3 Big Games in Week 8 and the Implications of Each Outcome
The Athletic
This week marks the first team within this season for there not to be any ranked matchups. No worries, there should be some more ranked matchups next week. Although, there are matchups that you need to watch this weekend as conference play across the board is starting to heat up. Let's check these matchups out and consider the outcomes of each.
Sports Illustrated
LSU Tigers (4-3, 2-2) at #12 Ole Miss Rebels (5-1, 2-1)
LSU had a huge win over ranked Florida last week which gained the public interest in this game against Ole Miss. Star QB Matt Corral for Ole Miss might not play due to injury but Coach Orgeron for LSU call's bull. Regardless, this conference matchup should be good.
If LSU wins
The Tigers could hop right back into the top 25 and continue their campaign to make the best bowl possible. Who knows, maybe Orgeron could save his job by winning out. They will have to play the best defense they have all year regardless if Corral is playing while remaining consistent on offense.
If Ole Miss wins
The Rebels will continue to make the SEC West race interesting. Every team in the division has lost at least 1 game so the race is still very wide open. Corral needs to play in this game because a backup QB against this LSU defense would not be ideal. Corral will have to play like his usual self while hyping up the Rebel crowd.
David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire
#8 Oklahoma State (6-0, 3-0) vs Iowa State Cyclones (4-2, 2-1)
This matchup might be the biggest one this weekend! Iowa State comes off of 2 solid wins over Kansas and Kansas State. Brock Purdy has returned to star QB form and looks to knockdown the Cowboys at home. Oklahoma State comes in undefeated after a huge comeback win on the road against Texas. This one will be fun and can go either way, don't let that number by Oklahoma State fool you.
If Oklahoma State wins
They continue their undefeated season and get another tough road win under their belt. If they continue their winning ways, they could have a spot in the Playoff. Quarterback Spencer Sanders needs another solid performance to push these Cowboys toward a victory. His running ability and the passing game will be firing at all cylinders.
If Iowa State wins
The Cyclones will most likely return to the top 25. They have only one loss in conference play which would be to Baylor. They would need to look to #3 Oklahoma and do their best to win against them. Brock Purdy CANNOT have any turnovers in this one against the Cowboys if the Cyclones want to win. He must play as he did against the 2 Kansas schools.
Daily Bruin
#10 Oregon Ducks (5-1, 2-1) vs UCLA Bruins (5-2, 3-1)
This PAC 12 matchup earlier in the season was expected to be a major clash between the Ducks and the Bruins. Both had huge wins in weeks 1 and 2, but both have slowed down since. They both look at this week's matchup as a bounce-back game, which makes things interesting from a spectator's view.
If Oregon wins
The Ducks get another big road win under their belt with the other being against Ohio State. They could recover from their loss to Stanford by winning out from here and winning big to get the attention of the CFP committee as the season comes to an end. Running back Travis Dye and the entire Oregon defense will be the catalyst to a Ducks victory at the Rose Bowl against the Bruins.
If UCLA wins
The Bruins most likely get back into the top 25 and their hopes for a PAC 12 championship may not be compromised. Running back Zach Charbonnet and quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson will have to play as they did against LSU in week 1 if they want to beat this Oregon squad. In that game, they combined for 400 + yards and 4 touchdowns. It's definitely doable, and doing so might result in a victory.