No. 8 Texas Tech visits Cincinnati on Saturday, October 24, carrying a 6-0 record into a challenging Big 12 road game. The Bearcats are 3-0 at home, both straight up and against the spread. Their rushing attack averages 231.2 yards per game, but the Red Raiders allow just 82 yards per game on the ground. Texas Tech is a double-digit road favorite in college football odds.
That matchup shapes our college football predictions for Week 8. College football today also features No. 6 Indiana at Michigan, No. 7 Ole Miss at No. 19 Texas, and No. 14 Houston at No. 10 Utah, giving bettors several important games to consider.
College Football Games Today
Saturday's schedule opens with No. 8 Texas Tech visiting Cincinnati and No. 6 Indiana playing at Michigan at 12:00 PM Eastern. No. 2 BYU and No. 11 Tennessee are also in action during the afternoon, with two ranked-versus-ranked matchups scheduled for the evening.
Who Plays Football Today?
No. 8 Texas Tech visits Cincinnati at 12:00 PM Eastern on FS1. No. 6 Indiana plays at Michigan at the same time on FOX. No. 2 BYU travels to UCF at 3:30 PM on FOX, while No. 11 Tennessee visits South Carolina on ESPN.
Top NCAAF Games on Today’s Schedule
No. 7 Ole Miss meets No. 19 Texas at 7:30 PM Eastern on ABC. No. 14 Houston visits No. 10 Utah at 10:15 PM on ESPN. Both games feature ranked opponents.
NCAAF Preview for Today’s Top Matchups
Texas Tech averages 37.8 points per game and allows 17.7. Cincinnati scores 35.2 but gives up 26.8. The NCAAF preview starts with that defensive difference, particularly against a Bearcats offense gaining 460.0 yards per game.
Ranked College Football Matchups
No. 7 Ole Miss enters its trip to No. 19 Texas at 5-1, while the Longhorns are 4-2. No. 14 Houston enters its matchup against No. 10 Utah at 6-1. The Utes are unbeaten at 6-0, including a 4-0 record at home.
Conference Games to Watch
Texas Tech is 3-0 in Big 12 play, compared with Cincinnati's 1-2 conference record. The Red Raiders beat Arizona State 53-25 on October 17. Cincinnati lost 45-42 at West Virginia that day, following a 34-7 loss at Arizona.
College Football Lines Today
The featured college football lines at Prime Sportsbook have Texas Tech favored by 11 points at -104, with Cincinnati +11 at -112. The moneyline favors the Red Raiders, but covering the spread requires a larger margin.
Point Spreads and Moneylines
Texas Tech is -389 to win outright, and Cincinnati is +323. The opening market spread was Texas Tech -11.5, compared with Prime's current -11. At that number, an 11-point Texas Tech victory would push the spread bet.
College Football Over/Under Lines
The Texas Tech-Cincinnati total is 56.5, with Over -112 and Under -105. Both teams have gone Over in four of six games. Other totals include 42 for Indiana-Michigan and 52.5 for Ole Miss-Texas.
College Football Predictions Today
These college football predictions begin with Texas Tech's run defense. Cincinnati averages 231.2 rushing yards, but the Red Raiders rank fifth against the run, allowing just 82.0 per game. That matchup could decide the game.
Predictions for Today’s Biggest Games
The pick is Texas Tech 38, Cincinnati 24. That 14-point margin would cover the 11-point spread, and the combined 62 points would clear 56.5. Texas Tech scored 49 against Sam Houston and 53 against Arizona State in its last three games.
Potential Upsets to Watch
No. 11 Tennessee is worth considering at South Carolina. The Volunteers are 6-1 and 2-0 on the road, while South Carolina is favored by 2.5 points despite a 3-3 record. No. 7 Ole Miss, getting 3.5 points at No. 19 Texas, is another underdog to watch.
College Football Picks for Today
College football picks need more than records. Texas Tech is unbeaten but just 3-3 against the spread. Cincinnati is 3-3 ATS overall, including a perfect 3-0 mark at home.
Against-the-Spread Picks
Texas Tech -11 (-104) is the featured selection. The Red Raiders held Colorado to seven points in a 29-7 road win, then scored 53 against Arizona State. Tennessee +2.5 (-108) is a secondary choice against South Carolina, which is 1-3 ATS at home.
Moneyline Picks
Texas Tech -389 matches the straight-up prediction, but it offers a modest return at that price. Tennessee +112 is the more appealing underdog moneyline. Its 6-1 record and unbeaten road mark contrast with South Carolina's uneven results.
College Football Best Bets
College football best bets should connect the price to a credible game scenario. In Cincinnati, the scoring numbers make the total particularly interesting, even though Texas Tech's strong run defense presents a challenge for the Bearcats.
Best Bet of the Day
Over 56.5 (-112) is the top play. Texas Tech scores 37.8 points per game and Cincinnati scores 35.2. Texas Tech allows 281.8 passing yards per game, and Cincinnati allows 294.0. Both teams are 4-2 to the Over this season.
Best Value Betting Opportunities
Tennessee moneyline +112 is an alternative to backing a heavy favorite in NCAAF odds. The Volunteers are 4-3 ATS and have won both road games. South Carolina is 2-4 ATS overall and 1-3 ATS at home.
Key Factors Behind Today’s College Football Predictions
This NCAAF preview also considers quarterbacks and injuries. Texas Tech has the better scoring defense, but both teams allow more than 280 passing yards per game.
Quarterbacks, Injuries and Team News
Texas Tech quarterback Will Hammond has thrown for 1,334 yards. Cincinnati's JC French IV has 1,338. Texas Tech running back Dickey is out with an ankle injury, while receivers Lee Jr. and Jones are questionable. Cincinnati lists tight end Witherspoon and running back Payne as questionable.
Recent Form and Home-Field Advantage
Texas Tech beat Colorado 29-7 and Arizona State 53-25 in its last two outings. Cincinnati lost 34-7 at Arizona and 45-42 at West Virginia. Texas Tech beat Cincinnati 44-41 in their 2024 meeting, although the Bearcats covered the spread.
Final College Football Picks and Predictions Today
Texas Tech's edge begins with a defense allowing 17.7 points per game, particularly its ability to stop the run. Cincinnati's 3-0 home ATS record makes the 11-point spread a legitimate concern, but the Red Raiders have the stronger recent results.
Our final college football picks call for Texas Tech to win 38-24 and cover the 11-point spread. Over 56.5 (-112) is the featured college football best bet. Tennessee +112 provides a separate underdog moneyline choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Plays College Football Today?
+
On Saturday, October 24, Texas Tech plays at Cincinnati at 12:00 PM Eastern on FS1. Indiana-Michigan, Ole Miss-Texas, and Houston-Utah are other notable games.
Where Can I Find College Football Lines Today?
+
Prime Sportsbook offers point spreads, moneylines, and Over/Under totals. For Texas Tech-Cincinnati, the odds are Texas Tech -11 (-104), Cincinnati +11 (-112), and a total of 56.5. Check prices again before betting.
What Are the Best College Football Picks Today?
+
Texas Tech -11 (-104) is the featured spread pick, while Over 56.5 (-112) is the best bet. Tennessee moneyline +112 is an underdog option.
How Are College Football Predictions Made?
+
Effective college football predictions consider offensive and defensive production, recent results, home-road records, injuries, and the size of the betting line. They also distinguish a likely winner from a team likely to cover.
What Should I Look for in NCAAF Expert Picks?
+
Reliable NCAAF expert picks explain the matchup, identify an exact price, and keep spread selections consistent with the expected score. Avoid recommendations built solely on a team's ranking or win-loss record.