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Week 8 picks from D.S. Williamson and Henry Watkins.
Our 2026 College Football Week 8 picks feature Ole Miss to upset Texas, Arizona -10, and Alabama -15.5. Both writers back Ole Miss: D.S. Williamson picks the outright win, while Henry Watkins takes the +3.5 cushion.
Compare their selections, matchup analysis, and the critical betting factors before choosing your wager.
Week 8 Picks: Which Teams Are the Writers Backing?
- Ole Miss vs. Texas: D.S. picks Ole Miss to win outright; Henry takes Ole Miss +3.5.
- Iowa State vs. Arizona: D.S. backs Arizona -10.
- Texas A&M vs. Alabama: D.S. lays 15.5 points with Alabama.
- LSU vs. Auburn: D.S. takes Auburn +6.5; Henry selects Under 50.5 total points.
Henry also backs Tennessee, Kansas State, and Baylor moneylines; Texas Tech -10.5 and BYU -6.5; Iowa–Minnesota Under 41.5; and North Texas–Navy Over 61.
These picks apply to the listed numbers. Henry’s BYU recommendation requires laying fewer than 7 points. Compare the current line and price before following any selection.
See the full Week 8 picks and reasoning or review the critical betting factors.
2026 College Football Week 8 Picks and Predictions
D.S. Williamson and Henry Watkins cover Week 8 moneylines, point spreads, and game totals. Both support Ole Miss against Texas: D.S. predicts an outright victory, while Henry takes Ole Miss +3.5.
Compare each recommended number with the available College Football betting odds and lines. A change in the spread, total, or moneyline price can affect whether you want to follow the original selection.
College Football Week 8 Odds: What to Check Before Betting
The numbers below are the lines supplied with the writers’ Week 8 picks. They are reference points for their analysis, rather than a live odds feed. Compare them with the current sportsbook offer and check player availability before wagering.
Which Week 8 Betting Lines Should You Compare?
D.S. Williamson’s spread selections are Arizona -10, Auburn +6.5, and Alabama -15.5. Henry Watkins takes Texas Tech -10.5, BYU -6.5, and Ole Miss +3.5. Compare the exact spread and its price: the same team at a different number or different odds is a different betting proposition.
For the totals, compare Iowa–Minnesota Under 41.5, North Texas–Navy Over 61, and LSU–Auburn Under 50.5. Moneyline prices were not supplied for Tennessee, Kansas State, Baylor, or D.S.’s Ole Miss outright selection.
Have Injuries or Player Availability Changed the Matchup?
Check quarterback availability, offensive-line changes, defensive absences, and any suspensions before following a selection. These developments can affect the expected game script and the available odds. No verified injury or player-availability updates are included in this section.
Should You Bet the Original Pick at a Different Number?
A writer’s team preference does not automatically apply to every available line. Henry specifically wants BYU laying fewer than 7 points, so his -6.5 selection does not extend to -7 or a larger spread. Likewise, Ole Miss +3.5 provides protection against a 3-point loss that Ole Miss +2.5 does not.
For moneylines, review the price before deciding whether the potential return justifies the stake. Picking a winner alone does not establish that the available odds offer value.
Line Movement Example: Why BYU -6.5 Differs From -7
Henry’s selection: BYU -6.5, provided he is laying fewer than 7 points. The scenarios below illustrate settlement differences; they are not reported market moves.
BYU -6.5:
A BYU victory by exactly 7 points wins the spread bet. A victory by 6 points or fewer loses it.
BYU -7 or -7.5:
A 7-point victory normally pushes at -7, returning the stake, but loses at -7.5. Both numbers fall outside Henry’s stated recommendation.
Compare the odds attached to each spread as well. A more favorable number can come with a higher price.
College Football Week 8 Picks at a Glance
- Iowa State vs. Arizona: Arizona -10 — D.S. Williamson
- LSU vs. Auburn: Auburn +6.5 — D.S. Williamson
- Texas A&M vs. Alabama: Alabama -15.5 — D.S. Williamson
- Ole Miss vs. Texas: Ole Miss to win outright — D.S. Williamson
- Tennessee vs. South Carolina: Tennessee moneyline — Henry Watkins
- Kansas State vs. Arizona State: Kansas State moneyline — Henry Watkins
- Baylor vs. Kansas: Baylor moneyline — Henry Watkins
- Texas Tech vs. Cincinnati: Texas Tech -10.5 — Henry Watkins
- BYU: -6.5; recommendation requires laying fewer than 7 points — Henry Watkins
- Ole Miss vs. Texas: Ole Miss +3.5 — Henry Watkins
- Iowa vs. Minnesota: Under 41.5 — Henry Watkins
- North Texas vs. Navy: Over 61 — Henry Watkins
- LSU vs. Auburn: Under 50.5 — Henry Watkins
Read D.S. Williamson’s picks or jump to Henry Watkins’ picks.
