CFP: Five Ranked Matchups Headline a Critical Week 8

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After a chaotic Week 7 that saw the College Football Playoff picture fracture with major upsets and a high-profile coaching dismissal, the sport does not slow down. Week 8 arrives with a season-high five matchups featuring Associated Press Top 25 teams, with the SEC once again serving as the center of gravity for national title aspirations.

This is the week where résumés are either cemented or shredded, providing a true litmus test for the top-ten contenders and those on the periphery.

The SEC Gauntlet: Three Blockbusters

The Southeastern Conference owns the spotlight with a trio of games that will determine the league’s hierarchy moving into November.

No. 5 Ole Miss (6-0) at No. 9 Georgia (5-1)

Time/Channel: Saturday, 3:30 PM ET (ABC)
The Stakes: This is a crucial pivot point for both programs. Georgia survived a scare against Auburn and needs a signature win at home to stay in the thick of the CFP race after an early loss to Alabama. For Ole Miss, this is quarterback Trinidad Chambliss’s first true road test and a chance to silence critics who point to their uninspiring win over Washington State. If Lane Kiffin’s Rebels can win in Athens—a place they haven’t conquered since 1996—they solidify a top-four spot.

No. 11 Tennessee (5-1) at No. 6 Alabama (5-1)

Time/Channel: Saturday, 7:00 PM ET (ESPN)
The Rivalry: The Third Saturday in October delivers a fierce matchup in Tuscaloosa. Alabama is surging under Kalen DeBoer, having won three straight over ranked opponents. Quarterback Ty Simpson is playing at an elite level, and a win would give the Tide their fourth straight top-20 victory. Tennessee’s explosive offense, led by the nation’s leading scorer, needs a near-perfect game to end their 10-game losing streak to the Crimson Tide. The winner maintains pace with the SEC’s frontrunners; the loser takes a second conference loss that could prove fatal.

No. 10 LSU (5-1) at No. 17 Vanderbilt (5-1)

Time/Channel: Saturday, 12:00 PM ET (ABC)
The Narrative: In one of the most unexpected storylines of the season, Vanderbilt is favored against LSU for the first time since 1948. The Commodores, who are 5-1 and on a bye last week, have a chance to prove their ranking is legitimate. LSU’s offense has struggled with consistency, and traveling to a hostile, ranked environment in Nashville makes this a high-risk scenario for the Tigers.

Marquee Non-Conference & Big Ten Tests

Beyond the SEC, two major inter-conference rivalry games and a critical Big Ten contest will demand national attention.

No. 20 USC (5-1) at No. 13 Notre Dame (4-2)

Time/Channel: Saturday, 7:30 PM ET (NBC)
The Showdown: This historic rivalry game sees two teams fighting to keep their faint CFP dreams alive. USC is riding high after a dominant win over Michigan, while Notre Dame needs a signature victory to overcome two early losses. The Fighting Irish defense has been stingy, but USC’s offense, led by quarterback Jayden Maiava, is among the nation’s most explosive. The winner gets a major bump in the polls; the loser is officially eliminated from New Year’s Six consideration.

No. 12 Georgia Tech (6-0) at Duke

Time/Channel: Saturday, 12:00 PM ET (ESPN)
The Trap: The undefeated Yellow Jackets are quietly 6-0 but face a dangerous unranked opponent in Duke, who has been clutch all season. Georgia Tech’s ability to avoid the critical error will be tested by a fierce Blue Devils defense known for forcing turnovers. If the Yellow Jackets win, their CFP stock soars as they look ahead to a possible undefeated regular season.

No. 3 Indiana (6-0) vs. Michigan State

Time/Channel: Saturday, 12:30 PM ET (Peacock)
The Encore: After vaulting to No. 3 following their statement win over Oregon, the pressure is now on Indiana to handle success. They face a struggling Michigan State team but must prove they can consistently dispatch overmatched opponents. The Hoosiers are massive favorites and are expected to win convincingly to maintain their status as a legitimate national title threat.

Under the Radar: Holy War and Big 12 Resumes

No. 23 Utah at No. 15 BYU (The Holy War): This intense rivalry features two of the best rushing offenses in the Big 12. BYU is 6-0 and hosts its rival in a game that will determine who stays in the hunt for a conference championship game berth against Texas Tech.
No. 7 Texas Tech at Arizona State: The undefeated Red Raiders have quietly built one of the best résumés in the country. A road victory over the defending Big 12 champion Sun Devils—who are struggling with an uncertain quarterback situation—is a necessary step to maintain their status as Big 12 favorites.
Penn State vs. Iowa: Despite the firing of James Franklin, all eyes will be on Penn State as they travel to Iowa. The psychological factor of a coaching change, combined with a focus on their powerful running game (due to the season-ending injury to QB Drew Allar), could provide an emotional spark for the Nittany Lions.