In a season that has been rendered chaotic by the COVID-19 pandemic, a heartwarming story came from FCS program Stephen F. Austin State University (TX). Head coach Colby Carthel was diagnosed with COVID-19 and could not coach his team on the sideline. He called his father, former coach Don Carthel, to come and fill in — and the Lumberjacks won. Several other coaches had a brush with the coronavirus, including Nick Saban, who overcame an apparent false positive with three consecutive negative tests so that he could coach on the sideline in a big win over Georgia. Florida coach Dan Mullen, who had called for fans to pack Gainesville instead of observing social distancing, has come down with the virus as well.
Amidst all the chaos, let’s take a look at some of the top college football betting picks for this weekend’s action.
NCAA News: Top Odds, Overview & Picks for Week 8
Tulsa (-10.5) at South Florida (O/U 51)
The Tulsa Golden Hurricane made news by upsetting UCF to dash the team’s hopes of a perfect season. Tulsa has a way of knocking off contenders in the AAC, thanks to an opportunistic offense and a pesky defense. They’re not really a star-based program, but their system does well enough in a conference that has yet to put together a true contender since UCF’s undefeated run a few years back. Next up for Tulsa is a trip to Tampa to take on the South Florida Bulls. Tulsa is just 1-1 thanks to some COVID-19 cancellations, while the Bulls are 1-4 — but 3-2 against the spread. After upsetting UCF, expect Tulsa to come in a little proud — and the Bulls to keep close. USF to cover.
Raymond James Stadium
Friday, October 23
7:00 pm
ESP+
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Auburn (-3) at Ole Miss (O/U 70.5)
Auburn comes into this game after losing to South Carolina for the first time since 1933. That’s right, FDR was the nation’s president the last time the Gamecocks beat Auburn. So expect the Tigers to come in with a chip on their shoulder. They face an Ole Miss team that stacked up 48 points on Alabama’s defense, thanks to Lane Kiffin’s opportunistic offense. Could Auburn get caught up in a shootout? So long as Bo Nix doesn’t get turnover-happy again, absolutely. Take the over.
Vaught-Hemingway Stadium at Hollingsworth Field
Saturday, October 24
7:00 pm
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Iowa State (+3.5) at Oklahoma State (O/U 52)
I keep hearing that Oklahoma State has the best defense they’ve shown in years. That might be true. However, first they’ll have to beat a team that’s already beaten someone — and Iowa State has already knocked off Oklahoma this year. The oddsmakers have this game as dead even, giving the Cowboys three points for playing at home. I still don’t trust Mike Gundy as a defensive coach, so I’m taking Iowa State to cover.
Boone Pickens Stadium
Saturday, October 24
7:00 pm
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Houston (-14) at Navy (O/U 54.5)
Navy comes in at 3-2, while Houston is just 1-1. The Cougars can put up the points, but I’m not sure that they can beat the Midshipmen by two touchdowns. That triple option offense that Navy likes to run will slow the game down and frustrate Houston, which likes to keep the pace running and gunning. Navy to cover.
Navy – Marine Corps Memorial Stadium
Saturday, October 24
7:00 pm
CBSSN
West Virginia (-3) at Texas Tech (O/U 55)
Texas Tech is undermanned this year, but Lubbock is a difficult place to go in and steal a win. West Virginia did look impressive against Baylor at home and has posted a nice home win over Kansas. However, I’m not sure that they can replicate that success on the road. Texas Tech to cover.
Jones AT&T Stadium
Saturday, October 24
5:30 pm
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South Carolina (+6) at LSU (O/U 56)
Can the Gamecocks make it two big upsets in two weeks? LSU has already lost to Mississippi State and Missouri this year. They’ve had two weeks to prepare for South Carolina, though, so you have to like Ed Orgeron’s chances of getting his men ready. LSU to win and cover.
Tiger Stadium
Saturday, October 24
6:00 pm
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