With Week 8 coming to a close, we are officially past the midway point of the season.
Considering Michigan was on their bye week and the epic match we saw last week between Tennessee and Alabama is behind us, this week may not have been as compelling, but it was just as entertaining. As we reach the end of October, things are heating up, which could lead to what could be the most intense month of November in recent history.
What Did We Learn In Week 8?
If Iowa had any semblance of an offense, their contest against Ohio State would have been closer than what was shown on the final score. The Hawkeyes had one of the top defensive units in the nation, and they were thoroughly broken down by the nation's best offensive unit. That said, the quarterback-receiver tandem of CJ Stroud and Marvin Harrison Jr. is arguably the best in the nation. It almost makes you forget that this was supposed to be Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Oregon needed all of Bo Nix and their offense to pull out a huge win against the once undefeated UCLA Bruins. The question pending is whether this win can move them up to a spot for playoff consideration. Frankly speaking, they are looking like the type of team no one would want to play against.
After an emotional win last week against Alabama, Tennessee did not miss a beat and made quick work of the Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks.
If LSU hasn't gotten your attention yet, their win against No. 7 Ole Miss, after being down 17-3, is deserving of a spot in the top 25.
As expected, Alabama got the best of Mike Leach's Mississippi State Bulldogs. The Crimson Tide defense relegated quarterback Will Rogers to zero touchdown passes while collecting four sacks.
Despite an opportunity to pull out a big win, Oklahoma State quarterback Spencer Saunders raised his game when it mattered, and broke the hearts of Texas Longhorns fans everywhere.
Clemson DJ Uiagalalei struggled so much against Syracuse that they eventually replaced him in the third quarter with freshman Cade Klubnik. Say what you will, but that change propelled them to a huge comeback win, preserving their undefeated record. Will there be another quarterback controversy?
Tulane continues to stack wins as they remain undefeated after their win over Memphis.
Any hopes of a Cinderella playoff run for Kansas may have evaporated after their loss to Baylor.
In a battle between two Sun Belt Conference powerhouses, Troy inched out a win over the South Alabama Jaguars, improving their record to 6-2.
Week 8 Top Performers
Offense
QB C.J. Stroud
QB Jayden Daniels
QB Michael Penix Jr.
RB Will Shipley - Clemson
RB Richard Reese - Baylor
QB Bo Nix - Oregon
WR Zay Flowers - Boston College
RB Dae Dae Hunter - Liberty
QB Spencer Sanders - Oklahoma State
WR Jalin Hyatt - Tennessee
RB Roman Hemby - Maryland
WR Alex Adams - Akron
RB Titus Swen - Wyoming
RB Kendre Miller - TCU
RB Damien Martinez - Oregon State
QB Sam Hartman - Wake Forest
RB Camerun Peoples - Appalachian State
RB Deneric Prince - Tulsa
Defense
DE Darian Varner - Temple
CB Elias Ricks - Alabama
LB Ivan Pace Jr. - Cincinnati
DE Zayin West - Kent State
DE Joe Evans - Iowa
DB Brandon Johnson - Duke
LB AJ Vongphachanh - Utah State
S Isaac White - Wyoming
DE Braden Siders - Wyoming
DB Demarcco Hellams - Alabama
DL Saivon Davis - Kent State
LB Nick Hampton - Appalachian State
DL Charles Coleman III - South Alabama
LB Dorian Williams - Tulane