Week 8 definitely fed off some ranked teams that suffered under Red October football. That included Top 10 teams like Miami, Ole Miss, Texas Tech, and LSU. Meanwhile, Vanderbilt, Georgia Tech, and BYU are gaining traction for a playoff opportunity if they keep this up. Amongst those surprises, how about UAB pulling off the upset against ranked Memphis? While Texas surprisingly survived overtime against Kentucky, the same can’t be said about Florida State against Stanford. What is happening with the Seminoles??? UCLA’s also won three straight games after they fired Deshaun Foster and after I finally got Nico’s last name right. Meanwhile, Mississippi State still hasn’t defeated an SEC team in about two seasons now and Clemson finally lost to SMU. UNLV also suffered a lost against none other than Boise State (damn the Broncos!!!). We’re a couple of weeks away from November and three Tuesdays away from the first CFP Rankings announcement. Buckle-up for more chaos in Red October as more ranked victims will be claimed☠️

12) SOUTH FLORIDA (6-1)

USF destroyed FAU with no problem. The team ain’t much but USF’s doing everything possible to keep themselves in the hunt for the highest Group of Five team and reach the playoffs. Byrum Brown went off with 256 passing yards for three touchdowns, and 111 rushing yards for another touchdown.

11) OLE MISS (6-1)

Ole Miss played the same as Tennessee and outpaced Georgia for three quarters. They had Georgia on their heels before being shutout in the fourth quarter. Their lack of run game and physicality ultimately cost them their undefeated season opportunity. Ole Miss had stretches of success and inconsistencies. They must bounce back immediately because they now travel to Norman to deal with a very stingy Oklahoma defense and a nearly recovered John Mateer.

10) VANDERBILT (6-1)

Vanderbilt was the better team throughout the game. Even after LSU took the lead on multiple occasions, they lacked a full, healthy roster to keep up with Vanderbilt and were worn down by the end of the game. Diego Pavia continues uplifting the team’s optimism and motivation to play better no matter how good their opponents are. It is a spirited team that can’t be denied and I’m all for them as long as Diego Pavia’s leading the team. Love the kid!

9) MIAMI (5-1)

Louisville’s the team to never overlook. Miami struggled throughout the game, but they had plenty of chances. Despite Carson Beck throwing three interceptions, their defense didn’t allow a score off those turnovers. Unfortunately, the fourth interception ended Miami’s comeback or game-tying opportunity while the other three interceptions took away the Canes’ scoring opportunities. I take back what I said about Georgia might regret letting Beck go. Maybe Kirby Smart was on to something, and Beck is the one with red flags.

8) TEXAS TECH (6-1)

Texas Tech kept things close early but struggled throughout before coming up short in their near comeback victory. They did fight back late immediately and took the lead with under two minutes to go. Unfortunately, they failed to stop Sam Leavitt and Arizona State in the end and Texas Tech said goodbye to their undefeated season opportunity. Tech finally felt vulnerable. They still have a shot at a Big 12 title spot, but their chances became slim.

7) GEORGIA (6-1)

Just like the Tennessee game weeks ago, Georgia paced with Ole Miss for three quarters. When it seemed like their backs were against the wall, Gunnar Stockton told them to hold his beer and took complete control. This workhorse quarterback did everything possible to bring this team back in. Thanks to him and the defense, they dominated the fourth quarter and shutout Ole Miss. However, Georgia’s defense is vulnerable against good offenses, but the Dawgs’ offense proved they could keep up with virtually any offense in the nation and ultimately wear them down with physicality.

6) TEXAS A&M (7-0)

Texas A&M’s shootout with West rival Arkansas could’ve gone either way. But no matter the situation the Aggies got themselves in, they adapted really well. They outplayed Arkansas just enough to win the game. There were plenty of big plays and Marcel Reed really manipulated the defense in his favor. They haven’t faced a really tough, caliber opponent, but they may have proven to challenge nearly anyone up to that point.

5) ALABAMA (6-1)

Alabama had a much better solid game unlike previous ones. Quarterback Ty Simpson had a great game and Ryan Williams redeemed himself big time against Tennessee after a slow start to the season. However, Alabama still has issues stopping the run. That could be a problem if they don’t address this soon. Otherwise, Alabama will go toe-to-toe with just about anyone in a shootout.

4) GEORGIA TECH (7-0)

Georgia Tech’s offense took a while before they finally scored against Duke. Their defense did a great job forcing mistakes on Duke and not giving them many scoring opportunities to close out the Yellow Jackets. Tech grinded them out on the road and is in great position of the rankings and the ACC standings through mid-Red October.

3) OREGON (6-1)

The Ducks netted around 750 total offensive yards. Dante Moore, Kenyon Sadiq, and Noah Whittington had a huge night against Rutgers. Rutgers started off the game forcing the turnover, but they did nothing against Oregon since. Oregon’s defense locked in and forced the issue from beginning to end. What a bounce back after a home loss to Indiana.

2) INDIANA (7-0)

Indiana followed up their big win at Autzen Stadium with a dismantling of Michigan State at home. It looked like Michigan State had upset on their mind, but that was immediately put to bed by Curt Cignetti’s squad. Fernando Mendoza was clinical once again for 332 yards and four touchdown passes. Indiana put up big offensive numbers and made mincemeat out of the Spartans.

1) OHIO STATE (7-0)

The Buckeyes shutout Wisconsin on the road and did it in dominating fashion per usual. This was also their second shutout win this season. Julian Sayin tore apart the defense in various ways for nearly 400 yards and four touchdown passes. Carnell Tate had a huge day with 111 receiving yards, and one incredible touchdown catch in double coverage. The Buckeyes continue their virtual dominance on the schedule.

HONORABLE MENTION

Friday Night Football

Some big time Power 4 programs should stop complaining about facing lesser teams, conferences, programs, etc. and start worrying about playing on earlier days that aren’t Saturday. We already witnessed Florida State’s loss last month against Virginia on Friday night. Now, Miami and Nebraska were claimed by Friday Night Football in Red October.

The Moxie QBs: Bear Bachmeier, Diego Pavia, and Gunnar Stockton

Diego, Gunnar, and Bear understood that they’ll do whatever it takes to will their team to victory no matter what. They all did it on primetime of the morning, afternoon, and evening games and boy were they all impressive. If they’re not considered for Heisman at some point, I don’t know what is required for Heisman consideration these days.

UAB

After Trent Dilfer’s firing, Alex Mortensen took over as the interim coach. If you’ve heard of that last name, you are correct. Alex is the son of the late great Chris Mortensen, and Alex coached the team to a big upset win over formerly ranked and undefeated Memphis team. This was a huge deal for him and the program that really needs a return to relevancy since the Bill Clark days.