As the autumn leaves fall and the college football season reaches its peak, Week 8 offers fans a tantalizing array of college football matchups to savor. With 17 games featuring ranked squads, it’s a smorgasbord of gridiron talent. But amidst this football frenzy, all eyes will be on Columbus, Ohio, where the No. 7 Penn State Nittany Lions are set to clash with the No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes.
What makes this showdown even more riveting is the fact that both these college football powerhouses remain undefeated. Penn State, seemingly untouchable thus far, is ready to prove its mettle against a formidable Buckeyes team, one that’s had to battle its way through nail-biters against Maryland and Notre Dame. With Ohio State holding a 4.5-point edge in the betting odds, it’s a matchup that promises drama, grit, and glory.
Are you prepared to immerse yourself in the thrill of college football this week? If so, we’ve got your back with all the essential betting insights to give you that winning edge.
Take a look at the top Vegas college football betting sites to find the best site for your College Football bets.
NCAA Champion | |||
---|---|---|---|
Michigan | +310 | +350 | +300 |
Georgia | +325 | +270 | +330 |
Florida State | +700 | +800 | +750 |
Washington | +750 | +900 | +800 |
Ohio State | +800 | +900 | +800 |
Oklahoma | +1400 | +1400 | +1200 |
In each of their previous four face-offs, Ohio State has emerged victorious over Penn State with a comfortable margin of at least nine points. Their rivalry history took a twist when the Buckeyes turned the tables following a 2016 defeat in State College, winning a couple of nail-biting one-point games in the subsequent years.
The key to Ohio State’s dominance in this heated matchup will likely hinge on the performance of their first-year starting quarterback, Kyle McCord, particularly when facing Penn State’s formidable secondary. Despite an occasional turnover earlier this season, McCord can take comfort in having the most potent offensive weapon at his disposal in the form of wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.
However, Ohio State’s roster has been dealing with some injuries. A few of their star skill position players were sidelined in their recent victory over the Purdue Boilermakers. Their priority remains getting these athletes back to full health for their upcoming showdown in Columbus.
Penn State, on the other hand, holds the advantage in the running back department, boasting a dynamic duo in Nicholas Singleton and Keytron Allen. Nevertheless, to truly challenge the McCord-Harrison partnership, they’ll need a big-play wide receiver to complement Drew Allar effectively.
Anticipate a defensive battle, as both teams have been staunch in preventing opponents from reaching the 20-point mark. In this highly anticipated Top 10 matchup, the safest bet may be on the “under.”
Ohio State’s winning margin hasn’t dipped below 25 points during their recent dominance over Penn State, but this year’s contest presents a unique challenge. With two formidable defenses on display and two relatively inexperienced quarterbacks in the mix, the outcome might not be as clear-cut.
While bettors might lean towards McCord, who led Ohio State to a road victory over Notre Dame, the distinction between him and Allar is minimal, making it a tough call to pick a side in this evenly-matched contest.
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The Tennessee-Alabama rivalry seems poised to revert to its traditional state in Tuscaloosa this Saturday.
Alabama had enjoyed a remarkable streak of 15 consecutive victories in the rivalry until the Vols pulled off a thrilling 52-49 win in Knoxville last season. However, in 2023, Tennessee appears to have taken a step back with Joe Milton at quarterback, while Alabama has maintained its high standard for the majority of the season.
The Crimson Tide solidified their quarterback position with Jalen Milroe, guiding the team to four consecutive games with over 20 points following a challenging two-game stretch in September. On the flip side, Tennessee has demonstrated consistency at home. But a road loss against the Florida Gators exposed their vulnerability. Milton managed to muster only 16 points in Gainesville. His difficulty in finding the end zone on the road could prove problematic inside Bryant-Denny Stadium.
While Alabama’s defense hasn’t been outstanding, it has been adequate, enabling Milroe to secure comfortable victories in several matchups. History also favors the Crimson Tide on their home turf, especially when facing Tennessee. The Vols have breached the 20-point threshold just once in Tuscaloosa during Alabama’s 15-game winning streak. Notably, in the lone contest where Tennessee posted a respectable point total, Nick Saban’s squad emerged victorious with a convincing 52-24 scoreline.
Anticipate Alabama’s defense pressuring Milton into making costly mistakes, potentially leading to turnovers. If Milroe remains composed in the pocket, it’s highly probable that the Tide will secure another double-digit win in this enduring rivalry.
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Starting out in the betting industry, Henry later found his calling in sports writing. Specializing in soccer, golf, and darts, he also offers insights into a wide array of sports across the globe. After earning a BA Honors degree in Business and Management, Henry advanced through the ranks at William Hill in England. His career isn't just limited to sports; he's also made a mark in Property and Finance, fields in which he remains engaged. Henry now resides in Barcelona, where he enjoys playing golf year-round as part of the Real Federacion Espanola de Golf.