Recap Rundown: Week Eight
In our in-season segment 'Recap Rundown', we will give you the Cliff's Notes on every team that played in the past week. You'll get the 'need-to-knows' from each team's performance, notes, and news.
The ‘Recap Rundown’ is a compilation of the work of our fantastic team at CFBDepth.com, working diligently to update and make thoughtful observations for each of our 136 schools. This team includes the following individuals, who must be followed on social channels:
Ryan Coacher: @CoacherRyan
Eric Lilly: @bearcatbunch
Jaden Del Guercio: @guercio_jaden
Ryan West: @ryanwest1513
Will O’Connor: @WillOC_94
Note: Clicking on the team name will take you to their live depth chart.
Note: The “PGWE” stands for “post-game win expectancy” number.
Enjoy this week’s edition of the ‘Recap Rundown’ presented by CFBDepth:
Southeastern Conference
Alabama ::: WIN, Tennessee, 37-20 PGWE: 88% -- The Tide continue to roll, making opportunitisic plays against Tennessee to secure a sixth straight win, beating the Vols, 37-20. In a defining moment, Zabien Brown intercepted a pass and returned it 99 yards for a touchdown as time expired in the first half, pushing their lead to 23-7. The Vols struggled with inconsisencies and big mistakes all game, opening the door for Alabama to capitalize. QB Ty Simpson was very good again, throwing for 253 yards and two touchdowns, leading two 90-plus-yard touchdown drives. The defense helpd the Vols’ previously high-powered offense to 20 points and forcing multiple key stops, including a crucial three-and-out after a Tennessee scoring drive in the second half.
Auburn ::: Loss, Missouri, 17-23 PGWE: 56% -- Once again, this Auburn team battled but came up short, this time against Mizzou at home in week eight, falling 23-17 in double-OT. Despite dominating the other Tigers at times, they just couldn’t close and struggled at key moments. Kicker Alex McPherson missed two field goals, which certainly didn’t help. The defense was really solid and set the offense up to take things over. QB Jackson Arnold had his moments of success, throwing for 207 yards, but did toss his first interception in this one. They managed just 14 yards in Mizzou territory in the fourth quarter and overtime combined. The slide continues as they fall to 0-4 in the SEC.
Georgia ::: WIN, Ole Miss, 43-35 PGWE: 79% -- This Dawgs offense scored points on every possession in this game and still found themselves in a hole entering the fourth quarter. The defense was getting manhandled for much of the game until they finally made an adjustment and shut down the Rebels in that final quarter. They outscored them 17-0 and finished with a 43-35 win. QB Gunner Stockton was amazing in this one, accounting for 348 yards and five total touchdowns, three of the passing scores went to TE Lawson Luckie. The offense as a whole put up 510 yards. The resilient win give Ole Miss their first lost and keeps the Championship hopes alive for the Dawgs.
Florida ::: WIN, Mississippi State, 23-21 PGWE: 74% -- The Gators found a way to win in week eight, but it was not enough to save head coach Billy Napier, who was fired following the 23-21 win over Mississippi State. This win required a game-saving play be the defense to hold on and beat the Bulldogs. Despite the final outcome, the thoughts from Gators fans were made clear as Napier was boo’ed off the field following the game. QB DJ Lagway thew for 280 yards but struggled with decision-making, tossing two interceptions. Penalties hampered the offense as well, having a 60-yard touchdown run from Jadan Baugh called back. Baugh ran for 150 yards and was a bright spot in a dark day, again, despite the win.
LSU ::: Loss, at Vanderbilt, 24-31 PGWE: 15% -- The Tigers fell to Vanderbilt in Nashville, 31-24, dropping the Tigers to 5-2 on the season and 2-2 in SEC play. It was a mix of a defensive inability to contain the growing folk legend that is Diego Pavia, and an inability to finish drives with touchdowns on offense that led to their first loss to the Commodores since 1990. QB Garrett Nussmeier threw for 225 yards and two scores but lacked that killer punch to get them in the end zone more often. The defense looked pedestrian for the first time this season as Pavia did it with his arm and legs on multiple occasions. Head coach Brian Kelly was not brought here to be mediocre in the SEC and now the criticism is painting a murky picture for his future in Baton Rouge.
Missouri ::: WIN, at Auburn, 23-17 PGWE: 44% -- The Tigers escape The Plains with a 23-17 double-OT thrilling win over Auburn in week eight. It wasn’t all pretty as the Auburn front seven was having their way with Mizzou offensive line. The offense managed to get this tied up late at 17 on a short touchdown run from RB Ahmad Hardy, who was bottled up for much of this game. QB Beau Pribula made two costly throws; however, the defense stepped up to support and get them into the extra frame, which featured a missed field goal for both teams before Pribula scored on a run to take the lead. Mizzou wins their first road game of the season and stay alive in the CFP picture.
Ole Miss ::: Loss, at Georgia, 35-43 PGWE: 21% -- Ole Miss suffered their first loss of the season, falling 43-35 to Georgia after initially dominating the game. The offense, led by QB Trinidad Chambliss, was unstoppable for the first three quarters, scoring touchdowns on its first five possessions and carrying a nine-point lead into the fourth quarter. However, the offense then went cold and was completely shut down by the Georgia defense, managing only one yard and zero points and a 9% success rate in the final quarter. Those defensive adjustments forced Ole Miss’s first punt of the game early in the fourth quarter and set the stage for the Bulldogs’ 17-0 run to close the game. The Ole Miss defense was unable to get a stop when it mattered most, allowing Georgia to score on every possession.
Arkansas ::: Loss, Texas A&M, 42-45 PGWE: 34% -- Bobby Petrino has now led the Razorbacks to back-to-back impressive performances, though both three-point losses, since taking over for Sam Pittman as head coach. This time, it was a 45-42 shootout loss to the Aggies at home. They outgained the visitors, but the defense simply could not muster a needed stop to support QB Taylen Green, who put up five touchdowns (three passing, two rushing), and RB Mike Washington Jr., who went for 147 yards. WR O’Mega Blake shipped in with 118 yards and a score. The aforementioned porous defense allowed just under 500 yards, 227 of them on the ground in the loss. They were missing a couple of key defensive linemen (David Oke and Danny Saili), which certainly didn’t help matters.
Texas A&M ::: WIN, at Arkansas, 45-42 PGWE: 66% -- The Aggies excape Fayetteville after a dog fight with the Razorbacks. Ultimately, QB Marcel Reed led the way with 335 total yards and four scores (three passing; one rushing) and successfully avoiding critical turnovers. The offense as a whole was great, racking up just under 500 yards and scoring on 7-of-9 drives. The defense was another story, as they allowed 527 yards (268 rushing yards) to the Razorbacks. They missed tackles and assignments all game. It was ugly on that side of the ball. The offense fittingly secured the game late with a foruth-down conversion to seal it. The Aggies are now one of only five undefeated teams reamining in FBS level football and travel to LSU for a battle with the Tigers in week nine.
Kentucky ::: Loss, Texas, 13-16 PGWE: 75% -- The Wildcats could and really should (according to the PGWE numbers) have beaten Texas at home in week eight. They came up short in a 16-13 defensive slugfest that reached overtime. The Wildcats outgained the Longhorns 395-179, had more first downs (26-8) and had a +19 minute advantage in time of possession. Yet, a familiar theme reared its ugly head again as the offense couldn’t find a way to finish drives with touchdowns and it cost them. They were stuffed on four straight running plays from the one-yard line in OT and then surrendered a field goal on Texas’ possession. A heartbreaking loss in which they really deserved better.
South Carolina ::: Loss, Oklahoma, 7-26 PGWE: 1% -- South Carolina’s offensive struggles continued in a 26-7 loss to Oklahoma, with the offense sputtering throughout the game and gaining only 224 total yards. Though the team scored just before halftime, they were completely shut down by the Oklahoma defense in the second half. A key turning point was a failed fake punt attempt that resulted in an interception and an Oklahoma touchdown, widening deficit in the third quarter. The offense was repeatedly stymied by the strong Sooner defense, which sacking QB LaNorris Sellers six times. The offense couldn’t sustain drives, converting just 3-of-15 third-down attempts, and was unable to generate any points in the second half. This defeat marked South Carolina’s fourth loss in five games and led to visible frustration from head coach Shane Beamer.
Tennessee ::: Loss, at Alabama, 20-37 PGWE: 12% -- Tennessee lost 37-20 to Alabama, largely due to self-inflicted mistakes, including crucial penalties and missed red-zone opportunities. A game-changing 99-yard pick-six by Alabama’s Zabien Brown as time expired in the first half proved to be a 14-point swing that Tennessee could not overcome. Despite outgaining the Crimson Tide in total yards, the Volunteers struggled with efficiency, scoring on only two of five red-zone trips. The offense, led again by QB Joey Aguilar, moved the ball but was ultimately undone by turnovers and poor execution. The defense failed to generate a single sack against Alabama’s QB Ty Simpson after leading the SEC in the category heading into this week. They fall to 5-2 and 2-2 in the SEC, making their road to the CFP nearly impossible at this point.
Mississippi State ::: Loss, at Florida, 21-23 PGWE: 26% -- The Bulldogs came up short in Gainesville, but had their opportunity to win this game in the waning moments, but an ill-advised throw by QB Blake Shapen was picked off by a defenisve lineman while in field goal range, down just two points. The fourth quarter comeback included two touchdowns to cut into the deficit. Those turnovers were the primary culprit in the inability to end their 15-game SEC losing streak. They also missed a field gloal and lost a fumble in the first half. RB Davon Booth got the call with Fluff Bothwell on the shelf and he responded with 105 yards and a couple of scores. Shapen finished throwing for 324 yards, but it was not enough as they fall to 4-3 (0-3) on the year.
Vanderbilt ::: WIN, LSU, 31-24 PGWE: 85% -- The Commodores were again led by their great escape artist of a QB Diego Pavia, who went for 246 total yards and three touchdowns in a win over the LSU Tigers at home in week eight. He even struck a Heisman pose after a touchdown run. They outgained mighty LSU on the ground 230-100 and dominated the time of possession, exending drives and picking up first downs on critical third- and fourth-down attempts. The defense bent but didn’t break, holding LSU to four field goals on drives that they forced to stall out. The win puts the ‘Dores at 6-1, in a second consecutive bowl game, and squarely in the conversation for the the CFP. Up next is another test at home against Mizzou in week nine.
