College Football Week 8 Preview: Spots to Target

Week 8 of the college football season and situational spots continue to be prevalent in the sport. Last week, we saw several teams (including Miami) fall in their letdown situations while others proved to be more focused.

Let’s take a look at this weekend’s slate and some games to watch. 

All odds from DraftKings Sportsbook.

Letdown Spots

Clemson at Miami 

8 p.m. ET
Clemson -2.5

Yes, I’m putting Miami in this spot once again. The Canes now have two losses, and traditionally this is a program that has major letdown capabilities when their primary goals disappear. Obviously, two losses in conference don’t eliminate them from the title game, but it puts them in a big hole. They probably should have lost to UNC by more, but the Heels had a lot of penalties and couldn’t take advantage of early Miami turnovers. Now, they host Clemson who is coming off a bye week. It’s not the same Tigers teams from the past few seasons, but with two weeks to prepare, I fully expect them to win this game, which would make Miami an even larger fade candidate the rest of the season. 

Utah @ USC

8 p.m. ET
USC -6.5

USC’s national title hopes took a major hit last week in South Bend. Caleb Williams is also no longer the favorite for the Heisman Trophy. The Trojans return home to host Utah who beat them 43-42 on the road last year. The Utes continue life without Cam Rising and that defense will certainly keep them in games. If the Trojans aren’t focused, the underdogs have some value. The Utes are feeling good after a 34-14 win over California last week. 

Sandwich + Letdown + Potential Smash Spot

Washington State @ Oregon

3:30 p.m. ET
Oregon -20

This game features a few potential situations. Oregon is coming off an emotional heartbreaking loss at Washington where they missed a field goal to send the game to overtime. Because of that, their national title hopes took a little bit of a hit. This week they are a large favorite vs. Washington State who is heading backwards after a great start. If focused, they should win this game rather easily, but if not, it could be a little closer. There’s also a bigger game next week at Utah which could make the back door open late for the Cougars if they are in the contest. 

Smash Spot

UL-Monroe at Georgia Southern

2 p.m. ET
Georgia Southern -16.5

If the Eagles can get over getting blasted by JMU last week, this is an opportunity to get right in a large way. Georgia Southern couldn’t do much on offense against the Dukes, but they’ve scored 35 or more three times this season overall. The Warhawks are coming off a tough one-point loss to Texas State on the road moving them to 2-4 on the year. ULM has already given up 47 at Texas A&M as well as 41 to App State and 55 to South Alabama. Their defense is bad so this one could be really ugly. I don’t lay a lot of points usually, but it could be warranted here.

‘Are They Back’ Spots?

Pittsburgh at Wake Forest

3:30 p.m. ET
Wake Forest -1.5

Last week we had Pittsburgh to cover against Louisville, and the Panthers looked like the team I expected them to be. They play in South Bend Oct. 28, and now have a sleepy road trip to Wake Forest. The reason I have the Panthers in this category is because they might be the better team in this game, but I need to see if last week was a mirage or not. The Demon Deacons have taken a few steps back after the departure of Sam Hartman. Wake’s offense just isn’t the same with Mitch Griffis under center and we even saw the backup a little last week. The Pitt I expected preseason wins this game so let’s see if they can actually do so. 

UTSA @ Florida Atlantic

6 p.m. ET
UTSA -3.5

The Owls were an intriguing team in the preseason because Tom Herman is a really good coach taking over some offensive talent. After a 1-3 start, they’ve won their last two as Daniel Richardson has been very solid under center. This is an opportunity to continue to play the sleeper as they host UTSA, who have also started to find themselves with Frank Harris back at quarterback. These two last played in 2020 and if the Owls can get the win they have Charlotte, UAB and ECU the next three weeks.