W2Mnet College Football Top 25: Week Eight

It was always going to be a difficult game for the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday night against Penn State in Happy Valley, especially during a “white-out.” However, the Penn State defense held firm and made a stand to seal a huge upset victory not many predicted. This opens up big possibilities to let other teams into the College Football Playoff conversation. Certainly rival Michigan are in pole position to represent the BIG 10. As long as Nebraska doesn’t have anything to say about it, that is. Washington also has prime real estate into it as well, if they can keep up their pace in the Pac-12. Although, Utah could put a stake in those hopes next week. In other action, Southern Methodist University delivered the final nail in the coffin of Houston‘s chances as they hammered them 38-16. The Auburn Tigers also look to make things interesting going forward as they dismantled Arkansas 56-3. After that, they surely should move up in the polls. After those key losses and the big win from Auburn, several new teams enter the field and that’s just a hint at Week Eight in the W2Mnet College Football Top 25.

#1 Alabama Crimson Tide

Record: 8-0 (5-0 in SEC)

Last Week: 1

 

A lot of people thought that the Texas A&M Aggies would have a shot to upset The Alabama Crimson Tide. Texas A&M had a week off before the game to prepare and are a good team. Well, Alabama showed why it is dangerous to overthink things. Once again, it was a defensive touchdown that put the game out of reach, in the third quarter this time. After the performances of the last couple weeks it is time to ask, can any team beat Alabama? – Daniel Anderson

(Next Week: OFF)

#2 Michigan Wolverines

Record: 7-0 (4-0 in Big Ten)

Last Week: 4

 

The Michigan Wolverines got an easy win over Illinois 41-8. With Ohio State’s loss that pushes Michigan into the playoff picture and makes the race for the BIG 10 Championship a two-team race. Wilton Speight had a solid game against the Illini, throwing for 253 yards and two touchdowns. – Brandon Biskobing

(Next Week: @ Michigan State)

#3 Clemson Tigers

Record: 7-0 (4-0 in ACC)

Last Week: 3

 

The Clemson Tigers were on a bye week as they await to travel to Tallahassee for a season defining game against the Florida State Seminoles. – Sean Garmer

(Next Week: @ Florida State)

#4 Washington Huskies

Record: 7-0 (4-0 in Pac-12)

Last Week: 5

 

The Washington Huskies continue to roll defeating Oregon State 41-17. Sophomore Jake Browning was his usual great self with 291 pass yards and three touchdowns. Myles Gaskin also continued his great play with 127 rush yards and a touchdown. While the Beavers didn’t provide much competition, their match-up against Utah next weekend will be a big test. If Washington can finish the season undefeated and win the Pac-12 title game, things will be looking good for Washington to make their way into the College Football Playoff. – Noah Mooney

(Next Week: @ Utah)

#5 Louisville Cardinals

Record: 6-1 (4-1 in ACC)

Last Week: 7

The Louisville Cardinals faced the same North Carolina State team, which gave Conference rival Clemson a lot of trouble the previous week and absolutely obliterated them. Lamar Jackson puts up 431 total yards with four scores including a 36 yard running and a 74 yard passing touchdown to help Louisville go up 44-0 at half-time. It was over after that. If Louisville keeps beating teams like this, it is going to be very hard not to have Lamar Jackson in that Heisman Trophy conversation. – Sean Garmer

(Next Week: @ Virginia)

#6 Nebraska Cornhuskers

Record: 7-0 (4-0 in Big Ten)

Last Week: 9

The Nebraska Cornhuskers stay undefeated with a win over Purdue 27-14. This puts them in prime position to get into the playoffs with a Michigan loss or at least get a very good bowl if they stay undefeated. – Brandon Biskobing

(Next Week: @ Wisconsin)

#7 Ohio State Buckeyes

Record: 6-1 (3-1 in Big Ten)

Last Week: 2

 

With the exception of both Michigan and Nebraska losing, the Buckeyes are all but eliminated from making the playoffs following their loss to Penn State 24-21. A huge 17-point fourth quarter was the key to the Penn State victory. – Brandon Biskobing

(Next Week: vs. Northwestern)

#8 Baylor Bears

Record: 6-0 (3-0 in Big XII)

Last Week: 9

The Baylor Bears were on their final bye week of the season. They start the hard part of their schedule in Austin against the Texas Longhorns. – Gary Vaughan

(Next Week: @ Texas)

#9 West Virginia Mountaineers

Record: 6-0 (3-0 in Big XII)

