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College Football Predictions: Week 8 Opening Line Report and Picks

by Joey House - 10/15/2024

College football predictions and opening line report Week 8 Ryan Browne Purdue

The arrival of Week 8 brings us to the halfway point of the College Football season. The only thing outpacing the 2024 college football season whirlwind is Florida State's light-speed plummet from the spotlight to the shadows. Bedlam didn't reign this past week like it did when Vanderbilt upset Alabama two Saturdays ago, as Utah was the only ranked team to lose to someone outside the Top 25, falling to Arizona State 27-19.

The OLR had a tough week, going 0-3. We missed under 45 in the Toledo-Buffalo game by the hook, 30-15 Buffalo. Illinois, a 19.5-point favorite) was up 27-3 in the 3rd quarter before giving up 40 second-half points and defeating the Boilermakers 50-49 in OT. The over of 61.5 in Washington State vs. Fresno State was never close.

One of the more exciting storylines developing in college football this season is the emergence of Army and Navy. For the first time in 79 years, both service academies were 5-0 (Army defeated UAB last week to move to 6-0, while Navy had a bye), and both are ranked in the AP Poll for the first time since 1960. Both teams are in the top 30 in total offense, and Army is tied for the least number of turnovers with one, while Navy is right behind them with two. There is a genuine possibility of the two rivals playing in back-to-back weeks this season: The first meeting in the annual Army-Navy game and the following week for the American Athletic Conference championship. While this beloved rivalry always has the eyes of the nation every season, with the expanded 12-team playoffs, for the first time in 70 years, it could also have national title implications.

Doc’s Sports offers college football expert picks for every game on our college football predictions page.

All listed times are for the Eastern Standard Timezone.

Florida Internation vs. UTEP (+7/48.5) Wed, Oct. 16th 9:00 pm CBSSN

UTEP is 0-6 SU/1-5 ATS this year for a reason. Their defense surrenders more than double (34.5 ppg) the points that the Miners' offense scores (16.0 ppg). Their last win came almost a full calendar year ago, with nine losses since. It has been over a year since their last victory at home. They have the 3rd-worst rush defense in the country at 234.2 ypg. Florida International is moderately better, scoring 27.0 ppg and allowing 28.5 ppg in their 2-4 SU/4-2 ATS record. The Miners will be playing revenge, as the Panthers won the contest, 27-14, last year.

Oregon vs. Purdue (+27/58.5) Fri, Oct. 18th 8:00 pm FOX

Coming off the heels of their big 32-31 win over Ohio State last week, this game is the ultimate letdown spot for the Ducks. As noted above, Purdue scored 40 second-half points to force OT in their one-point loss to No. 23 Illinois. The Boilermakers could be without starting quarterback Hudson Card, but backup Ryan Browne led the comeback against Illinois. We're looking at the over here, as Purdue's pass defense is absolutely horrible (15.0 yards per completion, 131st in the country) and will get shredded by the Duck's 15th-best aerial attack (302.0 ypg). The Boilermakers are giving up 454.4 yards and 39.0 points per game. Purdue is no stranger to high-scoring Friday Night football games, with the over going 5-0 in the last five games. PICK: OVER 58.5

UCLA vs. Rutgers (-4.5/40.5) Sat, Oct. 19th Noon FS1

UCLA's football team is racking up some serious frequent flyer mileage. By the time the Bruins play the Scarlet Knights on Saturday, they will have flown over 15,000 miles. Through those six games, it seems that UCLA's offense didn't make it on the plane. They are averaging 272.8 yards and 14.5 points per game, 130th and 133rd in the nation, respectively. Even though the Bruins have given up 28.5 ppg, their rush defense is in the Top 20 for yards (92.5 ypg) and rush attempts (29.2 carries). Rutgers' offense is not very potent, gaining 374.5 yards and 25.7 points per contest. The matchup of UCLA's rush defense versus Rutgers's ground game favors the Bruins. These cross-country trips are challenging for professional athletes, let alone a college kid attending classes and practicing all week. The under is 11-2 in UCLA's last 13 games, and the noon start will make it feel like 9 am for the West Coast Bruins. PICK: UNDER 40.5

No. 24 Michigan vs. No. 22 Illinois (+3/43.5) Sat, Oct. 19th 3:30 pm CBS

Florida State isn't the only team that is a shell of its former self. Michigan is 4-2 SU but only 1-5 ATS. The Wolverine offense that averaged 382 yards and 35.9 ppg en route to their 15-0 National Championship run is now producing 306.3 yards and 23.5 ppg while being outgained 30 yards per game and allowing 22.3 ppg. Before their monumental 2nd-half collapse last week, Illinois's defense gave up 308.6 yards and 14.2 points per game. The Wolverines may have won six straight in this series, but they failed to cover four of those victories. The Illini excel as a home underdog, as they are a perfect 5-0 in their last five home dog games. PICK: Illinois +3

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