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

By Mitch Kaiser

Oct 23, 2021; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Brian Robinson Jr. (4) runs around Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Theo Jackson (26) during the first half at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2021; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Brian Robinson Jr. (4) runs around Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Theo Jackson (26) during the first half at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 23, 2021; Pasadena, California, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Anthony Brown (13) celebrates after scoring on a 43-yard touchdown run against the UCLA Bruins in the second half at Rose Bowl. Oregon defeated UCLA 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2021; Pasadena, California, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Anthony Brown (13) celebrates after scoring on a 43-yard touchdown run against the UCLA Bruins in the second half at Rose Bowl. Oregon defeated UCLA 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Oregon (6-1)

Week 8 result: Defeated UCLA 34-31

This was actually a really good game against UCLA on Saturday. It was very back and forth and was certainly one of the more exciting matchups of the weekend.

Oregon got off to a slow start and was down 14-0 before storming back in this one. They grabbed a 17-point lead in the fourth quarter and it seemed like it was all over from there. But the Ducks let the Bruins back into it and almost let them tie the game if it wasn’t for a game-sealing interception by DJ James on the final drive.

Running back Travis Dye had a rather odd box score in this one. He only gained 35 yards on the ground and never had a carry for more than six yards, but he still had four rushing touchdowns. So the short gains on the ground were still mighty effective for the Ducks.

Overall, Oregon should be content with their performance because playing on the road in the Rose Bowl is a tough environment for any team. They walked away with a win and kept their College Football Playoff hopes alive by still only having one loss on the season.

Next game: vs. Colorado
My prediction: Win 38-14

8. Michigan State (7-0)

Week 8 result: Bye

Michigan State had a bye week which was perfect timing for them. They had been coming off a few lackluster performances and needed to clean a few things up. They’ll have a few more days to do so before welcoming Jim Harbaugh to East Lansing this upcoming weekend for their huge in-state showdown vs Michigan.

Next game: vs. Michigan

My prediction: Lose 27-24

9. Iowa (6-1)

Week 8 result: Bye

I sure hope Iowa had a nice bye week. They really needed it after getting whooped by Purdue a week ago. It doesn’t help that Purdue went and lost to Wisconsin over the weekend either. Iowa now has a lot to prove as they are many people who doubt the Hawkeyes. It is now their turn to take on the Badgers and see if they have better luck this time around. They will surely need it if they want to keep their Big Ten title hopes alive.

Next game: vs. Wisconsin

My prediction: Lose 16-14

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