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NCAAF Week 9 Betting Predictions: Best Bets for BYU, Indiana and Miami 10/24
- BYU and UCF are two of the top offenses in the Big 12, which should lead to their matchup hitting the over betting total.
- Even without its starting quarterback, Indiana still has an elite offense to push for the over.
- Check out all the over/unders at BetUS sportsbook.
It is about that time when college football predictions start to get complicated. The biggest reason is that as the season nears its end, the top schools are looking ahead to conference championships, bowl games, and even a possible playoff appearance.
Now that the College Football Playoff has been expanded to 12 teams, there are more opportunities and intense competition for the programs on the bubble. Teams on the bubble right now need to keep building on their success to stay in the hunt.
That will impact the over/under lines. Some of the top offenses are in the running for a playoff spot and will plan to continue their run of form this week. This could lead their games to hit the over as they try to prove they are ranked correctly or should be higher.
3 Best Over Bets for Week 9
1. No.11 BYU vs UCF Over 55½
This week will be crucial for No.11 BYU, which is undefeated through seven games and tied for a top spot in the Big 12 Conference. Last season was the Cougars’ first in a Power-Four conference and it did not go well. Well, they are making up for it now.
However, college football spreadsfavor the home team, UCF, in this game. Not by much, with the Knights being favored at home by 1½ points. They are only 1-3 in conference play while BYU is 4-0.
A big reason why UCF is favored is its offense. The Knights are averaging the most yards per game in the Big 12 (465.6), helped by 280.3 rushing yards per game, the third most in the nation.
Despite that, UCF’s average of 31.7 points per game ranks seventh in the Big 12. On the other hand, BYU averages 34.9 points, the second most in the conference. This increases the likelihood of high scoring, which is only backed by these teams’ records against the over/under.
Both teams have hit the over in five of seven games this season, while BYU has done it in the last three – all in wins over conference opponents.
2. Washington vs No. 13 Indiana Over 53
Somehow, No.13 Indiana is not in a playoff spot despite its perfect record. The Hoosiers (7-0, 4-0 Big Ten) have been one of the best teams in the nation, let alone in their conference. They are leading the Big Ten in points per game (48.7) and have allowed the second-fewest (13.7) in the conference.
Indiana’s offense has been the biggest reason for the team’s success, making the Hoosiers a great option in college football picks to hit the over. The Hoosiers have hit the over in six straight games, and the only time they went under this season was the opening game. In those six games, they have scored at least 41 points, including a 56-7 rout of Nebraska in a dominating show.
Sources: Indiana QB Kurtis Rourke’s injured thumb is improving enough where he could be back for Michigan State on Nov. 2. He’s still doubtful for Saturday against Washington, but there’s more optimism about the immediate future. pic.twitter.com/SHtjJvVRly
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) October 22, 2024
It also doesn’t matter how Indiana scores. The Hoosiers are just going to find ways to put up points. Quarterback Kurtis Rourke has thrown for 15 touchdowns this season, but only one last week before leaving with an injury, and is doubtful to face Washington after undergoing thumb surgery on Monday, per college football news.
However, backup quarterback Tayven Jackson completed 7 of 8 passes for 91 yards and two touchdowns. Then there is the running back duo of Justice Ellison and Ty Son Lawton, each with eight touchdowns.
Even with Rourke likely missing the game, Washington may not stand a chance. Washington’s defense has been solid, fifth in yards (266.3) and sixth in points per game (17), but again, this Indiana offense has just been too good. The Hoosiers are on a mission to push for a playoff spot, and another game where they hit the over could be a part of that.
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3. Florida State vs No. 6 Miami Over 54½
Finally, another offense that has yet to have an issue scoring points this season is No. 6 Miami. The Hurricanes have been one of the best offenses in the country, leading the nation in yards per game (577.3) and second in points (48.3), with only Indiana ahead of them. That has led to Miami not hitting the under at all this season, going over six times with one push.
#Miami QB Cam Ward vs. Louisville
Easy arm strength and playmaking ability both showed up frequently. Just makes things happen. pic.twitter.com/lnY7yMV3xJ
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) October 20, 2024
The key to Miami’s offensive success has been the passing game, led by Cam Ward, whose college football futures odds to win the Heisman Trophy only lower every week, now at +225. Ward has a 68.7% completion percentage, 2,538 passing yards, 24 touchdowns and five interceptions. Last week, he had another great game in a 52-45 win over Louisville, with 319 yards and four touchdowns.
That makes it somewhat easy to back the over in online betting, especially considering that Miami is hosting Florida State, which is having a horrific season. After going 13-1 last season, the Seminoles are 1-6, as the defense allows 25 points per game. With Florida State’s poor defense, Miami and Ward should have a big night to push this game toward the over.
Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets.
Questions of the Day
Which is the best over bet of Week 8?
The game between BYU and UCF has all the right components to be high-scoring, with two of the top offenses in the Big 12
Is there a player prop to follow out of these three games?
Cam Ward has been the top quarterback in college football and should continue to be so this week.
