproat

Coughs Up Six Earned Runs In Latest Start
Eury Pérez

Eury Perez To Start Rehab Assignment On Saturday
Bailey Falter

Good To Go To Start On Sunday Against Dodgers
Clayton Kershaw

Has Successful Second Rehab Outing
Tyler Glasnow

Will Start On Sunday Against Pirates
Francisco Alvarez

Reinstated From Injured List, Starting On Friday
Merrill Kelly

To Make His Next Start On Saturday
Jeffrey Springs

Cleared To Start On Saturday Against White Sox
Ryan Jeffers

To See More Work Behind The Plate
Pablo López

Pablo Lopez Reinstated From Injured List And Starting On Friday
Taijuan Walker

Starting On Friday Against Cubs
Javier Assad

Dealing With Grade 2 Oblique Strain
Ryan Pressly

Status TBD For Friday's Game
Seiya Suzuki

Returns For Series Opener Against Phillies
Willy Adames

Knocks In Go-Ahead Run In Win
Wilyer Abreu

Cools After Hot Start
Will Levis

Could Be Traded Soon
Bryce Young

Wanted Panthers To Take Tetairoa McMillan
Travis Hunter

Jaguars Plan To Start Travis Hunter In The Receiver Room
Detroit Lions

Lions Pick Up Aidan Hutchinson's Fifth-Year Option
Jameson Williams

Lions Exercise Jameson Williams' Fifth-Year Option
Carlos Prates

Looks To Remain Undefeated In The UFC
Ian Machado Garry

Set For UFC Kansas City Main Event
Cade Cunningham

Collects Double-Double In Loss
Jalen Brunson

Drops 30 Points In Game 3
Karl-Anthony Towns

Leads All Scorers In Game 3 Victory
Zhang Mingyang

Scheduled For Co-Main Event
Anthony Smith

Set For His Final UFC Bout
David Onama

Set For Featherweight Bout
Giga Chikadze

Looks To Bounce Back
Abus Magomedov

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Michel Pereira

Returns To Action At UFC Kansas City
Nicolas Dalby

An Underdog At UFC Kansas City
Randy Brown

A Favorite At UFC Kansas City
Andre Muniz

Set To Open Up UFC Kansas City Main Card
Ikram Aliskerov

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Sergei Bobrovsky

Shuts Out Lightning In Game 2
Cam Fowler

Finishes Thursday's Win With Five Points
Robert Thomas

Posts Four Assists In Game 3 Win
Pavel Buchnevich

Celebrates Hat Trick During Four-Point Performance
Dylan DeMelo

Battling An Illness
Marcus Johansson

Exits Early Thursday
Aleksander Barkov

Hurt In Game 2
Jameson Williams

Lions Didn't Entertain Trade Offers For Jameson Williams
Qadir Ismail

Raiders Sign Qadir Ismail
New York Giants

Giants Plan To Exercise Kayvon Thibodeaux's Fifth-Year Option
Russell Wilson

Will Be Giants Starting Quarterback
Kansas City Chiefs

Chiefs Close Out The First Round With Josh Simmons
Philadelphia Eagles

Eagles Trade Up One Spot In First Round To Select Jihaad Campbell
Buffalo Bills

Bills Address Secondary And Take Maxwell Hairston With 30th Overall Pick
NFL

Eagles, Chiefs Swap First-Round Picks
Washington Commanders

Josh Conerly Jr. Goes At No. 29 Overall To Commanders
Jaxson Dart

Giants Trade Up For Jaxson Dart At No. 25
Detroit Lions

Tyleik Williams Taken By Lions At No. 28 Overall
Baltimore Ravens

Ravens Go With Malaki Starks At No. 27 Overall In NFL Draft
Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota Takes Donovan Jackson No. 24 Overall
NFL

Rams Trade The 26th Pick In The 2025 NFL Draft To The Falcons
Atlanta Falcons

Falcons Trade Back Into First Round To Draft James Pearce Jr. At No. 26 Overall
Jrue Holiday

Tagged As Questionable For Friday
Jayson Tatum

Likely Out Again On Friday
Isaiah Stewart

Remains Out For Game 3
Anthony Cirelli

Good To Go Thursday
Andrei Vasilevskiy

Looks To Bounce Back In Game 2
Rasmus Ristolainen

To Miss Training Camp
Jonas Siegenthaler

Returns To Practice
Aliaksei Protas

Traveling With Capitals
Gabriel Vilardi

Still Out On Thursday
Max Pacioretty

Set To Join Maple Leafs Lineup For Game 3
Linus Ullmark

Attempts To Overcome Playoff Struggles Thursday
Anthony Cirelli

A Game-Time Call Thursday
Logan Thompson

Comes Up Big In Game 2
Connor McMichael

Strikes Twice In Wednesday's Win
Anze Kopitar

Tallies Four Points In Game 2 Victory
Adrian Kempe

Notches Two Goals, Two Assists In Wednesday's Win
Tyler Seguin

Gives Stars Series Lead With Overtime Winner
Tyler Herro

Scores Game-High 33 Points In Wednesday's Loss
Donovan Mitchell

Fires In 30 Points In Game 2 Win
Paolo Banchero

Notches 32 Points In Game 2 Loss
Jaylen Brown

Posts 36-Point Double-Double Wednesday
Jalen Green

Erupts For 38 Points In Game 2 Victory
Brandin Podziemski

Limited To 14 Minutes Wednesday
Jimmy Butler III

Set For MRI Thursday
Brandin Podziemski

Upgraded To Available
Cam Davis

Looking For Better Fortunes At TPC Louisiana
Michael Porter Jr.

Listed As Questionable For Game 3
Adam Svensson

Making Third Apperence At Zurich Classic
Davion Mitchell

Moves Into Starting Lineup Wednesday
Brandin Podziemski

Picks Up Questionable Tag
Al Horford

Starts Game 2
Michael Porter Jr.

Practices On Wednesday
Jayson Tatum

Out On Wednesday
Isaiah Stewart

May Miss Another Game Thursday
Max Greyserman

Aiming For Similar Success At TPC Louisiana
Lee Hodges

A High-Upside Player In New Orleans
PGA

Nico Echavarria Looks To Ride Off Of Elite Putting In New Orleans
Gary Woodland

A Player Worth Watching In New Orleans
Max McGreevy

Returns To The Zurich Classic Of New Orleans
Rasmus Hojgaard

In Search Of Consistency Ahead Of Zurich Classic
Sam Stevens

A Boom-Or-Bust Candidate In New Orleans
Nicolai Hojgaard

Looking To Turn Season Around At Zurich Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

Looks To Sway A Hot Putter In Teams Favor At Zurich Classic
Akshay Bhatia

Looking To Bounce Back At TPC Louisiana
Carson Young

Looks To Turn Things Around At TPC Louisiana
Erik Van Rooyen

Looking For Momentum In Louisiana
Andrew Novak

Making Start At TPC Louisiana After Near Miss At Harbour Town
Ben Griffin

Making Third Career Start At Zurich Classic
Taylor Moore

Competing With A New Teammate In New Orleans
Wyndham Clark

Making Return To New Orleans
Kurt Kitayama

Teeing It Up Again In New Orleans
Collin Morikawa

Back At Zurich Classic For Fifth Time
Thomas Detry

Making Third Appearance At New Orleans Team Event
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF