“Week 8 College Football Playoff Predictions: Top Contenders Revealed”
Week 8 of the college football season? It’s been a wild ride. Several top teams went down in upsets, while others managed to claw their way closer to the College Football Playoff (CFP).
This week, four top-10 teams in the AP poll lost, shaking up the whole landscape. The playoff race just got a lot more interesting.
From Miami’s shocking stumble against Louisville to Notre Dame’s gritty win over USC, the playoff picture is starting to get a little clearer. Here’s a look at the biggest highlights and some expert takes on the top 12 contenders for the CFP.
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Top 10 Teams Upset in Week 8
This week was rough for several top-10 squads. The chaos started Friday night when Miami fell unexpectedly to Louisville.
That loss really hurt Miami’s playoff hopes. But it wasn’t just them—Texas Tech, Ole Miss, and Memphis all took their first losses of the season, shaking up the rankings even more.
Miami’s Upset Loss
Miami’s defeat was a shocker, especially after their strong start. The Hurricanes had looked like serious contenders, but now? Their playoff path is a lot less certain.
Louisville took full advantage of Miami’s mistakes. It’s a win their fans probably won’t forget any time soon.
Other Notable Upsets
Texas Tech’s loss came down to the wire. Ole Miss and Memphis, on the other hand, just got flat-out outplayed.
These upsets have cracked the door open for other teams looking to make their mark.
Big Winners of Week 8
While some teams stumbled, others stepped up and made a statement. Ohio State, Indiana, Oregon, and Alabama all walked away with big wins that boosted their playoff chances.
Ohio State’s Dominance
Ohio State just keeps rolling. Their performance this week was as dominant as ever.
The Buckeyes’ balanced offense and tough defense make them a nightmare matchup. If you’re betting against them, good luck.
Indiana’s Resilience
Indiana’s latest win was impressive. The Hoosiers have surprised a lot of folks this season.
Their grit and determination have kept them in the mix. You can’t count them out right now.
Oregon and Alabama’s Statement Wins
Oregon and Alabama both picked up wins that turned heads. Oregon’s offense is explosive, while Alabama’s discipline and consistency are hard to match.
Both teams are right in the thick of the playoff hunt.
Notre Dame vs. USC: A Game with Huge Playoff Implications
The annual clash between USC and Notre Dame was one of the week’s most anticipated games. Both teams had a lot on the line.
The game definitely lived up to the hype. It was full of big plays and standout performances.
Jeremiyah Love’s Historic Performance
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love put on a show, rushing for 228 yards and a touchdown. That’s the most rushing yards by any Notre Dame player against USC—ever.
His effort was a huge reason for the Irish’s 34-24 win.
USC’s Struggles
USC quarterback Jayden Maiava threw for 328 yards, but it wasn’t enough. The Trojans turned the ball over four times, and those mistakes proved costly.
That pretty much ended their playoff dreams.
Expert Predictions for the College Football Playoff
With Week 8 wrapped up, ESPN’s experts have updated their top 12 CFP picks. Here’s where things stand right now:
Consensus Top 4
The experts agree on the current top four: Ohio State, Indiana, Texas A&M, and Alabama. These teams have been consistently strong and are leading the pack.
- Ohio State: Dominant on both sides of the ball—honestly, they look unstoppable.
- Indiana: Their toughness has kept them in the hunt.
- Texas A&M: Steady performances keep them near the top.
- Alabama: Still a powerhouse, still disciplined, still dangerous.
Other Contenders
Outside the top four, a handful of teams are still in the mix. Georgia, Oregon, Georgia Tech, and Miami all have a shot, though each has their own quirks and flaws.
- Georgia: Strong D, balanced offense. You know what you’re getting.
- Oregon: Their offense can light up the scoreboard.
- Georgia Tech: Didn’t expect them here, but they’ve got momentum.
- Miami: Even with the loss, still a threat if they can rebound.
Conclusion
Week 8 has really thrown some curveballs into the College Football Playoff picture.
A few top teams got knocked off, while others just dug in and made their case stronger.
It feels like the next few games are going to be wild.
People are definitely going to be watching Ohio State, Indiana, and Alabama extra closely.
Meanwhile, Miami and USC have some regrouping to do if they want to stay in the conversation.
If you want to see what the experts think will happen next, the full article is on ESPN.
