College Football Betting News & Notes for Week 8
Our college football betting staff has joined together to cut through the noise and bring you the most timely and relevant player news, team notes, and betting market analysis throughout the week.
Collin Wilson, Stuckey, Brett McMurphy and BJ Cunningham deliver you “inside access” to the most relevant betting news they’re monitoring each week. That includes betting market movement, strike prices they’re waiting for, players and teams they’re fading based on recent news, statistical research and more.
Today's Week 8 update is courtesy of Stuckey, Prime Minister of Degenerate Nation.
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Notable Injury Situations to Monitor
Quarterbacks
Matt Corral, Ole Miss
As reported by Nick Suss of the Mississippi Clarion Ledger, Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin is pessimistic about Matt Corral's injury status for the Rebels' Week 8 matchup against LSU (3:30 p.m. ET, CBS).
"He's not in very good shape," Kiffin said Monday. "He hasn't been for the last two days. You guys know how we are on injuries. Hopefully he will play but I don't feel good about that right now."
Sean Clifford, Penn State
Nittany Lions quarterback Sean Clifford is questionable for Week 8 after sustaining an undisclosed injury vs. Iowa on Oct. 9. Per Audrey Snyder of The Athletic,
"Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford is splitting practice reps with backups Ta'Quan Roberson and Christian Veilleux ahead of the No. 7 Nittany Lions' game Saturday against Illinois, James Franklin said Wednesday night."
Lucas Johnson, San Diego State
Aztecs head coach Brady Hoke has confirmed that quarterback Lucas Johnson will start on Saturday vs. Air Force. Per Kirk D Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune sportswriter, via Twitter:
"SDSU head coach Brady Hoke just said in his midday press conference that Lucas Johnson will be the starting quarterback for [the Aztecs] Saturday afternoon at Air Force. Hoke added that true freshman Will Haskell will be the backup QB in the game."
Brandon Peters, Illinois
As of early this week, Jeremy Werner of the Illini Inquirer reported that quarterback Brandon Peters still had not been cleared to participate in team practices:
"Brandon Peters threw the ball yesterday. At some point this week, he could possibly return but isn't cleared for Tuesday's practice. Art and Ryan Johnson and Matt Robinson will take the work during the course of the week."
— Bret Bielema, Illinois head coach
Luke Doty, South Carolina
Gamecocks Coach Shane Beamer announced that quarterback Luke Doty — who sustained an injury to his foot earlier this season — will require surgery and will miss the remainder of the 2021-22 season.
In Doty's stead, Zeb Noland earns starting duties for South Carolina's Week 8 road game against Texas A&M on Saturday.
UNLV Rebels
Rebels quarterbacks Doug Brumfield and Cameron Friel are both questionable for Thursday night's tilt against the San Jose State Spartans. Per UNLV coach Marcus Arroyo — as reported via Twitter by Sam Gordon of the Las Vegas Review-Journal:
"UNLV football coach Marcus Arroyo at his weekly press conference said quarterback Doug Brumfield is still day-to-day with a back injury. Backs can be tricky and team wants to be cautious. Quarterback Cameron Friel will likely be limited today (Oct. 18). Hopeful that he can play Thursday."
Rebels third-string QB Justin Rogers struggled in relief vs. Utah State last Saturday. Rogers has appeared in four games this season, completing 10-of-20 passes for 43 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
Hawaii Rainbow Warriors
Hawaii quarterback Chevan Cordeiro played in a very limited role last week, entering the game for one play: A punt. He also did not play against Fresno State in Week 6. Per Hawaii coach Todd Graham, as reported by Stephen Tsai of the Star Advertiser:
"[Cordeiro] practiced some this week," Graham said. "But he wasn't ready to go. I'm not going to put him in there until I know he's ready."
Tai Lavatai, Navy
Midshipmen quarterback Tai Lavatai suffered an apparent head injury near the end of the third quarter vs. UCF last week. No further update is available regarding his status for Saturday's game vs. Cincinnati.
Hendon Hooker, Tennessee
Volunteers quarterback Hendor Hooker exited the Week 7 game vs. Ole Miss with a hamstring injury. Per Tennessee coach Josh Heupel, via Dan Harralson of Volswire.com:
"Heupel said Hooker is 'probably day-to-day at this point' and 'we'll see as the week unfolds where we end up with Hendon. […] I don't think it's a long-term injury,' Heupel said. 'As for his status for this week, we'll find out as we go.'"
This is not good news for Tennessee with a looming matchup against Alabama on Saturday — especially given the Vols' banged-up offensive line.
Gunner Cruz, Arizona
As reported via Twitter by Justin Spears of the Tucson Star, Wildcats quarterback Gunner Cruz will miss the rest of the 2021-22 season due to a thumb injury sustained on his throwing hand:
"Arizona head coach Jedd Fisch says QB Gunner Cruz is out for the season with a thumb injury on his throwing hand. The QB depth chart is Will Plummer and walk-ons Luke Ashworth and Brayden Zermeno."
