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Week 8 over/under best bets: Will Alabama run it up on Tennessee?

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Every week during the college football season, we'll cover our five best over/under bets. Let's take a look at Week 8:

Tennessee at Alabama

Total: 61.5

I took the Alabama over last weekend against Texas A&M, and let me tell you, it's quite fun betting Bama overs. Watching the Crimson Tide's skill players catch the ball in space and stretch the field vertically is euphoric when you need points.

Common thinking would point to another offensive outburst on Saturday, but I like the other side of the total with Tennessee coming to town because the Volunteers' offense probably won't contribute to the scoring. Tennessee has been unimaginative in its playcalling and will either start a freshman quarterback (Brian Maurer) or a signal-caller I just can't trust (Jarrett Guarantano).

Additionally, Alabama has played a lot of overs this season due to its spotty defense, which has kept its offensive starters on the field for longer. But as five-touchdown favorites this week, I expect the Crimson Tide to pull away and take their foot off the gas pedal late.

Pick: Under

TCU at Kansas State

Total: 46.5
First-half total: 21.5

TCU as a road favorite has historically resulted in low-scoring games, at least in the first half. Over their last eight contests away from home, the Horned Frogs have gone under the total in every first half, with the average combined score at just 18.2. This time, two offenses that are tough on the eyes should lead to another slow start.

Pick: First-half under 21.5

Western Michigan at Eastern Michigan

Total: 61.5

This number is quite the bargain when it comes to Western Michigan, which has already seen multiple totals in the mid-70s during 2019. The MAC clash will feature a pair of offenses that are both averaging more than 70 plays per game.

Those offenses should have their way on Saturday. Defensively, the Broncos have been lucky to allow only 26.9 points per game, as they've surrendered an average of 437.4 total yards. Meanwhile, Eastern Michigan is slowly morphing into a pass-heavy offense. The Eagles are top 20 in pass-play percentage this season, largely due to averaging just 3.1 yards per rush. And as a two-possession underdog, Eastern Michigan should take to the air throughout the contest.

Pick: Over

Auburn at Arkansas

Total: 55.5

I truly think Auburn can do whatever it wants offensively against an Arkansas defense that's been shredded in 2019. The Tigers have posted nearly six yards per play this season despite facing stiff competition in Oregon, Mississippi State, and Florida. Compared to those units, the Arkansas defense is a serious step down in class.

On the other side of the ball, the Razorbacks have been throwing it a ton this season (58% of snaps) and will likely keep doing so against the Tigers as 18.5-point underdogs.

Pick: Over

Pitt at Syracuse

Total: 51.5

It's important to avoid knee-jerk reactions, but after watching Syracuse struggle to put up 10 points at NC State last weekend, this feels more like a correct adjustment on the total than an over-adjustment. There are serious O-line issues for the Orange, meaning Pitt's defensive front should have its way.

Overall, the Panthers are top 20 in yards allowed per game and have been a thorn in the side of some high-powered offenses this season, including UCF and Penn State. Offensively, the Panthers have been a bit erratic as they search for an identity under first-year coordinator Mark Whipple.

Pick: Under 51

Alex Kolodziej is a betting writer for theScore. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 12 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AJKolodziej.

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