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Week 8 College Football Picks Against the Spread

Brady Trettenero

by Brady Trettenero in College Football

Updated Oct 20, 2021 · 6:01 AM PDT

Kenny Pickett
Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against New Hampshire, Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
  • Week 8 of College Football features a loaded slate on Saturday, October 23rd
  • Oklahoma State visits Iowa State, while Pittsburgh hosts Clemson
  • Read below for the best ATS picks for Week 8 of the CFB season

The 2021 College Football season is heading into it’s eighth week, and there’s a packed slate on tap for the weekend. While Week 8 doesn’t feature any ranked matchups, there are still several games with betting value on Saturday, October 23rd.

Oklahoma State aims to stay unbeaten against Iowa State in Big 12 action, while Pittsburgh and Clemson clash in an ACC showdown. Over in the Big Ten, Ohio State is large road favorites at Indiana.

Here are three ATS picks to consider for Week 8.

Oklahoma State vs Iowa State Odds

Team Spread Moneyline Total
Oklahoma State Cowboys +7 (-105) +210 O 47 (-110)
Iowa State Cyclones -7  (-115) -260 U 47 (-110)

All odds as of Oct 20th at DraftKings

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Pick #1: Cowboys Cover Against Cyclones

Oklahoma State (6-0) is listed as road underdogs in a Week 8 matchup vs Iowa State (4-2). The Cowboys are coming off an impressive 32-24 victory over Texas in which they held the Longhorns’ high-powered offense to 317 total yards. Mike Gundy’s team covered the spread as small underdogs and are now 5-1 ATS overall.

This is a potential letdown spot for Oklahoma State following the big Texas win, but the Cowboys know what’s at stake. If they want to earn an invite to the CFP, they’ll need to run the table and beat in-state rival Oklahoma in Stillwater. Oklahoma State has everything to play for entering this matchup at Jack Trice Stadium.

Oklahoma State has been efficient against the spread primarily due to their defense. The Cowboys are allowing just 19.5 points per game and 99 rushing yards per game. Considering how well they limited Texas’ offense last weekend, it’s hard to see the Hawkeyes having their way offensively Saturday.

The Cyclones have a dynamic tandem of QB Brock Purdy and RB Breece Hall, but they’ve been bottled up by strong defenses this season. Hall has been held to under 70 rushing yards by Iowa and while Purdy has been picked off four times. This OSU defense is loaded with playmakers, including safety Jason Taylor II and LB Malcolm Rodriguez.

Oklahoma State has covered the spread in each of the last two meetings with Iowa State and will be the more motivated team Saturday. Running back Jalen Warren should add another 100-yard rushing game to his resume, while OSU’s defense will come up with a few big plays to keep this within a TD.

  • Pick: Oklahoma State +7 (-105)

Clemson vs Pittsburgh Odds

Team Spread Moneyline Total
Clemson Tigers +3 (-105) +145 O 48 (-110)
Pittsburgh Panthers -3  (-115) -165 U 48 (-110)

Pick #2: Panthers Eat Up Tigers

Pittsburgh (5-1) will look to increase their ACC Conference Title chances when they host Clemson (4-2) at Heinz Field in Week 8. Fading the Tigers has been a profitable betting strategy this season, as Dabo Swinney’s team has yet to cover the spread in a game. Pittsburgh is 5-1 ATS after covering against Virginia Tech in Week 7.

Pittsburgh has plenty of betting value as small home favorites in Week 8. Panthers’ QB Kenny Pickett is among the top quarterbacks in the country and rising in the Heisman odds, while the Panthers defense has suffocated opposing QB’s. Pitt is allowing just 319.3 yards per contest and has racked up 21 sacks.

Clemson QB DJ Uiagalelei is only completing 55% of his passes and struggles under pressure. When he went up against Georgia’s elite pass rush in Week 1, Uiagalelei was sacked seven times and became completely ineffective. This Pittsburgh pass rush is relentless and should make life miserable for the first-year starter.

Pickett is a sixth-year starter and the QB you want to trust in a battle between two strong defenses. Not only has Pickett thrown only one interception, but he has an elite go-to receiver in Jordan Addison. The Tigers haven’t had a true threat emerge in the receiving game, averaging only 18 points the past four weeks.

This is a monumental game for Pittsburgh’s program and ACC Title aspirations. They’ve been playing the better football and will want to make a statement after getting crushed by the Tigers the past few years. Look for Pickett to bolster his Heisman resume with a big performance, while the defense clamps down on Uiagalelei to secure the victory.

  • Pick: Pittsburgh -3 (-115)

Ohio State vs Indiana Odds

Team Spread Moneyline Total
Ohio State Buckeyes -20 (-110) -1125 O 60 (-110)
Indiana Hoosiers +20 (-110) +700 U 60 (-110)

Pick #3: Buckeyes Light Up Hoosiers

Ohio State (5-1) will aim to bolster their CFP chances by winning big on the road against Indiana (4-2) in Week 8. The Buckeyes were largely discounted after their early-season upset loss to Oregon, but they’ve been on a tear ever since. Ryan Day’s team has scored 50-plus points in three consecutive games and now lead the Big Ten in scoring offense.

This betting line may be a tad skewed due to last year’s close result. QB Michael Penix Jr. went off for 491 yards as the Hoosiers almost pulled off the upset over Ohio State in a close 42-35 defeat. The reality is that Penix Jr. is injured this time around and the Buckeyes hold a talent advantage at every position.

Ohio State freshman QB CJ Stroud is hitting his stride, throwing for 1699 yards with 18 TDs and three interceptions this season. He’s due for another big day facing an Indiana’s secondary that has been picked apart by talented pivots such as Desmond Ridder and Sean Clifford. RB TreVeyon Henderson is also averaging 8.7 yards per carry and will be a problem.

Indiana doesn’t have the weapons to keep pace with this high-powered Buckeyes’ offense. The Hoosiers have only managed 15 points in their last two games and new QB Jack Tuttle has already thrown three interceptions. Ohio State’s defense has forced 11 turnovers and will make some big plays Saturday.

The Buckeyes are torching opponents right now, and the Hoosiers are the next team in their path. Take away the meeting in which Penix Jr. showed out, and Ohio State has beat Indiana by an average of 28 points the past five years. Trust Stroud and company to keep rolling en route to a blowout win.

  • Pick: Ohio State -20 (-110)
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