College Football Betting Recap For Week 8
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Football content contributor Ron Marmalefsky offers his college football Week 8 betting recap as well as his lookahead to Week 9 of college football kicking off on Tuesday! What are his takeaways and look aheads from a betting perspective? Read below now!
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College Football Week 8: Betting Recap
In this edition I look at the undefeated and one-loss contenders who have their hopes set on making the college football playoffs.
Undefeated Teams Looking to Make a Case (In order of my Power Number)
Michigan: Michigan ascended to the top of my list about three weeks ago and has not missed a beat all season long. They have allowed 47 points in eight games, and the closest margin of victory has been by 24 points
Remaining schedule and chances: Michigan's final three games are at Penn State, at Maryland and home to Ohio State. Penn State is a strong home team and at the present time, Michigan will be under a touchdown favorite. The Maryland game is dangerous, with Ohio State next. I have them more likely to finish 11-1 than 12-0, with tiebreakers possibly deciding who plays in the Big Ten title game.
NOTE: The Big Ten still uses a divisional structure, so only one of Michigan, Penn State or Ohio State can get there.
Ohio State: They have not looked as impressive as Michigan, but under coordinator Jim Knowles, the defense is every bit as good. Injuries have hampered the offense.
Remaining schedule and chances: Only two tough games remain. Ohio State travels to Wisconsin this week. The Buckeyes have had their way in the series for over a decade, but the Badgers have some talent on hand. Win that, Ohio State figures to be 11-0 before traveling to Michigan. I give them an 80% shot at reaching 11-0.
Beat Michigan and even with an unlikely Big Ten title game loss, they still could get in. I give them about a 30% chance of getting in if they lose to Michigan and finish 11-1.
Georgia: The two-time defending champs were just hitting their offensive stride when star tight end Brock Bowers went down with an injury. The defense is solid, but not lights-out solid like in 2021 and 2022.
Remaining schedule and chances: Likely double-digit favorites the rest of the way, the schedule still features games vs. improved Florida, one-loss teams Missouri and Mississippi, and Tennessee.
The Tennessee game is on the road. I give them a 30% chance at 12-0, but even at 11-1, a win in the SEC title game (no matter who that opponent will be) gives them a probable ticket to the final four.
Florida State: FSU has had two scares thus far, while also benefitting from Duke missing their QB last week in what was a very close game. FSU is a very powerful and balanced offensive team, but the run defense is not of title caliber.
Remaining schedule and chances: The game at Pittsburgh is after this week's road game at Wake. The Panthers have occasionally been known to spring an upset. FSU is 4-2 lately hosting Miami Florida, but just 1-5 vs. the spread, plus Miami has one of their best teams this season. FSU closes at Florida, where the run defense will be tested.
11-1 is more likely as opposed to 12-0. If they win the ACC title game, they have a greater than 50% shot to get in at 12-1, but other conferences are stronger rated, and I think a 12-1 PAC 12 team would be rated higher.