One can only hope Week 8 in college football might provide the same amount of drama Week 7 did — with four games involving ranked teams being decided in overtime, and another four with ranked teams coming down to the final possession.
And that's just what played out straight up. Factor in the point spreads and the drama ratcheted up a level.
Let's keep that same energy in examining the best games this week from theopening betting lines. Keep in mind: The numbers tend to fluctuate as the week progresses, sometimes rapidly, so the reasons to take a team now may not be best to lock in on later.
Miami (-4.5) at Louisville (59.5 total points)
The Cardinals’ win at Miami last season clinched a berth in the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game and was arguably their biggest conference win since joining the league in 2014.
And while the U has been stumbling and staggering the past two weeks, looking very beatable and vulnerable in wins over Virginia Tech and California, I’m still not ready to bet against quarterback Cam Ward and the possibility of a backdoor cover.
There’s a better play.
The Canes, who have the No. 1 scoring offense in the ACC at 47.7 points per game, have hit the over every game this season with the exception of a push against South Florida when their 50-15 win matched the 65-point total.
Miami’s defense allowed 34 points to Virginia Tech, the ninth scoring offense in the ACC; and 38 to California, which ranks 15th in the league in scoring offense. Think Louisville, which is at No. 5 in that category, won’t put up points at home?
The pick: Take the over.
Kentucky (+2) at Florida
The Wildcats are 7-3 against the spread (ATS) in their last 10 meetings with Florida. That breaks down to 3-2 on the road and 3-1 as a single-digit underdog under coach Mark Stoops.
Florida is coming off a spirited effort in a 23-17 loss at Tennessee. And while the Gators have covered in their last three outings, they still sit at just 1-3 ATS in home games this season.
With coach Billy Napier on the hottest of seats trying to salvage his job, the Gators may be feeling a bit of that pressure every time they play in the swamp. It may just be easier this season when they’re on the road.
The Cats had another frustrating performance against Vanderbilt, but have proven this season that they bounce back.
The pick: Take the Cats.
Georgia (+3.5) at Texas
Remember before the 2019 Sugar Bowl when someone thought it was a good idea to bring the Bulldogs' mascot, UGA, around Bevo, a real Texas Longhorn steer? Bevo immediately proceeded to try and maul the dog, which is exactly how I see this game going.
Texas is way more explosive on offense. The Dawgs have to be way more methodical with their scoring opportunities, and trying to sustain long drives isn’t the way to get it done against the Longhorns’ defense.
The pick: Hook ‘em Horns, just please don’t bring UGA back around when you’re saying it.
Alabama (-1.5) at Tennessee
Both teams appeared to be daydreaming of this week’s matchup against last week’s opponents. The Crimson Tide hung on for a 27-25 win over South Carolina and the Volunteers escaped the Gators with a 23-17 overtime victory.
Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava seems to have hit his freshman wall. He hasn’t thrown a touchdown pass since the win over Oklahoma and he hasn’t thrown for more than 200 yards since their Week 2 win over N.C. State.
Bama appears to be a team that’s going to play to the level of its competition all season. It delivered against Georgia, racing out to a big lead then coming back with the game-winning score.
And the Crimson Tide will deliver against the Vols. Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel is 1-4 ATS as a home underdog.
The pick: The Tide rolls all over Rocky Top.
Bonus picks: Nebraska (+4.5) at Indiana
IU coach Curt Cignetti is 18-8 ATS as a favorite, including 5-1 this season and 3-0 in Big Ten games. Now’s not the time to pick against him.
The pick: Hoo, Hoo, Hoo, Hoosiers.
Western Kentucky (+2.5) at Sam Houston State
Something's got to give in this battle of two teams that are 5-1 ATS this season and fighting to keep pace with Liberty atop the Conference USA standings. The Bearkats have only faced one passing attack as high-powered as WKU's and nearly lost that 40-39 shootout against Texas State. This one will be that close, too.
The pick: Take the 'Toppers.
Results
Last week I went 1-3 on picks, winning on Texas in its Red River Rivalry win over Oklahoma. The three losses were Kentucky, Louisville and Ohio State.
Record last week: 1-3
Overall record: 11-14
Reach sports columnist C.L. Brown atclbrown1@gannett.com, follow him on X at@CLBrownHoopsand subscribe to his newsletter atprofile.courier-journal.com/newsletters/cl-browns-latestto make sure you never miss one of hiscolumns.