Where the College Football Writers Agree and Differ
Shared Week 8 position: Both writers back Ole Miss against Texas, but with different winning conditions. D.S. Williamson predicts an outright Ole Miss victory, while Henry Watkins takes Ole Miss +3.5. A 3-point Ole Miss loss would win Henry’s spread bet but lose D.S.’s outright selection.
Different Week 8 approaches: D.S. selects Arizona -10, Auburn +6.5, Alabama -15.5, and Ole Miss to win outright. Henry divides his nine picks across moneylines (Tennessee, Kansas State, Baylor), spreads (Texas Tech -10.5, BYU -6.5, Ole Miss +3.5), and totals (Iowa–Minnesota Under 41.5, North Texas–Navy Over 61, LSU–Auburn Under 50.5).
Same game, separate predictions: D.S. takes Auburn +6.5 against LSU, while Henry backs Under 50.5. One concerns the winning margin; the other concerns combined scoring. Either selection can win while the other loses.
Compare the exact line and price before following a pick. Henry’s BYU recommendation requires laying fewer than 7 points, and the writers’ shared support for Ole Miss does not make the spread and moneyline interchangeable.
D.S. Williamson | #MyBookie College Football Analyst
D.S. Williamson’s four featured College Football Week 8 picks are Arizona -10, Auburn +6.5, Alabama -15.5, and Ole Miss to beat Texas outright.
His card backs Arizona’s balanced attack, Auburn to stay competitive against LSU, Alabama to rebound, and Ole Miss to deliver a road upset at Texas.
D.S. Williamson’s Top College Football Week 8 Picks
- Arizona -10 vs. Iowa State
- Auburn +6.5 vs. LSU
- Alabama -15.5 vs. Texas A&M
- Ole Miss to win outright at Texas
Spreads reflect the lines supplied with these picks and may change. Ole Miss is a straight-up selection; a moneyline price was not supplied.
College Football Week 8 Pick — Iowa State at Arizona
Pick: Arizona -10
Noah Fifita, Arizona’s senior quarterback, has thrown for over 1,700 yards and has a 16 TD to 4 INT ratio. Fifita has carved up defenses because of terrific protection, a good rushing attack, and experience. The man has played a lot of football.
Not only that, but the AZ defense has given up 20 or more points just three times this season in two wins and a loss. The loss came in a 28-17 game versus BYU in Provo. Zona covers.
D.S. Williamson lays the 10 points with Arizona against Iowa State.
College Football Week 8 Pick — LSU at Auburn
Pick: Auburn +6.5
There’s a chance the Auburn Tigers bounce after upsetting the Georgia Bulldogs on the road. But there’s a better chance that Auburn carries over momentum from the upset win into this home game versus one of their most hated rivals, the LSU Tigers.
Auburn’s top rival is Alabama, but LSU is a close second. Auburn won’t bounce. Instead, the Tigers will play well on both sides of the ball because LSU struggles on the road and Sam Leavitt’s cowboy way of playing will lead to at least one turnover. Taking the points in this rivalry game.
D.S. Williamson takes Auburn +6.5 against LSU.
College Football Week 8 Pick — Texas A&M at Alabama
Pick: Alabama -15.5
Texas A&M beat The Citadel 41-0. Alabama lost their second straight game, falling to Tennessee in Knoxville a week after losing to Georgia at home.
So Bama should struggle to cover the spread, right? Nope. Alabama rolls the Aggies in this. Texas A&M’s offense has had major issues. The 41-point outburst versus The Citadel didn’t solve those problems, and the Aggies aren’t playing much defense. Bama all the way.
D.S. Williamson lays the 15.5 points with Alabama against Texas A&M.
