College Football Week 8 betting odds: Picking Top 25 teams against the spread
By Brad Rowland
Western Kentucky (+16.5) over LSU
This is a tough spot for the handicapper. On one hand, LSU is very, very good and capable of blowing out virtually anyone. On the other, I feel as if Western Kentucky is bound to be undervalued by the general public given the under-the-radar nature of the program. The tie always goes to the underdog for me, but I’m not comfortable fading Leonard Fournette in any circumstance.
No. 3 Utah (+3.5) over USC
The number three team in the country is getting more than a field goal against an unranked opponent this week. That is, well, insane, and while the Trojans can certainly score when Cody Kessler gets things rolling, Vegas is getting too cute here. Utah isn’t the big favorite that their ranking would indicate, but the Utes are better right now, and if you’re giving me free points, come on.
Iowa State (+37) over No. 2 Baylor
Nearly 80% of the action (via Vegas Insider) is on the Bears, but the line isn’t moving. Hello, sharps. That assurance is always helpful, but I was never taking Baylor in this spot with the way that the public is riding them right now, and 37 points in a conference game that doesn’t involve Kansas is just plain crazy.
No. 1 Ohio State (-21) over Rutgers
If Cardale Jones was under center, I would take the points. With J.T. Barrett (finally) captaining the ship, the Buckeyes feel like the play. Ohio State has had big-time trouble in putting opponents away, but Rutgers isn’t very good and the Buckeyes have been much, much better with Barrett at the helm in spot duty this year. I don’t love a three-touchdown road favorite in conference, so feel free to stay away, but I believe in Barrett as one of the best quarterbacks in the country and I think he proves it here.