After taking the previous week off, we are back with our recap.
One of the many things we learned this week is that there are still plenty of undefeated teams in play—some expected and some unexpected.
That said, let’s review the other things learned after Week 8.
What Did We Learn From Week 8?
Simply put, the Texas Longhorns were not prepared to handle the storm that was the Georgia Bulldogs defense. Right from the first snap, they came fast and furious. A generally poised Longhorns offensive line was overwhelmed physically for the first time this season. The Bulldogs' offense did a relatively decent job capitalizing on the turnovers they created, but this game was all about their defense. One should expect both these teams to meet again in the playoffs, which should be a dandy if it happens.
If you've been following Alabama since their historic loss to Vanderbilt, their loss to Tennessee shouldn’t come as a surprise. They were never in control of that game. Jalen Milroe was average at best, and their secondary play was questionable. In their defense, Volunteers quarterback Nico Iamaleava wasn’t great in this game, but they had running back Dylan Sampson carrying the weight.
Yes, Miami won to remain undefeated, but there are plenty of areas of concern. Firstly, they didn't run the ball particularly well (though Damien Martinez played well). Secondly, they are overly dependent on Cam Ward, who is the primary reason why they're as good as they are. Thirdly, their secondary play is poor. Do they deserve to be a top 10 team? Well, as long as Ward is healthy, they have a chance.
While sporting their beautiful 1920s throwback uniforms, Illinois embarrassed Michigan on their home turf. For the Wolverines, it's clear they are nowhere close to being a top 25 team, especially with their porous quarterback situation.
Clemson continued their winning ways with a big win over Virginia. At this point, the Tigers are nearing top 5 territory with how they are trending.
If BYU doesn’t have your attention by now, then we don’t know what else to say. They're 7-0 and took down a good Oklahoma State team, albeit with some late game heroics. That being said, one can make the argument that the Cougars should be a top 10 team.
When it comes to Indiana, it never looks pretty but it works. The Hoosiers dominated Nebraska and showed why they should not be ignored as a potential playoff team.
Army took the triple-option approach and rolled over East Carolina. Quarterback Bryson Daily accounted for five touchdowns, but one has to wonder if he's better suited as a running back.
Notre Dame's Riley Leonard is an unusual quarterback to watch, but he gets positive results. The Fighting Irish have come a long way from their embarrassing loss to Northern Illinois.
The last time the Colorado Buffaloes recorded more than four wins in a season was in 2019. With their win over Arizona, they reached that milestone. Though they are not yet a playoff team, Coach Prime has his team going in the right direction.
It's official, the USC Trojans are allergic to prosperity. Once again, another week, another lead evaporated. At this point, one has to wonder about Lincoln Riley's job security.
After an impressive win over Ohio State in Week 7, Dillon Gabriel and his Oregon Ducks made quick work of Purdue, showing why they are easily among the top two teams in college football.
When we talk about the top head coaches in college football, Duke's Manny Diaz deserves to be in the discussion.
Week 8 Top Performers
-Offense -
QB Cade Klubnik - Clemson
RB Bhayshul Tuten - Virginia Tech
QB Cam Ward - Miami
QB Ethan Garbers - UCLA
RB Mario Anderson Jr. - Memphis
RB Dylan Sampson - Tennessee
RB RJ Harvey - UCF
QB Jalen Kitna - UAB
QB Tyler Shough - Louisville
RB A.j. Turner - Marshall
QB Bryson Daily - Army
TE Colston Loveland - Michigan
QB Sawyer Robertson - Baylor
QB Billy Edwards Jr. - Maryland
QB Spencer Petras - Utah State
RB Kyle Monangai - Rutgers
WR Jalen Royals - Utah State
RB Trevor Etienne - Georgia
QB Jalon Daniels - Kansas
WR Samuel Brown - Miami
-Defense-
CB Cobee Bryant - Kansas
LB Jalon Walker - Georgia
DB Daylen Everette - Georgia
DL Mykel Williams - Georgia
LB Brendan Jackson - Troy
DB Nick Emmanwori - South Carolina
DB Cameron Martinez - Boston College
DL Wesley Williams - Duke
DB Shawn Asbury II - Indiana
LB JB Brown - Kansas
DL Kyonte Hamilton - Rutgers
DL TeRah Edwards - Illinois
LB Jhalyn Shuler - South Florida
DB Jack Luttrell - Arizona
LB Demetrius Knight Jr. - South Carolina
DL Ansel Din-Mbuh - Washington
LB Jayden Mcdonald - UConn
LB Xavier Carlton - California
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