Week 8 CFB picks ATS

Well, no reason to waste any time, let's get right to the Chicago Kid's week 8 college football picks against the spread . . .

TCU -2.5 @ BYU. TCU is legit, no doubt about it; Dalton has a ton of experience running the offense that has not been explosive, but has been very efficient. However, TCU is still led by their great defense and I certainly prefer to back teams that defend in what shapes up to be a close game. I know a lot of people like BYU at home here because they feel they will be fired up and seeking revenge; and I agree BYU should come out fired up, but that is tough to maintain when they are unable to move the ball against the TCU D. I do not expect BYU to have the emotional edge here; TCU was 2 short missed FGs away from beating Utah last year and likely ending up in a BCS game and I think they are very motivated to prove they belong in BCS game this year; and they know that means no losses. Although BYU is a veteran team and beat OU, I do not think they are as strong as they have been the past few years, something is just not clicking for them, evidenced by the beating an average Noles team gave them in Provo. Certainly will be an emotional game and I do not expect a TCU rout, but think TCU gets it done on the road and don't mind laying the 2.5 points. 3.5 units. Win.

Iowa pk @ Michigan St. Alright, I admit, I am very confused by this line, which probably should scare me, but it doesn't scare me enough. I have a couple things working against me here; first, do not think I've been successful in backing a team consecutive weeks this year, but I'm at it again here; and second, the line movement in this game tells me that apparently everyone else knows that MSU will win at home (maybe its the 9 straight home wins in this series). Notwithstanding, although I'm not sold that Iowa is a great team sitting at 7-0, I think they are better than the Spartans, even on the road. Iowa is fundamentally sound and I expect them to be able to stop MSU's running attack and force the QBs (either one) into mistakes; which really isn't that difficult. I've seen both of these teams several times this year and even at home I will be very surprised to see MSU win this one. So, while my fears will lower my units, I can't help but like the Hawkeyes here. 2 units. Win - wow, boring ass defensive game and then a great (from my perspective) last 2 minutes.

Penn St. -4.5 @ Michigan. Clearly not a believer in the Michigan schools this weekend, but sticking with my theory of taking better teams on the road - it worked well last week. Michigan is better than many expected this year, including me; but I think the surprise factor has worn off. PSU is not terribly flashy on offense and do not have the variety of weapons they have had in recent years, but this defensive unit certainly lives up to the high PSU standards and seems to be continuing to improve. As I mentioned with TCU, I like good defenses, especially on the road. I really expect Michigan to struggle to move the ball in this game and think that PSU will be able to capitalize on a steady diet of short fields. Although Michigan was riding high at 4-0, they have struggled since then and PSU, despite their loss, still feels they have a shot at the Big 10 and should be ready to play, even on the road. In typical PSU fashion, I expect PSU to wear down Michigan and pull away late due to the Wolverines lack of a passing game. 2.5 units. Win.

Arkansas +6.5 @ Ole Miss. I think this is the story of 2 teams going in opposite directions; Ole Miss has a lot of pre- and early season hype, but they haven't delivered at all. Tough to pinpoint, but they have not played well. On the other hand, Arkansas definitely seems like a team and a program heading in the right direction. He may be as sleazy as they come, but Bobby Petrino can coach college football, without doubt. The Hogs are young and are improving each week, including a great game at Florida last week in which they should have won. They could come out flat in this one after that tough loss, but I don't think so, I think they are young and excited to play each week. Mallett is a solid QB who will only continue to improve and I expect their offense to find the going much easier this week than last week in the Swamp. I would not all be surprised to see the Hogs win this one outright, but regardless I like the 6.5 points I'm getting. Not to mention, if Iowa doesn't come through for me, I will have another shot at breaking my back to back week struggles as the Hogs were good to me last week as well. 3 units. Loss.

Duke -4 @ home vs Maryland. Did I really just write that? Bet on Duke in football? Yes, yes I did. The Blue Devils are at home, playing well and Maryland is simply put a bad football team. Duke's passing attack is lethal and although their D is not going to shut anyone down, they should be fine against a poor Maryland team. Let's look at a few things beyond the field, Duke is playing with a lot of confidence after a good home showing versus VaTech and then putting on a clinic against NC State on the road. I expect the Devils to be focused and riding high for this one. Maryland on the other hand, how can they get fired up to go play Duke (in football)? Duke on the other hand will work hard for another victory, despite realizing that Maryland is bad. Just like I like the Devils on the hardwood because they defend all the way to the end, here I like the Devils on the gridiron because they will continue to score from start to finish. Go Devils! 3 units. Push - well done Vegas.

And for those of you (like me) who followed Walter's pick of the month in UNC tonight . . . what the hell??? That was pathetic!! Best of luck this week.