Top Five Games to Watch in Week Eight of College Football
Week Eight is going to be sensational, with end-to-end conference match-ups, from ACC showdowns all the way to SEC clashes. Every snap could tilt the playoff scales. Underdogs are circling, ready to flip scripts and torch expectations. Rivalries will roar, and rankings will wobble, as every team fights its way to be a part of the postseason outlook. Momentum will be everything, as grit and game-changing plays could turn dark horses into headline makers overnight.
5. 14th-Ranked Oklahoma vs. South Carolina
The 14th-ranked Oklahoma Sooners will face South Carolina on Saturday at 12:45 p.m. EST in a high-stakes showdown that promises fireworks. Both teams are coming off tough losses; Oklahoma fell to Texas, while South Carolina was edged out by LSU, and they are hungry to bounce back. Coach Brent Venables is focused on repairing Oklahoma’s offensive rhythm, emphasizing problem-solving over finger-pointing. Key Sooners Jaren Kanak and John Mateer are expected to step up and help stabilize the team’s performance. Meanwhile, South Carolina aims to build momentum behind explosive playmakers LaNorris Sellers and Rahsul Faison as they push for a statement win.
4. 10th-Ranked LSU vs. Vanderbilt
LSU will play Vanderbilt at noon. This is one of the most highly anticipated matches of Week Eight. With LSU coming off a win and Vanderbilt losing to Alabama, both teams are yearning for a victory. Coach Clark Lea is grateful for the chance for the team to prove themselves and hopes to win this game, as it is crucial for the team to make it to the playoffs. Vanderbilt will need to lean on players Diego Pavia and Tre Richardson to successfully win. LSU is optimistic about winning due to its previous win. Players Ashton Stamps and Garrett Nussemeier will need to continue to perform well.
3. 13th-Ranked Notre Dame vs. 20th-Ranked USC
Notre Dame will face off against USC at 7:30 p.m. EST on Saturday. The stakes are sky high, making this one of the most Consequential games of the week. Notre Dame has bounced back from their slow start. After winning their last game 45-24, Notre Dame has high expectations for another win. Coach Marcus Freeman wants his team to work on confidence and momentum. He believes that this will maximize team focus, and he also wants the team to pursue the ball effectively during games. Notre Dame will lean on Jeremiyah Love to climb the AP poll, while USC hopes to pick up another win with standouts like Carlon Jones; it will not be hard.
2. 11th-Ranked Tennessee vs. Sixth-Ranked Alabama
Saturday's evening match-up, Tennessee at Alabama, will keep everyone waiting with baited breath. All eyes are on this clash; it's the crown jewel of Week Eight. Both Tennessee and Alabama enter this matchup riding wins, but with different challenges ahead. Tennessee eyes a coaching change and key contributions from Joey Aguilar and Miles Kitselman. Alabama counts on Ty Simpson to sustain offensive momentum amid growing scrutiny of Kalen DeBoer.
1. Fifth-Ranked Ole Miss vs. Ninth-Ranked Georgia
Ole Miss will play Georgia at 3:30 p.m. EST. Based on rankings and playoff implications, this matchup tops the Week Eight watchlist. After coming off a win, Ole Miss and Georgia will enter this game with more than just high standards. Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin is looking to improve the team's pass and rush. Ole Miss will need to continue to look towards their star players, Caleb Odom and Cayden Lee. For Georgia to be successful in this game, they will need to continue to focus on improving the defense due to their struggling with slow starts.
