AP Top 25 Games Preview and Predictions Week 8
#4 OHIO STATE vs NORTHWESTERN
Are the Buckeyes the best team in the country? They have a legit case and with a huge game next week vs Wisconsin they can't look past an always capable Northwestern team.
Ohio st 47-13
#6 WISCONSIN vs ILLINOIS
Last week Illinois had a great showing against Michigan at home and have an opportunity to get a win that could save Lovie Smith's job. Only problem is they are playing a team that doesn't beat themselves. Wisconsin knows what's coming next week and will take care of business.
Wisconsin 33-6
PURDUE vs #23 IOWA
Despite back to back losses the Hawkeyes are still in position to win the Big Ten West. Of course they will need some help and take care of business when they play the Badgers but this is a must win for Iowa.
Iowa 23-18
#9 FLORIDA vs SOUTH CAROLINA
Florida played well enough to win in Baton Rouge last week and South Carolina pulled off the upset of the year thus far with a win in Athens against the then #3 Bulldogs. The SEC East is still wide open with both teams in the thick of it, however a loss this week and the loser is finished.
Gators 33-27
#11 AUBURN vs ARKANSAS
The Tigers offense looked average at best in the Swamp two weeks ago and need to fix its woes this week because next week they will have to score points to beat LSU in Baton Rouge.
Auburn 27-20
#3 CLEMSON vs LOUISVILLE
We are still waiting to see the consistency from the Tigers' offense we expected coming into the season and with each passing week the margin for error decreases. A one loss Clemson team because of the down ACC may not get in. Louisville is one of the hottest teams in the country and will be a tough out at home.
Tigers 45-24
#20 MINNESOTA vs RUTGERS
The Gophers haven't played anyone of significance yet and that continues this week with Rutgers. They should take care of business and remain among the nation's unbeaten.
Gophers 33-17
#12 OREGON VS #25 WASHINGTON
If the Huskies want to win the Pac-12 North this is a must win game. If the Ducks want to get in the CFP this is a must win game. Unfortunately, one team will lose. Both teams have faced adversity and the Huskies are home.
Ducks 24-22
#2 LSU VS MISSISSIPPI ST
Much like Auburn, LSU has a very winnable game before their showdown next week. The only difference is LSU is rolling and have jumped to #2 in the polls.
Lsu 37-20
TEMPLE VS #19 SMU
SMU is still undefeated and the Owls are coming off their second win this season over a ranked team. They are looking to make it three and two in a row. SMU overcame a slow start to win in overtime vs Tulsa two weeks ago.
Owls 23-20
TULSA VS #21 CINCINNATI
Tulsa can't stop anybody from scoring and Cincinnati is rolling of late, winning 4 straight. Cincinnati is a front runner in the AAC and looking to crash the New Year's Six Bowls.
Cincy 47-13
LA MONROE VS #24 APPALACHIAN STATE
App State is flying under the radar and if we remember it was LA Monroe who gave FSU a scare in Tallahassee. App State like Cincinnati is trying to get in a New Year's Six Bowl.
App st 33-20
#18 BAYLOR VS OKLAHOMA ST
Baylor escaped with a win at home vs Texas Tech last week and now have to go on the road vs Oklahoma St. Will they stay undefeated or will another ranked Big 12 team fall to an unranked Big 12?
Cowboys 25-20
#22 MISSOURI VS VANDERBILT
Derek Mason is more than likely out after the season but it would be nice to make some noise out the way out. Vanderbilt struggles keeping people out of the end zone giving up over 36 points per game.
Missouri 39-38
KENTUCKY VS #10 GEORGIA
Georgia and Kirby Smart are embarrassed after last week's performance and now former players and calling the team out. A team with SEC and National Championship aspirations respond positively after being embarrassed at home.
Bulldogs 38-6
#17 ARIZONA ST VS #13 UTAH
This is a Pac-12 South championship elimination game. Four teams stand at 2-1 and a second loss puts them in a really tough spot. Utah is home but Arizona St already has a huge road win in East Lansing. Both defenses will be up for the challenge.
Utes 14-13
KANSAS VS #15 TEXAS
After a tough loss in the Red River Rivalry the Longhorns return home to reestablish itself as the second best team in the Big 12 and make a push for a New Year's Six Bowl. Kansas played Oklahoma tough at home but this is a road game in Austin.
Texas 47-24
#14 BOISE ST VS BYU
Since upsetting then ranked USC, BYU has dropped 3 straight and welcome in Boise St looking to make a claim for a berth in the CFP. That will motivate the Broncos in the second half of a close game.
Boise 28-26
#16 MICHIGAN VS #7 PENN ST
Can Jim Harbaugh win a huge game vs a ranked team on the road? Michigan's season is on the line and James Franklin can make a case that the Nittany Lions is one of the four best teams in the nation at season's end. Michigan's turnover bug will bite them again.
Penn st 38-24
TENNESSEE VS #1 ALABAMA
Its the third Saturday in October and the annual Tennessee-Alabama game will take center stage in the SEC. Can Tennessee make it a game past the first quarter. Jeremy Pruitt needs small victories and will take them anywhere he can.
Tide 59-24
