We’re still about 10 days from the College Football Playoff selection committee announcing its first top 25 rankings of the season, so there’s plenty to play for as college football‘s Week 8 schedule kicks off on Saturday with national title contenders in action.
That includes four matchups featuring head-to-head games between teams in the current AP top 25 poll, featuring four of the Power Five conferences going at it, with one major tilt in the Big Ten and a historic SEC football classic coming off a huge upset from a year ago.
What should you be watching as the Week 8 schedule plays out on Saturday? Here’s your guide to the best games on this weekend around the country.
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Why watch? D-Day for Penn State here, which as a program has been stuck in third place in the Big Ten pecking order behind the Buckeyes and Michigan, and Saturday is a chance for James Franklin’s team to make a statement. They have the equipment to pull it off, boasting a defense that ranks No. 1 nationally in total production and a rushing attack that can control tempo. Ohio State already has a statement win, on the road against a top-10 Notre Dame, but is dealing with injuries at running back coming in.
Related: College Football HQ predicts Penn State vs. Ohio State
12 p.m. ET on Fox
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Why watch? The third Saturday in October comes off an upset for the ages after the Vols took down the Tide a year ago, but these offenses both look very different from that game. Both sides play strong defense at the line and Tennessee owns the nation’s 6th ranked rushing attack. Alabama, which sits at No. 1 in the SEC West, is subpar protecting its quarterback, allowing a ton of sacks and tackles for loss, and the Volunteers are skilled at creating negative plays.
Related: College Football HQ predicts Tennessee at Alabama
3:30 p.m. ET on CBS
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Why watch? Despite losing to Alabama earlier, the Rebels are still technically in the SEC West title chase, especially with the win over LSU in their back pocket. Ole Miss has one of the most productive offenses in the SEC and can chalk up another division victory on the road against an Auburn team that’s 0-3 in conference play but can play some tough defense.
7 p.m. ET on ESPN
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Why watch? While the ACC looks like a clear two-team race at the top — Florida State in the lead, followed by North Carolina — the Blue Devils are the most likely spoiler. At one loss, the Blue Devils play a physical game at the line of scrimmage, but face a challenge against a Seminole team that is tough to stop right now. Duke has a chance to make another statement with the UNC game coming up, especially if quarterback Riley Leonard can return after injuring his ankle 2 weeks ago.
7:30 p.m. ET on ABC
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Why watch? To find out how the Trojans respond after an ugly loss at Notre Dame a week ago. Their playoff hopes hang in the balance against a Utah team that beat them twice last season, including in the Pac-12 title game when a CFP berth seemed imminent. The Utes play some of college football’s best overall defense and some of its worst offense. If USC can protect Caleb Williams, this might be a rebound game for Southern Cal to earn back some credibility.
8 p.m. ET on Fox
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James Parks is the founder and publisher of College Football HQ. He previously covered football for 247Sports and CBS Interactive. College Football HQ joined the Sports Illustrated Fannation Network in 2022.
