2022-23 College Football: Week 8 Review
Not even eight of the Top 25 teams being off this weekend could stop the action from being fast and furious in Week 8. Four Top 25 matchups were the highlights of the schedule, including two big games in the Big 12, a Top 10 battle in the PAC-12, and a battle of undefeated teams in the ACC. Some huge conference races became a little clearer this weekend as several top teams try to set course for conference championship games and potential playoff berths. In the end, we got an exciting weekend all across the country.
While eyes were likely more fixated on the battle between TCU and Kansas State in Fort Worth, this battle between the teams we expected to be at the top of the conference stole the show. The matchup between Quinn Ewers and Spencer Sanders was the battle I was most excited to see since Ewers returned to the lineup a few weeks ago. There were a lot of passes in this game with varying levels of efficiency. After turning the ball over a few times and falling behind briefly in the first quarter, the Longhorns spent most of the middle two quarters playing ahead, leading by as much as 14 in the second quarter. Through three quarters, Ewers had thrown two touchdowns, Bijan Robinson (181 total yards) had run for and caught a touchdown, and the Longhorns led 34-27. Neither team had produced much in the third quarter and the Cowboys were on borrowed time. Sanders came to life in the fourth. Early in the quarter, he led the team on as 12-play drive that ended with a touchdown pass to tie the game. Texas would get its chance to take the lead, but the kick would go way left of the uprights to keep the game tied. On the ensuing drive, Sanders made quick work of Texas, needing just 1:48 to hit Bryson Green for 41 yards and a score to give Oklahoma State their first lead since leading 10-7 in the first quarter. Ewers would get the ball back, but he was intercepted for the second time. The Texas defense would hold strong and force a punt to put the ball back in their offense's hands. Ewers would lead the team into Oklahoma State territory but with just eight seconds left, Ewers was picked off for the third time in the game, sealing the victory for Oklahoma State as they stay alive in their hopes for a bid in the Big 12 Championship Game.
Upset of the Week- LSU 45, #7 Ole Miss 20 (Baton Rouge, LA)
Though they were the only Top 25 lose to an unranked team, I have a hard time called LSU beating Ole Miss in Death Valley a true upset on the surface. When you look at this score, I'm not sure anyone thought this game would be this lopsided by the end. In all fairness, Ole Miss dominated the first quarter. Quinshon Judkins (111 yards) ran for two touchdowns in the opening quarter and the Rebels led 17-3 early in the second. From there, it was all Tigers. More specifically, it was all Jayden Daniels. The Tigers quarterback hit Jaray Jenkins for a 34-yard touchdown before running one in on their next possession to tie the game up. The Rebels would kick a field goal to take the lead going into the break and that would be the last time they'd score for the afternoon. Daniels continued his dominance in the second half, throwing for a touchdown in the third and running for two more in the fourth as LSU eased to a win. Jaxson Dart was largely a non-factor in this game. While he threw for 283 yards, he wouldn't score a touchdown and threw an interception. The win not only makes LSU bowl-eligible, it also gives them some momentum as they head into the bye week before welcoming Alabama on 11/5.
Other Notable Games
#10 Oregon 45, #9 UCLA 30 (Eugene, OR)
The big game out west this weekend, this was the meeting I was most excited for on Saturday's slate. Not only was it the lone Top 10 battle of the weekend, Bo Nix took this opportunity to have one of the best games of his college career. The Auburn transfer threw for 283 yards and tied the career high for touchdowns he set earlier this season with five. The Ducks rode a 28-point second quarter to take a 31-13 lead into halftime and even though Dorian Thompson-Robinson (300 total yards, 2 TD, INT) and Zach Charbonnet (151 yards, TD) tried to get the Bruins back into the game, the Ducks were just too much for them as they secured their win to remain undefeated in conference play.
#5 Clemson 27, #14. Syracuse 21 (Clemson, SC)
I'm not sure anyone expected a battle between the Orange and the Tigers to be the game that would likely decide the ACC Atlantic. Both entered the game undefeated in conference play and for three quarters, the Orange looked primed for the upset. A touchdown from Will Shipley in the first quarter gave Clemson the early lead, but Syracuse scored 21 unanswered points before a Tigers field goal cut the halftime lead to 21-10. In the second half, after three turnovers from DJ Uiagalelei, the Tigers turned to Cade Klubnik for some life. While he did his part, it was the work of Shipley and Phil Mafah, each running for a touchdown in the fourth quarter to give Clemson the lead late. After extending their lead with a field goal, the defense held strong and intercepted Garrett Schrader during Syracuse's last efforts to secure the win and, in all likelihood, securing their spot in the ACC Championship Game.
#8 TCU 38, #17 Kansas State 28 (Fort Worth, TX)
With the battle for the lead in the Big 12 up for grabs, only one team was going to come out of this game still undefeated in conference play. Kansas State had been an excellent story for the last several weeks behind the play of Adrian Martinez. Unfortunately for Martinez, he'd be knocked out the game very early. The Wildcats adjusted well. Backup Will Howard accounted for three touchdowns as Kansas State took a 28-17 lead into halftime. Facing their first loss of the season, the Horned Frogs turned it around in the second half. After Kendre Miller made it a one-score game, Max Duggan (280 yards 3 TD) ground Quentin Johnston on a 55-yard toss to give TCU the lead in the third quarter. Miller added a second touchdown run in the fourth quarter and the defense put a stranglehold on Kansas State to stay undefeated and put themselves in the driver's seat in the Big 12.
#6 Alabama 30, #24 Mississippi State 6 (Tuscaloosa, AL)
I knew coming into this game that Alabama was going to livid and motivated after losing to Tennessee last week. I felt bad for Mississippi State because I knew they were going to be on the wrong side of it. From the outset of the game, it was all Alabama. The Crimson Tide led 24-0 in the first half behind two touchdown passes from Bryce Young and a touchdown run from Jahmyr Gibbs. The offense didn't get as much going in the second half, but the defense wouldn't allow any points until time ran off the clock in the fourth quarter. Mississippi State actually outgained Alabama offensively by three yards, but Will Rogers couldn't get the offense going. The Bulldogs' defense tried their hardest to stop Young and company, but they were unable to as they fell once again.
My Top 25
1. Ohio State (7-0, W 54-10 Iowa) (-)
While the result was never in doubt, the Buckeyes couldn't finish a drive in the first half. CJ Stroud came alive in the second half, throwing for four touchdowns to rout Iowa and stay in my top spot.
2. Georgia (7-0, BYE) (-)
It was a quiet week in Athens with the Bulldogs not in action. This rest was well-needed as Georgia looks to finish the back stretch of their season and a date with Tennessee in two weeks.
3. Tennessee (7-0, W 65-24 UT-Martin) (-)
It was an easy week for the Vols as the first stringers put up 51 points on Tennessee-Martin in the first half. Hendon Hooker threw for three touchdowns to hold steady in the Heisman race.
4. Michigan (7-0, BYE) (-)
The Wolverines had the week off after their big win over Penn State last week. This off time will help them prepare for an in-state clash with Michigan State at the Big House next week.
5. TCU (7-0, W 38-28 #17 Kansas State) (+1)
It's Big 12 title game or bust for the Horned Frogs after moving to 7-0 with a win over Kansas State. On paper, the road to the very end looks easy for TCU as they look beyond just a conference title.
6. Clemson (8-0, W 27-21 #14 Syracuse) (-1)
Dropping them another spot after a win feels a little mean, but I'm starting to have my doubts about them again. Dabo Swinney is insistent that Uiagalelei is his QB despite his struggles against Syracuse.
7. Alabama (7-1, W 30-6 #24 Mississippi State) (+1)
This was a resounding statement from the Crimson Tide that they are not going away easily. They have a week off before back-to-back road games against LSU and Ole Miss.
8. Oregon (6-1, W 45-30 #9 UCLA) (+2)
The Ducks now sit atop the conference with their huge win over UCLA. They lead one of the best races in the country right now with Bo Nix playing lights out.