Texas ::: WIN, at Kentucky, 16-13 PGWE: 25% -- If there is such thing as a damning win, this would be it. Somehow, some way, the Longhorns escaped Lexington with a win despite being outplayed in just about every facet of the game. They were outgained by over 200 yards and they lost the time of possession game by 19 minutes. The offense managed just 179 total yards. They needed a special teams return to set them up with a short field on their only touchdown-scoring drive. The defense ultimately stepped up with a big-time goalline stand in OT to give them a chance to win the game on their possession. Despite the win, the vibes are not positive in Austin right now.
Oklahoma ::: WIN, at South Carolina, 26-7 PGWE: 99% -- The Sooners bounced back from their loss to Texas with a dominant 26-7 road victory over South Carolina. After leading 14-7 at halftime, the defense completely shut down the Gamecocks in the second half, forcing turnovers and holding them scoreless. The offense, led by an efficient and turnover-free performance from QB John Mateer, wore down the Gamecock defense with a strong rushing attack that featured a combination of Tory Blaylock and Xavier Robinson. The defense was the key factor in the game, giving up only 224 total yards and forcing multiple takeaways, including an interception on a fake punt attempt and a late-game safety. A 55-yard field goal and a 20-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter extended Oklahoma’s lead and broke the game open. The win avenged last year’s loss to South Carolina and was a crucial statement for Oklahoma as they head into a tough stretch of their SEC schedule.
Big Ten Conference
Ohio State ::: WIN, at Wisconsin, 34-0 PGWE: 98% -- While so many others around college football are being exposed, the Buckeyes just keep on winning games in impressive fashion. This one, albeit against a very down Wisconsin team, was another of those. They move to 7-0 on the season behind QB Julian Sayin’s career day, going 36-of-42 for 393 yards and four touchdowns, seemingly doing whatever he wanted all day long. WR Carnell Tate caught two of those touchdown tosses. The defense was again stout, recording their second shutout of the season and holding the Badgers ot just 144 total yards. They will maintain their number one ranking heading into the bye week.
Wisconsin ::: Loss, Ohio State, 0-34 PGWE: 2% -- The Badgers’ woes continue after being shutout for the second consecutive week, falling 34-0 to Ohio State at home. The offense produced a season-low 144 total yards and managed only nine first downs. A promising early drive ended with an interception, and Ohio State scored 17 points in the first quarter, a deficit this anemic offense could not overcome. The defense struggled to contain Ohio State’s explosive passing attack, led by QB Julian Sayin. While some defensive players put forth a solid effort, including a couple of nice pass breakups, they allowed 491 total yards. The loss, the fifth straight for Wisconsin and the tenth straight against Power Four opponents, highlighted significant issues with the program and led to renewed “Fire Fickell” chants from frustrated fans.
Penn State ::: Loss, at Iowa, 24-25 PGWE: 19% -- The season-to-forget continues as the Lions squandered a 21-10 second-half lead in the first game under interim head coach Terry Smith. The defense was unable to contain Iowa’s QB Mark Gronowski, who ran for 130 rushing yards and two touchdowns. This was a critical factor in Iowa’s comeback, including a game-changing 67-yard run by Gronowski that set up the winning score in the fourth quarter. The offense struggled with inconsistency behind new freshman QB Ethan Grunkemeyer, who was making his first career start. Grunkemeyer threw two interceptions and finished with only 93 passing yards. Despite a strong performance from RB Kaytron Allen, who ran for 145 yards and two touchdowns, the offense was not consistent enough to hold the lead. The loss, the fourth straight for Penn State, dropped their record to 3-4.
Michigan ::: WIN, Washington, 24-7 PGWE: 95% -- This Michigan team needed a bounce back from its blowout loss to USC and got just that with a dominant 24-7 win over Washington, fueled by a stellar defensive effort and an opportunistic offense. After being tied 7-7 at halftime, the defense took control, forcing three critical interceptions against Washington QB Demond Williams Jr. The offense capitalized on the short fields, converting the turnovers into touchdowns to take a commanding lead. Freshman QB Bryce Underwood led the offense with 230 yards and two touchdowns, and RB Jordan Marshall had a career day, running for 133 yards and a score. The defense was the real story, holding Washington’s prolific offense to just 40 rushing yards and shutting them out in the second half. The impressive and complete performance restored confidence and kept Michigan’s CFP hopes alive.
Northwestern ::: WIN, Purdue, 19-0 PGWE: 93% -- The Wildcats move to 5-2 on the season with a dominant 19-0 shutout victory over Purdue, their first shutout since 2017. They controlled the game from the start, scoring on their first three possessions and dominating the time of possession. QB Preston Stone threw two touchdowns, and a trio of running backs—Joseph Himon II, Caleb Komolafe, and Dashun Reeder—combined for over 50 rushing yards each. Unfortunatley, Komolafe was injured in the game and is being evaluated. Meanwhile, the defense completely shut down the Purdue offense, forcing three turnovers and repeatedly stifled Purdue’s red-zone chances, including a key turnover on downs in the fourth quarter.
Indiana ::: WIN, Michigan State, 38-13 PGWE: 96% -- The Hoosiers avoid a let down against Sparty, winning 38-13, with the Hoosiers’ offense scoring touchdowns on their first five drives to pull away after an early scare. Heisman candidate QB Fernando Mendoza completed 24 of 28 passes for 332 yards and four touchdowns. The Hoosier offense moved the ball at will, with Mendoza distributing scores to Elijah Sarratt, E.J. Williams Jr., and Omar Cooper Jr.. After allowing the Spartans to take a 10-7 lead early, the Indiana defense adjusted and shut down the Spartans in the second half, holding them to just a field goal. The dominant performance secured Indiana’s highest-ever ranking and moved them to 7-0 on the season.
Nebraska ::: Loss, at Minnesota, 6-24 PGWE: 2% -- The Huskers came out flat in Minneapolis on Friday night in week eight. They were down just one point going into the half, but the signs were all there. This was not going to end well. They could not protect QB Dylan Raiola, and he was sacked nine times. They could not get a running game going, amassing just 36 yards on the ground. Finally, they couldn’t stop star Gophers RB Darius Taylor, who ran for over 140 yards. That’s a recipe for disaster. The Cornhuskers did lose some key players in-game, including starting OL Rocco Spindler, who broke his finger on the first drive of the game. T Elijah Pritchett was ejected for targeting in the second quarter. This offensive line does not have the depth to handle those losses.
Minnesota ::: WIN, Nebraska, 24-6 PGWE: 98% -- The Gophers came to play at home on a Friday night in week eight, handily beating the Cornhuskers, 24-6. They have now won six straight against Big Red. RB Darius Taylor ran for 148 yards and a score, while QB Drake Lindsey was efficient and mistake-free, going 16-for-20 for 153 yards and a touchdown pass. It was a close one at the half, leading 7-6, but they came out in the second half and dominated. That defense got after Dylan Raiola relentlessly, racking up a record NINE sacks and allowing just 36 total rushing yards. Efficient offense and stifling defense -- that’s the Gopher-way to wins. They move to 5-2 overall and now 3-1 in Big Ten play.
Iowa ::: WIN, Penn State, 25-24 PGWE: 81% -- Iowa defeated Penn State in a comeback victory at Kinnick Stadium, behind QB Mark Gronowski and a stout defensive performance. After falling behind 14-10 on a blocked field goal returned for a touchdown at the end of the first half, and then 21-10 early in the third, the Hawkeyes clawed their way back. Gronowski showcased his mobility by rushing for 130 yards and two touchdowns, including a key 67-yard run that set up the go-ahead score. The defense was critical, shutting out Penn State in the fourth quarter and forcing multiple stops, including a game-sealing turnover on downs. There were some puzzling decisions made on offense and big special teams let down, but the Hawkeyes managed to sneak out with a one-point victory. They move to 5-2 on the season, keeping their Big Ten title hopes alive.
Michigan State ::: Loss, at Indiana, 13-38 PGWE: 4% -- The Spartans’ slide continues as they lose to Indiana 38-13, despite a promising offensive start. QB Aidan Chiles effectively moved the ball early on, including a school-record 20 consecutive completions at one point. However, the offense couldn’t sustain its momentum, repeatedly failing to finish drives with touchdowns against a strong Indiana defense. They were forced to settle for field goals early, and a touchdown right before halftime gave Indiana a lead they would not relinquish. This offense was undermined by a lack of a consistent running game and an offensive line that was beaten up in the trenches as the game wore on. The injury-riddled defensive unit allowed the Hoosiers to score touchdowns on their first five possessions through the third quarter. They have lost four in a row, dropping them to 3-4 on the season.
Maryland ::: Loss, at UCLA, 17-20 PGWE: 35% -- Maryland fell to UCLA with a 20-17 loss in a game that marked their third consecutive fourth-quarter collapse. Despite their defense forcing a season-high three turnovers and scoring their fourth pick-six of the season, Maryland was unable to hold on to a lead heading into the final quarter. The offense continued to struggle, only managing 17 points and failing to reach the end zone until the final minute of the game. QB Malik Washington had a difficult time finding a rhythm and completed less than half of his passes for the first time all season, although he did lead a touchdown drive late in the fourth quarter to tie it up. Ultimately, it was this defense’s inability to stop UCLA’s final drive led to a last-second field goal, sealing the defeat.
Purdue ::: Loss, at Northwestern, 0-19 PGWE: 7% -- The offense struggled mightily in this 19-0 shutout loss to Northwestern, with QB Ryan Browne leaving the game with a shoulder injury and replacement Malachi Singleton failing to find the end zone. They were overmatched on the line of scrimmage and dominated in time of possession, holding the ball for just over 22 minutes compared to Northwestern’s nearly 38. While Singleton provided some flashes, he committed costly turnovers, and the offense failed to convert on multiple fourth-down tries in Northwestern territory. The defense was on the field for most of the game but had some notable individual performances, including LB Mani Powell’s career-high 20 tackles. They did allow the Wildcats to put up points on their first three possessions. That’s five straight losses for the Boilers.