Last Week: 14

The West Virginia Mountaineers walked all over TCU to stay undefeated. Skyler Howard showcased his skills by passing for four touchdowns against the Horned Frogs. They never looked back as they shut down TCU and kept their offense rolling. West Virginia is still proving themselves, but right now they are a top team. Let’s see if that’s the case after a trip to Stillwater next week. – Gary Vaughan

(Next Week: @ Oklahoma State)

#10 Boise State Broncos

Record: 7-0 (4-0 in Mountain West)

Last Week: 11

The Boise State Broncos survived another scare Thursday night as they topped the BYU Cougars 28-27. Brett Rypien threw for a massive 442 yards and three touchdowns, as Jeremy McNichols rushed for 140 yards and a score while also getting five receptions for 109 yards and a touchdown. Thomas Sperbeck also continued to play well with nine receptions for 109 yards and a TD. Boise fans should be excited, as it seems Boise State has faced their toughest test in finishing the regular season undefeated. While the Mountain West title looms on the horizon, the Broncos have to be optimistic they could finish the 2016 campaign unbeaten. From there, they will likely make a New Year’s Six bowl game once again, and receive another opportunity in prime time to show off their program. – Noah Mooney

(Next Week: @ Wyoming)

#11 Wisconsin Badgers

Record: 5-2 (2-2 in Big Ten)

Last Week: 12

The Wisconsin Badgers continued their formula of using their stout defense to control the game and relieve QB Alex Hornibrook. He had even more relief on Saturday as Corey Clement ran for 134 yards and a touchdown to help Wisconsin get a big win on their side of the BIG 10. The defense continues to shine holding Iowa to only nine points. Next week, they face another huge test, as they face their third undefeated team this season when Nebraska comes to town. – Sean Garmer

(Next Week: vs. Nebraska)

#12 Texas A&M Aggies

Record: 6-1 (3-1 in SEC)

Last Week: 6

The Aggies went into Alabama and played them tough, but just came up short. Texas A&M went into the season with a lot of people expecting them to not play well because of the mass exodus of QB transfers. Most people had written Kevin Sumlin out of a job as well. Instead, they ended up going 6-0 before losing this week, Sumlin looks like one of the best coaches in College Football right now, and no one is talking about the transfers that happened last year. It is hard to expect anything more from this team, and despite a loss to Alabama, A&M is still one of the best teams this year. – Daniel Anderson

Next Week: vs. New Mexico State)

#13 Florida Gators

Record: 5-1 (3-1 in SEC)

Last Week: 13

The Florida Gators got had a scheduled bye week. They are one of the more interesting teams in the SEC East this year. The Gators play Georgia and then Arkansas back to back in the next two weeks with a match-up against LSU looming. If they can win all three then they could be looking at an SEC East title. – Daniel Anderson

(Next Week: vs. Georgia)

#14 Utah Utes

Record: 7-1 (4-1 in Pac-12)

Last Week: 15

The Utah Utes survived a shootout against UCLA 52-45. Troy Williams only had 179 yards through the air, but senior running back Joseph Williams decided to have the best game of his life. He rushed for a mind-blowing 332 yards and crossed the goal line four times in his breakout performance, leading Utah past the Bruins. Utah’s defense will have to be a lot better if they expect to defeat or even compete against Washington next weekend. Utah is 7-1, and a win over Washington would really put them into contention for the Pac-12 crown. – Noah Mooney

(Next Week: vs. Washington)

#15 Oklahoma Sooners

Record: 5-2 (4-0 in Big XII)

Last Week: 16

The Oklahoma Sooners won a shootout with the Texas Tech Red Raiders. On defense, the Sooners were not impressive but they gave their team a better chance than their opponents defensive unit. Offensively, Baker Mayfield returned to the place he began his collegiate career. His return was a rough welcome from the crowd, but he overcame his surroundings and lead his team in a high scoring battle. Mayfield passed for 545 yards and seven touchdowns. Joe Mixon scored five touchdowns with over 200 yards on the ground and through the air. The Sooners had a close game, though they were in the driver’s seat for most of it. Oklahoma has a talented team, yet they have shown they are far from great – Gary Vaughan

(Next Week: vs. Kansas)

#16 Florida State Seminoles

Record: 5-2 (2-2 in ACC)

Last Week: 17

Florida State had a bye week, as they await the arrival of ACC Conference leading Clemson. The Seminoles need this win to have any shot at possibly winning the Atlantic Division. – Sean Garmer