9. Oklahoma State (6-1, W 41-34 #20 Texas) (+2)
With a huge comeback win over Texas, the Cowboys remain in a good spot to finish in the top two of the conference. Spencer Sanders won the quarterback duel and now they head to Manhattan next week.
10. Wake Forest (6-1, W 43-15 Boston College) (+3)
There still seems to be hope in Winston-Salem that either Clemson will falter or a New Year's Six game is imminent. Sam Hartman torched Boston College for five touchdowns in a rout.
11. UCLA (6-1, L 45-30 #10 Oregon) (-2)
I had to debate with myself who I felt should be higher between UCLA and USC and I opted for the Bruins. They have identical records but UCLA's resume has two Top 25 wins while USC has zero.
12. USC (6-1, BYE) (-)
Another team with an off week, it left the Trojans with an extra week to think about their loss to Utah. Their road is pretty easy to the end, with just a meeting with UCLA in the penultimate week remaining.
13. Ole Miss (7-1, L 45-20 LSU) (-7)
There isn't much to say about their loss to LSU other than it was an utter dismantling on behalf of the Tigers. The Rebels' offense was shut out in the second half as they dropped a huge game on the road.
14. Utah (5-2, BYE) (-)
The fourth in a quartet of PAC-12 teams in my Top 15, they are also my top two-loss team. They were off this week and they'll need a little help from USC and a win against Oregon to top the conference.
15. Penn State (6-1, W 45-17 Minnesota) (+2)
Sean Clifford looked very good as Penn State recovered from their loss to Michigan last week. It doesn't get easier as they now welcome Ohio State to Happy Valley next week.
16. Kentucky (5-2, BYE) (-)
It'll be all business next week as the Wildcats head to Knoxville for a war with Tennessee. This extra week has allowed Will Levis to head more and make it an even more exciting affair.
17. North Carolina (6-1, BYE) (+2)
Sitting two games up in the loss column in the ACC Coastal, it's the Tar Heels division to lose. They still have big games against NC State and Wake Forest left, but they hold control for now.
18. Cincinnati (6-1, W 29-27 SMU) (+3)
The good times keep rolling for the Bearcats with their sixth straight win. The Mustangs made a run for it in the fourth quarter, but Cincinnati held on to keep the momentum going.
19. Kansas State (5-2, L 38-28 #8 TCU) (-4)
The injury to Adrian Martinez was a huge blow for Kansas State in their loss. They got a good effort from Will Howard, but they fell just short as they failed to stay undefeated in the Big 12.
20. LSU (6-2, W 45-20 #7 Ole Miss) (+7)
Jayden Daniels single-handily outscored the Rebels with his five touchdowns in Death Valley. They've worked back into the Top 25 as they now get a bye week to prepare for Alabama's visit.
21. Syracuse (6-1, L 27-21 #5 Clemson) (-3)
If there were only three periods in college football, Syracuse would've come away with a huge upset win on the road. Unfortunately, it's four quarters and the defense couldn't hold onto their lead.
22. Illinois (6-1, BYE) (-)
Sitting atop the Big Ten West, they got some help from Wisconsin during their off week. With Michigan at the end of their schedule, it's important that they don't slip up in the next three week.
23. Tulane (7-1, W 38-28 Memphis) (+1)
It's a good thing they did their damage in the first half because Memphis came back with a vengeance in the second half. The Green Wave defense forced four turnovers to stay a win up on Cincinnati.
24. Washington (6-2, W 28-21 California) (+2)
It was a tight win for the Huskies as Michael Penix Jr threw for 374 yards and two touchdowns, both in the fourth quarter. The defense looked strong, holding Cal to 61 yards rushing.
25. NC State (5-2, BYE) (-)
I have plenty of concerns still about whether NC State will stay in the spot much longer. Devin Leary's injury has cast a shadow on their season and they still have two huge games left on the schedule.
The Next 5
26. South Carolina (5-2, W 30-24 Texas A&M) (NR)
The Associated Press put the Gamecocks in the Top 25 after following up their win over Kentucky with a victory over Texas A&M. Given the Aggies' struggles, I'm holding off for now, but that could change.
