4 College Football Player Props for Week 8: Can Beck Hook the Horns?

It’s hard to believe that nearly all college football teams have reached the mid-point of their 2024 campaign. Most teams have played at least six games by now, giving fans and bettors alike a good feel for where they are heading into the second half of the season.

It’s also given us a clear picture as to what to expect from these student-athletes each week, too. While there are certain to be surprises along the way, bettors should feel confident about player prop bets heading into this weekend’s action.

We’ve scoured the betting scene to reveal the top four player prop bets for this weekend’s games. Last weekend, our predictions hit on eight of 12 wagers, and we’re looking to ride that hot streak into this weekend’s contests.

Clemson Tigers RB Phil Mafah OVER 110.5 Rushing Yards

Clemson senior running back Phil Mafah is another in the long line of strong athletes manning this critical position for the ACC squad. Mafah has finished four of the last five games with over 100 yards, and he’s gained 604 rushing yards on 87 carries this season for the Tigers.

Good teams have worn down the Cavaliers’ run-stoppers. Virginia has given up over 128 yards in four of their six games, winning only against FCS Richmond and Wake Forest when surrendering that many yards.

Clemson is the better team, and it’s easy to see why the Tigers are heavily favored in this one. Expect Mafah to have a strong performance and eclipse the 111-yard mark needed to secure this player prop bet.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish WR Beaux Collins OVER 33.5 Receiving Yards

Despite Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard piloting the offense, Notre Dame has continued to its run-oriented attack. Their top receiving option is senior wide receiver Beaux Collins as he’s logged 21 receptions for 266 yards and a score in six games.

This season, Collins only has two types of games. Either the 6-foot-3 receiver is among the leaders at his position in receiving yards, or he’s recording single-digit receiving yard days. Notre Dame will need him against Georgia Tech, so bettors can be confident he’ll record at least 34 receiving yards on Saturday.

Michigan Wolverines TE Colston Loveland UNDER 51.5 Receiving Yards

When it comes to Michigan’s passing game this season, future NFL tight end Colston Loveland isn’t just their best receiving option; he’s pretty much their only option. Through six games, Loveland is the only athlete to record triple-digit yardage as he’s caught 29 passes for 261 yards and two scores.

The reason to take the under isn’t how poor the Wolverines’ passing game is – although that’s a concern, too. The reality is Illinois’ defense is that bad against the run. Purdue just finished with 239 rushing yards against the Illini, meaning Michigan will have a field day on Saturday.

It’s legitimate to say Michigan could pass fewer than 10 times against Illinois and win this contest. Expect as much tomorrow and take the under on this player prop bet for Loveland.

Georgia Bulldogs QB Carson Beck OVER 272.5 Passing Yards

The Bulldogs have a potential first-round NFL pick helming the offense in quarterback Carson Beck. The 6-foot-4 senior is averaging over 300 yards per outing as he’s thrown for more than 400 yards in two of the past three games.

But y’all, Texas looks legit. The Longhorns have allowed only Michigan to surpass the 200-yard passing mark through its first six games. Can Beck continue his torrid pace against the No. 1 ranked team in the country?

Yes sir! Expect Beck to lead the Bulldogs into Texas and defeat the top-ranked team on Saturday. To do that, Beck will throw for more than 300 yards to defeat the Longhorns and cover this player prop bet.