College Football Rankings 2016: Projected AP Top 25 after Week 8
By Zach Bigalke
Three seasons ago, Trevor Knight smoked Alabama for 348 yards and four touchdowns in Oklahoma’s Sugar Bowl upset of the Crimson Tide. After transferring to Texas A&M, he hoped to repeat the success. Instead, Nick Saban’s defense held Knight to 162 yards, two touchdowns, and a pick as they clamped down in the second half of a 33-14 win. Jalen Hurts wasn’t perfect for Alabama, throwing for just 166 yards with two scores and two interceptions, but he also rushed for 91 yards and a third touchdown. Damien Harris led all backs with 128 yards on the ground.
At this point, with Alabama already two-thirds of the way through the regular season, it must be asked whether anyone can knock the Tide from their perch atop the AP Top 25. Only Ole Miss was able to stay within a touchdown of Bama so far this season, with every other Tide win coming by 19 points or more. Nick Saban’s crew gets a well deserved rest next week before opening November with a trip to Death Valley to face LSU. Home games against Mississippi State and FCS Chattanooga should present no trouble, making the Iron Bowl the only other opportunity for mayhem.