Before the days of the college football playoff system, the debates would constantly rage about which two teams were the most deserving of a spot in the National Championship. The arrival of the playoffs has cooled that talk somewhat, but there are still some folks who are not too happy about the current set-up. As it stands right now, it looks as though the chances of a team outside the Power 5, except for perhaps Notre Dame, getting in seem somewhat limited.
The UCF Knights went unbeaten last season, including a win over Auburn in their bowl game, and ended up declaring themselves the unofficial national champions. They are once again unbeaten as we head into Week 8 and are at #10 in the national rankings. What happens if a couple of the teams above them slip up in the final weeks and UCF wins out? I guess we will need to wait and see, but for now, the goal of the Knights is to just keep rolling, which they will look to do as a 22.5-point favorite over the East Carolina Pirates this weekend.
UCF vs East Carolina NCAA Football Week 8 Betting Preview
The first-year Head Coach on the “Bear” Bryant Watch List: @coachjoshheupel #ChargeOn pic.twitter.com/Zghx0g3Mla
— UCF Football (@UCF_Football) 18 de octubre de 2018
- When: Saturday, October 20 at 7 PM EST
- Where: Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, Greensboro
- TV: ESPN2
- Radio: TuneIn
- Live Stream: WatchESPN
- NCAA Football Week 8 Betting Odds: UCF -22.5 (Total 64.5)
Cincinnati vs Temple NCAA Football Week 8 Odds & Analysis
Weather Forecast
- Overcast: 18°C/65°F
- Humidity: 88%
- Precipitation: 23%
- Cloud Cover: 80%
- Wind: 6 mph W
- Stadium Type: Open
Why bet on the UCF Knights?
Everyone looked at the Knights schedule for the season and pointed to the Memphis game as being the one that might cause them the biggest headache. Those pundits were proven correct last week, as UCF went all the way to the wire before finally eking out a 31-30 win over Memphis. That win took them to 6-0 on the season and sets them up for what should be a clear run to the finish line the rest of the way.They were just 5-point favorites last week, but the Knights are back in as a double-digit favorite in Week 8, as they look to improve upon their 4-2 ATS record. They have gone 4-1 SU and ATS in their last 5 meetings with the Pirates and have also gone 4-2 ATS in their last 6 visits to Greensboro. 4 of the last 5 games on the road in East Carolina have gone OVER.
Team Stats
Offense- Average Score For: 45.67
- Total Yards: 555.50
- Rush Yards: 252.00
- Passing Yards: 303.50
- Average Score Against: 19.50
- Total Yards: 378.66
- Rush Yards: 198.33
- Passing Yards: 180.33
Why bet on the East Carolina Pirates?
The Pirates are just 2-4 on the season and are coming into this one on the heels of back to back losses. They were thoroughly outplayed in those last two games, being outscored 91-26 and failing to cover in each. While the home field is usually quite the advantage for most teams, that has not been the case for the East Carolina Pirates.They have gone just 4-9 SU in their last 13 games at home and are also just 3-10 ATS in that stretch. That does not bode well for them when going against a team that feels as though they deserve to be part of the playoff conversation. Shocks and upsets are common in college football, but I just don’t see the Pirates springing one here.
Team Stats
Offense- Average Score For: 23.33
- Total Yards: 401.16
- Rush Yards: 123.33
- Passing Yards: 277.83
- Average Score Against: 32.17
- Total Yards: 351.17
- Rush Yards: 118.17
- Passing Yards: 233.00
Mississippi State vs LSU NCAA Football Week 8 Odds & Pick
UCF vs East Carolina NCAA Football Week 8 Betting Trends
- Central Florida is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games
- Central Florida is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Central Florida’s last 5 games
- East Carolina is 3-10 ATS in its last 13 games at home
- East Carolina is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games at home
- The total has gone OVER in 6 of East Carolina’s last 7 games when playing Central Florida
Expert Pick & Final Score Prediction for UCF vs East Carolina
Now that the Knights have lived through a major scare, I like them to go on an be even better as the season progresses. That run begins with what should a comfortable win and covers against the Pirates.Score: UCF Knights 48 – East Carolina Pirates 20
