College Football Week 8 Best Bets, Picks & Odds: Favorites, Underdogs and Value Spots

Written By Nick Crain | Last Updated at October 18, 2025

Week 8's college football slate is here, and by this point in the season, we continue to get a better sense of who these teams really are. Given we're several weeks into conference play at this point, volatility has settled to a degree.

Even then, oddsmakers continue to react quickly to recent results, which often opens the door for sharp bettors to find value on teams that have been mispriced on the top sports betting apps.

This week’s college football best bets focus on a few key edges and are trending toward a week in which better teams will have a great chance to cover in their games. These plays can be even more lucrative when you have the latest sportsbook promos on your side.

Here are the top Week 8 college football picks and where the numbers provide the most value today.

Texas Tech (-7) vs Arizona State (-110)

Odds via BetMGM

This is a game that has seen quite a bit of line movement, but everything is trending toward Texas Tech getting the win and moving to 7-0 on the season. Especially against an Arizona State team that has been inconsistent this season, covering the touchdown spread is a great play.

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The Sun Devils are facing several key injuries -- as is Texas Tech -- and despite being at home, Arizona will be undermatched. Take advantage of the better team winning this one, riding the Red Raiders, especially if you're using BetMGM's latest welcome offers.

BYU (ML) vs Utah (+154)

Odds via bet365

This is a ranked showdown between two of the best teams in the Big 12. It's also an in-state matchup, but given that this game is taking place in Provo, expect BYU to have the edge.

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The Cougars aren't significant underdogs, but they're still undefeated, and getting a team that hasn't lost yet at plus odds is a must-take bet. I expect this game to be close, but home field advantage will get BYU over the hump.

Oregon (-17.5) vs Rutgers (-110)

Odds via Caesars Sportsbooks

Oregon is coming off an unexpected loss last week and will be out to make a statement today. And while 17.5 is a significant spread to cover, there's no question the Ducks have what it takes to blow Rutgers out by multiple scores.

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Especially with a coach like Dan Lanning at the helm, you can be assured that Oregon will take the field hyper-focused and sharp. The Scarlet Knights are at home, but likely will fall to 3-4 today in a double-digit loss.

Missouri (-1.5) vs Auburn (-118)

Odds via bet365

The SEC is a gauntlet, with teams beating up on one another each week. As talented as Auburn is, this team hasn't shown a level of consistency to be trusted this season. They also have a poor offensive line and a QB in Jackson Arnold who has been flustered this season when pressured.

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As such, expect Missouri to dial up defensive schemes to make him uncomfortable. They lost to Alabama last week by three points in a game that came down to the wire, so this is a great chance to bounce back and cover a spread that should be much larger.

As the Week 8 college football slate takes shape, the betting market continues to adjust, sometimes too slowly. Public perception still outweighs performance in several key matchups, creating opportunities for bettors willing to dig deeper than recent box scores. Underdogs with the right game plan can stay within striking distance, while disciplined favorites have the chance to separate late.

Finding value in college football Week 8 predictions often comes down to recognizing trends before the oddsmakers fully react. These Week 8 college football picks highlight where momentum, coaching and matchup dynamics intersect to create the sharpest betting opportunities on the board.

Odds as of 11:59 p.m. ET on Oct. 17

Mandatory Photo Credit: Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images