Week 8 of the college football season didn’t disappoint and Week 9 could be just as wild. Let’s recap the week that was and look ahead to yet another action-packed slate in the AP Top 25.
1. Georgia (7-0)
Week 8 result: Bye
Georgia was on a well-earned bye week this Saturday after rolling through their competition so far. They have been the most consistent team in the country all season long and got a nice little break before their date with Florida next Saturday. Kirby Smart said that JT Daniels is finally healthy and that he’s going to play both quarterbacks next week. We will see how that pans out and if one starts to outplay the other.
Next game: vs. Florida
My prediction: Win 27-10
2. Cincinnati (7-0)
Week 8 result: Defeated Navy 27-20
Yuck. Cincinnati easily had its worst game of the season in this one. Luckily, the Bearcats held on for a seven-point victory but it was never pretty. It was just an all-around weird game on both sides of the ball for the Bearcats. Navy is a tough matchup for anybody given the triple-option offense that they run. And the Bearcats just never quite got used to it. They made enough plays to win but it was not encouraging whatsoever.
The main problem was that Cincinnati’s offense couldn’t even get on the field that often. Navy held the ball for nearly 40 minutes which is their whole game plan. They get about three yards every run and usually go for it on 4th down which kept the Bearcats’ offense on the sideline.
But even when they were on the field, it wasn’t the greatest sight either. Desmond Ridder was not accurate with the ball and made some questionable decisions.
I’m actually surprised Cincinnati didn’t fall in the rankings at all but I’m obviously happy they maintained their status. The Bearcats just need to forget about this one and recognize that a win is a win. Navy gave them their best shot and came up just short in pulling off the upset with an Arquon Bush interception to seal the game.
Cincinnati just needs to move on and keep winning, but preferably by more than just a touchdown.
Next game: vs. Tulane
My prediction: Win 59-23
3. Alabama (7-1)
Week 8 result: Defeated Tennessee 52-24
The Crimson Tide actually looked like they were about to get upset for a little while during this game. Tennessee came to play and was within a touchdown of the Tide until midway through the fourth quarter. Then the Tide flipped a switch and scored the final 21 points of the game.
Credit Tennessee for putting up a better fight than most do against Alabama. But Bama ultimately proved to be too much for them in the end. Tennessee simply could not stop Alabama’s top weapons in Bryce Young, Brian Robinson Jr., John Metchie, and Jameson Williams.
Nick Saban was still not pleased with his team’s performance though and you could tell by his reactions on the sideline. Their defense is not what it usually is and needs to improve. They gave up multiple big plays to the Volunteers in this one and will need to limit those against better opponents.
Their offense will not be able to save them every week especially if they play Georgia who appears to be on a collision course with the Tide.
Next game: Bye