College Football Predictions for Every Week 8 Game

James Snook-US PRESSWIRE

College football rolls into Week 8, and big games are to follow.

This week, college football fans are treated to Oregon versus Arizona State on Thursday night and Saturday games like Michigan versus Michigan State, South Carolina at Florida and LSU at Texas A&M.

Before those games get under way, here is a look at a prediction for each game this week. 

Houston at SMU

Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

While Houston has done a nice job of getting things turned around this year, the defense is still suspect. In this road game, the Mustangs will test the Cougars defense and ultimately earn a win at home. 

Prediction: SMU

Final Score: SMU 72, Houston 42

Oregon at Arizona State

Scott Olmos-US PRESSWIRE

This will only be the Ducks' second road game this year, and it may be the most difficult game of the season thus far. With this being on a Thursday night, the ASU crowd may be a factor, but the Ducks will pull away late. 

Prediction: Oregon

Final Score: Oregon 43, Arizona State 21

Connecticut at Syracuse

Mark L. Baer-US PRESSWIRE

In this Big East showdown, the difference will come down to defense. While the Syracuse offense has not been doing great this year, the Huskies defense has been tough for anyone. Look for that defense to help them earn a conference road win.

Prediction: Connecticut

Final Score: Syracuse 40, UConn 10 

LSU at Texas A&M

Crystal Logiudice-US PRESSWIRE

After rebounding with a big win over South Carolina, LSU heads on the road to play Texas A&M this week. This game could be a tale of the Aggies offense versus the Tigers defense, but ultimately the Aggies defense is what will let them down in a Tiger win. 

Prediction: LSU

Final Score: LSU 24, Texas A&M 19 

Rutgers at Temple

Joe Camporeale-US PRESSWIRE

Rutgers has been one of the surprise teams this year, and it is due to the strength of its defense and timely offense. Despite playing on the road, the Scarlet Knights are a focused bunch that are looking to stay undefeated. 

Prediction: Rutgers

Final Score: Rutgers 35, Temple 10 

Virginia Tech at Clemson

Joshua S. Kelly-US PRESSWIRE

Clemson beat up on Virginia Tech twice last year, and neither victory was at home. This year, the Hokies have to make the road trip, and it will not be a fun one. Look for Clemson to win and win big. 

Prediction: Clemson

Final Score: Clemson 38, Va Tech 17 

Iowa State at Oklahoma State

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Iowa State has been making life tough on people as of late, and it is catching an Oklahoma State team that just squeaked past Kansas. This game will stay close into the fourth quarter, but the Cowboy defense will tack on some late points and help them earn a win.

Prediction: Oklahoma State

Final Score: Oklahoma State 31, Iowa State 10 

Bowling Green at Massachusetts

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

Massachusetts is having a rough time in the FBS division, and that will continue this week. Bowling Green may be playing on the road, but the crowd will quiet down quickly as the Falcons earn a win. 

Prediction: Bowling Green

Final Score: Bowling Green 24, UMass 0

Purdue at Ohio State

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Ohio State has been extremely effective this year, and it has rebounded well from last season under new coach Urban Meyer. This week, the Buckeyes welcome in the Boilermakers, and this one will not even be close. The Ohio State offense will help the team run away with this one. 

Prediction: Ohio State

Final Score: Ohio State 29, Purdue 22 - OT

Minnesota at Wisconsin

Eric Francis/Getty Images

After a rough start to the year, it appears that the Badgers are getting things turned around. This week, they face a surprisingly good Minnesota team, but look for Wisconsin to continue to get stronger and keep its team in the Big Ten race with a win. 

Prediction: Wisconsin

Final Score: Wisconsin 38, Minnesota 13 

Northern Illinois at Akron

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Northern Illinois has done an outstanding job of making sure it is a well-balanced team. Both the offense and defense are performing at a high level, and the Huskies aren't going to have any issue taking out Akron this week. 

Prediction: Northern Illinois

Final Score: Northern Illinois 37, Akron 7 

Auburn at Vanderbilt

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

This has been a season that all Auburn fans would love to forget. The Tigers are currently 1-5 and dangerously close to not even having a win. In this SEC matchup, both teams need a big win, but look for Vanderbilt to take advantage of a beaten-down Tiger team and earn a win. 

Prediction: Vanderbilt

Final Score: Vanderbilt 17, Auburn 13 

Wake Forest at Virginia

Geoff Burke/Getty Images

Both of these teams are severely underperforming, especially after their performances last year. While both teams have had their share of struggles, look for a Virginia win due to the home-field advantage. 

