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College Football Week 8 betting odds: Picking Top 25 teams against the spread

By Brad Rowland

Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the Nevada Wolf Pack at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the Nevada Wolf Pack at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Duke Blue Devils running back Jela Duncan (25) salutes after scoring a touchdown against the Army Black Knights during the first half at Michie Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports
Duke Blue Devils running back Jela Duncan (25) salutes after scoring a touchdown against the Army Black Knights during the first half at Michie Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports /

After a string of red-hot performances in this space, we took a dive last week. To be honest, it was bound to happen given that we were firing winners at an unsustainable pace, but at the same time, we got away from the basics in some cases. This week, we are back with a renewed focus, and if you are familiar with our mantra of fading the public, that means taking a whole lot of underdogs against the spread.

Without further delay, let’s get to every game involving a top-25 team with picks galore.

Syracuse (+7) over No. 25 Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is cooking on the heels of three straight victories, but the Panthers had a bunch of trouble before disposing of Georgia Tech, and I don’t think they should be laying a full touchdown on the road in the Carrier Dome. 75% of the action (via Vegas Insider) is on the Panthers, but give me the Orange and the points in what could be a feisty spot with a noon kick-off time.

No. 23 Duke (+2.5) over Virginia Tech

Las Vegas set a bad line here with Virginia Tech giving six (!) points originally, but even after the smart guys pounded the number into place, Duke is the right side. Virginia Tech QB Michael Brewer is set to return, which explains why people would like the Hokies in this spot, but the Blue Devils are simply the better team, and as long as Vegas is giving out candy, we’ll take it.

No. 22 Temple (+3) over East Carolina

The Owls are the ranked team, but much like Duke before them, Temple is getting points on the road. I truly feel as if the Owls remain underrated despite their 6-0 record, and while ECU is certainly a legitimate opponent, I can’t imagine going against the Owls when asked to lay points. Temple’s defense is stingy and they’ll muck this thing up in their favor.

Central Florida (+21.5) over Houston

85% of the action (via Vegas Insider) is on the Cougars, and that has pushed the line to the point of no return. For me, that is the three-touchdown mark in this particular spot, and while UCF is not exactly the definition of a competent program right now, it is almost impossible for me to lay this many points in a road game. Houston is much, much better than UCF, but everyone knows that and the public is on the Cougars. Fade them.

Next: Teams 20-16

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