Late-Night College Football Predictions: Week 8 ATS Picks & Best Bets

• Week 8 wraps up with two late-night kickoffs after 10pm ET on Saturday, Oct. 24
• I break down the nation’s top two scoring defenses in Albuquerque and a Top 15 Big 12 clash in Salt Lake City
• Read below for my late-night college football predictions and Week 8 ATS picks

As the No. 10 Utah Utes (6-0) host the No. 14 Houston Cougars (6-1), playoff positioning takes center stage in Salt Lake City. Houston steps into a hostile environment as a road underdog against an unbeaten home favorite.

Over in the Mountain West, the New Mexico Lobos (5-1) are stringing together a strong campaign. They defend their home turf as favorites against the North Dakota State Bison (6-1). New Mexico scores 39.7 points per game, but this is also a meeting of the nation’s top two scoring defenses, with the Lobos first and the Bison second.

I’ll break down the odds, matchup dynamics and situational angles for both late-night showdowns to help you make informed sports betting picks to cap off your Saturday.

Late-Night College Football Predictions

#1 North Dakota State at New Mexico Prediction

• ATS Pick: North Dakota State +4.5 (-111 at BetMGM)

New Mexico seeks an 11th consecutive home win behind an offense scoring 39.7 points per game. However, the Lobos face a North Dakota State defense allowing just 11.29 points per contest, while the Bison offense has racked up 206 total points (29.43 PPG) and 362.0 yards per game.

North Dakota State quarterback Nathan Hayes orchestrates an efficient attack, throwing for 1,272 yards, 10 touchdowns and five interceptions.

A valid counterpoint is New Mexico’s defense, which leads the nation at 10.5 points allowed per game. The Lobos have forced multiple takeaways in every game and have won eight straight conference games. If New Mexico wins the turnover battle and dictates field position, it could crack the Bison and pull away.

Still, my North Dakota State vs. New Mexico prediction leans on the number. With two of the country’s stingiest defenses on the field and a 40.5 total, every drive is magnified. Grabbing +4.5 covers a four-point loss, offering vital protection in a game that could come down to one score.

#2 Houston at Utah Prediction

• ATS Pick: Houston +7 (-114 at BetMGM)

This Big 12 collision hinges on the trenches. Utah quarterback Devon Dampier has completed 118 of 172 passes (68.6%) for 1,412 yards, 15 touchdowns and four interceptions through six games, commanding an offense that averages 40.17 points and 486.5 total yards per contest.

However, Houston’s run defense surrenders just 82.6 rushing yards per game to rank sixth nationally, and only three of its seven opponents have reached 100 rushing yards. The Cougars also run for 220 yards per game, 17th in the country.

Conner Weigman is coming off a 343-yard, five-touchdown performance in last week’s 35-32 win over Oklahoma State. Utah allows 214.5 passing yards per game, so if Houston’s line keeps Weigman clean, his passing can keep this Houston vs. Utah matchup within reach.

Utah certainly possesses the ground-and-pound capability to wear opponents down behind Wayshawn Parker’s 597 rushing yards and seven scores. Defensively, the Utes allow 14.83 points and just 88.7 rushing yards per game. That balance is the strongest case against Houston.

Nevertheless, holding +7 means a late Utah touchdown to win by exactly seven results in a push rather than a losing ticket. With Houston’s run defense capable of slowing Utah’s ground game, I like the Cougars as a side against the chalk at +7 (-114).

Week 8 CFB Spreads & Totals

BetMGM lists New Mexico as a 4.5-point home favorite with a 40.5 total, the lower of the two late-night numbers, reflecting the strength of both defenses. Utah is a full touchdown favorite over Houston with a 57.5 total. The key takeaway: both picks sit on meaningful numbers. North Dakota State +4.5 covers a four-point loss, while Houston +7 pushes on a seven-point Utah win.

Odds from BetMGM as of October 23.

Grab the latest BetMGM promo code before backing either late-night spread.