By otakuyassine3@gmail.com 
CBS Sports Network’s continued coverage of the 2024 college football season features six games for the Week 8 slate, including three weeknight battles ahead of a Saturday triple-header.
Conference USA takes the spotlight Wednesday night when Florida International travels to UTEP. Then, on Friday night, Fresno State and Nevada set the stage for a busy Mountain West Conference weekend. It’s a key game for both sides as they try to stay in the race for a bowl game.
Games on Saturday get started early with an intriguing noon contest that sees Wake Forest travel to meet a surging UConn team, which is just a couple wins away from making it to a bowl game for the second time in three years under coach Jim Mora. Right after that, Navy takes the field as an AP-ranked team for the first time since 2019 as the Midshipmen host Charlotte in American Athletic Conference play.
The Mountain West is back in action with a Saturday nightcap. Air Force is looking to get its season back on track when it welcomes Colorado State to Falcon Stadium at 8 p.m. ET.
CBS Sports Network will be with you every step of the way once the Week 8 games begin. In the meantime, get caught up on viewing information, storylines, betting odds and more for each matchup.
All times Eastern | Odds via SportsLine consensus
FIU at UTEP
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 16 | Time: 9 p.m.
Location: Sun Bowl — El Paso, Texas
TV: CBS Sports Network [Channel finder]
Live stream: CBSSports.com | Mobile: CBS Sports App (Free)
Spread: Florida International -5.5 | Will the Panthers cover? Check out SportsLine’s Week 8 projections here
It’s been a rough adjustment for 34-year-old coach Scotty Walden at UTEP. He’s still searching for his first win with the Miners, who are one of just two Conference USA teams without a win this year. FIU does provide the opportunity, at least. The Panthers have been quite inconsistent. They’ve netted wins against Central Michigan and Louisiana Tech, but also lost to FCS Monmouth. They’re also 0-3 on the road this year, which obviously plays into UTEP’s favor.
Fresno State at Nevada
Date: Friday, Oct. 18 | Time: 10:30 p.m.
Location: Mackay Stadium — Reno, Nevada
TV: CBS Sports Network [Channel finder]
Live stream: CBSSports.com | Mobile: CBS Sports App (Free)
Spread: Fresno State -2.5 | Will the Bulldogs cover? Check out SportsLine’s Week 8 projections here
Nevada has some serious momentum after picking up the biggest win of the Jeff Choate era as the Wolf Pack downed Oregon State 42-37 in Week 7. Nevada has done it behind one of the Mountain West Conference’s best rushing attacks. Nevada is toting the rock for 215.7 yards per game. Quarterback Brendon Lewis has unlocked the offense with his legs as he’s rushed for 513 yards and four touchdowns, and Savion Red has been a reliable running back option. Fresno State’s been the opposite. The Bulldogs currently rank third in the Mountain West with 270.8 yards passing per game, but their 114.3 yards rushing per contest sits third-worst in the conference.
Wake Forest at UConn
Date: Saturday, Oct. 19 | Time: Noon
Location: Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field — East Hartford, Connecticut
TV: CBS Sports Network [Channel finder]
Live stream: CBSSports.com | Mobile: CBS Sports App (Free)
Spread: UConn -2 | Will the Huskies cover? Check out SportsLine’s Week 8 projections here
As the spread may suggest, Wake Forest should have its hands full with UConn. These certainly aren’t your father’s Huskies. After starting the year 1-2, UConn has ripped off three straight wins in a row — all against FBS competition — two of which have come by at least 34 points. UConn’s defense has been particularly impressive. The Huskies haven’t allowed more than 21 points since their season-opening loss to Maryland, and their last three opponents scored a combined 37 points. Wake Forest already lost to one Group of Five opponent in Louisiana a few weeks ago. The Demon Deacons will be motivated to make sure a repeat doesn’t occur (yes, UConn is independent, but a similar level.)
Charlotte at No. 25 Navy
Date: Saturday, Oct. 19 | Time: 3:30 p.m.
Location: Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium — Annapolis, Maryland
TV: CBS Sports Network [Channel finder]
Live stream: CBSSports.com | Mobile: CBS Sports App (Free)
Spread: Navy -17.5 | Will the Midshipmen cover? Check out SportsLine’s Week 8 projections here
Ranked Navy is real, and it’s wonderful. The Midshipmen have been absolutely bombarding opponents this season and they’re clicking on both sides of the ball. The offense, under new coordinator Drew Cronic, has been particularly impressive, though. Navy has scored at least 34 points in every game so far. It’s already surpassed its point total from the entire 2023 season and quarterback Blake Horvath is hurting teams with both his arm and legs. Now the Mids get an interesting test against a Charlotte team that has surprised a bit this season amid a 2-0 start to American Athletic Conference play.
Colorado State at Air Force
Date: Saturday, Oct. 19 | Time: 8 p.m.
Location: Falcon Stadium — Air Force Academy, Colorado
TV: CBS Sports Network [Channel finder]
Live stream: CBSSports.com | Mobile: CBS Sports App (Free)
Spread: Colorado State -7.5 | Will the Wolf Pack cover? Check out SportsLine’s Week 8 projections here
Colorado State got back on track in Week 7 with a 31-24 win against San Jose State. The Rams were 1-3 against FBS foes prior to that victory. Air Force, meanwhile, is still searching for a lifeline. The Falcons — one of the youngest teams in college football — are spiraling under veteran coach Troy Calhoun. They suffered a bad 52-37 loss to New Mexico in Week 7, which dropped them to 1-5 on the year and 0-3 in Mountain West play. The Falcons are now 0-9 in their last nine regular season games against FBS opponents.
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