College Football Week 8 Pick — Ole Miss at Texas
Pick: Ole Miss to win outright
On Saturday, the Texas Longhorns lose their third straight game. There’s something about Arch Manning that nobody discusses. He’s got talent for sure, but, maybe because of how he grew up, Arch doesn’t seem to have that killer instinct.
The win over Ohio State was oh so long ago. Ole Miss discovered a run defense when holding Mizzou RB Jamal Roberts, who had been dominating SEC defenses, to 39 yards on 20 carries. That was the only thing missing from the Rebels’ arsenal. Ole Miss gets the upset straight-up victory.
D.S. Williamson picks Ole Miss to beat Texas outright.
Henry Watkins | #MyBookie College Football Analyst
Henry Watkins’ College Football Week 8 card backs Tennessee, Kansas State, and Baylor to win outright; Texas Tech -10.5, BYU -6.5, and Ole Miss +3.5 against the spread; and three game totals.
“We are coming off a weekend of absolute chaos in college football, with the #1 team losing for the second straight week. Predicting games this season has been tough, but let’s try again for Week 8.”
Henry Watkins’ Top College Football Week 8 Picks
- Moneylines: Tennessee, Kansas State, Baylor.
- Spreads: Texas Tech -10.5, BYU -6.5, Ole Miss +3.5.
- Totals: Iowa–Minnesota Under 41.5, North Texas–Navy Over 61, LSU–Auburn Under 50.5.
Lines reflect those supplied with Henry’s picks and may change. His BYU selection applies at -6.5; his stated cutoff is below -7. Moneyline prices were not supplied.
Henry Watkins’ College Football Week 8 Moneyline Picks
Tennessee vs. South Carolina
Pick: Tennessee Moneyline
There is always the possibility of a letdown after a big win, but I think Tennessee will put their win over Bama in the rearview and get it done against South Carolina.
Henry backs Tennessee to win outright.
Kansas State vs. Arizona State
Pick: Kansas State Moneyline
I was tempted to take Kansas State to cover at -3.5, but that extra half-point beyond a field goal worries me, so I am taking them straight up against Arizona State.
Henry backs Kansas State to win outright.
Baylor vs. Kansas
Pick: Baylor Moneyline
We have another potentially close one in the matchup between Baylor and Kansas. Baylor is a modest favorite here, and I think they get the win.
Henry backs Baylor to win outright.
Henry Watkins’ College Football Week 8 Point-Spread Picks
Texas Tech vs. Cincinnati
Pick: Texas Tech -10.5
Texas Tech just dropped 53 points on Arizona State, and I think their offense will click again versus Cincinnati, so I am taking them -10.5.
Henry backs Texas Tech to cover the 10.5-point spread.
BYU — Week 8 Spread Pick
Pick: BYU -6.5
As it stands at the moment, BYU is favored by 6.5 points this weekend. As long as they are laying fewer than 7 points, I am more than willing to take BYU for another big win.
Henry backs BYU -6.5. His recommendation does not extend to -7 or a larger spread.
Ole Miss vs. Texas
Pick: Ole Miss +3.5
The Ole Miss/Texas matchup is one that looks to me like a game destined to be decided by a field goal. With that in mind, I am taking Ole Miss +3.5.
Henry takes Ole Miss plus the 3.5 points against Texas.
Henry Watkins’ College Football Week 8 Game-Total Picks
Iowa vs. Minnesota
Pick: Under 41.5
Some matchups just seem to scream defensive battle, and I would suggest that Iowa/Minnesota is one of those, hence the Under 41.5.
Henry backs Under 41.5 total points.
North Texas vs. Navy
Pick: Over 61
While it might not be the biggest game on the Week 8 schedule, the North Texas/Navy game is one that could deliver offense. With that in mind, I am taking Over 61.
Henry backs Over 61 total points.
LSU vs. Auburn
Pick: Under 50.5
We have a big SEC matchup between LSU and Auburn, and I think it’s one where scoring will be at a premium. I am looking at Under 50.5.
Henry backs Under 50.5 total points.
What Are the Critical Betting Factors for Choosing College Football Picks?
The most important factors for choosing College Football picks are the available odds, quarterback play, offensive and defensive line matchups, roster experience and depth, injuries, pace, coaching and scheme, home-field advantage, travel, strength of schedule, market movement, and the expected game script. Predicting the winner is only the first step; bettors must also decide whether the current moneyline, spread, or total offers enough value.
