It was a good time at the betting window last week, sweeping all three small-school plays. Let’s do it again! Below, we look at the best bets for three small-school college football winners in Week 8, with expert college football picks and predictions.
Every week we target three smaller schools that are good bets to cover the spread and win big money – it doesn’t really matter the size of the school, it’s winners that matter.
This week we’ll check out a couple of road favorites in the Mid-American Conference (MAC), as well as a live ‘dog in the Sun Belt Conference, all in early-afternoon action.
Small-school college football best bets of Week 8
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 7:30 a.m. ET.
Eastern Michigan -3.5 (+102) at Bowling Green (Saturday at noon ET)
Eastern Michigan (4-3, 1-2 MAC) is looking for a little redemption after a 38-31 loss at home against Ball State last weekend. The 31 points was the highest offensive output in three conference games, but the 38 points allowed was also the highest of the season against any opponent.
Bowling Green (2-5, 0-3) has dropped three in a row since its impressive 14-10 upset win at Minnesota. Going against the Falcons is going against the trends, as BGSU is an impressive 6-1 ATS in seven games overall. However, the defense has struggled in the past two after a surprising showing to start the season, allowing 34.5 PPG across the past two.
The Eagles are 4-1 ATS in the past five trips to Doyt Perry Stadium while the road team has cashed in seven of the previous eight in this series. Back EMU on the road.
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Kent State -5.5 (-108) at Ohio (Saturday at 1 p.m. ET)
Kent State (3-4, 2-1 MAC) is in first place in the East Division despite being fed a 60-burger last weekend at Western Michigan. The Golden Flashes fell 64-31, snapping a modest two-game win streak inside the league.
After struggling in the non-conference schedule, averaging just 11.0 PPG in three FBS non-MAC outings, the Golden Flashes have picked up the pace inside the MAC. Kent State is averaging 35.3 PPG in three conference outings.
Ohio (1-6, 1-2) has struggled in the non-conference schedule, against FCS teams and inside the MAC, although they have shown some fight lately. In fact, the Bobcats are 3-0 ATS in the past three overall.
Kent State has covered eight of the past 10 trips to Athens, Ohio, with the road team 14-6 ATS in the past 20 meetings overall.
Texas State +10.5 (-115) at Georgia State (Saturday at 2 p.m. ET)
Texas State (2-4, 1-1 Sun Belt) and Georgia State (2-4, 1-1) have managed identical records, but the Panthers are a double-digit favorite in Atlanta.
Head coach Jake Spavital’s Bobcats have put up a nice fight lately, topping South Alabama in 4 OT by a 33-31 count as four-point ‘dogs in San Marcos two weeks ago, and they nearly pulled the upset of Troy last week, falling 31-28 as seven-point underdogs.
GSU punished a bad Louisiana-Monroe side last week, winning 55-21 as 14.5-point favorites, and they’re 3-1 ATS across the past four. However, this defense has yielded 100 total points over the past three, so Texas State will be able to hang close.
As an added bonus, check out the Over, which is 4-0 in the past four for TSU. The Over has hit in three in a row for Ga. State.
Last week’s recap
It was the first three-game sweep of the season. Akron (+19.5) kept it within two touchdowns at Miami (Ohio), falling 34-21. And two of my favorite plays this season, UTEP (+6.5) and Nevada (-13.5) covered their respective games, as well. As promised, if the Miners cashed in a fourth straight game for me, I’d shop for a hat and will post a selfie on Twitter. It’s coming soon!
Last Week: 3-0
Season Total: 13-8
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