Rutgers ::: Loss, Oregon, 10-56 PGWE: 3% -- The Knights gave up 750 yards to the Ducks in a lopsided 56-10 loss in week eight at home. They hit with big play after big play and allowed Oregon to score touchdowns on seven consecutive drives after an opening drive fumble. They kicked a field goal to take a brief 3-0 lead. QB Athan Kaliakmanis went just 8/25 for 79 yards and two picks. The offense was forced to become one-dimensional and managed only 202 yards. This was the fourth straight loss in Big Ten play after beginning the season 3-0 against non-conference opponents. They will try to get on track against another winless team in the conference, at Purdue, in week nine.
Washington ::: Loss, at Michigan, 7-24 PGWE: 5% -- In their 24-7 loss to Michigan, the Huskies were plagued by turnovers and offensive inconsistency after a promising start. After battling to a 7-7 tie, QB Demond Williams Jr. threw two crucial interceptions on consecutive possessions in the third quarter. Michigan’s defense capitalized, converting those turnovers into touchdowns to take control of the game. The offensive struggles extended beyond turnovers, with the running game particularly ineffective, totaling only 40 yards. Head coach Jedd Fisch noted “death by a thousand cuts” and a combination of small mistakes and the failure to capitalize on opportunities. Despite a strong defensive effort for much of the game, Washington was ultimately undone by self-inflicted errors that allowed the Wolverines to pull away.
USC ::: Loss, at Notre Dame, 24-34 PGWE: 1% -- The Trojan defense did not have an answer for the Irish two-headed running back monster in a 34-24 loss. This porous run defense allowed Notre Dame to control the clock and set up big plays, hitting on them with regularity. While USC was able to score on their opening drive and even take a brief lead in the third quarter on a touchdown from WR Jaylen Washington, they were unable to sustain momentum and contain the Irish offense. Special teams were also a major issue for USC, as they allowed a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the third quarter after taking that brief lead. The offense, despite having success on some drives, was unable to answer the bell. QB Jayden Maiava threw a crucial late-game interception that sealed the victory for Notre Dame, highlighting the team’s struggles in high-pressure situations.
Oregon ::: WIN, at Rutgers, 56-10 PGWE: 97% -- Oregon bounced back from its first loss of the season with a dominant 56-10 road victory over Rutgers, displaying an explosive and balanced offensive attack. After a rocky start that included a fumble on their first possession, the Ducks scored touchdowns on their next seven consecutive drives. QB Dante Moore threw for 290 yards and four touchdowns, while the running game was unstoppable, accumulating 415 rushing yards, led by Noah Whittington’s 125 yards and two scores. The offense finished with 750 total yards (!), the fourth-most in program history. The Oregon defense was also opportunistic, forcing three turnovers and largely shutting down the Rutgers offense. This was the kind of dominant response Duck fans were hoping to see.
UCLA ::: WIN, Maryland, 20-17 PGWE: 65% -- The improbable turnaround continues as UCLA wins again under interim head coach Tim Skipper, securing a gritty 20-17 victory over Maryland with a last-second field goal. While the Bruins’ offense struggled at times, QB Nico Iamaleava led two crucial fourth-quarter scoring drives, including a game-winning march that set up kicker Mateen Bhaghani for the go-ahead score with two seconds left. After starting 0-4, UCLA has won three straight. Even with committing three turnovers and struggling offensively most of this game, the Bruins relied on their defense to contain the Terps and keep them in the game. That unit forced key stops and held them out of the end zone until the final minute of regulation. RB Anthony Frias II was a standout with a 55-yard rushing touchdown and a game-ending 35-yard run.
Big 12 Conference
TCU ::: WIN, Baylor, 42-36 PGWE: 98% -- TCU held on for a 42-36 victory over Baylor in a weather-delayed game that was stopped three times by lightning in the fourth quarter. TCU’s offense, led by QB Josh Hoover, relied on an explosive passing attack and a steady ground game to build a commanding 21-point lead in the fourth quarter before nearly allowing a Baylor comeback. Despite the near-collapse, TCU sealed the win with a late interception by LB Namdi Obiazor with just 13 seconds remaining. QB Josh Hoover threw three touchdown passes and RB Kevorian Barnes ran for 106 yards and two scores, including a 14-yard run that was the first play after a long weather delay. The win improved the Horned Frogs’ record to 5-2 on the season and 2-2 in Big XII play.
Baylor ::: Loss, at TCU, 36-42 PGWE: 2% -- The Bears fell to TCU, dropping to 2-2 in Big XII play in a high-scoring and weather-delayed affair in Fort Worth. The Bears put up a heckuva fight in the fourth quarter, fueled by a touchdown off a TCU fumble and another late score. That was ultimately thwarted by a critical interception thrown by QB Sawyer Robertson with just 13 ticks remaining. The game was marred by three lightning delays in the fourth quarter, which continually halted momentum. Despite outscoring TCU 18-14 in the final frame, the Bears’ early turnover margin of minus-3, including three interceptions by Robertson, proved too much to overcome. According to Baylor head coach Dave Aranda, the loss was characterized by “a lot of self-inflicted stuff” and a lack of explosive running plays that made the offense too one-dimensional.
Oklahoma State ::: Loss, Cincinnati, 17-49 PGWE: 2% -- The lost season wears on as the Cowboys took it on the chin again against the Bearcats, losing 49-17 in Cincinnati. They have now lost six straight games. A bright spot was RB Rodney Fields Jr., who busted out for a career-high 163 yards, but couldn’t overcome inopportune turnovers, including one that was returned 100 yards for a score the other way. This is how the season has gone for the Cowboys as they look to navigate it and try to find some silver linings. The once proud program has now dropped 13 straight Big 12 games and are sitting 1-6 overall and 0-4 in the conference. Things don’t get much easier as they travel to Texas Tech next week.
West Virginia ::: Loss, at UCF, 13-45 PGWE: 2% -- The rough return for Rich Rod continues with another lopsided loss, this time to a UCF team that hadn’t won a Big XII game coming in. This is their fourth consecutive loss and drops them to 0-4 in conference play. They were there early, tied a 7-7 before being outscored 21-0 in the third quarter, which featured two big plays allowed and a fumble returned for a score. The WVU offense was led by inexperienced quarterbacks due to injuries abound, were held to just 201 total yards and went just 3/17 on third down attempts. The defense gave up yaerds in droves, 578 of them to be exact, and they just never were in this one. The head coach stating post-game, “We stunk in every phase, in every way.”
Texas Tech ::: Loss, at Arizona State, 22-26 PGWE: 30% -- The banged-up Red Raiders entered week eight without their starting quarterback, Behren Morton. Will Hammond got the start, and things were not clicking on all cylinders. Still, they had a chance to secure a win over the Sun Devils in the desert, but the defense just came up short on the final drive of the game. It looked like a no-contest early as Arizona State held a 19-7 lead heading into the fourth quarter, but Hammond and crew found a way to score 15 quick points to take the lead with just two minutes left. The defense did its job most of the game, holding Sam Leavitt and the Devils to four field goals, but couldn’t stop them on a long game-winning drive in those final two minutes. It is the first loss for this team, and all is not lost.
BYU ::: WIN, Utah, 24-21 PGWE: 57% -- The Utes melted down and eventually lost their third straight “Holy War” game to BYU, 24-21. The defeat was defined by self-inflicted mistakes, questionable coaching decisions, and an inability to convert in the moments that mattered most. While the offense posted 470 yards of total offense, including 226 rushing yards, they were stymied by a BYU defense that made key fourth-down stops and forced turnovers. They failed to capitalize on multiple scoring chances, particularly with head coach Kyle Whittingham making aggressive but unsuccessful calls to go for it on fourth down instead of attempting field goals. An injury to QB Devon Dampier in the second half also slowed them.
Cincinnati ::: WIN, at Oklahoma State, 49-17 PGWE: 98% -- The Bearcats dominated Oklahoma State with a 49-17 road victory, clinching their sixth consecutive win. The offense was a force early on, scoring touchdowns on all four of its first-half drives, and was led by QB Brendan Sorsby’s four total touchdowns. While the Cowboys mounted a brief comeback attempt in the third quarter, a pivotal 100-yard interception return for a touchdown by DB Matthew McDoom in the fourth quarter effectively ended the game. Despite some struggles stopping the run, the Cincinnati defense made key plays, including the record-setting pick-six, to thwart any comeback hopes for the Cowboys. The win maintained Cincinnati’s perfect record in Big 12 play, and they are well-positioned for a run at the title game. They host Baylor next week.
UCF ::: WIN, West Virginia, 45-13 PGWE: 98% -- The Knights used a big second half to pull away from West Virginia, snapping their three-game losing streak. They rode a 21-point third quarter with explosive plays on offense led by Tayven Jackson, who returned from injury. They added a defensive score for good measure. Jackson finished with 277 yards passing and two touchdowns to lead the offense. That offense put up 578 yards against the Mountaineers. The defensive unit recorded seven sacks and held them to just 210 total yards. DE Nyjalik Kelly forced a fumble that was returned 32 yards by teammate Keli Lawson, which served as a turning point, extending the lead to 28-7. They’ll take the bye week to prepare for a trip to Waco to take on Baylor in week ten.
Houston ::: WIN, Arizona, 31-28 PGWE: 57% -- A 41-yard field goal sailed through the uprights with just one second on the clock, giving the Cougars a 31-28 home victory over Arizona, securing bowl eligibility for the first time since 2022. After a back-and-forth contest, K Ethan Sanchez delivered the game-winning kick to cap a 13-play, 52-yard drive. The offense, led by QB Conner Weigman, proved too much for the Arizona defense. Weigman threw for 164 yards and three touchdowns while also adding a career-high 98 yards and a touchdown on the ground. RB Dean Connors contributed with 100 rushing yards, as Houston finished with 232 rushing yards as a team, allowing them to control the clock and the late-game winning drive. The Cougars’ defense bent but did not break, and a key fourth-down stop at the end of the first half gave Houston momentum. The Cougars move to 6-1 in head coach Willie Fritz’ second season.
Arizona ::: Loss, at Houston, 28-31 PGWE: 43% -- Arizona fell to Houston with a 31-28 loss in week eight after a walk-off field goal with one second remaining in the game. While QB Noah Fifita delivered a near-perfect performance with 269 yards and two touchdowns, completing 24 of 26 passes, the Wildcats were ultimately undone by a porous run defense and an inability to stop Houston’s ground game. The defense gave up 232 rushing yards and allowed Houston to convert on key third and fourth downs, enabling the Cougars to control the time of possession. Despite rallying in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 28, the defense could not make a crucial late-game stop, allowing Houston to drive down the field and kick the game-winning field goal. This marks Arizona’s third loss in its last four games.