Mike Wright, Vanderbilt
Vandy Hustler Sports — Vanderbilt's student-run sports editorial for The Vanderbilt Hustler — reported the following quote by head coach Clark Lea on Oct. 19:
"We're going to start Mike Wright this weekend. Ken Seals is still week-to-week and not fully healthy."
Will Rogers, Mississippi State
Per Andy Kostka of the Mississippi Clarion Ledger, Bulldogs quarterback Will Rogers has a sprained AC joint in his shoulder. Rogers played vs. Alabama despite the injury, but it bothered him during the contest. His status is questionable for Mississippi State's Week 8 game vs. Vanderbilt.
Layne Hatcher, Arkansas State
Arkansas State's official depth chart for Week 8 lists Layne Hatcher as the starting quarterback. Freshman Wyatt Begeal is listed as the backup.
Per Chris Hudgison of Region 8 News, James Blackman is "out a couple more weeks with [a] shoulder injury."
Levi Williams, Wyoming
Wyoming could make a quarterback change by going with Levi Williams over Sean Chambers. Based on recent comments from coach Craig Bohl, there appears to be a serious quarterback competition ongoing in Laramie. As reported by Ryan Thorburn of the Casper Star Tribune,
"Craig Bohl […] has reopened the competition between Chambers and Williams for the starting spot entering UW's homecoming game against New Mexico this Saturday at War Memorial Stadium (1:30 p.m. MT, Stadium).
'I had both of those guys in my office today, had candid conversations with them, very transparent,' Bohl said during his Monday press conference. 'Both of them are team guys and they both know we need to play better offense. We'll name a starter probably right at the game time.'
Bohl said Chambers and Williams will split the first-team snaps evenly in practice."
Jake Lange, Southern Miss
Expect quarterback Jake Lange to start this week despite an ankle injury:
Will Hall says QB Jake Lange could have finished the game and wanted to. #USM went to Webb to salvage Lange as he dealt with an ankle injury. Pittman was already a heavy part of the plan coming in. pic.twitter.com/ge3Gh46qOs
— Trevor Ritchie (@ritchietmr) October 16, 2021
Jake Constantine, Rice
Per Steve Helwick of SB Nation, via Twitter:
"Rice head coach Mike Bloomgren said he does not know QB Jake Constantine's status for Saturday at UAB after he went down in the UTSA game. Non-contact injury, but not season-ending."
Constantine was splitting reps with Luke McCaffrey. The Owls' original starter, Wiley Green, has been banged up and potentially has been demoted.
Running Backs
Drake Anderson, Arizona
Michael Lev of the Arizona Daily Star reported the following Wildcats injury updates via Twitter as of Oct. 18:
"Game-time decisions Friday: C Josh McCauley, OG Josh Donavan, DT Kyon Barrs, RB Drake Anderson (least likely to play among four, per [head coach Jedd Fisch].)
Tiyon Evans, Tennessee
Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel told reporters on Oct. 18 that leading rusher Tiyon Evans is day-to-day. Evans is questionable to play against No. 4 Alabama on Saturday night.
Rodrigues Clark, Memphis
Memphis head coach Ryan Silverfield said running back Rodrigues Clark is one of three players who is “day-to-day” ahead of Friday night’s game against UCF, according to the The Commercial Appeal. Clark is averaging 6.7 yards per game in his first six games of the season, playing behind starter Brandon Thomas.
Cam'Ron Harris, Miami
Miami has lost running back Cam’Ron Harris for the rest of the season, according to the Miami Herald. Harris was averaging 5.8 yards per carry and is the latest key Hurricanes player to hit the shelf.
South Carolina Gamecocks
South Carolina’s top four running backs are expected to be available, but The State reports “that’s certainly not set in stone.”
"Perhaps no position group on the roster is as beleaguered as running back, with Kevin Harris, MarShawn Lloyd and ZaQuandre White all nursing injuries following last Saturday’s 21-20 win over Vanderbilt. Freshman standout Juju McDowell also missed that game due to an unspecified 'accountability issue' with the team, but he is expected to return this week."
Harris and White lead the way on the ground with 247 and 232 yards, although the latter is averaging 6.8 yards per carry compared to Harris’ 3.4.
Deon McIntosh, Washington State
Last week against Stanford, running back Deon McIntosh left the game and was then spotted on crutches not the sidelines after suffering a right ankle injury. There has been no update on his injury status this week, given the other things going on in the Washington State program.
Kevin Marks, Buffalo
Buffalo running back Kevin Marks did not dress for last week’s game, and he’s going to be a game-time decision this week against Akron, according to The Buffalo News.
Marks leads the Bulls in carries this season, but he was listed this week behind Dylan McDuffie on the team’s official depth chart. Marks is averaging just 3.9 yards per carry this season.
Zach Evans, TCU
After missing TCU’s loss to Oklahoma due to an ankle injury, head coach Gary Patterson said running back Zach Evans is “probable” to return against West Virginia.
It would be a big boost for the Horned Frogs, with Evans having run for at least 110 yards in fourth straight games and averaging 7.9 yards per carry this season.
