This article is part of our College Football Picks series.
Welcome to Week 9! We didn't gain any ground in our simulated bets, netting just over 50 percent for a second-straight week.
SIMULATED BETS
Week 8 Results: 26-24-0
Week 8 Win Pct.: 52.0%
Results through Week 8: 255-231-7
Win Pct. Thru Week 8: 51.7%
TLSA -11.5, NEV -20, LIB -36, PITT -9.5, TXST +21.5, CIN -26.5, MICH -4, ILL +1.5, UCF -10.5, MD -5.5, GATECH -4, TEX +2.5, BUFF -13.5, IOWA +3.5, UNT +2.5, ISU -7.5, USU -5.5, AZST -16, VANDY +16.5, USM +13.5, LT -4.5, FLA +14.5, ULM +27, MRSH -22.5, SYR -6.5, FSU +9.5, MINN -7.5, ORE -24.5, NEB -7.5, KSU -3.5, OKLA -19.5, WKU -17.5, SJSU-3, WF-16.5, ARST +9.5, GAST -6, UTEP +11, CSU +2.5, SMU +0.5, ORST -0.5, ARIZ +21.5, MSST -1, KU+30.5, AUB -3, ND -3.5, NCST -6.5, PSU +19, UTAH -6.5, UVA +2.5, FRES -6.5, STAN -2.5
In our real=money wagers, we ended up in the red for only our second week out of eight weeks, and are still making a profit here.
REAL MONEY BETS
Week 8 Results 1-4
Results thru Week 8: 24-17-0
Win Pct thru Week 8: 58.5%
OVER 65 Ole Miss @ Auburn
Assuming Bo Nix and the Tigers can keep up, this run-and-gun shootout forecasts well over 65 points. Both teams have defensive weaknesses and the Rebels attempt more fourth-down plays than any team in the nation, so their ability to turn drives into scoring opportunities is enhanced. Both squads also rank highly in explosive plays for 20 yards or more, a metric that suggests a lot of possessions for each team.
GEORGIA TECH -4 vs. Virginia Tech
Jeff Sims' return is a big boost for the Yellow Jackets. The Hokies are in panic mode and face Tech on the road, and I doubt that Justin Fuente can coach his team to victory. He may be out of a job if he continues to lose, so while they'll be primely motivated, Tech is likely to win and cover.
IOWA STATE -7 @ West Virginia
The Cyclones are 4-1 against the spread in recent weeks, and the Mountaineers' win against TCU wasn't enough to move the needle. Iowa State's win is another matter, and I think it's a sign in the right erection after the team failed to meet expectations earlier in the season. Although they're on the road, the Cyclones should cover. I'm also betting OVER 48.5 for this matchup.
OVER 47, Kentucky @ Mississippi State
Both of the offenses here have a shot at putting up a big number, and I'd be willing to tease up this number to 51 or 52. The Wildcats have a shot to pull a small upset here, and I think both quarterbacks will be firing on all cylinders.
