College Football Picks: Week 8 Predictions for Every Game
The midpoint of the 2022 season is a natural place to recalibrate expectations, but Week 8's schedule is also a fun juxtaposition.
Looking at the Top 10, eight programs are in action with one showdown between them—hello, UCLA and Oregon—three others meeting a ranked opponent and one more traveling to a program just outside the Top 25. The best matchups of the weekend are really good.
On the other hand, eight ranked teams have an idle Saturday. They're taking a much-needed break—typically the only one during the regular season—and readying for the rest of the year.
That's the long version of saying it's a top-heavy weekend around the sport. Whenever we think something like that, though, the football gods seemingly stir up the chaos.
And, as always, we're totally here for that.
AP Nos. 25-21
1 of 8
Memphis (4-3) at No. 25 Tulane (6-1), 3:30 p.m. ET
Tulane has quietly pulled into the Top 25 for the first time in 24 years. Next up is a clash with high-scoring Memphis, which has posted 35.6 points per game. Tulane needs a bounce-back performance from its secondary, but Michael Pratt—who's totaled 300-plus yards and three-plus touchdowns in consecutive weeks—should be able to pick apart Memphis through the air.
Prediction: Tulane 31, Memphis 27
No. 24 Mississippi State (5-2) at No. 6 Alabama (6-1), 7 p.m. ET
For prediction, see No. 6 Alabama.
No. 23 North Carolina State (5-2), Idle
No. 22 North Carolina (6-1), Idle
No. 21 Cincinnati (5-1) at SMU (3-3), Noon ET
Staying in the AAC, Cincinnati has a similar outlook this weekend. SMU scores a bunch of points but doesn't play a whole lot of defense. As long as Cincinnati limits an average SMU's rushing attack, an upset should not happen. But that's the path to a victory for SMU.
Prediction: Cincinnati 38, SMU 24
AP Nos. 20-16
2 of 8
No. 20 Texas (5-2) at No. 11 Oklahoma State (5-1), 3:30 p.m. ET
For prediction, see No. 11 Oklahoma State.
No. 19 Kentucky (5-2), Idle
No. 18 Illinois (6-1), Idle
No. 17 Kansas State (5-1) at No. 8 TCU (6-0), 8 p.m. ET
For prediction, see No. 8 TCU.
Minnesota (4-2) at No. 16 Penn State (5-1), 7:30 p.m. ET
If quarterback Tanner Morgan (head) is unable to play, Minnesota will be short-handed. That said, Michigan just ran up, over, around and through Penn State last weekend—and Minnesota has Mohamed Ibrahim, one of the nation's top running backs. But the hosts, looking to recover from that embarrassing 41-17 loss, should be able to pull out a victory in their annual White Out game.
Prediction: Penn State 23, Minnesota 20
AP Nos. 15-11
3 of 8
No. 15 Utah (5-2), Idle
No. 14 Syracuse (6-0) at No. 5 Clemson (7-0), Noon ET
For prediction, see No. 5 Clemson.
Boston College (2-4) at No. 13 Wake Forest (5-1), 3:30 p.m. ET
The primary question is whether Boston College can keep up. Statistically speaking, the defenses are comparable. However, there's no question that Wake Forest's offense—from both the eye test and numbers—has performed at a much higher level than BC's unit.
Prediction: Wake Forest 37, Boston College 17
No. 12 USC (6-1), Idle
No. 20 Texas (5-2) at No. 11 Oklahoma State (5-1), 3:30 p.m. ET
Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy refused to tell reporters if quarterback Spencer Sanders practiced on Monday, and that mindset is improbable to change prior to the weekend. Nevertheless, the pick is Texas either way. Texas is vulnerable through the air, but Sanders is dealing with a shoulder injury. A healthy Quinn Ewers wins out over a banged-up Sanders.
Prediction: Texas 34, Oklahoma State 24
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
AP Nos. 10-6
4 of 8
No. 9 UCLA (6-0) at No. 10 Oregon (5-1), 3:30 p.m. ET
Oregon hosts this battle of Pac-12 teams unbeaten in league play. To this point, UCLA's lone game outside of Los Angeles was against a woeful Colorado side. How the offense responds to a raucous environment will decide the game, because it's unlikely UCLA will contain a surging Oregon offense. Bo Nix has become a lethal dual-threat QB and traditionally plays well at home. UCLA is plenty capable of winning, but Oregon has the edge.
Prediction: Oregon 38, UCLA 34
No. 17 Kansas State (5-1) at No. 8 TCU (6-0), 8 p.m. ET
As usual, what should we expect from K-State? There are days of brilliance, like wrecking Missouri and Oklahoma, mixed with moments of immense frustration in a loss to Tulane or escape at Iowa State. TCU is finally throwing the ball to star wideout Quentin Johnston consistently and has prevented explosive runs all season. If the Horned Frogs continue doing both, they'll stay undefeated.
