College football continues to be a blast and there is no other way to put it. Week 8 featured a nine-overtime game, a five-overtime game, more upsets, a scare for Alabama, and teams that we didn’t expect to be in the Top 25 dropping in to say hello. This year has been strange because there has been no consistency and with each passing week it seems like Georgia is the only trustworthy team. Here is hoping that the excellent action continues in week 9. Here are our top three games.
Texas vs No. 16 Baylor
Baylor has come out of nowhere to make themselves present in the Top 25 for two straight weeks. The expectations for this Bears team weren’t high coming into the year given just a two-win 2020 and uncertainty in coach Dave Aranda’s abilities to resurrect the team. The calm-headed coach has proven that he just needed a non-covid year to bond with his team and make them one of the best teams in the Big 12. The Longhorns are now making their potential last trip to Waco as Big 12 foes and McLane Stadium should be rather rowdy when Texas takes the field. I have bought in on Baylor and their high-powered offense that has had just one or two games where they showed missteps. They are coming off an impressive win over BYU and I think they continue to rise up the polls. Prediction: Baylor
No. 6 Michigan vs No. 8 Michigan State
Don’t look now, but Michigan and Michigan State are the only two teams in the Big 10 that are undefeated. After this week, that statement won’t be true. One could argue that these teams should be ranked higher than No. 5 Ohio State, but the critics will have their day in court as they will both play the Buckeyes later this season. This Michigan State team is way different than the squads that former coach Mike Dantonio presided over the last decade. Second-year coach Mel Tucker ramped up the roster through the transfer portal and came away with a fun, high-powered offense that is prepping for a shootout with their in-state rival. I still don’t trust Jim Harbaugh and I am all for an upset. Prediction: Michigan State
No. 10 Mississippi vs No. 18 Auburn
There aren’t a whole lot of Top 25 matchups in Week 9, but this one will be fun to watch. If somehow Alabama manages to lose another game, Ole Miss is sitting patiently behind them, ready to pounce and make their first SEC Championship game appearance in school history. Matt Corral is having a Joe Burrow revolutionary-esque season at quarterback and is the Heisman favorite for the time being. Facing Auburn will be a massive test for this Ole Miss squad who is coming off two very strong wins after getting their doors blown off by the Crimson Tide. Auburn has been up and down in season one under Bryan Harsin. Bo Nix looks like a JV high school QB some weeks and a Heisman candidate in the others. I like Ole Miss to keep rolling and continuing to improve their resume. Prediction: Ole Miss