Week 8 (Oct. 13–19, 2025) looms as a pivotal stretch of the season. With playoff equity hanging in the balance and power conferences lining up tough crossovers, these games could define trajectories. Below are top matchups, betting lines, and what to watch.
Notable Games & Angles
Ohio State @ Wisconsin
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Line & Outlook: Ohio State opens as a 28.5-point favorite in Madison.
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Why It Matters: OSU is the only undefeated team left, and Wisconsin is reeling — having lost 37–0 to Iowa and struggling on offense.
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Key Storylines to Watch:
• How OSU’s offense responds — they struggled at times vs. Illinois despite winning.
• Whether Wisconsin can muster a competitive showing at home.
• Turnover margin and special teams — at those spreads, the underdog needs to flip field position to stay relevant.
BYU vs. Utah (in Provo)
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Line: Utah favored by 3.5.
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Why It Matters: A heated rivalry in the Mountain West/Big 12 border zone. BYU enters undefeated, Utah has only one loss.
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Player to Watch: Devon Dampier (QB, Utah) — he has passed for ~1,131 yards and rushed for ~378, completing ~71%.
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What to Watch: Containing Dampier’s mobility will be crucial. BYU must try to keep this in the pocket rather than letting him extend plays.
Texas A&M @ Arkansas
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Context: Texas A&M is riding high, and Arkansas is now coached by Bobby Petrino (interim).
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Why It Matters: A&M seeks conference dominance; Arkansas hopes to leverage a home upset.
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Key Points:
• Arkansas has the worst defense in the SEC — giving up over 435 yards/game, including 184 rushing.
• Can Petrino, who coached at A&M in 2024, raise his team’s play against his former side?
• A&M’s offense must press advantage without turning it into a close game.
Broader Themes & Betting Trends
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The lines suggest OSU is expected to overwhelm Wisconsin — momentum and perception matter.
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BYU vs. Utah may be the most competitive game of the week — the smaller spread indicates parity and rivalry tension.
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A&M’s spot as a Top 5 team now faces a tricky road test in Arkansas eyeball season transition.