Prediction: TCU 27, Kansas State 20
No. 7 Ole Miss (7-0) at LSU (5-2), 3:30 p.m. ET
Other than hosting Kentucky, Ole Miss hasn't played a tough schedule. Plus, the Rebels certainly haven't faced a stadium as challenging as Death Valley. We're sticking with Ole Miss because of its powerful rushing attack opposite a shaky LSU defense, but don't let the ranked vs. unranked part of this matchup fool you: This is a remarkably even matchup.
Prediction: Ole Miss 27, LSU 24
No. 24 Mississippi State (5-2) at No. 6 Alabama (6-1), 7 p.m. ET
After seeing Tennessee shred Bama's secondary, the instinct may be to believe an Air Raid offense can do the same. Mississippi State, though, is built on executing quick-hitting passes with only nine throws of 30-plus yards. Alabama remains an overwhelming favorite in this matchup.
Prediction: Alabama 45, Mississippi State 17
AP Nos. 5-1
5 of 8
No. 14 Syracuse (6-0) at No. 5 Clemson (7-0), Noon ET
We're about to learn a lot about Syracuse. While the Orange are a spectacular 6-0, they've also faced one of the easiest schedules in the country. Syracuse, at home, stuck with an unimpressive Clemson team last season. This time around, it's at the venue where Clemson—which is much improved offensively—has earned 37 straight wins. The streak lives.
Prediction: Clemson 31, Syracuse 21
No. 4 Michigan (7-0), Idle
Tennessee-Martin (4-2) at No. 3 Tennessee (6-0), Noon ET
In the aftermath of Tennessee's upset over Alabama, Vols fans carried the uprights out of the stadium. Keith Carver, the Chancellor at UT Martin, so kindly offered to host the game if Tennessee couldn't replace them in time. Worth a shot! UT Martin is ranked 18th in the FCS, so don't brush off the Skyhawks. Still, the Vols win handily.
Prediction: Tennessee 52, UT Martin 14
Iowa (3-3) at No. 2 Ohio State (6-0), Noon ET
Flip the location, and this contest feels more dangerous. Ohio State needs to avoid that mentality—we're not playing, after all—but Iowa's pitiful offense will be overwhelmed in Columbus. As long as the Buckeyes don't allow Iowa's defense to score, they'll cruise to a victory.
Prediction: Ohio State 41, Iowa 10
No. 1 Georgia (7-0), Idle
Best Unranked Clashes
6 of 8
Troy (5-2) at South Alabama (5-1), Thursday, 7:30 p.m. ET
Early indications are Louisiana's reign over the Sun Belt West is coming to an end. South Alabama toppled the division's four-time reigning champ, sits at 2-0 in league play and hosts Troy—which is 3-1 in conference—for a pivotal game. Troy is a tempting pick on the strength of its defense, but South Alabama has showed a stronger offense lately. In a close one, USA takes a commanding lead in the West.
Prediction: South Alabama 23, Troy 21
Kansas (5-2) at Baylor (3-3), Noon ET
Kansas isn't a "desperate" team, but the Jayhawks are trying to avoid a three-game skid. Baylor, on the other hand, is nearing that label, as missing a bowl is suddenly a realistic possibility. While the secondary has become an issue for the reigning Big 12 champs, the KU defense has struggled over the last six quarters and now might be without key corner Cobee Bryant. Baylor picks up a much-needed result.
Prediction: Baylor 31, Kansas 26
Toledo (5-2) at Buffalo (4-3), 1 p.m. ET
You'll notice a theme here shortly. Entering the tilt, Toledo and Buffalo each hold a 3-0 record in MAC play. This could be a preview of the conference title game. Buffalo has home-field advantage, but its defense has ceded 6.3 yards per snap—a major concern opposite a sizzling Toledo offense led by Dequan Finn. The visitors snag a key league win.
Prediction: Toledo 38, Buffalo 30
North Texas (4-3) at UTSA (5-2), 3:30 p.m. ET
The programs are locked atop Conference USA with 3-0 league marks. One growing concern for North Texas, though, is the offense has turned only 56.3 percent of its red-zone opportunities into touchdowns. That's not going to cut it opposite UTSA, which certainly has revenge on the brain after UNT spoiled an undefeated record last season.
Prediction: UTSA 38, North Texas 31
Boise State (4-2) at Air Force (5-2), 7 p.m. ET
If you have a good handle on the Mountain West in 2022, that makes one of us. The conference has been loaded with confusing results. The apparent trend to know is Boise State has struggled on the road (1-2), whereas Air Force has excelled at home (4-0). But in a matchup of two talented, inconsistent teams, no result—either team winning in a tight game or blowout—would be surprising.
