Matt Araiza, a San Diego State punter kicks it from end zone and pins Air Force in its 20 with an enormous 81-yard punt. (0:32).
After a wild weekend of college football games, the AP Top 25 college poll has been released. There's some movement in the rankings. Here's what each ranked team has in store:
Previous ranking: 1
Week 8: No game
Next: Florida vs. ET (Saturday, at 3:30 p.m. ET
X factor: Quarterback Stetson BENNET IV will be seeking redemption in Jacksonville against Florida on Saturday. He suffered a shoulder injury last season against Florida and was rendered ineffective in a loss of 44 to 28. The Bulldogs took a 14-0 lead and were quickly rolled by Florida's high flying offense. Bennett completed just 5 of 16 passes for only 78 yards, with one touchdown pass and one interception. On a 32-yard touchdown to Marcus RosemyJacksaint (who also broke his leg), Bennett dislocated his right shoulder. Kirby Smart, Bulldogs coach, hasn't yet said whether Bennett will be facing Florida. Bennett played the final three games with Daniels sidelined by a lat injury.
Here's what you need to know: In their rivalry match against the Gators, the top-ranked Bulldogs will continue on their quest for a national championship. Georgia won six of the last 10 series games, and three of its past four, under the leadership of Urban Meyer and Steve Spurrier, and has now flipped the series. Although Florida has lost two of the three previous games, which included a defeat at LSU by 49-42 a week ago. Georgia will not be denied a perfect season. -- Mark Schlabach
Previous ranking: 2
Week 8: Navy wins 27-20
Next: Tulane (Saturday noon ET).
X factor: Jerome Ford, running back for the Bearcats, averaged 6 yards per run in their win over Navy. However, he only managed 15 carries. Ford and the Bearcat offense were too distracted by long Navy drives, some Cincy three-and outs, and a few short-yardage mistakes.
You need to know that the Bearcats overcame their first upset and really poor performance of the season. Now we will see how they react. We know style points are a requirement in Cincinnati's playoff quest. This is based on the CFP committee's treatment of Group 5 teams throughout playoff history. They scored none Saturday. -- Bill Connelly
Previous ranking: 4
Week 8 result: 52-24 win vs. Tennessee
Next: vs. LSU, Nov. 6
X factor: Jameson Williams, a junior receiver, has been named Mr. Big Play for Alabama. In the win over Tennessee, he caught six passes for 123 yard. He also made a 65-yard catch during the fourth quarter which led to a Brian Robinson Jr. touchdown run that gave Alabama a 14-point lead. In four of his last five games, Williams only had one catch that was longer than 30 yards.
You need to know this: Alabama's offense has been on an incredible run. The Tide have scored over 30 points in each game and 40 in six of eight. The defense has been so weak that it has made for nerve-racking November. Alabama will host an open date on Saturday, followed by home SEC games against Arkansas and LSU, and then the regular season finale on the road against Auburn. -- Low
Previous ranking: 3
Week 8: Missouri wins 35-23
Next: Texas Tech vs. ET (Saturday, at 3:30 p.m. ET
X factor: Delarrin Turner-Yell. Senior safety Key Lawrence has been sidelined for several weeks with a hamstring injury. He is now able to warm up and could return before Saturday's game. Oklahoma's sophomore safety Key Lawrence was able to make eight tackles against Kansas. However, the secondary in Oklahoma has struggled against Texas, TCU, and Kansas without him. All hands will be needed against Texas Tech's offense.
You need to know that Kansas quarterback Jason Bean achieved season highs in QBR (86.5, season-average 46.3) and completion percentage (73.9%; season average 58%) against the Sooners. In a loss against Kansas State, Texas Tech's starting quarterback Tyler Shough has been replaced by Henry Colombi. He completed only 10 passes for 148 yards and a QBR 22.6. -- Dave Wilson
Previous ranking: 5
Week 8: 52-7 win over Indiana
Next: Penn State vs. ET (Saturday, at 7:30 p.m. ET
X factor: Quarterback C.J. Since taking the week off against Akron, Stroud has thrown 14 touchdown passes. He has been the offensive leader and seems more at ease each week.
You should know this: In each of their four previous games, the Buckeyes scored at least 51 points. The offense is starting to look more like the Ohio State offense that we are used to and is ready for its matchup against Penn State. The Nittany Lions have had to deal with Sean Clifford's injury at quarterback, but the Buckeyes are improving in every aspect. Ohio State's current play gives them a chance to be in the College Football Playoff. -- Tom VanHaaren
Previous ranking: 6
Week 8: 33-7 win over Northwestern
Next: Michigan State (Saturday TBA).
