THE second half of the college football season is here, and the stakes continue to rise as the number of teams with a real path to the final four-team playoffs dwindles. This week, the ranks of the undefeated will be reduced by at least one, and at least two clubs will suffer a second defeat.
In all, four Top 25 matches are featured on the Week 8 slate, and a few others should also be on your radar as you plan your Saturday viewing. As always, keep in mind that notable events can take place in unexpected places, but here are the six games we recommend.
No. 6 Penn State at No. 3 Ohio State
Time/TV: Noon ET, Fox.
Why watch: This week’s Game of the Century is the first in the highly anticipated round robin among the trio of Big Ten East title contenders. The Nittany Lions are looking for their first win against the Buckeyes since 2016 and their first in Columbus since 2011. A loss wouldn’t be a championship game either way, but the winner will have a considerable advantage in the division moving forward, with the two teams set to face Michigan in November. Buckeyes standout WR Marvin Harrison Jr. will have the full attention of Penn State DB Daequan Hardy, but Ohio State QB Kyle McCord also uses TE Cade Stover extensively in the short passing game. Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar has yet to throw a pick this season, but the hostile environs of the Horseshoe will present the toughest challenge of his young career. He’ll need the ground support of RBs Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton, all of whom will try to avoid DL Tyleik Williams and the active Buckeye defensive front wreaking havoc in opposing backfields.
Why it might disappoint: It wouldn’t be the first time this game produced a convincing Buckeyes victory, but this Ohio State offense may not be as loaded as in previous years, and Penn State’s defense appears to be better equipped to resist it.
WEEKEND FORECAST: Picks for Ohio State-Penn State and every Top 25 game
THE BEST: Penix leads USA TODAY Sports midseason All-America team
No. 15 Tennessee at No. 8 Alabama
Time/TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS.
Why watch: Volunteers survived a playoff game last week against Texas A&M and now face another in the harsh road environment of Tuscaloosa. The Crimson Tide did enough to bypass Arkansas a week ago, but there are still a few hurdles to overcome in their quest to close out the SEC West. Tide fans continue to see the ups and downs of quarterback Jalen Milroe, who can make great throws but also poor decisions. Protection remains an issue for the Alabama line which has allowed a worrying 31 sacks, a number DE James Pearce Jr. and his Volunteer teammates will look to increase. Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton has struggled against top-tier defenses himself, and Alabama’s group led by LB Dallas Turner certainly qualifies.
Why it might disappoint: Like the Vols’ game last week in this time slot against Texas A&M, it may not be the prettiest football. It probably won’t be the lowest-scoring game of the day – keep reading for that one – but there could be long stretches of limited action. There are breakaway threats from both sides, however, so the game-changing play could happen at any time.
No. 17 Duke at No. 4 Florida State
Time/TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC.
Why watch: It’s no exaggeration to say that this is the greatest football game the Duke program has seen in the modern era of the sport. This includes the game against Notre Dame earlier this season as well as the Blue Devils’ appearance in the 2013 ACC title game. Duke was overwhelmed 45-7 by eventual national champion Florida State in that game a decade ago, but this year’s team seems better built to compete with the Seminoles. Despite this, coming away with a victory in Tallahassee is a tall order. Duke QB Riley Leonard, who suffered an ankle injury late in this battle against the Fighting Irish, he missed last week’s win against North Carolina State and hopes to be ready for this contest. His mobility is a big part of his game though, so if he’s not at full speed, he’ll have a harder time escaping Florida State’s pursuit led by LB Kalen DeLoach. Seminoles quarterback Jordan Travis could also have his hands full with the Blue Devils defense performing on all three levels. DL Aeneas Peebles and LB Tre Freeman keep the line of scrimmage locked down while DB Jaylen Stinson cleans up anything that reaches the secondary.
Why it might disappoint: Make no mistake, Duke’s defense is good. But FSU’s assortment of playmakers will be tougher to fully lock down for four quarters, so the game will hinge on how well the Blue Devils’ offense performs. If Duke is able to move the ball consistently and finish drives with points, things should stay competitive until the end.