Arizona State ::: WIN, Texas Tech, 26-22 PGWE: 70% -- The Sun Devils got their quarterback back, and Sam Leavitt helped stun Texas Tech with a 26-22 victory. The game was a comeback thriller that saw the Sun Devils score with just 34 seconds remaining to secure the win and hand Texas Tech its first loss of the season. Despite controlling most of the game, Arizona State’s offense often stalled in the red zone, forcing them to settle for four field goals. The much-maligned defense stepped up in the upset, getting key stops against the Red Raiders, who were missing their starting quarterback. The turning point occurred in the final two minutes after Texas Tech briefly took the lead. With the game on the line, Leavitt led a 10-play, 75-yard drive, including a gutsy 33-yard pass on fourth-and-two that kept the drive alive. RB Raleek Brown punched it in from the one-yard line for the game-winning touchdown. They move to 5-2 and re-enter the mix for a run at the Big XII title game.
Utah ::: Loss, at BYU, 21-24 PGWE: 43% -- BYU defeated Utah 24-21 in a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback, securing their third consecutive win over their in-state rival and remaining undefeated with a 7-0 record. The Cougars relied on a potent ground game led by RB LJ Martin and a big touchdown run by QB Bear Bachmeier, who helped rally the offense for 14 unanswered points in the final period. Despite being outgained in total yardage, BYU’s defense made critical stops in key moments, holding Utah scoreless on multiple fourth-down attempts inside BYU territory. The win earned national attention, and the ensuing field-storming celebration cemented BYU’s status as a top-ranked contender. The victory kept the Cougars undefeated in Big XII play, while Utah missed a late opportunity to tie after a late touchdown.
Atlantic Coast Conference
Florida State ::: Loss, at Stanford, 13-20 PGWE: 55% -- Florida State fell 20–13 in Palo Alto despite out-gaining Stanford and creating late chances. After the Cardinal marched 94 yards to stretch it to 20–10 in the third, the Noles clawed back to 20–13 and twice threatened in the final minutes. A fourth-quarter targeting hit knocked Tommy Castellanos out, and Kevin Sperry helmed the last drive—hitting a 53-yard shot to Micahi Danzy and, after a DPI in the end zone, getting one untimed snap from the 2. Gavin Sawchuk was ruled short at the goal line, sealing it as time expired. The box shows why it stung: 444 yards of offense, but penalties, red-zone misses, and that third-quarter march were the separators.
Louisville ::: WIN, at Miami (FL), 24-21 PGWE: 62% -- Louisville jumped Miami with an aggressive script — fake field goal, varied personnel at QB — and never trailed after going up 14–0. Miller Moss layered in two TDs to Chris Bell and a short sneak, Isaac Brown cracked the Canes’ front with 113 yards, and the defense took center stage, nabbing four interceptions (Watts, Mack, Evans Jr., Capers), the last of which ended the final Miami threat with :32 left. Even after a late Brown fumble gave the Hurricanes a lifeline, the Cards’ coverage group and tackling held the run to 63 yards, preserving a 24–21 stunner that doubles as the program’s first true road win over a top-10 team and its highest-ranked road scalp.
Clemson ::: Loss, SMU, 24-35 PGWE: 32% -- SMU beat Clemson 35–24 by controlling the line of scrimmage and landing explosives, forcing the Tigers to chase most of the night. Christopher Vizzina kept Clemson in it with 317 yards and three TDs, including two deep shots to T.J. Moore and a gutsy 4th-and-21 score to Tristan Smith that cut it to five with 6:44 left, but the run game never materialized (35 yards) and pass pro leaked at key moments. The Mustangs answered with a 13-play, 75-yard march to ice it.
Miami (FL) ::: Loss, Louisville, 21-24 PGWE: 38% -- Louisville jumped ahead 14–0 with a bag of tricks (fake field goal, misdirection) and Miami spent the rest of the night clawing back. The Hurricanes found late juice when the defense jarred loose a fumble and Malachi Toney immediately scored from 12 before hitting CJ Daniels for two, trimming it to 24–21 with 7:37 left. But the run game never came online (63 yards), and Carson Beck’s fourth interception — at the Louisville 30 with :32 remaining — ended the comeback bid. Statistically, Miami moved it through the air (271 from Beck; 9–135 for Toney), yet four giveaways against a disciplined Cards plan were the separator in a three-point loss at Hard Rock.
Duke ::: Loss, Georgia Tech, 18-27 PGWE: 20% -- Duke’s start had all the right ingredients — 238–110 first-half yardage edge and repeated red-zone trips — but the day flipped on thin margins. A goal-line fumble went 95 yards the other way for Georgia Tech’s first score, a 4th-and-1 illegal-substitution at the Georgia Tech one-yard line cost the defense a stop (leading to a FG), and a 46-yard try sailed wide late. Darian Mensah still threw for 373 and two scores (to Landen King and Sahmir Hagans), and Cooper Barkate carved out 172 yards, but a muted ground game (68 yards) led to another disappointing outcome for the Blue Devils.
North Carolina ::: Loss, at California, 18-21 PGWE: 31% -- North Carolina had the late shot it wanted, surging into the red zone down three before a bang-bang punch-out at the goal line flipped everything with 3:48 left. Earlier, Benjamin Hall (68 yards, TD) and Davion Gause (TD) supplied the scoring while Kobe Paysour (101 yards) was the matchup answer outside, and Gio Lopez steadied things enough to hit Hall for a fourth-quarter two-pointer. The defense earned its chances—Tyler Thompson logged two sacks—but the margins were unforgiving: three lost fumbles (including the opener and the decisive goal-line turnover) against a Cal team that didn’t give it back, plus a modest 5/14 on third down. Even with a slight edge in possession and Cal’s nine penalties, the final takeaway was simple: one clean finish changes the outcome; instead, Cal’s Brent Austin’s strip at the pylon preserved a 21–18 loss.
Syracuse ::: Loss, Pittsburgh, 13-30 PGWE: 27% -- Pitt turned turnovers and special teams into separation, and Syracuse never found a consistent answer. Collins’ early pick set up the Panthers’ first TD, and a back-breaking 66-yard punt-return score just before halftime made it 17–7. SU’s defense was game—seven sacks, 12 TFL—and the Orange briefly stirred in the fourth behind TD grabs by Gill and Ross, plus a heads-up kickoff that Syracuse recovered near midfield. But the offense labored on the ground (2.5 YPC) and giveaways (3 INT) proved decisive in a 30–13 loss that dropped SU to 3–4 (1–3 ACC).
Georgia Tech ::: WIN, at Duke, 27-18 PGWE: 80% -- Georgia Tech handled a choppy first half by flipping two late-game levers: a defensive lightning bolt and quarterback legs. Omar Daniels’ school-record 95-yard scoop-and-score erased a Duke goal-line chance, then in the fourth the Jackets finally strung together a pair of touchdown drives—Malachi Hosley from 10 yards and Haynes King on a decisive 28-yard keeper—to create separation in a 27–18 win. Even while being out-gained, Tech’s formula held: no giveaways, minimal penalties, and just enough explosives (Beetham’s 49-yard shot, Canion’s chunk plays). The defense limited Duke’s ground game to 68 yards and got the critical red-zone swing that defined the afternoon.
Pittsburgh ::: WIN, at Syracuse, 30-13 PGWE: 73% -- The Panthers won their third consecutive game with a 30-13 road victory over Syracuse. Despite an “ugly” performance characterized by numerous penalties and offensive struggles, the Panthers pulled away thanks to a key special teams play and a resilient defense. The win marked the Panthers’ 20th victory in the last 24 matchups against Syracuse. The game’s turning point occurred just before halftime when Pitt’s Kenny Johnson returned a punt 66 yards for a touchdown, giving the Panthers a 17-7 lead. While the offense struggled, with freshman QB Mason Heintschel facing heavy pressure, the defense came up with timely plays, including three interceptions, to stifle Syracuse’s attack. They held the Orange to just 212 total yards.
Boston College ::: Loss, Connecticut, 23-38 PGWE: 18% -- BC landed some early punches and actually led 20–17 at halftime, but the second half tilted hard the other way. With Turbo Richard sidelined, Jordan McDonald’s 123 rushing yards kept the offense afloat while Grayson James delivered two scoring throws (to Reed Harris and Kaelan Chudzinski). The issues were familiar: pass protection and money downs. UConn piled up seven sacks, squeezed the Heels to 4-for-15 on third down, and out-exploded BC with three TDs of 38+ yards from Joe Fagnano in a 38–23 finish. BC’s night featured bright spots (Lombardo 3-for-3; McDonald’s workload), but the combination of an in-game RB injury, penalties, and second-half stalls proved decisive.
Virginia ::: WIN, Washington State, 22-20 PGWE: 43% -- Virginia flipped a sluggish night into a gritty 22–20 win with a final-frame surge: a 97-yard march capped by Harrison Waylee, a Prevard interception, Will Bettridge’s tying 34-yard kick, and then Kam Robinson’s stuff for a safety with 2:41 left. Chandler Morris steadied the offense (179 yards) and leaned on Jahmal Edrine (102 yards) after Cam Ross exited late in the half, while the defense squeezed the Cougars to 8 fourth-quarter yards.
California ::: WIN, North Carolina, 21-18 PGWE: 69% -- Cal did just enough in a field-position knife fight, cashing UNC’s opening fumble for points, building a 21–10 cushion after halftime on Kendrick Raphael’s 2-yard plunge, and then surviving the late surge. The moment of truth came inside the final four minutes, when Brent Austin punched the ball free at the goal line and fell on it for a touchback to keep the Bears ahead; from there, Cal bled the clock and survived 21–18. It wasn’t clean—nine flags and a muted run game—but Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele’s steady line, Jacob De Jesus’s chain-moving volume, and a +3 turnover margin (no giveaways) carried the night at Memorial.
