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UCLA -17 (-105 FanDuel): Covering a lot of points on the road can be challenging. However, this game presents an excellent opportunity to take advantage of a Stanford offense that recently scored over 40 points and defeated a defensively weak Colorado team in overtime.

Nevada @ San Diego State over 47.5: Neither Nevada nor San Diego State is considered a particularly strong team. However, both offenses have managed to score points against similar-level defenses, making this game a potential high-scoring affair.

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Last week, our picks for moneyline underdogs didn’t go as planned. BYU suffered a blowout loss to a TCU team playing with their backup quarterback. BYU’s quarterback, Kedon Slovis, threw a pick-six on their first offensive snap, marking the second time this season that BYU has given up a defensive touchdown on the opening play. Meanwhile, Oregon, despite holding a lead with two minutes remaining, ended up losing to Washington. Even though Oregon’s offense outgained Washington by 130 yards, they still fell short.

Week 8 Picks

UCLA @ Stanford

Best bet: UCLA -17 (-105 FanDuel)

Covering a lot of points on the road is challenging, but this game presents a great opportunity to take advantage of a Stanford offense that just scored over 40 points against a weak defensive team like Colorado. Additionally, UCLA will face the weakest defensive unit they’ve encountered in weeks, providing a chance to buy low on UCLA. Despite his recent struggles with pick-sixes, UCLA’s freshman quarterback Dante Moore has shown promise against teams like San Diego State and NC Central. Compared to Utah, Washington State, and Oregon State, Stanford’s defense allows more yards per coverage snap and rushing attempt.

Moreover, UCLA has the best run defense that Stanford has faced all year and ranks 13th in adjusted coverage defense overall. Stanford only managed 10 points against USC and 9 points against Oregon, so it can be argued that UCLA’s defense is even more well-rounded than those teams. Considering these factors, UCLA -17 seems like a solid bet.

Nevada @ San Diego State

BEST BET: OVER 47.5 (-110 FANDUEL)

Neither Nevada nor San Diego State is considered a strong team. However, both offenses have shown the ability to put up points against similar-level defenses. San Diego State has already scored 72 points against two bottom-15 passing defenses this season. Facing the Nevada Wolfpack, who possess the second-worst pass defense and second-worst run defense in the country, San Diego State’s offense should have an easier time. On the other hand, Nevada’s offense has scored three or more touchdowns in three of their last four games against similar-level defenses. Taking these factors into account, the total for this game undervalues the weakness of both defenses.

Eastern Michigan @ Northern Illinois

BEST BET: NORTHERN ILLINOIS -11.5 (-110 FANDUEL)

Northern Illinois holds significant advantages in two areas in this matchup. Even with the low total, there is a strong possibility of Northern Illinois covering the spread. Eastern Michigan’s offense has struggled throughout the season, ranking as the worst passing offense in the country. They have failed to generate much offense against weak opponents like Kent State, Ball State, and UMass. Northern Illinois, on the other hand, boasts a strong coverage defense and limited Ohio’s standout quarterback to just 159 yards and three interceptions. While Eastern Michigan may find some success running the ball, their rushing offense hasn’t been threatening. Moreover, their 125th-ranked run defense will have a tough time dealing with Northern Illinois’ strong run game, making Northern Illinois the favorable bet in this matchup.

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