Prediction: Air Force 24, Boise State 21
Rest of the Slate, Part I
7 of 8
Wednesday
Georgia State (2-4) at Appalachian State (3-3), 7:30 p.m. ET
Prediction: Appalachian State 30, Georgia State 23
Thursday
Virginia (2-4) at Georgia Tech (3-3), 7:30 p.m. ET
Prediction: Virginia 24, Georgia Tech 20
Friday
Tulsa (2-4) at Temple (2-4), 7:30 p.m. ET
Prediction: Tulsa 28, Temple 24
UAB (4-2) at Western Kentucky (4-3), 8 p.m. ET
Prediction: UAB 27, Western Kentucky 22
Early Saturday
UL Monroe (2-5) at Army (2-4), Noon ET
Prediction: Army 28, UL Monroe 14
Indiana (3-4) at Rutgers (3-3), Noon ET
Prediction: Indiana 24, Rutgers 17
Houston (3-3) at Navy (2-4), Noon ET
Prediction: Houston 34, Navy 28
Akron (1-6) at Kent State (2-5), Noon ET
Prediction: Kent State 44, Akron 21
Duke (4-3) at Miami (3-3), 12:30 p.m. ET
Prediction: Miami 31, Duke 24
Bowling Green (3-4) at Central Michigan (2-5), 1 p.m. ET
Prediction: CMU 26, Bowling Green 24
Eastern Michigan (4-3) at Ball State (4-3), 2 p.m. ET
Prediction: Ball State 34, EMU 31
Northern Illinois (2-5) at Ohio (4-3), 2 p.m. ET
Prediction: NIU 27, Ohio 23
UNLV (4-3) at Notre Dame (3-3), 2:30 p.m. ET
Prediction: Notre Dame 35, UNLV 17
West Virginia (3-3) at Texas Tech (3-3), 3 p.m. ET
Prediction: Texas Tech 31, WVU 30
Rice (3-3) at Louisiana Tech (2-4), 3 p.m. ET
Prediction: Louisiana Tech 32, Rice 29
Rest of the Slate, Part II
8 of 8
Mid-Saturday
BYU (4-3) at Liberty (6-1), 3:30 p.m. ET
Prediction: BYU 34, Liberty 31
Purdue (5-2) at Wisconsin (3-4), 3:30 p.m. ET
Prediction: Wisconsin 27, Purdue 24
Northwestern (1-5) at Maryland (5-2), 3:30 p.m. ET
Prediction: Maryland 28, Northwestern 13
Marshall (3-3) at James Madison (5-1), 3:30 p.m. ET
Prediction: JMU 34, Marshall 20
Western Michigan (2-5) at Miami (Ohio) (3-4), 3:30 p.m. ET
Prediction: Miami 22, WMU 17
Georgia Southern (4-3) at Old Dominion (3-3), 3:30 p.m. ET
Prediction: ODU 31, Georgia Southern 28
Florida International (2-4) at Charlotte (1-6), 3:30 p.m. ET
Prediction: Charlotte 37, FIU 28
Vanderbilt (3-4) at Missouri (2-4), 4 p.m. ET
Prediction: Missouri 29, Vanderbilt 17
Arizona State (2-4) at Stanford (2-4), 4 p.m. ET
Prediction: Arizona State 34, Stanford 27
Hawai'i (2-5) at Colorado State (1-5), 4 p.m. ET
Prediction: Colorado State 28, Hawai'i 24
Florida Atlantic (3-4) at UTEP (3-4), 4 p.m. ET
Prediction: UTEP 27, FAU 21
Arkansas State (2-5) at Louisiana (3-3), 5 p.m. ET
Prediction: Louisiana 30, Arkansas State 24
Southern Miss (3-3) at Texas State (3-4), 5 p.m. ET
Prediction: Southern Miss 26, Texas State 21
Late Saturday
San Jose State (4-2) at New Mexico State (2-5), 6 p.m. ET
Prediction: San Jose State 34, NMSU 17
Fresno State (2-4) at New Mexico (2-5), 6:30 p.m. ET
Prediction: Fresno State 27, New Mexico 14
Texas A&M (3-3) at South Carolina (4-2), 7:30 p.m. ET
Prediction: Texas A&M 24, South Carolina 20
UCF (5-1) at East Carolina (4-3), 7:30 p.m. ET
Prediction: UCF 42, East Carolina 24
Colorado (1-5) at Oregon State (5-2), 8 p.m. ET
Prediction: Oregon State 41, Colorado 14
Pitt (4-2) at Louisville (3-3), 8 p.m. ET
Prediction: Pitt 31, Louisville 28
Utah State (3-4) at Wyoming (4-3), 9:45 p.m. ET
Prediction: Wyoming 20, Utah State 16
Washington (5-2) at Cal (3-3), 10:30 p.m. ET
Prediction: Washington 31, Cal 21
San Diego State (3-3) at Nevada (2-5), 10:30 p.m. ET
Prediction: SDSU 17, Nevada 14
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