No. 14 Utah to No. 16 Southern California
Time/TV: 8 p.m. ET, Fox.
Why watch: The good news for USC is last week’s mishap at Notre-Dame has no impact on the Pac-12 race. But the bad news is that the loss exposed many problems, and the two-time defending league champion Utes will be only too happy to take advantage of them as they look to stay within shouting distance of the head. Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams appears to be under constant duress once again, with DE Jonah Elliss leading the rush to Utah while DB Sione Vaki, also a part-time running back, limits his deep options. Utes QB Cam Rising is once again unlikely to make his season debut, and Utah’s offense has been inconsistent at best without him thus far. The Utes arrived in California last week with Bryson Barnes getting help from the aforementioned Vaki in Wildcat looks.
Why it might disappoint: This could be a good night for Utah’s more conventional ground attack, as USC is still giving up an unsustainable 4.2 yards per rush attempt. If that proves to be the case, Williams will find his opportunities with the ball limited. It’s also possible that the Trojans’ offense returns to explosive form and forces the Utes into an uncomfortable comeback mode. A middle scenario is more likely, resulting in a tense affair.
Air Force No. 22 to Navy
Time/TV: Noon ET, CBS.
Why watch: After access the Top 25 For the first time this season, the Falcons take a break from their Mountain West schedule to play in the first leg of the Commander in Chief’s Trophy series. The Midshipmen got off to a rough start in Ireland against Notre Dame this season (the Irish show up here often, right?) but have been more consistent of late, getting back to .500 with a win in two matches. streak. Air Force quarterback Zac Larrier left last week’s win over Wyoming in the second half with a leg injury, but Jensen Jones stepped in and made the key pitch to John Lee Eldridge for the winning score. Jones will likely be called upon again, but FB Emmanuel Michel still appears to be the primary workhorse of the Falcons’ option offense and, therefore, the primary liability to Navy LB Will Harbour, the anchor of the Falcons’ defense. Mids who has just achieved his second shutout. of the season. The Midshipmen also had to make a QB change last week in the win over American Athletic Conference newcomer Charlotte, as freshman Braxton Woodson replaced injured Tai Lavatai. But again, the main priority for LB Alec Mock and the Falcons defense will be to close down the interior space where Navy FBs Alex Tecza and Daba Fofana operate.
Why it might disappoint: There are no secrets when academy rivals come together. Each party knows what the other likes to do, so there may be few fireworks. The QB uncertainty for both is another indicator that there may not be many points, but the intensity level will be high throughout the 60 minutes. And no, it still won’t be the lowest score of the day. Keep on going.
Minnesota at 23rd Iowa
Time/TV: 4 p.m. ET, Fox.
Why watch: Ah, here we go. If you like defense, this game is for you. Last week’s hard-fought victory at Wisconsin put the Hawkeyes in control of the Big Ten West. Now they look to retain it and the greatest trophy in all of sports by hosting the Golden Gophers in the finals. Rosedale’s annual battle for Floyd. The Bronze Pig has lived in Iowa City since 2015, but Minnesota would love to bring him back to the Twin Cities and salvage a disappointing first half of the season. You probably won’t hear the word “touchdown” often – both teams have just 29 between them all season. LBs Jay Higgins and Nick Jackson anchor Iowa’s stingy defense as ever, but the Hawkeyes’ best offensive weapon might be punter Tory Taylor, who leads the Big Ten with an average of 48.3 yards per boot. The Golden Gophers have been pretty solid on defense themselves, save for that late collapse at Northwestern in Week 4 that could ultimately cost them bowl eligibility. LB Maverick Baranowski is the top guard of the group who will look to control Iowa’s ground game. The Hawkeyes’ struggling aerial attack will be even less of a threat without injured TE Erick All. Deacon Hill totaled 262 yards in three starts.
Why it might disappoint: There’s an almost morbid fascination with watching Big Ten West football just to see what level of offensive ineptitude is achievable. A multiple-score advantage either way could prove insurmountable, although Minnesota WR Daniel Jackson at least poses a potential big-play threat in the passing game.
