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

24. Coastal Carolina (6-1)

Week 8 result: Lost to Appalachian State 30-27

Coastal Carolina was upset this past week in what was their first regular-season loss in two seasons. I thought for sure that they would cover the three-point spread against Appalachian State but boy was I wrong.

This game was 14-0 very early and it looked like the Mountaineers had no business being on the same field as the Chanticleers. But after that, Appalachian State fought its way back eventually winning on a game-ending field goal. Coastal let them back into this one and simply could not stop the run. Their defense was getting picked apart every single play by the Mountaineers’ three dynamic running backs.

Grayson McCall may have had a pretty box score but it was not his best performance by any means. He missed a couple of crucial throws down the stretch that may have cost them the game and he was not particularly sharp all night.

Even though they’re still ranked, the Chanticleers’ Sun Belt title hopes might be dead at this point.

Next game: vs. Troy
My prediction: Win 40-17

25. BYU (6-2)

Week 8 result: Defeated Washington State 21-19

It only took one week for BYU to get back into the AP Top 25 after falling out following a loss to Baylor. I’m not particularly sure why they’re even ranked but I guess another Power Five win for them was enough to impress the voters.

This was the Cougars versus the Cougars on Saturday and — you guessed it — the Cougars won. Alright, I’m done with that joke. BYU defeated Washington State 21-19 in an outcome that really came down to a failed two-point conversion by Wazzu.

BYU’s defense played well the entire game and made the biggest of the day on that attempt. Running back Tyler Allgeier carried this offense as he has been doing a lot this season. Finishing with 191 rushing yards and two touchdowns, this was good enough to get him a PFF grade of 80.6.

BYU is now 4-0 against the Pac-12 this year which is a huge boost for the FBS Independents.

Next game: vs. Virginia
My prediction: Lose 31-26