Dae Dae Hunter, Hawaii
According to the Star-Advertiser, Hawai’i running back Dae Dae Hunter’s status if “iffy” for Saturday’s game against New Mexico State. Hunter had touchdown runs of 75 and 81 yards last week against Nevada in the first half, but he missed the second half after “landing awkwardly.”
Hunter is averaging 7.2 yards per carry on 78 totes this season.
Wide Receivers
Demario Douglas, Liberty
Liberty leading receiver Demario Douglas missed last week’s loss to UL-Monroe after suffering an ankle injury on Oct. 9. There has been no update on Douglas’ status ahead of this week’s game against North Texas, although he was dressed in his uniform last week according to The News Advance.
Kyle Phillips, UCLA
After missing last week, UCLA receiver Kyle Phillips returned to practice this week and was listed on the team’s depth chart before its game against Oregon. Head coach Chip Kelly told media, according to Duck Territory, that he expected Phillips to be available against the Ducks.
Phillips leads the Ducks in receptions and receiving touchdowns.
Braylon Sanders, Ole Miss
Ole Miss wide receiver Braylon Sanders left last week’s win over Tennessee with an upper body injury, and the Daily Journal described his status as “murky” for Saturday’s game against LSU.
Sanders had his biggest game of the season on Oct. 9 against Arkansas with 127 yards and a touchdown.
Mario Williams, Oklahoma
Mario Williams left Oklahoma’s win over TCU with an apparent hamstring injury, according to a team reporter. No update has bene provided on his status ahead of Saturday’s game at Kansas.
CT Thomas, Boise State
Wide receiver CT Thomas has left the Boise State program, according to the Idaho Press. The senior only had 10 catches this season in his fifth year with the Broncos.
Reggie Todd, Troy
Troy wide receiver Reggie Todd has been suspended indefinitely. Todd was arrested on a charge of “hindering prosecution,” according to AL.com. The arrest is related to a shooting that took place during a high school football game on Oct. 15.
“Mr. Todd’s arrest was based upon circumstances and information obtained by Troy Police Department,” according to Mobile police spokesperson Katrina Frazier. “He was booked and charged with Hindering Prosecution and Possession of Marijuana.”
Todd is the second-leading receiver for Troy, which is tied for first place in the Sun Belt East.
Jacory Sullivan, Central Michigan
According to Central Michigan Life, JaCorey Sullivan is questionable to face Northern Illinois on Saturday.
Sullivan, who is tied for the team lead with six touchdowns, has missed the Chippewas’ last two games due to a hand injury.
Tight Ends
Michael Mayer, Notre Dame
According to The Athletic, Notre Dame tight end “will start” against USC after practicing this week.
The Fighting Irish had a bye last week, but Mayer missed their win over Virginia Tech on Oct. 9. He has 15 catches in his last two games against Wisconsin and Cincinnati.
Defensive Players
Andrew Booth, Clemson
Cornerback Andrew Booth is set to play on Saturday against Pitt, barring any setbacks, according to The Clemson Insider.
“It’s the first time in a while we’ve got all six corners available,” Swinney said.
Booth was a late scratch last week against Syracuse because of a hamstring injury. Fellow cornerback Fred Davis is set to feature for Clemson, as well.
Keyshon Camp, Pitt
Senior defensive lineman Keyshon Camp appears set to play on Saturday against Clemson.
“I think he’ll be OK,” Panthers head coach Pat Narduzzi said according to the Post Gazette. “We’ll see.”
Jermaine Waller, Virginia Tech
Virginita Tech cornerback Jermaine Waller is questionable to face Syracuse, according to The Roanoke Times.
“I really don’t (know),” head coach Justin Fuente said. “I know Jermaine will be out there if he can. I don’t think this is a long-term issue. It’s just that I don’t know how short-term.”
Zion Tupuola-Fetui, Washington
Six months after Achilles surgery, linebacker Zion Tupuola-Fetui played 10 snaps last week against UCLA. He was listed as a co-starter on the Washington depth chart this week, according to SI.com.
"He came out of the game healthy," Huskies coach Jimmy Lake said on Monday, "and I would expect for him to have more plays this Friday night."
D.J. Grahamin, Oklahoma
Oklahoma cornerback D.J. Graham suffered an apparent concussion last week, which could put the Sooners down three corners ahead of this week’s game against Kansas.
Tre'Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, TCU
TCU cornerbacks Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson and Noah Daniels are hopeful to play against West Virginia. Hodges-Tomlinson was eventually referred to as “questionable” by head coach Gary Patterson, who said Daniels was going to try to play, according to 247sports.com.
“He’s going to be a guy that’s trying to get back this week. How ever many plays, we don’t know that yet,” Patterson said. “But, he’s going to try to get back this week.”
Weather Updates
Doesn't look like a crazy weather late October Saturday as of right now. Some rain expected for Washington State vs. BYU and Oregon State vs. Utah. Some wind (15 mph+) to monitor in normal wind spots:
Laramie, Wyoming
Denton, Texas
Lubbock, Texas
Honolulu, Hawai'i