Prediction: Virginia

Final Score: Wake Forest 16, Virginia 10 

Army at Eastern Michigan

Leon Halip/Getty Images

Not many televisions will be tuned into this game, but Army and Eastern Michigan will get at it this week. Both teams are among the nation's worst, but look for Ron English to lead the Eagles to their first win of the season. 

Prediction: Eastern Michigan

Final Score: Eastern Michigan 48, Army 38 

Florida International at Troy

Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

After losing to Western Kentucky last week, Troy gets to return home and play FIU. FIU has struggled on both sides of the ball, and Troy will be ready to take advantage of that and get back on the winning track. 

Prediction: Troy

Final Score: Troy 38, FIU 37 

San Jose State at UTSA

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

Now that the Roadrunners are outside the cakewalk part of their schedule, things are about to turn around on them, and that started with their loss to Rice last week. Look for San Jose State to make it two straight as it earns a road win. 

Prediction: San Jose State

Final Score: San Jose State 52, UTSA 24 

Stanford at Cal

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

After a tough loss in overtime, Stanford stays on the road to take on Cal. While this is a huge rivalry game, it is featuring two teams that are looking to hang on in the Pac-12 North. Stanford's rushing attack will ultimately take over and eliminate Cal from the Pac-12 race.

Prediction: Stanford

Final Score: Stanford 21, Cal 3

Boston College at Georgia Tech

Geoff Burke/Getty Images

While Georgia Tech's offense has been good, the defense has been awful, and it has let the Yellow Jackets down multiple times this year. Despite its poor play, Boston College does not have the talent to take advantage. 

Prediction: Georgia Tech

Final Score: Georgia Tech 37, Boston College 17 

New Mexico State at Utah State

Douglas C. Pizac-US PRESSWIRE

Ever since almost beating Auburn last year, Utah State has continued to get better and better. This week, the Aggies welcome in New Mexico State and will continue to impress with yet another win. 

Prediction: Utah State

Final Score: Utah St 41, New Mexico St 7 

South Carolina at Florida

Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

After playing a huge road game last week, South Carolina has to do it all over again this week against Florida. Much like last week, this game should remain close into the late stages of the game, but the Gators will hold on for a huge conference win. 

Prediction: Florida

Final Score: Florida 44, South Carolina 11 

BYU at Notre Dame

Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

Notre Dame is flying high and is in the Top Five nationally. BYU, on the other hand, comes into this game dealing with a loss to Oregon State last week. The Irish will remain undefeated, as the defense is playing too well to be denied in this home game.

Prediction: Notre Dame

Final Score: Notre Dame 17, BYU 14 

South Florida at Louisville

Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE

Louisville continues to be one of the top three contenders in the Big East and is also still undefeated. South Florida is a team that continues to underachieve and will drop another game to Teddy Bridgewater and the Cardinals. 

Prediction: Louisville

Final Score: Louisville 27, South Florida 25 

Texas Tech at TCU

Michael C. Johnson-US PRESSWIRE

After its huge win over West Virginia, Texas Tech goes on the road to take on TCU. While the Horned Frogs did get back on track, the Red Raiders look scary good and will earn another huge win in the Big 12. 

Prediction: Texas Tech

Final Score: Texas Tech 56, TCU 53 in Triple OT 

UNLV at Boise State

Brian Losness-US PRESSWIRE

Boise State continues to earn wins, but not in the same impressive matter fans are used to. This week, the Rebels come to the blue turf, and the Broncos should have no issue putting together a winning performance in this one. 

Prediction: Boise State

Final Score: Boise State 32, UNLV 7 

Florida Atlantic at South Alabama

John David Mercer-US PRESSWIRE

Despite the struggles that South Alabama may have had so far this year, it still has not adjusted to playing in the FBS. Look for the Owls to earn a win; the Jaguars are not ready yet. 

Prediction: Florida Atlantic

Final Score: South Alabama 37, FAU 34 in Double OT 

Nebraska at Northwestern

Andrew Weber-US PRESSWIRE

Northwestern is surprising the nation on a weekly basis, but look for that to come to an end against Nebraska. The Cornhuskers are too talented and should be able to go on the road and earn a huge road win. 

Prediction: Nebraska

Final Score: Nebraska 29, Northwestern 28 

NC State at Maryland

Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

After a huge win over Florida State a couple of weeks ago, NC State returns to play this week and takes on Maryland. Look for the Wolfpack to stay hot and ride the arm of Mike Glennon to a victory. 

