Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9). Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

NCAAF betting: Top 5 best bets for Week 8

There are a lot of fun games this week. Most of them I have already written about, but there are still plenty of nice values on the board in the middle of the season. We posted another winning week last week. It was way more ACC-heavy than intended but this week we are focused on the Big Ten and SEC. 

Last week: 3-2
Season to Date: 19-15-1  


Week 8 Best Bets

Air Force @ Navy
Saturday, noon ET
Falcons -10

I know I said I would focus on the big guys, but this is a great place to start. Air Force is undefeated and definitely looks like the best service academy this season, by far. They are used to what the likes of Navy offers and are just better in every phase of the game this season. These games are often tight but I think the Falcons win with ease on Saturday. 

Hopefully, the number drops a little. I would wait until close to game time to hit it. 


Ole Miss @ Auburn
Saturday, 7 p.m. ET
Rebels -6.5

Ole Miss still has a shot at a very good season; their only loss is to Alabama thus far. This week their offensive versatility should be enough for them to have success against Auburn. Auburn HC Hugh Freeze is eventually going to get it figured out, but for now, he is still going to take some lumps against the likes of Ole Miss and Lane Kiffin. 

Keep this one under 7 points or put it in a teaser. They will win but the Rebels are not going to blow them out on the road


South Carolina @ Missouri
Saturday 3:30 p.m. ET
Gamecocks +7.5

Missouri is having a better-than-expected season but I am still not sold. We have more proof of concept with South Carolina QB Spencer Rattler which makes the Gamecocks a dangerous road underdog. Overall I am not expecting much scoring in this game and don't trust the Tigers to be able to dominate enough in this spot to win with margin. At the current number, it is ripe for a backdoor cover too. 

Definitely only play this game if you have the full TD to work with. 


Michigan @ Michigan State 
Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET
Over 45.5

Michigan is the target once again as they might be cheating. Whether that is true or not, I am looking for them to dominate in this matchup with the "rival" Spartans, who are a mess. I think there is a good chance the Wolverines get almost all the way there on their own. Big Blue might be looking for a statement this week while PSU and OSU are slugging away at each other. 

Michigan probably gives up at least once score on the road, which only helps. 


Wisconsin @ Illinois
Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET

Illini +3

Wisconsin will improve with their new coach in place but this is a spot to fade them. They are not dominating the way they used to and are down their top quarterback due to injury. Further, you can bet that Illinois head coach Bret Bielema is going to be very keen to knock off his former team. They are good enough to do it too in one of the lowest-scoring games of the year. 

We might be able to squeeze a little more out of this line if we wait. 

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