Let’s find ways to profit by making live NCAAF picks. Matchup and situational analysis indicate that there are several NCAAF picks week 8 work making. The three games that interest me are: Tennessee vs. Alabama, USC vs. Notre Dame, and Pittsburgh vs. Syracuse. Alabama beat Missouri last week but displayed a vulnerability that Tennessee can exploit. Notre Dame and USC won their respective games last week and demonstrated that they can be trusted to flourish on defense. Finally, Pittsburgh won at Florida State and, consequently, is in a bad spot this week. Feel free to check out all of our expert NCAAF picks.
NCAAF Picks Week 8 At-a-glance
Let’s take a look at my three favorite NCAAF picks for week 8. There are several high-profile teams worth taking a look at, including the Tennessee Volunteers, who will play Alabama.
Tennessee vs. Alabama (-8)
Tennessee and Alabama are SEC rivals. Many people will want to bet on their game because it involves high-profile teams, takes place on Saturday evening, and will be nationally televised.
Alabama has a vulnerable run defense that reliably keeps its opponent in the game. Most recently, the Tide won by three points against Georgia, by 16 against Vanderbilt, and by three against Missouri. 16 feels like a lot, but the Tide achieved a last-second cover that was very flukish. In those three games, they are allowing 175 rushing yards per game. Tennessee has a high-ranking run game that features a mobile quarterback, which is also something that gives Bama problems.
It’s true that Tennessee has given up high point totals to different SEC teams, but Alabama won’t be able to take advantage of Tennessee’s weakness. The Volunteers give up points to teams like Arkansas that are able to run the ball. But Alabama’s run game has struggled to be productive throughout this season and, accordingly, ranks 92nd. Bama’s starting running back is also hurt.
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Expert Pick: Tennessee +8 (-105) at BetOnline
USC vs. Notre Dame (-8)
USC and Notre Dame have a storied competitive history together. This will be a popular game to bet on, as it will be televised nationally and played at night.
The point total is very high and sure seems to make sense if you consider the first three weeks of Notre Dame’s season. However, the Fighting Irish have played three games since Week 3 and have improved greatly. During these three games, the Irish held Arkansas to 13 points, Boise State to seven points, and NC State to seven points. Impressively, Arkansas has a high-ranking rush attack but outside of one big run accomplished very little on the ground.
USC’s lowest scoring outputs coincide with the worst performances of its starting running back, so Notre Dame’s run defense will be impactful. USC’s star running back is also hurt. The Trojans have a high-ranking run defense, too, though, which helped limit Michigan to 13 points last week. The Irish primarily want to run the ball, so their offense will struggle in this matchup.
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Expert Pick: Under 61.5 (-110) at BetOnline
Pittsburgh vs. Syracuse (+11)
These are two ACC teams with a long history of playing each other. Most recently, Syracuse will look to correct its ongoing rut. Situational analysis dictates that the Orange have a fantastic opportunity to do so against a Pittsburgh team that is coming off an upset win against ranked Florida State.
This bet is purely rooted in situational logic. Pittsburgh under its current head coach reliably struggles after playing a ranked team. Last year, for example, the Panthers lost at home to Virginia and by 28 at Louisville, respectively, after facing a ranked team. Two years ago, they were blown out by Virginia Tech, Florida State, and Syracuse, respectively, after facing a ranked team. Pittsburgh after facing a ranked team was also Wake Forest’s first ACC victory. In the last three years, Pitt is thus 0-6 SU after facing a ranked team.
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Expert Pick: Syracuse +11 (-105) at BetOnline
Recap of week 8 NCAAF picks
We can’t help but be excited most of all about high-profile SEC teams Alabama and Tennessee squaring off. It will feel great to have foreseen a hyped-up Crimson Tide squad tumbling at home.
In addition to betting on Tennessee, I also recommend wagering on the USC-Notre Dame under and on Syracuse for my favorite NCAAF picks week 8. Timing is everything in sports betting, so you’ll want to make an effort to get the best NCAAF odds by registering at reputable sportsbooks and line-shopping. Open accounts and place bets to take advantage of these picks.
Offshore Sportsbooks
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*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