Prediction: NC State

Final Score: NC State 20, Maryland 18

Michigan State at Michigan

US PRESSWIRE

Both Michigan teams appear to be heading in different directions. The Spartans have struggled this year, and while the Wolverines have not had a lot of success against good teams, they are undefeated in the Big Ten. With the game being at the Big House, look for a Michigan win. 

Prediction: Michigan

Final Score: Michigan 12, Michigan State 10 

Rice at Tulsa

Brett Davis-US PRESSWIRE

Tulsa is off to a hot start, and it welcomes in Rice this week. With the Tulsa offense clicking the way that it is, Rice will have a hard time keeping up throughout this game. 

Prediction: Tulsa

Final Score: Tulsa 28, Rice 24 

Pittsburgh at Buffalo

Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE

While Pittsburgh isn't having a great season, the Panthers certainly have the talent to earn this road win. Look for Pittsburgh to have this one wrapped up in the second half. 

Prediction: Pittsburgh

Final Score: Pittsburgh 26, Buffalo 6

Ball State at Central Michigan

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Central Michigan has been taking steps back for the past couple of years, and despite a big road win early in the year, this season will be no different. On the other hand, Ball State has turned things around and will get it done on the road. 

Prediction: Ball State

Final Score: Ball State 41, CMU 30

Western Michigan at Kent State

Danny Wild-US PRESSWIRE

Kent State is off to a great start this year, and Western Michigan is not the team to bring that to an end. Look for Kent State to continue to impress as it defeats the Broncos. 

Prediction: Kent State

Final Score: Kent State 41, Western Mich. 24 

Indiana at Navy

Pat Lovell-US PRESSWIRE

While Indiana hasn't been great this year, it certainly is not as bad as it was last year. Despite being on the road, look for the Hoosiers offense to carry the load and help them earn a big win on the road against Navy.

Prediction: Indiana

Final Score: Navy 31, Indiana 30

Louisiana-Monroe at Western Kentucky

John Reed-US PRESSWIRE

Louisiana-Monroe has gone toe-to-toe with some good teams in the SEC and fared well. This week, the team is on the road for a big game against Western Kentucky. Look for the Warhawks to continue to impress and hand Western Kentucky a home loss. 

Prediction: Louisiana-Monroe

Final Score: Western Kentucky 42, UL-Monroe 41 in OT 

Colorado at USC

Kirby Lee-US PRESSWIRE

Colorado is simply not yet at a competitive level in the Pac-12. With this game being played at USC, the Trojans will have no problem wrapping this game up by halftime. 

Prediction: USC

Final Score: USC 50, Colorado 6

Alabama at Tennessee

Dak Dillon-US PRESSWIRE

Tennessee is just hoping that this stretch of games in the middle of its schedule will stop. The Vols now host Alabama, and the Tide are on a mission to be undefeated when they head to Death Valley in a couple weeks. This game will not slow that mission. 

Prediction: Alabama

Final Score: Alabama 44, Tennessee 13

Kansas State at West Virginia

Michael C. Johnson-US PRESSWIRE

This is shaping up to be a great game. Geno Smith was held at bay against Texas Tech, but with this game being played in West Virginia, look for the Mountaineers offense to wake up and ruin the Wildcats' perfect season. 

Prediction: West Virginia 

Final Score; Kansas State 55, West Virginia 14

Kansas at Oklahoma

Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

Oklahoma appears to be recharged and refocused, as the Sooners put a beatdown on the Longhorns last week. This week, they get a home date against Kansas and should have no issue with disposing the Jayhawks.

Prediction: Oklahoma

Final Score: Oklahoma 52, Kansas 7

Georgia at Kentucky

Daniel Shirey-US PRESSWIRE

Georgia returns from a bye week and should be fully prepared for its road game against Kentucky. Kentucky has proven to be a hard team to play at home, but the Bulldogs should win this game by a couple of scores. 

Prediction: Georgia 

Final Score: Georgia 29, Kentucky 24

Middle Tennessee at Mississippi State

Mark Zerof-US PRESSWIRE

Mississippi State has truly improved this year, and with this out-of-conference game this week, that trend will continue. Look for the Bulldogs to take care of business against Middle Tennessee and then jump right back into conference play. 

