College Football Top 25: Recapping Week 8, previewing Week 9

4. Oklahoma (8-0)

Week 8 result: Defeated Kansas 35-23

Another top-five team that had a bit of a scare last week was Oklahoma. The Sooners shockingly found themselves losing in the fourth quarter before scoring a few late touchdowns to eventually win by 12. This was an all-around strange game where Kansas played out of their mind and Oklahoma seemingly played to the level of their competition.

Caleb Williams didn’t quite have the same game that he had a week ago but he still made some very crucial plays down the stretch to save his team. The type of performance is sort of becoming routine for the Sooners this season which is odd to see.

The spread in this one was 38.5, according to WynnBET. Now you can’t expect them to cover that but to squeak out a close win at the end is a bit more concerning especially against Kansas. Think of it as growing pains for Williams who finally came down to earth this week. He proved that he is human and still has a lot to improve on this year and so does the Oklahoma defense as a whole.

Next game: vs. Texas Tech
My prediction: Win 45-24

5. Ohio State (6-1)

Week 8 result: Defeated Indiana 54-7

Last week, I said how Ohio State is one of the hottest teams in the country. Now I’m going to officially claim that Ohio State is the single hottest team in college football. The Buckeyes are playing better than anybody right now and sort of look unstoppable.

What’s more encouraging is that they’re dominating on both sides of the ball now, too. Their offense has always been elite and now their defense has improved a ton in the last month. I know it has still only been against lesser competition but the way they’ve dismantled their opponents has truly been impressive.

CJ Stroud looks better and better every week. The Buckeyes’ wide receivers have always been great. And now it appears that they have the best true freshman running back and maybe just the best all-around back in the nation in TreVeyon Henderson. This guy cannot be stopped and is absolutely bulldozing defenders out there.

We will soon find out if the Buckeyes can keep up this play against better competition as they now enter the toughest part of their schedule.

Next game: vs. Penn State
My prediction: Win 35-17

6. Michigan (7-0)

Week 8 result: Defeated Northwestern 33-7

Michigan’s offense had a slow start in this one vs Northwestern. But they eventually woke up and went on to cover a 23.5 point spread, per WynnBET.

It was the same old offense for the Wolverines as they pounded the run with their dynamic duo of backs. Long slow drives led to short rushing touchdowns which is what this team is used to. The defense was outstanding per usual and continued their streak of forcing interceptions which is something they were not doing at the beginning of the season.

Michigan has yet to play a team that has been able to stop them from running the ball. Could that finally happen next week when they take on in-state rival Michigan State? We will find out in this huge matchup of two teams who have yet to be defeated.

Next game: vs. Michigan State
My prediction: Win 27-24