Another unbelievable week of college football is in the books. A number one seed has been overthrown, another goalpost has ended up in the streets and the Heisman Trophy race is heating up. Here are some of week eight’s greatest upsets, top performances by players and marquee matchups for the coming week.
Biggest Upsets:
No. 5 Georgia 30, No. 1 Texas 15
In one of the most anticipated matchups of the college football season, the Georgia Bulldogs traveled to DKR Stadium and took care of business against the top-ranked Texas Longhorns. Georgia running back Trevor Ettiene shined for the Bulldogs’ offense, scoring three touchdowns while rushing for 87 yards on 19 carries. The Bulldogs’ defense stifled Texas’ notoriously high-octane offense, recording seven sacks and ten tackles for a loss. Georgia boosted their record to 6-1 while Texas recorded their first loss to fall to 6-1 on the season.
No. 11 Tennessee 24, No. 7 Alabama 17
Similar to their matchup in 2022, the Tennessee Volunteers (6-1) defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide (5-2) in a 24-17 thriller that ended up with a goal post in the streets of Knoxville, Tenn. Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava and Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe had their respective struggles. However, it was Volunteer running back Dylan Sampson’s two rushing touchdowns that proved to be the difference in the game. While Tennessee’s playoff hopes remain alive, it’s looking a little tough for the Tide after recording their second loss in two weeks.
UCLA 35, Rutgers 32
Despite a five-game losing streak, UCLA took down an excellent Rutgers squad in a Big 10 shootout by a score of 35-32. Bruin’s quarterback Ethan Garbers had a statement game, completing 32 of his 38 passes, accounting for four touchdowns in the air and one with his legs. Rutgers’ running back Kyle Monangai rushed for 196 yards and three touchdowns on 19 carries, however, this would not be enough for the Scarlet Knights. Rutgers fell to 4-3 on the season while UCLA improved to 2-5.
Top Performances
Bhayshul Tuten, Virginia Tech
In an impressive 42-21 win over Boston College, Virginia Tech running back Bhayshul Tuten rushed for an incredible 266 yards on only 18 carries, scoring three rushing touchdowns. Through the air, Tuten hauled in a 20-yard receiving touchdown as well, completing his four-touchdown game.
Brady Cook, Missouri
Early in the first quarter in an SEC matchup between the Missouri Tigers and the Auburn Tigers, Missouri quarterback Brady Cook exited the game with an apparent injury and paid a visit to the hospital. In the fourth quarter, Cook returned from the hospital to lead the Tigers on a 17-play, 95-yard touchdown drive to lead Missouri to a 21-17 win over Auburn.
Gabe Jacas, Illinois
In the Fighting Illini’s historic win over Michigan, linebacker Gabe Jacas led the Illinois defense in holding a stout Michigan run game to just seven points. In the 21-7 Illini win, Jacas found himself in the Michigan backfield multiple times, recording 13 total tackles with 2.5 sacks.
Games to Watch
No. 17 Boise State (5-1) at UNLV (6-1): Thursday -10:30 p.m.
In one of the most anticipated matchups for the Mountain West Conference, Heisman Trophy contender Ashton Jeanty and the Boise State Broncos will take on UNLV for what looks to be an integral game for the College Football Playoff race. If UNLV wins, it will mark a major upset, putting them firmly into the conversation for the Group of Five playoff bid.
No. 12 Notre Dame (6-1) at No. 24 Navy (6-0): Saturday – Noon
After getting upset by Northern Illinois in their second game of the season, the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame have cruised to 5-straight convincing wins, flying up the rankings. However, the Naval Academy is undefeated this year and their unconventional triple-option offense may pose a huge problem for the Notre Dame defense.
No. 8 LSU (6-1) at No. 14 Texas A&M (6-1): Saturday – 7:30 p.m.
There’s nothing better than a ranked SEC showdown. Both teams have won their last five games and are undefeated in conference play. Kyle Field at Texas A&M is a notoriously tough place to play; however, LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has been tormenting opposing offenses, throwing for over 2000 yards and 16 touchdowns on the season.