B/R College Football 2024 Betting Locks with Adam Kramer: Week 8
Let's be honest for a moment. A winning week has been hard to come by. Wagering on college football isn't easy, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Sometimes things come easy; sometimes they don't.
Up until last week, it's been an uphill slog. In a 24-hour stretch, however, everything changed. The winners came in, and they kept flowing. The end result was a much-needed 7-2 week, which was a long time coming.
For the year, we're now 31-34. Next stop? Profitability.
Before we move on to our next batch of picks in another loaded week of college football, let's look at the good and bad from the week that was.
The Good: Iowa (-2.5) vs. Washington: There were plenty of options here, although Iowa was where the momentum really started. The Hawkeyes scored 40 points against Washington—an offensive output no one saw coming.
The Bad: Kentucky (-13.5) vs. Vanderbilt: While there weren't many wrong picks, this one was deeply wrong. Kentucky didn't just fail to cover the spread; the Wildcats lost outright. Give credit to Vanderbilt, which has become a legit obstacle in the SEC.
With that complete, time for more winners. Here they are.
For the latest spreads on futures and games, head to DraftKings.
Louisville (+5) vs. Miami
1 of 6
The last time we bet on Louisville, things did not go particularly well. The Cardinals closed as roughly a touchdown favorite against SMU, and they proceeded to lose the game outright.
Things are different now. Let's leave it at that.
Last week, Louisville was able to deliver an ugly win against Virginia on the road. And although that performance didn't exactly ooze confidence, the oddsmakers seem to believe the home underdog is live.
Miami is certainly familiar with struggles and weird football games. The only difference, at least to date, is that the Hurricanes have yet to lose. They've pushed it awfully close—and the officials have done their part to help—but the record is perfect.
That could change this week. Miami has given up 72 combined points the last two games, and that trend should continue. Louisville gets enough offense to cover the spread and push for the upset.
Arkansas (+3) vs. LSU
2 of 6
Although LSU did not make Locks last week, I bet the Tigers shortly before gametime on Saturday. Although they never led until the final moment against Ole Miss, what a moment it was for Brian Kelly's group.
LSU is no longer playing in perhaps the best environment in college football this weekend. Also, one can't help but wonder how a win that big will linger.
Yes, the dreaded football hangover.
For Arkansas, it's been a strange season, although things are looking up of late. A win over Tennessee followed by a bye has the Hogs in position to make some noise. No aspect of Arkansas' game is particularly dominant, although the offense and defense are both ranked inside the top 40.
At home, playing a feisty team coming off an enormous win, Sam Pittman might just win himself a bit more job security. Either way, prepare for a weird football game.
West Virginia (+3) vs. Kansas State
3 of 6
Does this look familiar? If you read this column last week, it should. Although we lost only two games last week, the loss on West Virginia still stung.
For a while, things were going swimmingly. West Virginia scored first against Iowa State, and the Mountaineers were in a position to pull and upset.
Then, West Virginia threw an interception. Then, they threw another. From there, the game unraveled.
A week later, and the situation is eerily similar. WVU is a small home underdog against a ranked Big 12 team. That ranked team, Kansas State, is coming off a thrilling win at Colorado.
Playing on the road hasn't been easy for K-State, which survived close games against the Buffaloes along with Tulane. At BYU, the Wildcats were clobbered 38-9. This will be another challenging road trip on the heels of a grueling game that featured a lot of injuries.
While West Virginia was unable to seal the deal last Saturday, that won't be the case here. Mountaineers win a minor upset.
Florida State (+3) at Duke
4 of 6
Am I proud of this? No, no I am not.
In fact, for those who want to doubt placing any hard-earned currency on Florida State, I completely understand. This team has been the most disappointing team in college football to date, and that's really not up for debate.
New starting QB Brock Glenn did some nice things against Clemson, and he'll get the start once again. Given how inept this side of the ball has looked for much of the year, this is good news. Glenn isn't a star, but there's plenty to like.
Duke is 5-1, although the schedule hasn't exactly been daunting. The defense has been solid under Manny Diaz, as one might expect. But the offense lacks explosiveness.
As such, this game will almost certainly lack explosiveness. This won't be easy on the eyes. The under is very much in play, although we like road dog here.
It has been ugly for Florida State, although this could be a high point in a season full of lows.
Texas (-4) vs. Georgia
5 of 6
In many instances, Locks of the Week is often a bystander during the biggest games of a weekend.
This isn't by design. If a line calls to us, we'll respond regardless of the stakes attached. Often, however, it doesn't work out that way. This week, the sentiment does not apply.
This one really isn't all that complicated. Presently, Texas is a superior football team to Georgia in pretty much every facet. That doesn't mean that the Bulldogs aren't overflowing with talent; they are. But this road trip will be another huge test, and I'm not sure the away team can pass it.
Texas, not Georgia, has the nation's No. 1 scoring defense. The Bulldogs are currently No. 20, which is not a place we've seen this team in some time. After allowing Mississippi State to score 31 points at home last weekend, it's reasonable to have concerns.
Offensively, the Longhorns are No. 7 in scoring. Georgia comes in at No. 35. The numbers tell you that the home team is better, and the eyeballs say the same.
Nothing cute. Nothing fancy. Just Texas by double digits.
Other Games on the Card
6 of 6
Maryland (+7.5) vs. USC
Yes, Maryland is bad, but USC might be emotionally spent. After a crushing loss to Penn State, a cross-country trip is not what you want to see. The Terps get up just enough to keep this one close.
Virginia Tech (-7) vs. Boston College
As far as Thursday night football games go, this is a good one. Although Virginia Tech started the year in somewhat "meh" fashion, the 3-3 record doesn't look as bad now. At home, against a BC team that is struggling, the Hokies roll.
Michigan State (+5.5) vs. Iowa
Although the Hawkeyes were brilliant last week, this sport moves quickly. Michigan State has a good enough defense to keep this game close. Iowa will win, but it will not come easy on the road.