X factor: Michigan's run game has been a strong force this season. However, Michigan's quarterback Cade McNamara will need to be a success in the air if it wants to beat Michigan State. Michigan will have the best chance of winning if it keeps Michigan State's defense balanced with a balanced attack. McNamara will be required to play one of his best games this season.
You need to know this: Aidan Hutchinson, defensive end, said that he was sickened to see the replay of the Michigan State loss last year. The Michigan defense is ranked No. They'll need to perform against Michigan State at their best. The Spartans average 451.7 yards per game and 34.9 points. The defense of Michigan was sickened by the 27-24 win at MSU. They will have a chance at redemption Saturday, but it's going be the most difficult test of the season. -- Tom VanHaaren
Previous ranking: 10
Week 8: Loss to UCLA, 34-31
What's next: vs. Colorado (Saturday, TBA)
Joe Moorhead is the offensive coordinator for the X factor. Is a coach working in a booth an X factor? Moorhead is a good example. Moorhead was unable to coach the Ducks' one loss, but he did get the explosive plays that he wanted from his Oregon offense in his first game on the road since his emergency surgery.
You need to know this: Next week's easiest game for the Ducks is when they host 2-5 Colorado in Eugene. Any less than a dominant win would be considered a red flag. -- Paolo Uggetti
Previous ranking: 9
Week 8: No game
Next: vs. Michigan (Saturday TBA).
Safety Xavier Henderson is the X factor. Henderson, Angelo Grose and Henderson form one of the most productive safety tandems in America, with a combined total of 113 tackles over seven games. Henderson's disruptive play has included seven tackles for loss and two sacks. He also forced a fumble and made an interception. He will be crucial in stopping Michigan's run heavy offense.
You need to know this: MSU is preparing for its biggest game since 2015, when it won both the Big Ten championship and its only appearance in the CFP. This is the first MSU-Michigan match since 1964, when both teams were ranked in the AP top 10. MSU has a record of 9-4 against Michigan, but it has lost its last two matches to Michigan at Spartan Stadium. -- Adam Rittenberg
Previous ranking: 11
Week 8: No game
Next: Saturday, 12 noon ET at Wisconsin
X factor: Running back Tyler Goodson. Hawkeyes fans were furious that Goodson was only allowed 12 carries in Purdue's loss. Iowa's poor defense played a role in the low number of touches. However, Goodson should play a greater role at Wisconsin. These defenses will likely be at a premium, but Iowa has the best backfield.
You need to know this: Although Purdue's loss was devastating, Iowa can still assert itself in Big Ten West Division and remain on the fringes for the CFP conversion. It will be a big step in restoring confidence if it wins against Wisconsin. Since 2015, when it won the division, Iowa has not won at Camp Randall Stadium. -- Rittenberg
Previous ranking: 12
Week 8 result: 31-17 win vs. LSU
Next: Saturday, 7 p.m. at Auburn ET
X factor: Although Ole Miss' defense has had its moments this season, it was able to overcome LSU's pressure on quarterback Max Johnson. Chance Campbell & Co. will be able to sustain a pass rush for the remainder of the season.
You need to know that Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss's coach, doesn't want Matt Corral to be run 30 times as he did against Tennessee. He may have had a better plan against LSU by using Corral sparingly, and instead relying upon Snoop Conner for the chain moves.
Previous ranking: 13
Week 8: 31-16 win against USC
Next: North Carolina vs. ET (Saturday, at 7:30 p.m. ET
X factor: It seems that the Irish may have found a surprising solution to how to maximize Jack Coan's abilities as a quarterback. Notre Dame incorporated a faster passing pace against USC. "Hurry-up Jack" was able to complete 20 of 28 passes, with a variety of targets. Brian Kelly, the Irish coach, said that it was "extremely sustainable" based on four quarters of practice.
You need to know this: Notre Dame may have found its offensive sweet spot after a lot of experimentation and flux. They now incorporate more speed with the passing game and ride top rusher Kyren Wilkins. The Irish defense was faced with Drake London, the USC's best receiver. It will now face Sam Howell, the most likely North Carolina's best quarterback. Both teams have struggled to maintain consistency this season. Notre Dame won with one exception. This is the difference between these two teams. -- Rittenberg
Previous week: 15
Week 8: No game
Next: Saturday, July 7, 7 p.m. at Mississippi State ET
X factor: Kentucky's defense shut down a Mike Leach-coached offense last season for the first time ever in Mark Stoops' era. The Wildcats are still struggling on the defensive line. Defensive tackle Octavious Oxendine will be out for the remainder of the season due to a lower leg injury. Nose guard Marquan McCall was also hurt in the game against Georgia.
