College football is back in full swing. There are always things to watch every week of the season. Here are 5 things to watch in college football Week 8.
Ole Miss is coming off a win over Missouri in which they destroyed the Tigers, 31-3. That win put them at 5-1 on the season, their only loss coming to Florida. The Rebels have some nice wins over Louisville, LSU and now Missouri. Defensively, they have improved since the season started, but Trinidad Chambliss and the offense have been great all season long. They will be going up against a good defense on the road this week.
Texas has lost two straight games to Oklahoma and Florida. They need a big win to stay in the CFP race. The offense has been inconsistent, despite having talent, which is probably more on the coaching than the players. They are scoring 30.2 points per game and allowing just 17.8. The Longhorns will need their offense to score some points against Ole Miss, especially with their defense possibly being without star edge rusher Colin Simmons, who left the game against Florida with an injury.
Houston’s lone loss this season was to Texas Tech in a close one. The Cougars remain a threat to compete in the Big 12, especially after defeating a ranked Oklahoma State team last week. Houston is scoring 39.3 points and allowing 21 points per game. Conner Weigman has played well, passing for 1,771 yards and 20 touchdowns this season. Defensively, Will James has shined with six passes defended and two interceptions.
Utah is undefeated so far this season, but has not played a great team yet. The Utes have a fun offense that scores 40.2 points per game and often utilizes two quarterbacks. On defense, the Utes have also been stout, as they allow just 14.8 points. Devon Dampier leads the way for the Utes with 1,412 passing yards, 328 rushing yards, 15 passing touchdowns and four rushing scores. Jackson Bennee is a player to watch in the secondary with five passes defended and two interceptions. The game will decide a lot in the Big 12 race, as there are several teams still in it.
In week 7, Michigan benched Bryce Underwood against Penn State. Tommy Carr, the brother of Notre Dame quarterback C.J. Carr and grandson of former Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr, entered the game for the Wolverines. He was 5/7 for 47 yards passing. Carr added four rushes for 36 yards and a touchdown. In the process of his play, he helped the offense score 21 second-half points and get the win over the Nittany Lions.
Michigan hasn’t named a starter for the future, but it is hard to believe they wouldn’t start Carr. Things won’t be easy for him, as the Wolverines host Indiana in week 8. The Hoosiers are coming off a close loss to Ohio State and will want to avoid another one or else they will be on the outside of the projected CFP field. Michigan could get a jolt of life from Carr starting, but Indiana will make things tough.
USC was off last week, giving them time to prepare for a trip to Wisconsin. The Trojans are 6-1 and are alive in the CFP race. Jayden Maiava has led a great passing attack that averages 310.1 points per game. The defense has been subpar, which is a familiar feeling for Trojan fans. It will be a tough road environment and a tough defense to go up against this week, but a win could put them in a good spot for some big games down the stretch.
Wisconsin has lost to Notre Dame and UCLA this season, but are playing better than last season. The defense has allowed 16.7 points per game, which has helped give them the success. Their offense has been struggling, as they average 27.5 points per game, ranking 80th in the country. They’ll have the home-field advantage and the defense could lead them to a win on their home turf.
There is an important game in the Mountain West and possibly for the group of six spot in the CFP this weekend. North Dakota State has just one loss in their first season of FBS football. The offense has struggled with the FBS transition, but the defense is one of the best in the country, as they give up 11.2 points per game, ranking second in the nation. A win would keep them with one loss in the Mountain West and alive for a shot at the championship.
New Mexico’s lone loss of the season was to Oklahoma. They have had a great offense and defense, ranking 10th in points scored and first in points allowed per game in the country. Scottre Humphrey leads the rushing attack with 422 yards and eight touchdowns. A win will help the Lobos in the Mountain West, but could also help their quest to be the group of six representatives in the CFP.
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