Prediction: Mississippi State

Final Score: MIssissippi State 45, Middle Tennessee 3

Cincinnati at Toledo

Rob Leifheit-US PRESSWIRE

This week, Cincinnati takes a step outside of conference play to take on Toledo. This will be an interesting game between two high-powered offenses, but ultimately the difference will be the play of the Cincinnati defense. 

Prediction: Cincinnati

Fiunal Score: Toledo 29, Cincinnati 23

ECU at UAB

Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE

While ECU is not having a great season, UAB has struggled all year long. The Pirates offense will put up just enough points and allow their defense to secure this road win. 

Prediction: ECU

Final Score: ECU 42, UAB 35

North Carolina at Duke

Peter Casey-US PRESSWIRE

This matchup is usually easy to call, but this year Duke has stepped it up and is one game away from becoming bowl-eligible. This week, North Carolina comes to town, and it would be fitting for the Blue Devils to return to postseason play with a win over their rival. 

Prediction: Duke

Final Score: Duke 33, North Carolina 30

New Mexico at Air Force

Troy Babbitt-US PRESSWIRE

This game will feature two teams with average offenses going up against subpar defenses. In the end, look for the home-field advantage to help the Falcons move on to 4-3 with a win.

Prediction: Air Force

Final Score: Air Force 28, New Mexico 23

Idaho at Louisiana Tech

Kevin Jairaj-US PRESSWIRE

After a tough loss to Texas A&M last week, the Bulldogs move on and welcome in Idaho. Look for Louisiana Tech to air out the Vandals and win this game by a wide margin. 

Prediction: Louisiana Tech

Final Score: Louisiana Tech 70, Idaho 28

Marshall at Southern Miss

Pat Lovell-US PRESSWIRE

After winning the Conference USA title last year, Southern Miss has completely fallen apart and is one of the worst teams in the nation. While the Golden Eagles are on the road, Marshall should get the W in this game. 

Prediction: Marshall

Final Score: Marshall 59, Southern Miss 24

Florida State at Miami

Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

Florida State and Miami are set to go at it this week, but it will not be like the games of old. Florida State has much better talent, and as long as they remain focused, the Seminoles should win big. 

Prediction: Florida State

Final Score: Florida State 33, Miami (Fla.) 20

Baylor at Texas

Tim Heitman-US PRESSWIRE

Texas got humbled last week, and it wasn't pretty to watch. This week, the Longhorns return home and take on Baylor. Despite the loss last week, Texas will rebound and make sure that it doesn't drop a second straight game. 

Prediction: Texas

Final Score: Texas 56, Baylor 50

UCF at Memphis

Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

This week, UCF goes on the road for a conference game against Memphis. UCF currently sits first in its division, and Memphis has only one win to date. The Knights' balanced attack will be the difference in this one. 

Prediction: UCF

Final Score: UCF 35, Memphis 17

Penn State at Iowa

Evan Habeeb-US PRESSWIRE

Iowa returns home after earning a huge win at Michigan State. On the other side of things, Penn State comes to town and is quietly picking up steam. This could end up being a low-scoring game, but look for the Nittany Lions to pull out the huge road win. 

Prediction: Penn State

Final Score: 38, Iowa 14

Tulane at UTEP

Ivan Pierre Aguirre-US PRESSWIRE

In the battle for last place in Conference USA, both Tulane and UTEP enter this game with only one win. While both teams have been awful this season, UTEP is at home and gets the slight edge with its ability to get the passing game going. 

Prediction: UTEP

Final Score: Tulane 24, UTEP 20

Washington at Arizona

Kirby Lee-US PRESSWIRE

Washington has had it rough the past couple of weeks, as it has had to play Oregon and USC. Arizona will be the beneficiary of that schedule and earn itself a huge conference win. 

Prediction: Arizona

Utah at Oregon State

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-US PRESSWIRE

At this point, it is hard to pick against the Beavers. Oregon State has continued to impress, and with the game being at home this week, no matter who is at quarterback, the Beavers come away with a win. 

Prediction: Oregon State

Wyoming at Fresno State

Brian Losness-US PRESSWIRE

Out in the Mountain West Conference, Wyoming heads on the road to take on Fresno State. Wyoming has been doing a nice job of putting up points, but the defense is giving up even more. Fresno State comes into this game at 4-3 and leaves at 5-3. 

Prediction: Fresno State

San Diego State at Nevada

Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE

Nevada has done a great job this season, thanks to its offensive balance and timely stops on defense. San Diego State will provide them with a stiff test, but the Wolf Pack should win this home game. 

Prediction: Nevada