You need to know this: Kentucky is still poised for one the greatest seasons in school history, despite losing at Georgia by 30-13. The Wildcats are expected to be the heavy favorites against Vanderbilt (road), Tennessee, Vanderbilt (road), New Mexico State and Louisville (road) the remaining games. Kentucky would be in a position to play in a New Years Six bowl game if it finishes 11-1. This would be the Wildcats biggest postseason match since Bear Bryant's 20-7 win over TCU in 1952 Cotton Bowl. -- Schlabach
Previous week: 16
Week 8: Win vs. Army 70-56
Next: vs. Duke (Saturday at 4 p.m. ET
X factor: Choose between Wake Forest receiver Jaquarii Roberson or A.T. Perry. They combined for 303 receiving yard and four touchdowns in their win over Army. Both are big-play threat, so it's very difficult for opposing defenses not to grab one of them.
Here's what you need to know about the Wake Forest team: They are making history. Only the second time in school history, the Deacons have gotten a 7-0 record. They were last 7-0 in 1944. It gets harder from here. The final three games of Wake Forest are all away from home. The only home match in this stretch is against No. 18 North Carolina State -- Low
Previous week: 17
Week 8: South Carolina wins 44-14
Next: vs. Auburn (Nov.
X factor: Zach Calzada. After throwing for 285 yards, 3 touchdowns and a win over Alabama, the sophomore quarterback became an A&M hero. He was 12 out of 24 for 187 yards and two touchdown passes to Jalen Widermyer in the win over South Carolina. As they enter the final stretch of the season, the Aggies still want more consistency and a deeper threat.
You need to know that A&M managed to win three consecutive games despite disappointing losses to Arkansas State and Mississippi State, which looked like they might send the season spiraling. The Aggies have a bye week and can now focus on the final stretch, which includes Auburn at home as well as road games at Ole Miss or LSU. Wilson
Previous week: 8
Week 8 result: 24-21 loss vs. Iowa State
Next: Kansas vs. Canada (Saturday TBA).
X factor: Jaylen Warren. Iowa State ended Warren's four-game streak of 100-yard games, in which he had been dominant at the end. He ran for 76 yards in 18 carries against the Cyclones and the Cowboys were unable to slow Iowa State down like they had previously.
Here's what you need to know about the Cowboys' return to Stillwater. They will face a Kansas team who held Oklahoma in check until the Sooners defeated them late in the fourth quarter. Mike Gundy has a record of 12-1 against Jayhawks. The only loss came in 2007 to the KU team, which went 12-1 and won Orange Bowl. -- Dave Wilson
Previous week: 20
Week 8: No game
Next: Texas vs. Canada (Saturday, 12 noon ET).
X factor: On Oct. 16 against BYU, linebacker Dillon Doyle recorded four tackles, 1.5sacks, and also added a rushing touchdown to his total of two touchdowns. On occasion, he has been a lead blocker and pinch-hit at fullback. There's a possibility Doyle could get more double duty as he has had success with Texas teams.
You should know this: Texas has defeated Baylor in five of the six previous seasons. Art Briles' leadership, Baylor defeated Texas four times in five between 2010-2014. The Longhorns were also without a coach this weekend. However, they are coming off two second-half losses to Oklahoma State and Oklahoma. FPI gives the Longhorns 55% chance to win. Wilson
Previous week: 23
Week 8: Clemson wins 27-17
Next: vs. Miami (Saturday at noon ET).
X factor: Let us look at the entire Pitt offensive team. Although there were too many holding penalties in Saturday's game it was a good unit that gave Kenny Pickett enough time to throw, picked up blitzes well, and allowed the Panthers to rush 163 yards against a strong Clemson defense.
You need to know that Pittsburgh's only loss was at home to Western Michigan. This team still eats at the Panthers players and coaches. It says a lot about the team's response to that loss, especially the defense. Since the Western Michigan loss, which was 44-41, the Panthers have won four straight games and not allowed more that 21 points. In their last five regular-season games, Pitt is likely to be the favorite. Three of them are at home and will begin with Miami on Saturday. -- Low
Previous week: 19
Week 8: No game
Next: Saturday, 7 p.m. vs. Ole Miss ET
X factor: The Bo Nix Experience has been a rollercoaster ride and it is currently climbing. In a victory over Arkansas last week, he ran for one touchdown and completed 80.8% of his passes. He also had one interception and two touchdowns.
