The Second Half of College Football Kicks Off
As the second half of the college football season begins, excitement is building around the country. With seven matchups between AP top-15 teams already under our belts, we’ve witnessed some thrilling games decided by a combined 14 points. Additionally, 10 unranked teams have pulled off stunning upsets over top-15 teams, making for an unpredictable and captivating season.
Georgia-Texas Showdown
This weekend, all eyes will be on the highly anticipated matchup between No. 5 Georgia and No. 1 Texas. The Bulldogs have racked up plenty of big-game experience under Coach Kirby Smart, boasting a 7-6 record in games featuring top-five teams. In contrast, Texas is undefeated, with quarterback Quinn Ewers leading the charge. The Longhorns have overachieved against projections, jumping to first in SP+ after starting the season at fifth. Will Georgia’s big-game experience pay off, or can Texas continue its winning streak?
Alabama-Tennessee Clash
Another highly anticipated matchup pits No. 7 Alabama against No. 11 Tennessee. Both teams have already suffered losses, but Bama still has a 69% chance of making the College Football Playoff, according to the Allstate Playoff Predictor. The Volunteers, meanwhile, have a 45% chance of making the playoffs. With explosive offenses and stingy defenses, this game promises to be a nail-biter.
Contender Road Tests
Several top teams face tough road tests this weekend. No. 6 Miami travels to Louisville, where the Cardinals are prone to negative plays but boast a potent offense. No. 8 LSU heads to Arkansas, a team known for its unpredictability. No. 12 Notre Dame visits Georgia Tech, which could provide a stiff challenge if quarterback Haynes King is healthy. No. 14 Texas A&M takes on Mississippi State, which has shown flashes of brilliance despite defensive struggles.
Big 12 Silliness
The Big 12 is known for its unpredictability, and this weekend promises more of the same. UCF faces off against No. 9 Iowa State, while Kansas State travels to West Virginia. Oklahoma State takes on No. 13 BYU, and Baylor faces Texas Tech. With several close matchups on the horizon, the Big 12 title race remains wide open.
Epic Smaller-School Showdown
In the lower divisions, two massive games are worth keeping an eye on. In the FCS, No. 1 South Dakota State faces off against No. 2 North Dakota State, a battle between the last two national champions. Meanwhile, in Division II, No. 1 Harding takes on No. 9 Ouachita Baptist in a showdown between undefeated teams.
Week 8 Chaos Superfecta
Each week, we attempt to will chaos into existence by highlighting four games with significant upset potential. This week’s selections feature Oregon, Texas A&M, Notre Dame, and Miami as favorites facing unranked opponents. Will chaos reign supreme, or will the favorites hold strong?
Week 8 Playlist
Other games worth keeping an eye on include Florida State at Duke, Nebraska at Indiana, Arizona State at Cincinnati, and Virginia at Clemson. With plenty of intriguing matchups on tap, Week 8 promises to be an unforgettable ride in.
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