Stanford ::: WIN, Florida State, 20-13 PGWE: 46% -- Stanford out-toughed Florida State 20–13 in a bruising upset that turned into a next-man-up story. After Ben Gulbranson and Micah Ford exited before halftime, Elijah Brown steadied the huddle and Cole Tabb took over, capping a 13-play, 94-yard third-quarter drive for the decisive touchdown. The Cardinal defense did the rest: timely pressure, four-minute answers, and a frantic final sequence where Matt Rose and Jahsiah Galvan stonewalled an untimed shovel pass at the goal line. With backups playing key snaps and a late targeting ejection thinning the secondary, Stanford leaned on situational execution and Tabb’s volume to bank a third straight home win.
SMU ::: WIN, at Clemson, 35-24 PGWE: 68% -- SMU authored a poised road win, mixing early explosives with late four-minute offense in a 35–24 result at Death Valley. Kevin Jennings, gutting through a re-aggravated ankle, still pushed the ball vertically—most notably the 70-yard shot to Jordan Hudson—while the backs supplied balance and Sam Keltner stacked long field goals. Clemson’s surge narrowed it to five with 6:44 left, but the Mustangs answered with a 13-play, 75-yard drive that bled 5:41 and ended in Chris Johnson Jr.’s clincher. Defensively, SMU throttled the Tigers’ run game (35 rushing yards) and generated negative plays (including Isaiah Smith’s 1.5 sacks), offsetting their lone turnover. Bottom line: a physical, situationally sound win that kept SMU perfect in ACC play.
Pac-12 Conference
Washington State ::: Loss, at Virginia, 20-22 PGWE: 57% -- The Cougars collapsed in the fourth quarter in a 22-20 loss to Virginia on the road. The held a 20-10 lead with 13 minutes left as the offense stalled down the stretch. A game-winning safety of all things was the difference after UVA tied it up at 20. The offense was effective most of the game, running wild on the Cavs, despite struggling to do so much of the season thus far. They then hit a wall and allowed the comeback that resulted in their second straight one-score loss to a ranked opponent. The good news is that they are suddenly able to hang with some of the better competition, but their incompetence late in games is killing all of the momentum.
Oregon State ::: WIN, Lafayette, 45-13 PGWE: 100% -- In their first game since the firing of Trent Bray, the Beavers handled the FCS level opponent, Lafayette, in week eight. It wasn’t looking all that great, even trailing 13-10 at halftime. The second half brought a renewed energy that let to 35 unanswered points. RB Anthony Hankerson ran for 204 yards and four touchdowns in the win. In total, the Beavers racked up 365 total rushing yards as QB Gabarri Johnson replaced Maalik Murphy in the third quarter. Interim head coach Robb Akey gets a freebie in his first game, and now gets a bye week to prepare for Washington State in week ten.
The American Conference
South Florida ::: WIN, Florida Atlantic, 48-13 PGWE: 100% -- The No. 19 Bulls clinched bowl eligibility and maintained an undefeated conference record by routing FAU 48-13. The offense, which generated 522 total yards, was spearheaded by QB Byrum Brown, who was sensational, accounting for 367 total yards and four touchdowns, including a season-high 111 rushing yards and a score, alongside three passing touchdowns. The Bulls’ strength was their potent ground game, which has now amassed over 250 yards in four consecutive contests. Defensively, USF was suffocating, limiting the Owls to just 23 total rushing yards, with LB Mac Harris leading with 10 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and a sack.
Memphis ::: Loss, at UAB, 24-31 PGWE: 15% -- No. 22 Memphis suffered a devastating 31-24 road upset loss to UAB, potentially derailing their College Football Playoff hopes. The team faced adversity with starting QB Brendon Lewis leaving the game in the third quarter with an injury, though freshman AJ Hill threw for his first career touchdown. Memphis’ special teams unit delivered an immediate highlight with a 99-yard kickoff return touchdown by Sutton Smith in the first quarter. Despite mounting a late fourth-quarter comeback, driven by running back Greg Desrosiers Jr. (114 all-purpose yards), the Tigers were ultimately unable to punch the ball into the end zone from the one-yard line.
Tulsa ::: Loss, at East Carolina, 27-41 PGWE: 3% -- Tulsa lost to ECU 41-27 in a road matchup, despite generating nearly 400 yards of total offense. QB Baylor Hayes threw for 251 yards and two touchdowns, completing 23 of 41 passes, though he was sacked five times by the Pirates’ defense. The standout offensive performer was tight end Brody Foley, who had a career day with six catches for 126 yards and a touchdown. The defense was led by linebacker Ray Coney, who tallied a game-high 12 total tackles. Tulsa’s rushing attack was largely held in check, netting 147 yards on 42 attempts, with Dominic Richardson leading the running backs with 59 yards.
Temple ::: WIN, at Charlotte, 49-14 PGWE: 100% -- The Temple Owls secured a dominant road victory, crushing the Charlotte 49ers 49-14 to move above .500. QB Evan Simon had a highly efficient outing, throwing for 194 yards and three touchdowns, while also adding a 5-yard rushing touchdown. The Owls’ offense was balanced, with RB Jay Ducker leading the ground attack with 114 yards on just nine carries. However, the true difference-maker was the defense and special teams, which accounted for two touchdowns: first, a 64-yard interception return for a touchdown by Adrian Laing in the second quarter, and later, a 73-yard fumble recovery for a score by Louis Frye in the third quarter.
East Carolina ::: WIN, Tulsa, 41-27 PGWE: 97% -- ECU defeated Tulsa 41-27, fueled by a dominant offensive performance that amassed 568 total yards. QB Katin Houser efficiently led the attack, throwing for exactly 300 yards and two touchdowns on 21 completions. The standout offensive player was WR Anthony Smith, who torched the Tulsa secondary for 150 receiving yards and two long TDs. The rushing attack totaled 268 yards, with London Montgomery leading the charge with a career-high 125 yards and a 51-yard touchdown run. Defensively, the Pirates put constant pressure on the Tulsa quarterback, recording five total sacks, including one by Rion Roseborough on a crucial fourth down.
Tulane ::: WIN, Army, 24-17 PGWE: 86% -- Tulane snatched a thrilling 24-17 victory from Army with one of the most exciting finishes of the weekend. Trailing by 7 points late in the fourth quarter, QB Jake Retzlaff engineered two critical scoring drives, throwing a pair of touchdowns in the final two minutes. Retzlaff finished with 261 passing yards and two touchdowns (to Bryce Bohanon and Shazz Preston), while also adding a 37-yard touchdown run and 62 rushing yards on the ground. Despite being heavily out-possessed and out-rushed, the Green Wave were significantly more efficient with their opportunities, averaging 6.9 yards per play.
North Texas ::: WIN, UTSA, 55-17 PGWE: 99% -- The North Texas Mean Green bounced back from a loss with a commanding 55-17 rout of UTSA, achieving bowl eligibility for the season. The offense was explosive and balanced, generating over 500 total yards, with an efficient passing game led by QB Drew Mestemaker’s four touchdown passes. WR Wyatt Young was the main beneficiary, hauling in three of those scores. The ground game was equally dominant, racking up 270 rushing yards, highlighted by running back Caleb Hawkins’ 133-yard performance. UNT was highly effective in all phases, dominating the time of possession and first downs.
Charlotte ::: Loss, Temple, 14-49 PGWE: 0% -- Charlotte struggled at home, falling 49-14 to Temple in a game where turnovers proved costly. After tying the game 7-7 in the first quarter on a short touchdown pass from Grayson Loftis, the 49ers saw their momentum evaporate quickly due to an interception returned for a touchdown and two lost fumbles, one of which was also returned for a score. Despite a late fourth-quarter rushing touchdown by quarterback Zach Wilcke, the 49ers were unable to mount a sustained attack against the Temple defense. Charlotte outperformed Temple in terms of total yards (384 to 357), but they allowed 3 takeaways.
UTSA ::: Loss, at North Texas, 17-55 PGWE: 1% -- The UTSA Roadrunners endured a difficult day on the road, suffering a 55-17 blowout loss to North Texas. Despite a respectable individual rushing performance from running back Robert Henry Jr. (138 yards, 1 TD), the offense sputtered, managing only 14 first downs and struggling to contain UNT’s explosive attack. The defense simply could not find an answer to the Mean Green’s balanced scheme, surrendering 55 points and over 500 yards of offense, with their only other scores coming from a first-quarter touchdown pass and a late third-quarter field goal. Losing 3 fumbles really killed any momentum overall for UTSA.
Florida Atlantic ::: Loss, at South Florida, 13-48 PGWE: 0% -- FAU struggled to keep pace with their in-state rival, falling 48-13 to USF after seeing their two-game win streak snapped. Offensively, the team was forced into a one-dimensional passing attack, as the Owls only had 23 rushing yards. QB Caden Veltkamp showcased a high volume of passes, tying a program record with 35 completions for 244 yards, with WRs Asaad Waseem (8 receptions) and Easton Messer (7 receptions) being his primary targets. Despite a solid defensive effort early, led by LB Tyler Stolsky’s 11 tackles, the Owls could not generate consistent scoring, settling for two first-half field goals and one lone second-half TD.
Army ::: Loss, at Tulane, 17-24 PGWE: 14% -- The Army Black Knights suffered a heartbreaking defeat, falling 24-17 after controlling the game for over three quarters. The Black Knights’ signature triple-option offense was highly successful, out-rushing Tulane 233-141 and dominating the time of possession with a near 39-minute advantage. Quarterback Cale Hellums was the focal point of the attack, carrying the ball 39 times for 155 yards and two touchdowns, effectively grinding out long drives. Despite taking a 17-10 lead with under six minutes remaining, the Army defense could not hold up against the two successive touchdown drives orchestrated by Tulane.
UAB ::: WIN, Memphis, 31-24 PGWE: 85% -- The UAB Blazers pulled off the biggest upset in the AAC this week, stunning No. 22 Memphis 31-24 in the first game under interim head coach Alex Mortensen. The win marked UAB’s first victory over a ranked opponent since 2021. The offense was fueled by backup QB Ryder Burton (251 yards, 3 TDs) and a monster performance by WR Iverson Hooks, who hauled in 11 receptions for 172 yards and all three of Burton’s touchdowns, including a critical score just before halftime. The rushing attack provided a huge spark with Solomon Beebe’s 81-yard touchdown run. The victory was secured by an incredible defensive effort in the final seconds with a goal-line stand.Independents
Notre Dame ::: WIN, USC, 34-24 PGWE: 99% -- In their 34-24 win over USC, the Irish leaned on a dominant rushing attack and opportunistic special teams and defense. Star RB Jeremiyah Love had a career night, rushing for 228 yards and a touchdown, while fellow RB Jadarian Price added 87 rushing yards and scored on a crucial 100-yard kickoff return in the third quarter. QB CJ Carr had a relatively quiet passing performance. Meanwhile, the defense made crucial plays in the second half, forcing key stops and interceptions that thwarted USC’s comeback attempts. After USC took a brief third-quarter lead, Price’s kickoff return provided an immediate and decisive momentum swing. Although the Irish gave USC some opportunities through missed extra points and missed field goals, the defense held firm, including a late fourth-quarter interception that sealed the victory.
