The SEC is set to take centerstage once again in Week 8 of the college football season. The conference will provide not one, not two, but three matchups between top 25-ranked teams, which includes a battle between undefeated No. 1 Alabama and No. 6 Texas A&M. Let’s take a closer look at those games, as well as a couple of potential Big 12 shootouts, which make up the top college football games to watch in Week 8.
College Football News and Previews
- Ohio State vs. Rutgers NCAA Football Preview - September 30, 2017
- Clemson vs. Virginia Tech NCAA Football Preview - September 30, 2017
- Arizona State vs. Stanford NCAA Football Preview - September 30, 2017
Top 5 College Football Games to Watch in Week 8
Saturday, Oct. 22
#6 Texas A&M (+18) vs. #1 Alabama (-18) – 3:30 PM ET, CBS
The winner of this matchup between No. 1 Alabama and No. 6 Texas A&M will most likely determine this year’s SEC West champion. The two undefeated teams have dominated during conference play thus far, although the Aggies were made to work by Tennessee – a team which Bama just beat to a pulp, 49-10.
The highlight of A&M quarterback Trevor Knight’s college career to date was his big Sugar Bowl win over Bama as a freshman in Oklahoma. Can he surpass that feat by getting a big win in Tuscaloosa on Saturday? Tune in to find out!
Writer’s Prediction: Alabama (-18) tops Texas A&M, 45-24.
TCU (+6.5) vs. #12 West Virginia (-6.5) – 3:30 PM ET, ABC
West Virginia in the College Football Playoff? It could still happen! The Mountaineers remain undefeated at 5-0, and are coming off a very impressive 48-17 win at Texas Tech. But before the Neers start thinking about playoffs, they first need to pass some tricky tests like the visit of TCU this weekend.
The Horned Frogs have struggled recently, losing to Oklahoma and barely beating Kansas. But with an offense as explosive as theirs, they’re always a threat to cause an upset. They went into Morgantown and put a 40-10 beatdown on West Virginia last year.
Writer’s Prediction: West Virginia (-6.5) goes 6-0 with a 38-27 home win.
#17 Arkansas (+9.5) vs. #21 Auburn (-9.5) – 6:00 PM ET, ESPN
It took four overtimes to separate Auburn and Arkansas the last time they met; the Razorbacks eventually came out on top, 54-46. And despite the nearly double-digit spread, this could turn out to be another close one.
The trademark Bret Bielema power running game finally showed up with a 200-yard effort in their 34-30 win over Ole Miss. And with Austin Allen throwing touchdowns for fun – he has an SEC-leading 18 – this Hogs offense could be a handful for Auburn’s defense.
Meanwhile, the Tigers have steadily improved their offense ever since offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee reclaimed play-calling duties three games ago. They’ve gone 3-0 SU and ATS in those games, and are 5-1 ATS overall this season.
Writer’s Prediction: Auburn (-9.5) runs away from Arkansas, 31-17.
#16 Oklahoma (-14) vs. Texas Tech (+14) – 8:00 PM ET, FOX
One way or another, there’s bound to be points when Oklahoma meets Texas Tech in Lubbock. The Sooners’ first three conference games have yielded 102, 95, and 55 points. They’ve already lit up some subpar defenses in TCU and Texas, and the Red Raiders’ defense is legitimately one of the worst in the country.
The Tech offense can be just as prolific, but it was limited to 17 points in a heavy loss to West Virginia. Back-to-back bad offensive performances from Tech at home are virtually unheard of, though, and the Sooners D has been susceptible to big plays all season long.
Writer’s Prediction: Texas Tech (+14) covers in a 52-42 loss.
#23 Ole Miss (+6.5) vs. #25 LSU (-6.5) – 9:00 PM ET, ESPN
The Coach O tenure in LSU has been a success through two games. Granted, his first two wins have come against a bad Missouri team and Southern Miss, while their game against Florida was cancelled. The new-look Tigers – which will have Leonard Fournette back from injury – will finally get their first true test this weekend, though, as they host Ole Miss.
The Rebels are coming off a 34-30 loss to Arkansas last time out, but Swag Kelly and co. are still a dangerous bunch. Kelly almost singlehandedly carried Ole Miss to a 38-17 win over the Tigers last season. Despite a rough night throwing the ball, he still ended up with 342 total yards and accounted for four touchdowns (two passing, two rushing).
Writer’s Prediction: LSU (-6.5) goes 3-0 with Coach O as the Tigers topple Ole Miss, 38-31.
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