College Football Pick Evaluation Checklist
- Current odds: Compare the writer’s recommended number with the line currently available at the sportsbook.
- Quarterback play: Evaluate experience, accuracy, decision-making, mobility, and performance under pressure.
- Line play: Look for protection, run-blocking, pass-rush, and depth advantages in the trenches.
- Roster experience: Account for returning starters, transfers, young players in expanded roles, and the depth available behind them.
- Matchup quality: Early blowouts against overmatched opponents may reveal less than competitive games against stronger teams.
- Pace and game script: Estimate possession volume, scoring opportunities, and how each team will respond when leading or trailing.
- Injuries and availability: Confirm the latest status of quarterbacks, skill players, offensive linemen, pass rushers, and defensive backs.
- Home field and travel: Consider crowd environment, distance, time zones, altitude, heat, and unusual kickoff times.
- Market movement: Identify why the line moved and whether the current number still supports the original pick.
- Bet type: Decide whether the analysis is best expressed through the moneyline, spread, total, team total, player prop, or live market.
Before placing a wager, review the applicable sports betting rules to understand how moneylines, point spreads, totals, parlays, postponed games, overtime, and other College Football markets are graded.
Advanced Handicapping: Strategy Beyond standard Matchup Analysis
Most sportsbooks and betting guides focus exclusively on box scores and basic team statistics. However, long-term betting edge relies heavily on market dynamics, game theory, and situational nuance.
Market Timing: Favorites Early, Underdogs Late
When should you bet CFB favorites & overs? Early in the week. Public money overwhelmingly backs favorites and high-scoring games, so locking in spread favorites early prevents you from paying an inflated price closer to kickoff.
When should you bet CFB underdogs? Later in the week. As public action drives line movement toward favorites, underdog point spreads naturally expand, allowing patient bettors to grab key extra half-points (e.g., +7 instead of +6.5).
Market Timing: When Should You Lock In Your Wager?
When is the best time to bet CFB favorites? Early in the week. Recreational action overwhelmingly favors chalk and high-scoring games, which inflates favorite point spreads as kickoff approaches.
When is the best time to bet CFB underdogs? Closer to kickoff. As public money pushes lines higher on favorites, patience often yields valuable extra half-points (e.g., catching +7 instead of +6.5) on underdogs late in the week.
Key Numbers: College Football vs. NFL
⚙ Primary CFB Key Numbers:
The most common college margins of victory are 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, and 21. Higher overall scoring spreads final outcomes across a wider range than in the NFL.
Why it matters:
Buying half-points on large spreads (+14.5 down to +14) is rarely mathematically profitable. Save point-buying exclusively for key thresholds around 3 or 7 when vig is low.
Advanced Handicapping Metrics
Bar lengths are illustrative comparisons, not actual team rankings, success rates, or probabilities of winning. Evaluate each metric using verified team data.
When comparing predictions, separate the expected winner from the best wager. A favorite can win without covering the point spread, while an underdog can lose the game and still cash a spread ticket. Always evaluate the matchup and the price together.
NEXT STEP
Compare the Latest College Football Odds
Odds can move after publication. Confirm the current market lines, injury updates, and player availability on our College Football betting odds page before placing your wager.
View College Football OddsUnderstanding where public bias distorts line movement is vital when building a profitable weekly card. To protect your bankroll from easily avoidable errors, check out our guide on common mistakes for college football wagering before locking in your Saturday wagers.
Common Mistakes When Following Weekly College Football Picks
- Betting a pick after the line has moved beyond the writer’s recommended number
- Treating a moneyline prediction and a point-spread prediction as the same bet
- Overreacting to a blowout against a much weaker opponent
- Ignoring injuries, suspensions, transfers, and late depth-chart changes
- Comparing raw team statistics without adjusting for opponent quality
- Assuming a large favorite will automatically cover the spread
- Increasing stake size to recover losses from earlier games
Before placing a wager, review the applicable sports betting rules to understand how moneylines, point spreads, totals, parlays, postponed games, overtime, and other College Football markets are graded.
2026 College Football Week 8 Picks FAQs
What are the College Football Week 8 picks?
D.S. Williamson selects Arizona -10, Auburn +6.5, Alabama -15.5, and Ole Miss to win outright. Henry Watkins selects Tennessee, Kansas State, and Baylor moneylines; Texas Tech -10.5, BYU -6.5, and Ole Miss +3.5; plus Iowa vs. Minnesota Under 41.5, North Texas vs. Navy Over 61, and LSU vs. Auburn Under 50.5.
