Main Story: Week 8 reshuffled the college football picture: LSU and Texas strengthened their playoff hopes, Utah emerged as the Big 12’s only unbeaten team, and losses exposed major flaws for Tennessee, USC and Michigan. The results also made clear that even strong teams can’t afford costly mistakes or stagnant offenses.

By the Numbers
  • Sam Leavitt’s last 4 games: 106-of-140 passing, 12 touchdowns and 2 interceptions.
  • Leavitt totaled 441 yards and 4 touchdowns by halftime in LSU’s 38-17 win over Auburn.
  • Tennessee lost 27-24 after 21 penalties, including 12 against the Vols.
  • Utah beat Houston 21-13; Devon Dampier rushed for 150 yards and 2 touchdowns.
  • Michigan managed 6 points, went 6-of-20 on third down and rushed for 57 yards against Indiana.
Yes, But

Tennessee’s frustration with the officiating is understandable: some calls were questionable, and the game included 21 penalties. But the three touchdowns called back were correctly nullified, and Tennessee’s own mistakes—including a late fumble—helped decide the loss.

State of Play
  • LSU is 5-2 and still has a shot at the playoff, but faces a difficult November schedule.
  • Utah is the Big 12’s only undefeated team, with BYU, Cincinnati and Arizona still on its schedule.
  • Tennessee is 6-2 and needs a perfect November to reach the playoff.
  • Texas kept its playoff hopes alive with a win over No. 7 Ole Miss; USC’s loss to Wisconsin made its path much tougher.
What’s Next

LSU, Tennessee and Texas face pivotal tests as they try to stay in playoff contention. Utah must protect its unbeaten record through a challenging finish, while USC and Michigan need to address serious offensive problems.

Bottom Line

Week 8 rewarded teams that made plays under pressure and punished those undone by discipline or offensive struggles. With the playoff race tightening, there’s little room left for another costly stumble.