Around The Nation: Picking Week 8 Games

The Irish Maven staff makes its Week 8 college football picks

Notre Dame does not play this weekend, but there is no doubt the television, every computer and every available monitor in my house will have a football game on. There are games that impact Notre Dame and others that will just be fun to watch … or at least should be.

The Irish Maven staff picked what we believe are the six best games of the weekend, and we made our predictions. Check them out … and then leave your own predictions in the comments section at the bottom of the article! (All times Eastern)

#3 Clemson (6-0) at Louisville (4-2)

Time: 12:00 PM
Channel: ABC
Spread: Clemson -24.0

Louisville has averaged over 40 points and 500 yards per game since its season-opening loss to Notre Dame. But will that be enough to hang with Clemson, who has won 21-straight games? Clemson beat Louisville 77-16 last season, and while the Cardinals are improved, competing with the champs might be too much to ask this early in Scott Satterfield’s tenure. Louisville winning, or at least being competitive against Clemson, would be good for Notre Dame.

Irish Maven Picks

Bryan Driskell: Clemson 52-27
Sean Cameron: Clemson 45-31
Mark Machiedo: Clemson 55-28
Brian Smith: Clemson 45-13

#9 Florida (6-1) at South Carolina (3-3)

Time: 12:00 PM
Channel: ESPN
Spread: Florida -6.0

Florida is coming off its first loss of the season, but the Gators battled LSU. It was tied 28-28 late before the #2 Tigers pulled away. South Carolina is coming off a huge upset win over Georgia in Athens. Can Will Muschamp’s squad go home and pull off another Top 10 win? I have my doubts, but if it happens it would send shock waves through the SEC, and would eliminate the Gators from Playoff contention.

Irish Maven Picks

Driskell: South Carolina 16-13
Cameron: Florida 35-28
Machiedo: Florida 35-10
Smith: Florida 23-14

#12 Oregon (5-1) at #25 Washington (5-2)

Time: 3:30 PM
Channel: ABC
Spread: Oregon -3.0

Oregon is playing lights out defense this season. After dropping the opener to Auburn (27-21), Oregon has given up 25 points in five games. Make sure you understand that, not 25 points per game, Oregon has given up 25 points … total. It is fresh off a 45-3 beat down of Colorado while the Huskies dropped a game at Stanford (23-13). I think Washington wins this one, but I don’t feel great about it. Oregon needs this win to build a possible College Football Playoff resume, although the Ducks will likely need chaos to get in, even if they win out.

Irish Maven Picks

Driskell: Washington 24-20
Cameron: Oregon 27-17
Machiedo: Oregon 24-21
Smith: Oregon 13-9

#18 Baylor (6-0) at Oklahoma State (4-2)

Time: 4:00 PM
Channel: Fox
Spread: OSU -4.0

This is such a Matt Rhule coached team. Baylor runs the ball, it stops the run and it plays tough defense. Yes, a Big 12 team, plays tough defense. Baylor gave up 30 points in an overtime win over Texas Tech, but the Red Raiders had just 20 points at the end of regulation. Oklahoma State has been up-and-down this season, but when they are up their offense can move the ball and score ... a lot. So who wins out, the Baylor defense or the Cowboy offense?

Irish Maven Picks

Driskell: Oklahoma State 27-24
Cameron: Oklahoma State 31-28
Machiedo: Oklahoma State 42-35
Smith: Oklahoma State 41-36

#17 Arizona State (5-1) at #13 Utah (5-1)

Time: 6:00 PM
Channel: Pac 12
Spread: Utah -13.5

Arizona State gets no respect it seems. The Sun Devils were home dogs last week against a Washington State team that was blasted by Utah (38-13) the previous week. Arizona State won 38-34, and now they are two touchdown dogs to Utah, although this one makes a bit more sense. The Sun Devils seem to be a smoke and mirrors team thus far, and Utah's defense is salty. The Utes also got RB Zack Moss last week, and he went for 121 yards and two scores ... on five carries.

Irish Maven Picks

Driskell: Utah 30-13
Cameron: Utah 23-20
Machiedo: Utah 24-17
Smith: Utah 24-17

#16 Michigan (5-1) at #7 Penn State (6-0)

Time: 7:30 PM
Channel: ABC
Spread: Penn State -9.0

The Wolverines are 9-point underdogs against the undefeated Nittany Lions. Penn State has played two good teams - Pittsburgh and Iowa, and they won 17-10 and 17-12. Michigan hasn't looked very good this season, even in its non-Rutgers wins, but the Nittany Lions haven't really played anyone that could give them a test. Michigan will test them, at least the Wolverine defense will. If the Michigan offense finally shows up for the 2019 season they can win the game, but if it does what it has through the first six games it could be another Penn State blowout win in Happy Valley.

Irish Maven Picks

Driskell: Michigan 27-20
Cameron: Penn State 24-13
Machiedo: Penn State 28-17
Smith: Penn State 20-13

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