Thursday CFB Player Props: Best College Football Prop Picks (Oct. 22)

• Thursday’s college football slate is light on games, but heavy on player prop value
• JMU’s George Pettaway is a strong bet to reach 100 rushing yards
• See my Thursday CFB player props, and best prop picks for Oct. 22, below

Week 8 of the college football season brings a slate of intriguing midweek conference clashes tonight, giving us a prime opportunity to attack player prop markets. The featured games highlight a compelling mix of dynamic playmakers and opportunistic defenses.

I am zeroing in on a running back, a wide receiver and a quarterback looking to exploit defensive fronts. James Madison and Liberty take the field as road favorites backed by elite red-zone efficiency and positive turnover margins, while Memphis hosts East Carolina with one of the most productive offenses on the board.

I have cross-referenced the college football player props market with seasonal team metrics and defensive matchups to single out the most promising angles for tonight’s matchups. Keep reading for Thursday CFB player props, and best prop picks for Oct. 22, below.

Thursday CFB Player Props

These Thursday player props are BetMGM milestone markets, checked on Wednesday. New users can sign up with the BetMGM promo code and get a bonus to use on tonight’s games.

Best College Football Prop Picks for Thursday, Oct. 22

College Football Prop Pick #1: George Pettaway 100+ Rushing Yards

• Pick: George Pettaway 100+ Rushing Yards (-120 at BetMGM)

James Madison enters this road matchup with an explosive offensive unit that has already racked up 1,566 rushing yards while averaging 42.9 points per game. Backed by 94.7% red-zone efficiency, the Dukes have the statistical profile of a team that controls the game script.

Operating as a road favorite in the college football odds, JMU is positioned to lean heavily on the ground game, chew up the clock and dominate field position. That provides a favorable environment for Pettaway to eclipse the 100-yard rushing milestone.

The Mountaineers have nine interceptions this season. However, Appalachian State will struggle to contain a James Madison rushing attack that consistently grinds out successful early-down runs.

College Football Prop Pick #2: Makai Jackson 75+ Receiving Yards

• Pick: Makai Jackson 75+ Receiving Yards (+105 at BetMGM)

Jackson is backed by a Liberty offense that puts up 31.2 points per game and has accumulated 1,157 passing yards while maintaining a strong 45.2% third-down conversion rate. That efficiency keeps the passing attack on the field and creates consistent explosive-play chances.

Jackson has been the focal point of that passing game, with 22 catches for 515 yards and five touchdowns through six games. That works out to nearly 86 receiving yards per game, well above this number.

Kennesaw State’s defense has generated a modest seven sacks and three interceptions. Liberty should have time in the pocket to stretch the field without facing overwhelming havoc, giving Jackson a clear path to his receiving total. Before making any wager tonight, scan the college football betting apps to find the best price.

College Football Prop Pick #3: Marcus Stokes 2+ Passing Touchdowns

• Pick: Marcus Stokes 2+ Passing Touchdowns (-120 at BetMGM)

Memphis brings a potent offense into Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. The Tigers put up 35.4 points per game, convert 45.1% of their third-down attempts and finish 78.1% of their red-zone trips, so they are built to move the chains.

In this East Carolina vs. Memphis matchup, the ECU defense features 17 sacks, so it can generate pressure in the backfield. However, Memphis thrives on early-down passing, and its offensive scheme is designed to neutralize aggressive defensive fronts.

The Memphis quick-passing game dictates the tempo and creates frequent scoring opportunities. That gives Stokes a reliable path to at least two touchdown passes.