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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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STATE COLLEGE, PA – OCTOBER 23: Head coach James Franklin of the Penn State Nittany Lions looks on during the second half of the game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Beaver Stadium on October 23, 2021 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA – OCTOBER 23: Head coach James Franklin of the Penn State Nittany Lions looks on during the second half of the game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Beaver Stadium on October 23, 2021 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

19. SMU (7-0)

Week 8 result: Defeated Tulane 55-26

Fortunately for SMU, Tulane’s defense is absolutely abysmal and cannot stop anything. The Mustangs took full advantage of that putting 55 on them.

Tanner Mordecai was in his bag throwing for 427 yards and four total touchdowns.

We could talk all day about how good Mordecai has been this season, but it’s time to give some respect to his receivers. Danny Gray, Rashee Rice, and Reggie Roberson Jr. have all been monsters this year. Each of them has recorded over 30 catches, 400 receiving yards, and at least five touchdowns. Gray has been the best of them all and continued that type of play against Tulane. He went off for 140 yards and an 80.3 PFF grade.

SMU remains one of nine undefeated teams left but we will see how long that lasts as the Mustangs now enter what is by far the toughest stretch on their schedule.

Next game: vs. Houston
My prediction: Lose 32-28

20. Penn State (5-2)

Week 8 result: Lost to Illinois 20-18

Nine overtimes. That is how long this game took to be decided. Nine overtimes. That might be the longest game I’ve ever watched in my lifetime.

Sadly, it wasn’t even a pretty game. It was about as ugly as it gets on offense and did not end well for the Nittany Lions. I could ramble on and on about how much I don’t like the new college overtime rules but we’ll save that for another time.

In a game coming off a bye where Sean Clifford returned from injury, Penn State could not have disappointed more. Simply put, they laid an egg in this one. It’s even more disappointing that it was to one of the worst teams in the Big Ten in Illinois. After going up 10-0 relatively early in the game, Penn State couldn’t get anything going on offense after that.

James Franklin has got to right the ship fast because they haven’t even gotten to the hardest part of their schedule which starts next Saturday against the Buckeyes.

Next game: vs. Ohio State
My prediction: Lose 35-17

21. San Diego State (7-0)

Week 8 result: Defeated Air Force 20-14

San Diego State escaped once again with another single-digit victory last week. Although, this one wasn’t quite as close as the score tells you. The Aztecs were up 20-0 in the third quarter before surrendering the final 14 points of the game.

Lucas Johnson got the start at quarterback this week and only had to throw 13 passes in this one. He completed 11 of them though but it was only for 72 yards. The Aztecs won the same way they always do: pounding the run game and stout defense.

San Diego State may have its toughest game yet coming up next as they take on Fresno State which was ranked earlier this season. Their undefeated record will certainly be on the line in that matchup.

Next game: vs. Fresno State
My prediction: Lose 33-26

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