Week 8 of college football delivered unexpected results, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the season. Several top-ranked teams faced stunning defeats, while others solidified their standings.
Major Upsets Define Week 8
This week saw the fall of several undefeated teams, including:
- Miami (ranked No. 2), lost to Louisville (unranked)
- Ole Miss (ranked No. 5), defeated by Georgia
- Texas Tech (ranked No. 6), beaten by Arizona State
- LSU (ranked No. 7), fell to Vanderbilt
- Memphis, lost to UAB
- UNLV, defeated by Boise State
Georgia’s Resilience Shines
In a thrilling contest, the ninth-ranked Georgia Bulldogs secured a 43-35 victory over Ole Miss. Quarterback Gunner Stockton impressed with four touchdown passes and a completion rate of 83.9%. This victory kept Georgia firmly in the SEC race.
Vanderbilt’s Historic Performance
Vanderbilt climbed to a 6-1 record after overpowering No. 10 LSU 31-24, marking the Commodores’ best start since 1950. Quarterback Diego Pavia played a crucial role, contributing three touchdowns and showcasing his dynamic playmaking ability.
Louisville’s Remarkable Upsurge
Louisville’s head coach, Jeff Brohm, continues to impress. His squad, now 5-1 in the ACC, secured fourth top-five wins in his career. This victory against Miami has positioned Louisville as a contender in the conference.
Emerging Stars and Tight Races
Georgia Tech is also making headlines with its perfect 7-0 start, the best since 1966. Quarterback Haynes King has been pivotal, leading the Yellow Jackets to a strong conference standing. As of now, Georgia Tech remains the only undefeated team in the ACC.
- Key stats from Week 8 include:
- Miami’s interception crisis with quarterback Carson Beck throwing four picks against Louisville.
- Alabama’s Ty Simpson recording two touchdowns in their win over No. 11 Tennessee.
- Texas Tech’s loss affecting its standings among Big 12 leaders.
As teams navigate towards postseason play, the path remains chaotic. With several top contenders suffering losses, the race for playoff spots is heating up, making Week 9 crucial for many programs.
