Texas 27, Oklahoma 34
Texas and Oklahoma faced off in Norman, Okla. Saturday afternoon in a pivotal Big-12 showdown with potential playoff ramifications. CeeDee Lamb and Jalen Hurts came through with dazzling performances for the Sooners, connecting for three touchdowns and further cementing their reputation as one of college football’s most dynamic duos. On the other side of the ball, the Longhorn offense floundered; quarterback Sam Ehlinger finished without a touchdown and threw for a meager 235 yards. With this victory, Oklahoma (6-0) remains unbeaten and maintains its position atop the Big 12. Texas swallows its second loss of the season and is axed from this week’s AP top 15.
Georgia 17, South Carolina 20
The No. 3 Bulldogs were knocked off by an unranked South Carolina squad in an absolute thriller between the hedges on Saturday afternoon. After 60 grueling minutes of regulation and two overtime periods, Georgia kicker Rodrigo Blankenship hooked the game-tying field goal wide left, resulting in a soul-crushing home loss for the Bulldogs. Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm struggled mightily, throwing three pivotal interceptions and only one touchdown. With this loss, Georgia falls to 5-1 and surrenders its position within the AP top 5, also losing ground among the slew of teams vying for the top spot in the SEC East.
Penn State 17, Iowa 12
Iowa’s offensive woes continued as they fell to the No. 10 Nittany Lions at home on Saturday. The contest bore all the trademark characteristics of a Big Ten matchup: gutsy, grind-it-out football, two unyielding defenses and few offensive fireworks. The two sides remained neck-and-neck until the final whistle, but when the dust settled; it was Penn State who emerged victorious. Nittany Lion running back Noah Cain carried the load for the offense, rushing for 102 yards and a game-clinching touchdown in the fourth quarter. With the victory, Penn State (6-0) continues its undefeated season and maintains its hold of the Big Ten East division, remaining level with Ohio State (6-0).
LSU 42, Florida 28
LSU (6-0) hosted Florida (6-1) Saturday night in a primetime throwdown between two SEC heavyweights. Both teams entered the contest with unblemished records, each looking to tighten their grasp on the top spot in their respective divisions. The first 30 minutes yielded little separation between the teams, as the scoreboard marked 21-21 at halftime. Florida jumped out to an early second-half lead before the Tigers caught fire, ending the game on a 21-0 scoring rampage. LSU quarterback Joe Burrow sparkled under the lights, throwing for 293 yards, three touchdowns and only three incompletions. The Tigers found success on the ground as well, as running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire scampered for 134 yards and a pair of touchdowns along the way. LSU remains in a tie for first place in the SEC West with Alabama (6-0), while Florida surrenders the solo lead in the East division, entering a three-way tie with Missouri and Georgia.
Week 8 Preview
Michigan vs. Penn State
Michigan looks to right the ship and collect a resume-boosting win heading into the heart of Big Ten play. Penn State seeks to continue their steady march up the rankings with another shot against a ranked opponent at home.
Arizona State vs. Utah
Each side aims to gain some separation from the crowded confines of the Pac 12 South. Both teams are flying high after conference wins on Saturday; this matchup should provide the high-octane offense brand of football that defines the Pac 12.
Oregon vs. Washington
The race for the Pac 12 North begins to heat up as Oregon and Washington tussle for the top spot. Two explosive offenses collide in a matchup that’s bound to keep the scoreboard operator busy from start to finish.