Connecticut ::: WIN, at Boston College, 38-23 PGWE: 83% -- UConn defeated Boston College 38-23 in a historic road win, their first ever at Alumni Stadium. After an early back-and-forth that saw BC leading 20-17 at halftime, the Huskies completely took over in the second half, outscoring the Eagles 21-3. QBJoe Fagnano led the offensive charge, throwing for a career-high 362 yards and four touchdowns while also rushing for another score. That offense was fueled by several explosive plays, including three of those touchdown passes going 50, 43, and 38 yards. The defense also made key contributions, shutting out the Eagles in the third quarter and forcing multiple stops, including a fourth-quarter sack that helped seal the deal. The Huskies capitalized on their opponents penalties and defensive breakdowns to secure their fourth consecutive win and move to 5-2 on the season. Their only two losses were in overtime.
Mountain West Conference
Colorado State ::: Loss, Hawaii, 19-31 PGWE: 4% -- This game was ultimately the final straw in Jay Norvell’s time as the Colorado State Rams head coach. CSU had three combined yards on both scripted drives this game and could not contain Hawaii in all phases of the game. Even with a 90-yard punt return touchdown, the Rams lost by 12 in front of a sold-out crowd of over 40,000. QB Jackson Brosseau has progressed throughout the season, but this offense has been unable to find any rhythm and flow. Time will tell if the Rams switch up the offensive scheme after Norvell has been fired.
Boise State ::: WIN, UNLV, 56-31 PGWE: 97% -- After a brutal loss week at USF, Boise has now reeled off five out of the last six wins, including a massive and decisive victory over UNLV. Boise is now atop the Mountain West standings with another legit shot to make the College Football Playoff. They ran for nearly 300 yards on the ground, and QB Maddux Madsen is playing more freely and poise each week now; the Broncos are absolutely rolling. Credit goes to head coach Spencer Danielson for making adjustments every week and continuing to bounce back after demoralizing losses.
Wyoming ::: Loss, at Air Force, 21-24 PGWE: 60% -- The Cowboys strongly performed on the road in Colorado Springs against Air Force. With 400 yards of offense obtained and a lead in the fourth quarter, Wyoming was on track to come back to Laramie with the victory. However, two crucial fourth-quarter interceptions and a huge run allowed by Air Force QB Liam Szarka caused Wyoming to fall to Air Force by three points. QB Kaden Anderson played great for three quarters but completely fell apart in some vital moments of the game late.
Utah State ::: WIN, San Jose State, 30-25 PGWE: 48% -- With two high-octane offenses facing off, this game had no shortage of big moments as the Aggies narrowly escaped with a victory on Friday night in week eight. With five lead changes and nearly 1,000 yards of combined offense, it was Utah State who drilled two late field goals to seal the win. QBs Bryson Barnes and Walker Eget are two of the more prolific quarterbacks in the conference, as both did everything in their power to put each team in a strong position to win. Barnes had a 74-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter, answered by a 66-yard touchdown run for the Spartans, which really elevated the tempo of this game as they entered the final quarter. The Aggies shut down the run game, allowing just 3.4 yards per carry, which prevented San Jose State from being too creative on offense.
Air Force ::: WIN, Wyoming, 24-21 PGWE: 40% -- Air Force entered the game searching for their first conference win of this 2025 campaign. After an ugly start and many costly penalties that allowed Wyoming to take a semi-comfortable lead, the Falcons turned on the burners and ran their way to a victory. With over 250 yards on the ground and a strong dual-threat performance by QB Liam Szarka, they finally got that first win in thrilling fashion. Air Force leads the Mountain West in yards per game and points per game, yet had a 1-5 record entering the week. The defense finally made some critical stops with two fourth-quarter interceptions, and then the offensive line took over in the trenches down the stretch to secure the win.
Nevada ::: Loss, at New Mexico, 22-24 PGWE: 35% -- It has been a battle of woes all season long for the Wolfpack. Against an overachieving New Mexico team, Nevada actually played one of their more complete games of the year. They won the turnover margin 2-0 and limited explosive plays against them. The run defense was lackluster, but against a strong Lobo rush attack, that was a challenging task to begin with. Nevada can build off this game and start piling together some wins. QB Carter Jones was solid at the most critical position on the field and the hope is that he’ll take the role and run with it going forward.
Hawaii ::: WIN, at Colorado State, 31-19 PGWE: 96% -- Timmy Chang has the Rainbow Warriors rolling as they came into Fort Collins, Colorado, and dominated the game. QB Micah Alejado put together another brilliant performance paired with a season-high six sacks from the defense in the impressive win. They put the dagger in the Rams’ season and Jay Norvell’s tenure. The pass offense is relentless with one of the fastest tempos in college football. Nobody can keep up with this pace, and it might pay dividends for the Rainbow Warriors as they fight for a Mountain West title game appearance. With a 31-19 victory that included a 90-yard punt return from Colorado State, this result was never in doubt.
New Mexico ::: WIN, Nevada, 24-22 PGWE: 65% -- This game was even on the field and in the box score. Both teams went 5-for-13 on third down, along with very similar yardage gained. The key difference was that New Mexico had two turnovers compared to Nevada’s zero. Yet, New Mexico still edged out the win 24-22. The key to victory for the Lobos was their tempo control and versatility on the ground game. They displayed many different packages that were all successful, including QB Jack Layne, who also rushed for 71 yards.
UNLV ::: Loss, at Boise State, 31-56 PGWE: 3% -- UNLV entered the week 6-0 for the first time in over 45 years. They also entered Albertson’s Stadium in Boise on a 9-game losing streak to the Broncos. Unfortunately for the Runnin’ Rebels, that streak continued in a 56-31 loss. UNLV has had serious defensive liabilities masked due to their clutch performances, leading them to a perfect start. Finally, they were exposed as they have proven to be unable to stop anybody regularly all year. UNLV allowed nearly 300 yards on the ground, and Boise gained control in the second half after a dominant third quarter. The good news for UNLV is that they still are in line to make the conference title game if they win out, but this defense needs extreme adjustments to achieve those goals.
San Jose State ::: Loss, at Utah State, 25-30 PGWE: 52% -- San Jose State has had a plethora of “almost” wins, and Friday night just added another one to the list. The Spartans played a complete game with multiple key stops and another solid performance from QB Walker Eget. Unfortunately, they cannot escape these special teams woes along with consistent fourth-quarter defensive collapses, which led to another heartbreaking loss. The Spartans are 2-5 but have played well enough to win almost every game outside their trip to Austin. With stud RB Floyd Chalk IV redshirting, freshman RB Steve Chavez-Soto has been one of the season’s bright spots. He put up a 66-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, but after that, the Spartans’ offense stalled for the game’s final 10-15 minutes.
Conference USA
Western Kentucky ::: Loss, Florida International, 6-25 PGWE: 8% -- It was a disappointing showing from the Hilltoppers on Tuesday as the offense struggled in a 25-6 loss to FIU, failing to score a touchdown. QB Maverick McIvor struggled mightily, throwing for only 159 yards and being picked three times. Their 341 total yards were outpaced by FIU’s 453, and a couple of long field goals were the team’s only scoring plays. Meanwhile, the defense struggled to stop FIU’s running game, surrendering 221 rushing yards, including 195 yards to FIU RB Kejon Owens. The Panthers took advantage of the Hilltoppers’ miscues and scored on their first five drives, leading 19-6 at halftime. The loss dropped them to 5-2 overall and now 3-1 in CUSA play.
Florida International ::: WIN, at Western Kentucky, 25-6 PGWE: 92% -- FIU delivered an impressive 25-6 road victory over WKU, snapping a five-game losing streak against the Hilltoppers and a 10-game road losing streak. They dominated the game, racking up 453 total yards to WKU’s 341 and scoring on their first five possessions. RB Kejon Owens was the offensive star with a career-high 195 rushing yards and a touchdown. QB Keyone Jenkins added 184 passing yards and a touchdown. The defense was instrumental in the upset, forcing three turnovers, including two interceptions by Jessiah McGrew. They held the high-powered WKU offense to no touchdowns, which was almost unthinkable for this offense coming in. Kicker Noah Grant contributed with four field goals. The win marked the Panthers’ first CUSA victory of the season, moving them to 3-3 overall and 1-1 in the Conference.
UTEP ::: WIN, at Sam Houston, 35-17 PGWE: 74% -- UTEP secured a dominant 35-17 road victory over Sam Houston this week, snapping a four-game losing streak and earning its first CUSA win of the season. QB Skyler Locklear led the charge, throwing for two touchdowns and running for two more. The Miners’ offense put up 411 total yards, including a late 34-yard touchdown run by Ashten Emory to seal the victory. The defense played a role, making key plays, including a blocked field goal by Elijah Baldwin, to maintain a fourth-quarter lead. They contained the Bearkats offense, which suffered a setback when starting QB Hunter Watson left the game at halftime with an injury. UTEP improved its record to 2-5 overall and 1-2 in CUSA play with the win.
Liberty ::: WIN, New Mexico State, 30-27 PGWE: 33% -- The Flames escaped with a rather fortunate 30-27 victory over New Mexico State in week eight as special teams played a pivotal role in the win. Julian Gray returned a kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter. They also recovered two muffed punts by the Aggies, one of which led directly to a short touchdown run by Evan Dickens, helping build an early 20-6 lead. Despite being outgained on offense, the defense made critical stops late in the game. After the Aggies had mounted a second-half comeback to take a 27-20 lead, Liberty forced a field goal and then marched 92 yards down the field in the final minutes. Dickens scored his second touchdown with 36 seconds remaining to put the Flames ahead for good. The Aggies had a field goal attempt at the end that missed the mark.