(Next Week: vs. Clemson)

#17 Auburn Tigers

Record: 5-2 (3-1 in SEC)

Last Week: 22

One common question going into this weekend was, “Is Auburn actually better than earlier in the year?” I think it is safe to say that they are. Especially after a 56-3 win over Arkansas this week. Arkansas looked tough going into this game and Auburn just destroyed them. Auburn is good, and Alabama better not overlook their rivalry game at the end of the year. – Daniel Anderson

(Next Week: @ Ole Miss)

#18 Western Michigan Broncos

Record 8-0 (4-0 in MAC)

Last Week: 19

Western Michigan University defeated another in state rival this week, this time the victims were Eastern Michigan in a 45-31 affair. Zach Terrell was fantastic once again as he had 398 yards through the air and a trio of touchdowns. Jarvion Franklin also continued good play at running back, with 114 yards and a score. Senior Carrington Thompson had a breakout performance at receiver with 177 yards and two touchdowns. A great offensive performance by the Broncos led to them becoming 8-0 and continuing to roll in the MAC Conference. – Noah Mooney

(Next Week: OFF)

#19 Navy

Record 5-1 (4-0 in American)

Last Week: 25

Navy kept their momentum rolling with a 42-28 win over Memphis. Quarterback Will Worth continued his tremendous play as he rushed for 201 yards and three touchdowns while also throwing for a pair. Navy prepares for a tough Friday night showdown with the South Florida Bulls, as they try to keep on top of the American Conference. – Noah Mooney

(Next Week: Friday @ South Florida)

#20 North Carolina Tar Heels

Record: 6-2 (4-1 in ACC)

Last Week: NR

 

The North Carolina Tar Heels took care of business against lowly Virginia. Mitch Trubisky continues to put up numbers as he hangs 310 passing yards and three touchdowns on them. The defense held Virginia to only 14 points and UNC gets another important ACC Conference victory. – Sean Garmer

(Next Week: OFF)

#21 Tennessee Volunteers

Record: 5-2 (2-2 in SEC)

Last Week: 20

Did any team earn their bye week more this year? Tennessee faced Florida, Georgia, Texas A&M, and Alabama all in a row. Those games had three of their four opponents ranked in the top 10 each time the Vols played them. The Vols are beat up, but will hopefully get some key players back from injury before they finish out their schedule. Next week, they play a rejuvenated South Carolina squad. – Daniel Anderson

(Next Week: @ South Carolina)

#22 LSU Tigers

Record: 5-2 (3-1 in SEC)

Last Week: NR

Head Coach Ed Orgeron has LSU playing well for him. It is almost like he wants to remove the word interim from his title or something. This team now looks like the team everyone thought LSU would have at the start of the year. Beating Ole Miss is good, but the real test will come after LSU’s off week when they face Alabama. Beating the number one team in the country will go a long way to help Orgeron stay at LSU past this season. – Daniel Anderson

(Next Week: OFF)

#23 Colorado Buffaloes

Record: 6-2 (4-1 in Pac-12)

Last Week: NR

An absolutely sloppy game with the Colorado Buffaloes defense forcing Stanford into four turnovers and holding them to five points. On the bright side, Phillip Lindsay rushed for 131 yards on 12 carries and Colorado wins an important Pac-12 game. Colorado gets a respite next week, as they go on their final bye week of the season. – Sean Garmer

(Next Week: OFF)

#24 Virginia Tech Hokies

Record: 5-2 (3-1 in ACC)

Last Week: NR

The Virginia Tech Hokies once again find themselves in our poll. However, they were on a bye this week. Next week, they don’t have to wait too long to play as they take on Pittsburgh in a Thursday night showdown. – Sean Garmer

(Next Week: Thursday @ Pittsburgh)

#25 Oklahoma State Cowboys

Record: 5-2 (3-1 in Big XII)

Last Week: 24

The Oklahoma State Cowboys came off their bye and wound up in probably a tougher game than they expected, as Kansas kept it close until late in the third quarter. However, between Kansas’ mistakes and Justice Hill putting in 162 yards on the ground, OK State pulled away with 12 unanswered points after the Jayhawks final score. Jalen McClesky pitched in with six catches and 129 yards receiving as well. OK State now face their toughest test of the season to date, as undefeated West Virginia pays them a visit. – Sean Garmer

(Next Week: vs. West Virginia)

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