College football Week 8 picks: Iowa vs. Michigan State, UCF vs. Iowa State, Michigan vs. Illinois

The Gazette’s Pick ‘Ems for Week 8 of the college football season, including prime-time games for Iowa on the road and Iowa State at home. Mike Hlas, John Steppe and Jeff Johnson are tied atop the season leaderboard with 17-4 records.

Iowa (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten) at Michigan State (3-3, 1-2)

6:30 p.m Saturday (NBC)

Line: Iowa -5

Mike Hlas (2-1, 17-4) — Directions to East Lansing: Go to Lansing. Turn east. Iowa 28, Michigan State 16

John Steppe (2-1, 17-4) — What happens more often? Michigan State getting night games or me going to Culver’s? Iowa 27, Michigan State 14

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Jeff Johnson (2-1, 17-4) — If you’re headed to East Lansing, hit Crunchy’s Burgers & Beers for a burger, a Short’s Light and some karaoke. You won’t regret it. Iowa 28, Michigan State 13

Rob Gray (2-1, 16-5) — The Spartans limped into a bye week on a three-game losing streak and the Hawkeyes are coming off a dominant win over Washington. Michigan State is underwater in turnover margin at minus-1.0 per game and Iowa, as usual, is among the Big Ten’s best in that category at plus-1.0. Only UCLA is worse, which, well ... Hawks roll. Iowa 24, Michigan State 13

Beth Malicki (2-1, 15-6) — If you’re a loyal subscriber to The Gazette, like me, you know Mary Sharp is the reason why its stories are well researched, excellently edited and written with the reader in mind. I thank her for being a constant shining light in this wild work of journalism. Iowa 30, Michigan State 17

Todd Brommelkamp (3-0, 16-5) — Minus the frantic finish, this could look a lot like 2009. I don’t expect this one to be easy but Iowa should escape with a win. Iowa 18, Michigan State 15

UCF (3-3, 1-2 Big 12) at No. 9 Iowa State (6-0, 3-0)

6:30 p.m. Saturday (FS1)

Line: Iowa State -13.5

Hlas — Saturday nights used to be movie nights. Now, this game, the Iowa game, and several others will be televised Saturday night. College football is big. It’s the pictures that got smaller. Iowa State 28, UCF 16

Steppe — Whoever said Orlando is the most magical place on Earth clearly has not waited in the TSA line at MCO. Iowa State 34, UCF 17

Johnson — If you’re headed to Ames, hit the Mucky Duck Pub for some bangers and mash and a pint of Morland Old Specked Hen pale ale. Iowa State 31, UCF 14

Gray — The troubled Knights, who have lost seven players to the transfer portal since the season started, boast the nation’s fourth-best rushing offense, which averages 268 yards per game, and have been stingy against the run defensively (91.2 yards per game allowed). Usually, that means the team’s having success, but excelling at the line of scrimmage hasn’t stopped UCF from suffering three straight losses. Iowa State 27, UCF 17

Malicki — Who here would rather clean out a closet than do … anything? It’s me, hi, I’m the problem it’s me ... to quote Hlas’ favorite artist, Taylor Swift. Iowa State, 27, UCF 13

Brommelkamp — Back to a pumpkin by Halloween? The clock may eventually strike midnight for the Cyclones, but they’re still the belle of the ball for at least another couple weeks. Iowa State 28, UCF 24

No. 24 Michigan (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten) at No. 22 Illinois (5-1, 2-1)

2:30 p.m. Saturday (CBS)

Line: Michigan -3.5

Hlas — A bus ride from Ann Arbor to Champaign is sharing a journey with restless, confused Americans in restless, confused, paved America. But both cities have legal cannabis dispensaries, so your trip either way can be chill. Michigan 28, Illinois 16

Steppe — It’s been a rough last two weeks for me in the Pick ’Ems. At least I’m still ahead of Brommelkamp. Michigan 27, Illinois 21

Johnson — If you’re headed to Champaign, … why? Illinois 27, Michigan 19

Gray — The Illini’s near collapse last week against forlorn Purdue notwithstanding, I’m surprised the Wolverines are 3.5-point favorites. Illinois has a better resume and Michigan has looked ordinary in the post-Harbaugh era. The home team wins fairly comfortably. Illinois 31, Michigan 20

Malicki — That wasn’t a joke, I love cleaning more than almost any other leisure activity. My boss said I can’t promote my growing side hustle because it’s “weird,” but here we are. Illinois 24. Michigan 21

Brommelkamp — Is Illinois good? Is Michigan bad? Can the answer be both? Illinois 23, Michigan 17