New Mexico State ::: Loss, at Liberty, 27-30 PGWE: 67% -- The Aggies suffered a tough 30-27 loss to Liberty on Tuesday night, falling just short on a missed 47-yard field goal after a valiant comeback bid against Liberty in week eight. Despite outgaining the Flames 388-293 in total yards and dominating the time of possession, special teams mistakes ultimately proved to be the Aggies’ downfall. They found themselves behind 20-6 in the first half due to a kickoff return for a touchdown and a muffed punt, but they fought back with 21 unanswered points to take a 27-20 lead in the second half. QB Logan Fife threw for 242 yards and two touchdowns, and RB Kadarius Calloway rushed for 84 yards and a score. However, another muffed punt in the fourth quarter led to a Liberty field goal, and a late touchdown gave them the lead for good.
Sam Houston ::: Loss, UTEP, 17-35 PGWE: 26% -- Sam Houston fell once again, this time to UTEP 35-17 at home, and it marked the Bearkats’ seventh consecutive loss this season. A key turning point was the mid-game injury to QB Hunter Watson, who had thrown a touchdown pass earlier. The offense, which had started with a lead, struggled after he exited. They were unable to capitalize on opportunities, including failing to score after a blocked field goal and a fumbled punt return in the fourth quarter. They also went 0-for-4 on fourth-down conversion attempts. Backup QB Mabrey Mettauer did throw a touchdown to Lonnie Adkism, but UTEP pulled away late with two additional touchdowns to seal the victory for the Miners.
Jacksonville State ::: WIN, Delaware, 38-25 PGWE: 95% -- The Gamecocks came to play and defeated Delaware 38-25 in week eight. They jumped ahead in the first half, scoring 21 unanswered points and extending their lead to 35-6 in the third quarter. RB Cam Cook led the offense with 117 rushing yards and three touchdowns, while QB Caden Creel added 116 passing yards and a touchdown, though he left the game with an injury in the third quarter. The defense forced two turnovers that resulted in scoring plays. Freshman LB Mac Sanders forced a fumble that safety Caleb Nix returned 45 yards for a touchdown, extending the lead to 14-0. They allowed a lot through the air but held the Blue Hens to only 1.5 yards per carry on the ground. Delaware attempted three two-point conversions but failed on all of them. The win moves them to 4-3 overall and 3-0 in CUSA with their second bye week on tap for week nine.
Delaware ::: Loss, at Jacksonville State, 25-38 PGWE: 5% -- This week eight game seemed doomed from the start as early turnovers and an inability to generate any semblance of a ground game landed the Hens on the wrong side of a 38-25 score against Jacksonville State. They allowed 14 points on two first-half fumbles, including a 45-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown, which put them in an early 21-0 hole. Despite ultimately outgaining Jacksonville State 456-388 in total yards, the offense stalled out on crucial third and fourth-down attempts. They added to the struggles by committing ten penalties for 83 yards. QB Nick Minicucci had a strong game with a career-high 422 passing yards and a touchdown, but the team managed only 34 rushing yards at 1.5 yards per carry on the ground. They did mount a late comeback, with RB Viron Ellison Jr. scoring two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, but it was too little too late.
Mid-American Conference
Toledo ::: WIN, Kent State, 45-10 PGWE: 100% -- It was a slightly sluggish start for Toledo, trailing 10-0 Kent State early, but they got going and did not look back after that, scoring 45 unanswered points. QB Tucker Gleason responded well after his rough outing against Bowling Green last week. He threw for nearly 300 yards and connected on four touchdowns through the air. RB Kenji Christian filled in nicely for Chip Trayanum with 113 yards on just 16 carries. After Kent State’s 75-yard TD pass to start the game, the defense smothered their attack for the rest, conceding just 150 yards from then on. They’ll head for Pullman for a strangely timed non-conference game vs. Washington State.
Ohio ::: WIN, Northern Illinois, 48-21 PGWE: 100% -- After a rough outing at Ball State last week, the Bobcats’ offense responded, racking up 538 total yards of offense. QB Parker Navarro did not figure much into the success. It was the ground game that racked up 333 yards and six touchdowns. RBs Sieh Bangura and Duncan Brune were unstoppable. On top of the offensive success, Chase Hendricks kicked off the game with a long punt return, and the defense iced the game late with a 90-yard fumble scoop and score. NIU made some plays, but the Ohio defense did enough to limit big plays and let the offense continue to dominate. Ohio travels to Ypsilanti next for a matchup vs. EMU.
Miami (OH) ::: WIN, Eastern Michigan, 44-30 PGWE: 100% -- Once MAC conference play gets going, Miami always seems to play its best ball, which continued this week vs. EMU. The Redhawk offense found another gear and had its best day of the season. QB Dequan Finn had four total TDs (two rushing; two passing) as he seems to be finding his groove. RB Jordan Brunson filled in admirably for Kenny Track as he rushed for 122 yards on 23 carries and a score. The Redhawks continue to be “ballhawks” as well on defense. They added two more interceptions to their total of nine for the year. They prevented the EMU run game from ever getting going as they moved to 3-0 in MAC play.
Central Michigan ::: WIN, at Bowling Green, 27-6 PGWE: 100% -- CMU did what they’ve been doing all year, chewing up yards on the ground, controlling the clock, and limiting penalties and turnovers. The result was a well-rounded effort to knock off Bowling Green on the road and move to 2-1 in MAC play. They attempted just five passes as their steady option running game frustrated Bowling Green all day. A few short fields due to Bowling Green penalties and turnovers made CMU’s job that much easier. Jordan Kwiatkowski had a standout game for the Chips, with 14 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and the early interception, which he returned to the one-yard line for their easiest score of the day.
Northern Illinois ::: Loss, at Ohio, 21-48 PGWE: 0% -- NIU dropped to 0-3 in their final MAC season, as their conference foes are not letting them depart on good terms. The defense had been keeping them in games this season, despite the 1-6 record, but they had their worst performance of the year, conceding 538 yards to Ohio. The 333 Ohio rushing yards were particularly stunning for a pretty staunch run defense thus far. Josh Holst returned as quarterback and found his game a bit after his two-game benching. He went 21/29 with two touchdowns. Despite a decent day for the Huskies’ offense, they could not keep pace with Ohio as six of the Bobcats’ ten offensive drives ended with touchdowns.
Eastern Michigan ::: Loss, at Miami (OH), 30-44 PGWE: 1% -- EMU could not bottle the energy and momentum of their win last week vs. NIU, as Miami relatively easily dispatched them. The defense had a very tough day, conceding 454 total yards. They could not get stops as Miami went 11/15 on third down and racked up one of the most lopsided time of possession numbers all season: 42 minutes. Despite only having the ball for 18 minutes of game time, EMU hit some big plays and racked up 370 yards. QB Noah Kim found a new favorite target in Howard Mack, who broke through with six catches for 179 yards and two TDs. This was not enough, though, as Miami would not relinquish control of the ball.
Akron ::: Loss, at Ball State, 28-42 PGWE: 30% -- The Akron defense and special teams struggled in Muncie as they let up several explosive plays on defense and a kick return that sealed the game for Ball State in the fourth quarter. Penalties and turnovers late in the game gave Ball State the separation needed in what was a back-and-forth affair for most of the day. QB Ben Finley threw three touchdowns but also had two costly interceptions. RB Jordan Gant had a quality day, racking up 94 yards on the ground. The defensive line managed to grab a few sacks, but overall, the defense was porous, letting too many big runs and pass plays.
Bowling Green ::: Loss, Central Michigan, 6-27 PGWE: 0% -- The good vibes from the rivalry victory against Toledo last week were dashed for Bowling Green as they fell to CMU here in week eight. They did outgain the Chips, but costly turnovers and too many penalties (15 for 125 yards) proved decisive. QB Lucien Anderson II started again and did not have as strong a game, conceding two interceptions. RB Chris McMillan struggled in the run game and lacked the same punch it showed against the Rockets a week ago. Eddie George twice decided to go for it on fourth down on their own half and failed each time. The defense handled some short fields well in the first half, but the dam broke at the start of the second half, where a 75-yard CMU drive made it 24-6, and it felt like the game was out of reach.
Buffalo ::: WIN, at Massachusetts, 28-21 PGWE: 65% -- The Bulls are becoming the cardiac kids of the MAC as they played in their fifth consecutive one-possession game. Their win probability dropped to just 15% with under a minute left after throwing an interception. Still, they took advantage of some poor decisions by UMass, and TQ Roberson stepped up with a game-winning drive to pull off the unlikeliest of victories for the Bulls. Roberson had 55 pass attempts and racked up 403 yards and two touchdowns. Outside of a 90-yard TD run in the second quarter, the Buffalo defense was solid when it needed to be.
Ball State ::: WIN, Akron, 42-28 PGWE: 70% -- Ball State moved to 2-1 in MAC play after a shootout of a game vs. Akron. The scoreline would suggest high-powered offense, but the success rates were low for both teams -- Akron was 2-for-12 on third down and Ball State was just 4-for-13. So how did the offenses get it done? Big plays. Ball State was powered on by another big TD run for Qua Ashley (69 yards), a 26-yard TD run for QB Kiael Kelly, and a 29-yard touchdown toss. The big play outburst was capped off by a kick return in the fourth quarter by TJ Horton to seal the game for the Cardinals. The defense did not have its best game, but held firm, coming up with a couple of crucial interceptions late in the game.
Kent State ::: Loss, at Toledo, 10-45 PGWE: 0% -- After firing out the gate to a 10-0 lead, it all went downhill for Kent State. For at least the first quarter, it truly felt that Kent State might hang with the Rockets, but then reality (finally) set in. The Flashes’ defense had a tough time disrupting Toledo QB Tucker Gleason, as he connected for four touchdowns. Da’Realyst Clark had another sizeable return and remains a bright spot in the kick return game. Outside of a first-play TD for 75 yards by QB Dru DeShields to WR Cade Wolford, the Kent State offense was quiet and could not keep pace with Toledo after that opening quarter.