What are D.S. Williamson’s College Football Week 8 picks?
D.S. Williamson backs Arizona -10 against Iowa State, Auburn +6.5 against LSU, Alabama -15.5 against Texas A&M, and Ole Miss to beat Texas outright. His Ole Miss selection is a straight-up winner pick; a moneyline price was not supplied.
What are Henry Watkins’ College Football Week 8 picks?
Henry Watkins backs Tennessee moneyline against South Carolina, Kansas State moneyline against Arizona State, and Baylor moneyline against Kansas. His spread picks are Texas Tech -10.5 against Cincinnati, BYU -6.5, and Ole Miss +3.5 against Texas. His totals are Iowa vs. Minnesota Under 41.5, North Texas vs. Navy Over 61, and LSU vs. Auburn Under 50.5.
Which College Football Week 8 pick do the writers agree on?
Both writers support Ole Miss against Texas, but they choose different markets. D.S. Williamson predicts an outright Ole Miss victory, while Henry Watkins takes Ole Miss +3.5. These are different wagers: an Ole Miss loss by 3 points would cover Henry’s spread but lose D.S.’s straight-up selection.
Why do both writers back Ole Miss against Texas?
D.S. Williamson points to Ole Miss’s improved run defense and predicts an upset victory. Henry Watkins expects a close game that could be decided by a field goal, making the 3.5-point cushion central to his selection.
What are the College Football Week 8 spread picks?
D.S. Williamson selects Arizona -10, Auburn +6.5, and Alabama -15.5. Henry Watkins selects Texas Tech -10.5, BYU -6.5, and Ole Miss +3.5. Henry’s BYU recommendation requires laying fewer than 7 points; it does not extend to BYU -7 or a larger spread.
What are the College Football Week 8 moneyline picks?
Henry Watkins selects Tennessee against South Carolina, Kansas State against Arizona State, and Baylor against Kansas. D.S. Williamson also picks Ole Miss to beat Texas outright. Moneyline prices were not supplied, so compare the available odds before deciding whether to follow these selections.
What are the College Football Week 8 totals picks?
Henry Watkins selects Iowa vs. Minnesota Under 41.5, North Texas vs. Navy Over 61, and LSU vs. Auburn Under 50.5. These selections apply to the combined points scored by both teams.
Which College Football Week 8 games have picks from both writers?
Both writers cover Ole Miss vs. Texas and LSU vs. Auburn. For Ole Miss vs. Texas, D.S. picks Ole Miss to win outright and Henry takes Ole Miss +3.5. For LSU vs. Auburn, D.S. takes Auburn +6.5 while Henry selects Under 50.5. The Auburn spread and game total are separate predictions, rather than agreement on the same outcome.
Why can College Football picks change after publication?
Injuries, suspensions, depth-chart changes, weather, player availability, and betting-market movement can change the case for a selection. The available moneyline, spread, or total can also move. A recommendation at one number does not automatically apply at a different price.
Final Thoughts: Do Both Writers Back Ole Miss Against Texas?
Yes. D.S. Williamson picks Ole Miss to beat Texas outright, while Henry Watkins takes Ole Miss +3.5. Their shared support comes with different winning conditions: D.S. needs an Ole Miss victory, while Henry’s spread also covers a loss by 3 points or fewer.
Elsewhere, D.S. backs Arizona -10, Auburn +6.5, and Alabama -15.5. Henry adds Tennessee, Kansas State, and Baylor moneylines; Texas Tech -10.5 and BYU -6.5; and three totals, including LSU vs. Auburn Under 50.5. His BYU selection stops short of laying 7 points.
Use each writer’s reasoning to identify the selection you want to evaluate, then compare the current line, price, and player availability. If the number has moved, reassess the wager before placing it.
FINAL STEP
Backing Ole Miss? Choose Your Market.
D.S. wants the outright win. Henry wants the +3.5 cushion. Compare the available moneyline and spread for Ole Miss–Texas, or find your preferred Week 8 matchup on our College Football sports betting lines page. Confirm the exact number, odds, and your preset stake before submitting your bet.
Compare Week 8 Lines & PricesThe picks in this article reflect each writer’s opinion at the listed betting number and do not guarantee a winning result.
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