Games to Watch – Week 8

Christina Huang, Double Coverage Editor

No. 7 Ole Miss @ LSU

2:30 p.m. CT, CBS

While No. 7 Ole Miss comes in as the ranked team in this matchup, LSU is favored to win. The Brian Kelly era in Baton Rouge isn’t quite living up to expectations, but the Tigers did beat the Florida Gators in the Swamp last weekend. LSU will be riding on the momentum of a solid road win. Ole Miss running back Quinshon Judkins leads the SEC in rushing touchdowns, and the Rebels lead the conference in rushing yards per game. 


 

No. 9 UCLA @ No. 10 Oregon

2:30 p.m. CT, FOX

No. 9 UCLA is unexpectedly the best team in the Pac-12 right now. Currently, it’s the highest ranked Pac-12 team in the AP Poll and is already bowl-eligible. No. 10 Oregon will be UCLA’s first ranked road matchup this season. The Ducks have one of the best home field advantages in the conference, so the Bruins could be in for a long day. By the numbers, both teams are evenly matched. Oregon is first in the Pac-12 in rushing yards while UCLA is second. Expect this game to be the conference’s most exciting one this weekend. 

 

No. 17 Kansas State @ No. 8 TCU

7:00 p.m. CT, FS1

The other ranked Big 12 matchup this weekend is between No. 17 Kansas State and No. 8 TCU. Kansas State starting quarterback Adrian Martinez, who transferred from Nebraska, is quietly leading the Wildcats in a three-game win streak. Kansas State recovered well from a shocking non-conference loss to Tulane, sitting 3-0 in Big 12 play. TCU is looking to hold onto its spot as the top team in the conference and its title as the only unbeaten team left in the Big 12. 

 

No. 24 Mississippi State @ No. 6 Alabama

6:00 p.m. CT, ESPN

Alabama is coming off of an upset loss at then-No. 6 Tennessee. Now, the SEC leader in passing yards will pay Tuscaloosa a visit. Mississippi State starting quarterback Will Rogers leads the conference in passing yards with 2,313. However, Alabama’s defense is only allowing an average of 18.1 points per game. The Mississippi State defense allows 21.9 points per game. This game could be a fun one as Alabama tries to claw its way back into the AP top five.