Week 8 of college football brought significant shifts for top programs, including losses for Big 12 contenders BYU and Texas Tech, according to a report published October 25. While the Big 12 saw setbacks that could impact its playoff representation, Texas avoided a third loss by defeating Ole Miss.
BYU suffered a 39-31 double-overtime loss to Central Florida, following a high point where the team secured a win against No. 8 Notre Dame. To reach the overtime period, the Cougars required a goal line stand and a blocked field goal during regulation. The team's performance in the upcoming two weeks against Arizona State and No. 9 Utah will determine its status as a title contender or an at-large College Football Playoff candidate.
Texas Tech lost 37-24 to Cincinnati after giving up 21 points in the second quarter. Despite previously climbing the polls, the Red Raiders were unable to overcome the Bearcats after halftime. This loss, alongside BYU's defeat, impacts the Big 12's chances of securing two teams in the College Football Playoff.
Other notable winners included Virginia Tech, which secured a 20-16 win at Clemson on a 5-yard touchdown pass from Ethan Grunkemeyer. LSU also claimed a victory, defeating Auburn 38-17 in a road game where Sam Leavitt threw for 387 yards and three scores. Additionally, No. 12 Kentucky improved to 7-1 following a 34-17 win over Vanderbilt, driven by three touchdown drives totaling 234 yards between the second and third quarters.
The week also saw losses for several high-ranking teams, including No. 11 Tennessee, which fell 31-24 to South Carolina due to late errors such as a failed fourth-down sneak and a final fumble. Michigan lost 13-6 in overtime to No. 6 Indiana, while No. 15 USC lost 24-7 to Wisconsin. Seven teams in the top 18 were defeated during the week, including BYU, Texas Tech, Ole Miss, Tennessee, No. 14 Iowa, USC, and Houston.
The current landscape of the Top 25 features Miami at No. 1, followed by Ohio State. According to CBS, there have not been three or fewer unbeaten teams at this stage in October since 1977.