27. Oregon State (6-2, W 42-9 Colorado (NR)
The Beavers have won three straight since their losses to USC and Utah as they try to stay in the race. Their next test will be Washington in two weeks following a bye week.
28. Texas (5-3, L 41-34 #11 Oklahoma State) (-8)
The loss to Oklahoma State stings largely because they held the lead in the fourth quarter. Quinn Ewers wasn't as effective as he was in previous week, throwing interceptions on Texas' last two possessions.
29. Liberty (7-1, W 41-14 BYU) (+1)
While BYU led 14-3 after one quarter, the Flames scored 38 unanswered points to destroy the once ranked Cougars. They ran for 300 yards, including 213 yards and a touchdown for Dae Dae Hunter.
30. Maryland (6-2, W 31-24 Northwestern) (NR)
They had to do it without Taulia Tagovailoa and they still got the job done. Roman Hemby led the way with 179 yards on the ground and three touchdowns in the tight win for Maryland.
Week 9 Preview
1. #2 Ohio State v. #13 Penn State (University Park, PA)
The big game of the week will take place in Happy Valley next Saturday as the Buckeyes head into hostile territory to battle Penn State. There are four teams still in the mix right now in the Big Ten East and a win for Penn State over CJ Stroud and Ohio State would throw everything into disarray.
2. #19 Kentucky v. #3 Tennessee (Knoxville, TN)
The Volunteers proved there was no hangover after their huge win over Alabama by beating up on an FCS school. Kentucky comes into this game well-rested with this last week off, giving up Will Levis v. Hendon Hooker within an already intense game.
3. #9 Oklahoma State v. #22 Kansas State (Manhattan, KS)
The Big 12 schedule seems to always have at least one great game and next weekend it will feature Kansas State trying to rebound from their loss. Keep a close eye on the status of Adrian Martinez throughout the week because that could indicate how this game will go for the Wildcats.
4. #20 Cincinnati v. UCF (Orlando, FL)
UCF suffered a huge set back with their loss in Greenville on Saturday to East Carolina in a very one-sided affair. This game taking place in Orlando could help them a little bit as a hungry and incendiary Cincinnati team comes into town.
5. Pittsburgh v. #21 North Carolina (Chapel Hill, NC)
It seems like we get a new Pittsburgh team each week after dropping a decision to Louisville by two touchdowns on Saturday. Drake Maye has become a phenomenon throughout the ACC and this could prove to be a long afternoon for the Panthers if they don't come to play.
6. #17 Illinois v. Nebraska (Lincoln, NE)
Since firing Scott Frost, the Cornhuskers are 2-2, yet they still find themselves in the middle of the fight to win the Big Ten West. They are just one point behind Illinois right now for the top spot, so they mathematically still hold a chance to pull this out.
7. #10 USC v. Arizona (Tucson, AZ)
Going on the road to Tucson on Saturday poses an interesting challenge for the Trojans as they get set to face one of the better passers in the country. Jayden de Laura has thrown for 400+ yards in three of their last four games, though Arizona is struggling to put wins together.
8. Notre Dame v. #16 Syracuse (Syracuse, NY)
While not quite living up to their preseason expectations, Notre Dame has won four of their last five games following an 0-2 start. Syracuse just suffered its first loss in a heartbreaking loss to Clemson, a fate many have felt this season, so they're going to be hungry in front of their home crowd.
9. North Texas v. Western Kentucky (Bowling Green, KY)
Currently tied for second in the C-USA standings, the Hilltoppers and Mean Green will meet to try and put themselves in the best position to finish in the top two with UTSA. With North Texas losing to the Roadrunners on Saturday, a win could get them right back into contention a possible rematch.
10. Toledo v. Eastern Michigan (Ypsilanti, MI)
There are some tight races in the MAC right now and in the West Division, the top two teams are set to do battle. Toledo is coming off its first conference loss to East-leading Buffalo, while Eastern Michigan has won three of their last four games.
Comments
Post a Comment