The world of CFB predictions has not been very kind to me these past few weeks. Between injuries and teams having anomaly-like performances, it seems like I just can’t catch a break!

We went back to the drawing board last week and will remain there until after this week, where I’m out for blood. We were on a hot streak to start the season, have dipped off recently and now are ready to deliver with my midweek CFB best bets!

 

 

 

CFB Picks, Predictions & Best Bets: 10/22-10/25

Just to reiterate from last week’s CFB best bets article, we will now have two per week: one for the midweek games and another for the Saturday games, like we always have. 

These midweek matchups seem to get juicier and juicier as the season progresses, and I can already say I like this week more than last!

I’ve got a total of 5 CFB picks this time around, with a main focus on my Syracuse vs. Pittsburgh prediction and Louisville vs. Boston College prediction. Like I said, I’m out for vengeance with these CFB best bets. Let’s get it.

  • Season Record: 37-35-2
  • Units W/L: +0.4 Units

*All CFB predictions to be placed at 1 Unit unless otherwise specified. Be sure to follow me on X/Twitter @stevenw_hall!

 

 

 

Syracuse vs. Pittsburgh Prediction: Thursday, October 24th

This is an interesting matchup to start off our CFB best bets as the undefeated Panthers get set to host the 1-loss Orange. On paper, it looks like this one could be a shootout, but things may not be as they seem here. 

On the season overall, these offenses are putting up some healthy numbers, but their schedules have certainly helped in that regard. In conference play, Syracuse is averaging a shade over 26 points per game, while allowing just a little under 24. Likewise, in Pittsburgh’s ACC matchups, their offense is scoring 25.5 points, and their defense is surrendering only 19.5. 

Of the 5 total ACC games these teams have played so far this season, all 5 have gone under the set game total, and those 5 all would have been under this total as well. I don’t expect both teams to get completely shut down – this very well could be a sweat, for sure – but this is just too many points given how both teams have performed within the conference this campaign. 

I mean, the Orange were only able to put up 24 last week against an awful NC State defense, and the Panthers scored just 17 facing an average-at-best Cal defensive unit. Syracuse is a relatively poor red zone offense (68th in NCAAF), while Pittsburgh is equally as bad on 3rd downs (76th) – just a couple stats that contribute heavily to scoring.

 

 

 

Louisville vs. Boston College Prediction: Friday, October 25th

Let’s continue the trend from above to cap off our CFB best bets too, shall we? This Cardinals offense may have put up 45 against Maimi last weekend, but it seems like every ACC team can score at will against the Hurricanes this season (39 points allowed per game in conference play). 

Before that, Louisville was averaging just 25 points per outing in their 3 games prior, including just 24 against an awful Virginia defense. On the defensive side, the Cardinals have been relatively average, but it really doesn’t matter against BC. 

The Eagles have been one of the worst offensive units in the entire country this season, ranking 96th in total yards per game, and haven’t amassed more than 23 points since Week 2. It’s tough to see them doing much here, so the key will be whether or not the Boston College defense can limit the offense of the Cardinals. 

Only one of their opponents has crossed the 27-point threshold so far in this campaign (Missouri), so I’m willing to bet they can. It’s also worth noting that Louisville is averaging just 24 points per game on the road this season, and the under has hit in 4 of the last 5 games for BC, including 2-0 at home.

 

 

 

Best CFB Prop Bets & Other Picks This Week: October 2024