You need to know that Nix is adept at spreading the ball, making it difficult to keep an eye on one receiver. Demetris Robertson and Kobe Hudson have three players with 20+ receptions each, while Shedrick and Shedrick have seven or more.
Previous week: 21
Week 8: Tulane wins 55-26
Next: Saturday, 7 p.m. Houston ET
X factor: Ulysses Bentley IV. After being injured, the sophomore running back had only two carries against Navy. He was unable to carry this week. However, SMU hopes that he will be back in time for Houston. Before Saturday's late game against East Carolina, the Cougars allowed 2.95 yards per run.
You need to know that SMU coach Sonny Dykes is Houston coach Dana Holgorsen, and their relationship dates back to their time on the Texas Tech staff. Holgorsen recruited Houston and Dykes recruited Dallas. Both saw the potential for these jobs and are now at the top of the AAC. This is the first of two key road games, followed by Memphis Nov. 6; these are crucial tests before a big game at No. 2 Cincinnati on November 2. Wilson
Previous ranking: 7
Week 8: Illinois loses 20-18 to Illinois (9 OT).
Next: Saturday, 7:30 p.m. at Ohio State ET
The X factor: It completely changed the offensive's dynamic when quarterback Sean Clifford was thrown out against Iowa. He played against Illinois but was not 100% and the offense struggled again against the Illini. Clifford is vital for the Nittany Lions to be able to close the season on a positive note.
You need to know that Penn State has suffered two losses in conference play, but still has Michigan, Ohio State and Michigan State on its schedule. If Clifford isn’t 100% healthy or the offense doesn’t know how to operate without him at 100%, this could turn into a spiral. -- VanHaaren
Previous week: 22
Week 8: 20-14 win against the Air Force
Next: vs. Fresno State (Saturday at 10:30 p.m. ET
X factor: Matt Araiza, a punter at college football, can turn the field like no other. On Saturday against Air Force, he punted an approximately 84-yard ball. He punted it at 81 yards, but it was not his longest punt in the past two week.
You need to know this: The Aztecs have had their best start since 1975, and they just won what could be their most difficult match on the schedule. Fresno State will be next in action in a matchup between the top two West Division teams. A win by SDSU would be huge in the conference title race. However, a loss would alter the course of the entire season. Kyle Bonagura
Previous ranking: Unranked
Week 8 result: 24-21 win vs. Oklahoma State
Next: Saturday, February 2, 2012 at 2 p.m. ET
Xavier Hutchinson is the X-factor. He caught 12 passes for more than 125 yards, two touchdowns and a ridiculous celebration penalty. Hutchinson should have plenty to celebrate as QB Brock Purdy is heating up.
The Cyclones are now on the road to West Virginia, where they will play host to Texas.
Previous week: 24
Week 8 result: 45-16 win vs. Louisiana Tech
Next: at UTEP (Nov. 6, 4, p.m. ET
Jeff Traylor is the X factor. The UTSA program has seen great success under the guidance of the Roadrunners coach. The college football world is starting to notice the Roadrunners coach as they enter a bye week.
You need to know that UTSA is a prohibitive favourite the rest of the route, according to FPI. It has an 85% chance of winning three of its four games and a 62% chance of beating UAB at home. Next up is a trip to El Paso, to face the resurgent UTEP Miners. Wilson
Previous ranking: 14
Week 8 result: 30-27 loss vs. Appalachian State
Next: vs. Troy (Oct. 28, at 7:30 p.m. ET
X factor
You need to know that the Chants are still creative, fun, and aggressive, and have a great chance to win the remainder of the schedule. They will finish at 11-1. They will need App State to lose to win another Sun Belt East title. -- Bill Connelly
Previous ranking: Unranked
Week 8: Washington State wins 21-19
Next: vs. Virginia on Saturday, 10:30 p.m. ET
X factor: Tyler Allgeier. In Saturday's win over Washington State, BYU's runningback ran for 192 yards with two touchdowns. He now has 866 yards and 11 touchdowns for the season.
Here's what you need to know: The Cougars could be the Pac-12 champions. BYU is the Pac-12's most successful team, with a record of 4-0 against the conference. BYU's pass defense against Virginia and Brennan Armstrong, the red-hot quarterback, will now be put to the test.
