After two exciting weeks of college football, we have a packed Saturday ahead with three SEC headliners, including a top-five clash between traditional powerhouses. In addition, there are multiple rivalry games featuring boots of sorts, and a potential College Football Playoff showcase in unexpected Bloomington, Indiana.
This sport truly is a blessing.
Let’s take a look at the top 10 games of Week 8, starting with honorable mentions and counting down.
Honorable Mention: Oklahoma State at No. 13 BYU, Ohio at Miami (Ohio), Virginia at No. 10 Clemson, Auburn vs No. 19 Missouri, Louisiana at Coastal Carolina, Toledo at NIU, Colorado at Arizona, James Madison at Georgia Southern, UCF at No. 9 Iowa State.
(All point spreads come from BetMGM; click here for live odds. Stream college football on fubo. All kickoff times are Eastern and on Saturday unless otherwise noted.)
Let’s give credit to two teams that have surpassed expectations in the Big 12. Despite being predicted to finish near the bottom of the conference, the winner of Saturday’s match will enter the conference title conversation. Arizona State, led by dominating running back Cam Skattebo, has been defying expectations. However, ASU will be without starting quarterback Sam Leavitt due to injury, with Jeff Sims stepping in. Cincinnati, with transfer QB Brendan Sorsby, aims to take advantage of a depleted ASU team traveling across time zones for an early kickoff.
Line: Cincinnati -4.5
9. UNLV (5-1) at Oregon State (4-2), 10 p.m., Fubo, The CW
UNLV bounced back from an overtime loss to Syracuse by dominating Utah State last week, staying in the Mountain West race with Boise State. They face a significant game with Boise State next week that could impact the conference standings and Group of 5’s CFP hopes. A win in Corvallis this Saturday would add value to UNLV’s record. Oregon State, recovering from a surprising loss to Nevada, will offer a measuring stick for both teams as they play Boise State in the future.
Line: UNLV -7
8. No. 17 Kansas State (5-1) at West Virginia (3-3), 7:30 p.m., Fubo, Fox
While there are intriguing matchups involving the Big 12’s ranked teams, Kansas State has the most at stake. As the only ranked team on the road with a loss, a defeat could jeopardize their conference title and CFP hopes. Kansas State faces a resilient West Virginia team with two potent rushing attacks in a critical matchup.
Line: Kansas State -3
7. No. 24 Michigan (4-2) at No. 22 Illinois (5-1), 3:30 p.m., Fubo, CBS
A ranked matchup between Michigan and Illinois, despite Michigan’s struggling offense, promises an intriguing game. Illinois, with a 5-1 record, will commemorate legendary halfback Red Grange’s iconic game against Michigan. The game is notable for honoring the past and showcasing two competitive teams.
Line: Michigan -3.5
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Expect a different outcome from the previous matchup between Notre Dame and Georgia Tech, with potential injuries affecting the teams. Notre Dame must maintain focus as they face tougher opponents ahead in their schedule.
Line: Notre Dame -12.5
5. Nebraska (5-1) at No. 16 Indiana (6-0), Noon, Fubo, Fox
Indiana, led by Curt Cignetti, has had a remarkable start to the season and seeks to continue their undefeated streak against Nebraska. The game features top-notch defenses and promises a competitive matchup between the two teams.
Line: Indiana -6.5
4. No. 8 LSU (5-1) at Arkansas (4-2), 7 p.m., Fubo, ESPN
The Battle for the Golden Boot features LSU and Arkansas, with both teams coming off significant wins. The matchup is crucial for both teams in their SEC journey.
Line: LSU -2.5
3. No. 6 Miami (6-0) at Louisville (4-2), Noon, Fubo, ABC
Miami faces Louisville for the Schnellenberger Trophy, adding another layer of rivalry to the game. Both teams possess powerful offenses, promising an exciting and high-scoring contest.
The Louisville Sports Commission announces Louisville and Miami will play annually for The Schnellenberger Trophy: “Which features the actual western dress boots, now bronzed, worn by Coach Howard Schnellenberger when he led both programs to national prominence.” pic.twitter.com/khBoFZOpHQ
— Mark Ennis (@MarkEnnis) July 24, 2023
Line: Miami -5
2. No. 7 Alabama (5-1) at No. 11 Tennessee (5-1), 3:30 p.m., Fubo, ABC
Alabama faces Tennessee, with both teams aiming to avoid a second loss and stabilize their fan bases. The matchup features contrasting strengths and weaknesses, making it an intriguing game to watch.
Line: Alabama -3
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1. No. 5 Georgia (5-1) at No. 1 Texas (6-0), 7:30 p.m., Fubo, ABC
A highly-anticipated matchup between Georgia and Texas, both top-ranked teams, promises an exciting showdown. Georgia faces a tough test on the road, as Texas aims to solidify their status as national title favorites.
Line: Texas -4.5
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Photo: Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images