The 2021 college football season is already in Week 8, and there are a ton of big matchups on the schedule. Here are five of the best Week 8 against the spread predictions for games played on Saturday.
Are you new to sports betting? Read over our point spread betting guide.
Northwestern Wildcats at Michigan Wolverines
Northwestern vs. Michigan Predictions
Best Bet: Northwestern +23.5
The 6-0 Michigan Wolverines host the 3-3 Northwestern Wildcats on Saturday for a clash in the Big Ten Conference. Michigan has been on a remarkable run to begin the season, but this program has always seemed to find a way to trip up at some point.
Northwestern is scoring just 21 points per game this season, but they still have a strong defense. Michigan has been winning games by 23 points per contest, which is right where this spread is set.
The Wolverines are the better team in this game, but Northwestern will be competitive. The best bet is to take the points and look for the Wildcats to keep this game close.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Army Black Knights
Wake Forest vs. Army Predictions
Best Bet: Wake Forest -3
Wake Forest is one of the biggest surprises in college football this season, jumping out to a perfect 6-0 record. The Demon Deacons have a difficult matchup this weekend as they are on the road against the Army Black Knights.
Army is going to run the football all game long, and Wake Forest has struggled to defend the run. Wake Forest does have an offense that is able to score points in a hurry, and that will put pressure on the Black Knights’ defense.
This should be a great game on Saturday, but Wake Forest just has too much talent. Take the Demon Deacons -3.0 over the Army Black Knights.
Syracuse Orange at Virginia Tech Hokies
Syracuse vs. Virginia Tech Predictions
Best Bet: Virginia Tech -3.5
The Virginia Tech Hokies have now lost two straight games, and their season is starting to fall apart a bit. The Hokies host Syracuse on Saturday and the Orange have lost three straight contests.
Virginia Tech has struggled to score points this season, but their defense will keep them in this game. Syracuse has suffered three straight losses by exactly three points, but two of those games were at home.
Life on the road will be difficult for the Orange, and this is a chance for the Hokies to turn things around. Bet the Hokies -3.5 as they win this game by a touchdown at least.
Oklahoma State Cowboys at Iowa State Cyclones
Oklahoma State vs. Iowa State Predictions
Best Bet: Oklahoma State +7
The 6-0 Oklahoma State Cowboys are a touchdown underdog on the road at 4-2 Iowa State. Both of these teams are allowing less than 20 points per game, and this could be a low-scoring affair.
Oklahoma State is not getting a ton of respect in this game, even though the Cowboys have now beaten three straight ranked opponents. Iowa State was supposed to be a top-10 team, but there is a reason that they have two losses.
Even if the Cowboys lose this game, it’s going to be close. Take the seven points in this one.
USC Trojans at Notre Dame Fighting Irish
USC vs. Notre Dame Predictions
Best Bet: Notre Dame -7
Things have gone from bad to worse at USC after this team fired head coach Clay Helton earlier in the year. USC has suffered three blowout losses already this year while only beating the three worst teams on their schedule.
Notre Dame still has a shot at reaching the College Football Playoff, but it’s going to take some big wins along the way. The Fighting Irish still have some things to figure out, but playing at home gives them a big advantage in this game.
USC is not going to be competitive in this matchup as Notre Dame rolls to a double-digit victory.