Massachusetts ::: Loss, Buffalo, 21-28 PGWE: 35% -- UMass forced an interception with 59 seconds left in the game, giving them a 21-20 lead. Their fans thought the long losing streak was over. Then a bad penalty and some foolish offensive playcalling gave the ball back to Buffalo at midfield with 39 seconds left. Buffalo QB TQ Roberson needed to hit three passes, capped by a 16-yard strike to Victor Snow for the game-winning score. The good: RB Brandon Hood powered the UMass running game to the tune of 24 carries for 179 yards and a score. QB AJ Hairston only threw 14 passes but connected for 2 TDs and did not make any key mistakes. The bad: The Bulls racked up over 400 yards through the air as the injury-riddled UMass secondary continues to get tormented each week.
Sun Belt Conference
Appalachian State ::: Loss, Coastal Carolina, 37-45 PGWE: 17% -- App State led 21–10 at halftime and stretched it to 31–17 early in the third on Jaden Barnes’s 77-yard punt-return TD. From there, Coastal took control on the ground, piling up 246 rushing yards while App State’s offense managed only two field goals the rest of the way and drew seven penalties that stalled drives. The Chanticleers put together a 13-play, 75-yard go-ahead march with 3:19 left. JJ Kohl (278 yards, 2 TD) drove the Mountaineers into striking distance, but a late sack-fumble ended the comeback.
Troy ::: WIN, at Louisiana-Monroe, 37-14 PGWE: 100% -- Troy throttled ULM 37–14 by stacking second-half stops with splash plays. Tray Taylor blew it open with a 60-yard strike before halftime and an 11-yard keeper late in the third, Tae Meadows set the tone early with a 20-yard TD, and Scott Taylor Renfroe’s three field goals kept the scoreboard moving. The defense flipped the game after the break: Joe Lott nabbed two picks including a 53-yard house call, part of four total takeaways, four sacks, and a 98-yard rushing cap for the Warhawks. Clean ball (zero turnovers) and timely special teams made the yardage and possession deficit moot as Troy closed with 20 unanswered to stay perfect in Sun Belt play.
Arkansas State ::: WIN, at South Alabama, 15-14 PGWE: 59% -- Arkansas State trailed 14–3 entering the fourth before methodically flipping it. Clune Van Andel trimmed the margin with a 37-yard kick, Jaylen Raynor ripped a 42-yard run and hit Hunter Summers from six to make it 14–12, and after South Alabama missed a 29-yard try with 1:50 left, the Red Wolves drove 60 yards in 10 plays for Van Andel’s 38-yard winner at the horn. The defense leaned on Kyle Taylor and timely pressure, while the offense’s 3-for-3 mark on fourth down offset 11 flags and a third-quarter blocked kick in a resilient 15–14 road win.
Georgia State ::: Loss, at Georgia Southern, 24-41 PGWE: 25% -- Georgia State had the script it wanted through three quarters—efficient, balanced offense and a 24–20 lead after Rashad Amos’s 3-yard plunge—but discipline and closing power swung it late. Cameran Brown was outstanding (400 total yards), repeatedly moving the sticks (10/14 on third down) and finding Ted Hurst and Javon Robinson for key chunk plays. The fourth quarter unraveled: Georgia Southern leaned on the run (208 yards) and stacked three straight touchdowns while the Panthers’ 15 flags for 120 yards and a lone giveaway erased the edge. Final: 41–24, a night where Georgia State did plenty right between the 20s but couldn’t finish drives or get a late stop.
Louisiana ::: Loss, Southern Miss, 10-22 PGWE: 33% -- Louisiana set the tone with an 8-minute, 85-yard march capped by Lunch Winfield’s keeper, and the run game held up all afternoon. But three turnovers and key negatives at the wrong moments flipped it: a fumble at the 1-yard line, a 98-yard USM strike down the sideline, and a late strip-sack safety. Despite winning time of possession and piling up 217 rushing yards, the passing game couldn’t finish drives (0 TD, 2 INT) and third-/fourth-down inefficiency left points out there, sealing a 22–10 homecoming defeat.
South Alabama ::: Loss, Arkansas State, 14-15 PGWE: 41% -- South Alabama had it lined up: two third-quarter rushing scores (Bullock, then PJ Martin from 27) and a defense that produced a block (Smith) and a Chandler interception. But the fourth quarter flipped. Clune Van Andel drilled a 37-yarder, Jaylen Raynor hit a short TD after a 42-yard keeper, and after the Jags’ 29-yard attempt sailed wide with 1:50 left, Arkansas State drove for the walk-off 38-yard field goal. Efficient underneath passing from Davenport and a balanced run game kept USA in front most of the night, but penalties, third-down struggles, and the late miss proved decisive in a 15–14 gut-punch.
Louisiana-Monroe ::: Loss, Troy, 14-37 PGWE: 0% -- ULM twice had the game in reach—down 10–8 after a second-quarter TD plus a fake PAT, and then 17–14 on Brandon Buckhaulter’s third-quarter score—but the margins swung hard late in the third. A missed 32-yard FG earlier loomed large, and in a span of 48 seconds Troy added a 41-yard FG, forced a strip-sack that set up a Tray Taylor 11-yard TD, then picked off Aidan Armenta to end the quarter. An early-fourth FG and a 53-yard pick-six closed it out, 37–14. ULM moved the ball (228 pass, 98 rush; 33:05 TOP) behind Zach Palmer-Smith and Jonathan Bibbs, but four turnovers and one explosive allowed were the difference.
Georgia Southern ::: WIN, Georgia State, 41-24 PGWE: 75% -- Georgia Southern trailed 24–20 after three quarters, then slammed the door with a 21–0 finish. Weston Bryan’s keeper put the Eagles in front on the first snap of the fourth, and JC French IV stacked TD strikes to Camden Brown and Dalen Cobb to ice it. The formula was clean football—no giveaways, efficient money downs (9/13), and a balanced run game (208 yards)—plus timely defense that finally got off the field. Even while being narrowly outgained, the Eagles owned the final frame and walked away with the Georgia Grown Bowl, 41–24.
Texas State ::: Loss, at Marshall, 37-40 PGWE: 47% -- Texas State piled up 558 yards and explosive plays (Dawn’s 66-yard catch, Sparks’ 73-yard TD to open the fourth) but miscues swung a 40–37 2OT loss. A fourth-quarter fake punt that ended in a fumble set up Marshall’s rally; the Herd later grabbed a late lead before Tyler Robles drilled a 50-yarder with three seconds left to extend the night. In overtime, the teams traded TDs (Pare from the 1) in the first session; Texas State settled for a field goal in the second, and Jo’Shon Barbie’s 1-yard plunge—upheld on review—ended it. The story: elite production from Jackson and the receivers undercut by three giveaways and 12 flags, plus short-yardage/4th-down misses that kept points off the board.
Coastal Carolina ::: WIN, at Appalachian State, 45-37 PGWE: 83% -- App State led 31–17 after Jaden Barnes’s 77-yard punt-return TD, but Coastal leaned into a downhill run game and a two-QB rhythm to flip it. Samari Collier powered in twice and managed the keeps, MJ Morris dropped a 34-yard strike to Malcolm Gillie, and after Coastal’s defense bowed up, a 13-play, 75-yard march ended with Dominic Knicely’s 1-yard plunge for the first lead at 3:19. Jevon Edwards iced it a series later, and Zeke Campbell’s strip-sack finished the comeback. The numbers tell the story: 246 rushing yards, just three flags, and a late-game defense that produced the decisive takeaway in a 45–37 win.
Old Dominion ::: Loss, at James Madison, 27-63 PGWE: 3% -- ODU came out flying—20 points in the first quarter, highlighted by Tre’ Brown’s 98-yard bomb and Dawson Johnson’s first-career TD—and still led 27–21 late in the second before JMU tied it just before halftime. After the break, the Dukes’ dual-threat attack took over, producing a 35–0 second-half run as ODU’s offense stalled and turnovers mounted. Colton Joseph finished with three TD passes, but the Monarchs couldn’t sustain the ground game or flip field position, yielding 624 yards in a 63–27 loss in Harrisonburg.
Southern Miss ::: WIN, at Louisiana, 22-10 PGWE: 67% -- Southern Miss flipped a 7–0 hole with a field-position grind and then detonated the night from their own 2-yard line when Braylon Braxton dropped a go ball to Micah Davis for a record 98-yard TD. The defense delivered the signature moments: Jabari Ishmael fell on a goal-line fumble to snuff a Louisiana answer, Ahmere Foster and Corey Myrick grabbed picks, and Chris Jones finished it with a strip-sack safety in the fourth. Creighton Wilbanks’ 52-yard bomb before halftime mattered, too. Third-down efficiency lagged, but explosive passing, timely takeaways, and late-game pass rush carried a clean, controlled 22–10 road win.
Marshall ::: WIN, Texas State, 40-37 PGWE: 53% -- Marshall survived a wild finish to edge Texas State 40–37 (2OT). After the Bobcats took a 24–16 lead on a 73-yard strike early in the fourth, Lorcan Quinn’s fourth field goal (tying a school mark) kept MU within reach, and a Demarcus Lacey punt return teed up Carlos Del Rio-Wilson’s 21-yard TD to Adrian Norton, plus Lacey’s 2-point run for a 27–24 lead. Texas State forced overtime with a 50-yard kick at :03. In 1OT, Jo’Shon Barbie banged in from 4 yards, and after TXST settled for a field goal in 2OT, Barbie’s 1-yard plunge — upheld on review — ended it. The Herd’s balance (280 pass/186 rush), situational kicking and a front that produced 4 sacks/10 TFL outweighed the yardage Texas State piled up through the air — and there were no in-game injury exits reported for Marshall.
James Madison ::: WIN, Old Dominion, 63-27 PGWE: 97% -- After a back-and-forth first half that featured ODU’s 98-yard strike and Nick DeGennaro’s 65-yard answer, Alonza Barnett III turned homecoming into a track meet: four rushing scores and two TD passes as JMU ripped off a 35–0 second half. The Dukes’ front tightened after the break, and Justin Eaglin’s takeaways helped flip short fields while the offense stacked 624 yards and converted 12 of 16 on third down. With the ground game humming (311 rush yards) and no noted in-game injury losses, JMU closed it out comfortably, 63–27, to move to 6–1 (4–0 Sun Belt).
Bye Weeks:
Illinois, Kansas State, Iowa State, Kansas, Colorado, North Carolina State, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, Navy, Rice, San Diego State, Fresno State, Louisiana Tech, Middle Tennessee, Kennesaw State, Missouri State, Western Michigan
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