College Football Week 8 Winners and Losers: Ohio State, Penn State go different directions
Ohio State’s Dominance
Ohio State’s defense showcased its strength in a 20-12 victory over Penn State, solidifying their place as one of the top teams in the Big Ten. While Penn State remains a very good team, they are still not considered elite. This loss serves as a reminder that the Nittany Lions have yet to reach the level of the top teams in the Bowl Subdivision, despite five years of promises from head coach James Franklin.
The Nittany Lions struggled throughout the game, failing to convert a single third-down attempt until the final minute and averaging just 2.6 yards per carry on the ground. Their quarterback, Drew Allar, completed only 18 of 43 passes for 191 yards. Ohio State’s defense, on the other hand, stepped up, giving up only 3.9 yards per play. This defensive prowess has compensated for an offense that has taken a step back from previous seasons.
Overall, Ohio State’s win showcased their ability to adapt and find new ways to win games. While they have relied heavily on their offensive firepower in previous matchups against Penn State, this time their defense took the spotlight. The Buckeyes’ defense has shown significant improvement this season, making them a formidable force in the FBS.
Future Outlook
With this win, Ohio State sets itself up for an easier four-game stretch before facing off against Michigan in their season-ending rivalry game. This monthlong period will give the Buckeyes’ offense more time to develop and fine-tune their strategies before facing their biggest challenge of the regular season. Meanwhile, Penn State’s immediate future looks uncertain. This loss was a missed opportunity for the Nittany Lions to end their long losing streak against Ohio State and make a strong statement in the Big Ten. Their disappointment is palpable, and they now face the prospect of being no more than a New Year’s Six participant, with a challenging game against Michigan still to come in November.
Week 8 Winners and Losers
Winners
Alabama’s Resurgence
Alabama has bounced back from a rocky start to the season and is now firmly back in the College Football Playoff race. Despite initially struggling against Texas and South Florida, the Crimson Tide have managed to secure close victories against tough opponents. Their win against Tennessee showcased their mental toughness and ability to weather the storm. Alabama has relied on a strong defense and improved ball control to grind out wins in the SEC. They now pose a significant threat to Georgia’s dominance in the conference.
Missouri’s Improvement
Missouri’s football team has shown significant improvement this season, under the guidance of coach Eli Drinkwitz. With a 7-1 record, the Tigers are playing their best football in years. Their defense held strong against South Carolina, and their offense was led by standout performances from running back Cody Schrader and wide receiver Luther Burden. Missouri faces tough challenges ahead with games against Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida, but they are poised to make a significant impact in November.
Nebraska’s Turnaround
Nebraska’s rejuvenated defense has propelled them to a 4-3 record and has them within reach of a bowl game. Despite offensive struggles, the Cornhuskers have a favorable schedule ahead with games against Purdue, Michigan State, Maryland, Wisconsin, and Iowa. If they can capitalize on this home stretch, they could potentially make a run for the Big Ten title game. A bowl appearance in Matt Rhule’s first season as head coach would be a tremendous accomplishment for the program.
Kansas State’s Strong Performance
Kansas State displayed a dominant performance in their 41-3 victory over TCU. Although they have experienced setbacks against Missouri and Oklahoma State, the Wildcats have shown flashes of excellence and remain a competitive team in the Big 12. Their two-quarterback rotation of Will Howard and Avery Johnson has proven effective, and head coach Chris Kleiman has shown his ability to guide the team through challenging times. Kansas State is back in the race for the conference championship game.
Losers
James Franklin’s Struggles
Another loss to Ohio State adds to James Franklin’s poor record against top Big Ten teams. Despite the program’s overall success, Franklin has been unable to deliver victories against the likes of Ohio State and Michigan. This loss serves as a reminder of the gap that still exists between Penn State and the elite programs in the conference. The Nittany Lions may still end the season with double-digit wins, but their struggles against top competition highlight the work that still needs to be done to compete for national championships.
Arkansas’ Disappointing Season
Arkansas finds itself at the bottom of the SEC West and currently has the worst offense in the conference. Head coach Sam Pittman’s team has lost six straight games, including a disappointing 7-3 loss to Mississippi State. The decline in performance has left Pittman on shaky ground as the regular season comes to a close. The Razorbacks’ postseason hopes have all but vanished, and they are now facing a challenging road ahead.
Iowa’s Offensive Struggles
After a strong start to the season, Iowa’s offense has become a cause for concern. A 12-10 loss to Minnesota highlighted the Hawkeyes’ offensive struggles, as they managed just 127 yards and failed to score a touchdown. Their potential game-winning touchdown on a punt return was nullified due to a fair-catch signal. The Hawkeyes’ hold on the Big Ten West has now loosened, and they face a competitive division race in the coming weeks.
Pittsburgh’s Heartbreaking Loss
Pittsburgh suffered a devastating defeat at the hands of Wake Forest, with the Demon Deacons scoring a touchdown with seven seconds left to secure a 23-20 victory. While Pittsburgh’s season has been challenging, this loss adds to their woes. The Panthers had a chance to secure their second consecutive win but couldn’t seal the deal, ultimately resulting in their worst loss of the season. The road ahead remains tough for Pittsburgh.
Conclusion
Week 8 of college football showcased the varying fortunes of teams across the country. Ohio State’s dominant win over Penn State solidified their position as a top team in the Big Ten, while Penn State’s loss highlighted their need for further improvement to compete at an elite level. Other teams, such as Alabama, Missouri, Nebraska, and Kansas State, celebrated victories that propelled them forward in their respective conferences.
Conversely, teams like Arkansas, Iowa, James Franklin’s Penn State, and Pittsburgh faced disappointing losses that revealed weaknesses and challenges to overcome. As we head into the second half of the college football season, these teams will need to regroup, address their shortcomings, and strive for improvement if they hope to achieve their goals.
Ultimately, college football is a rollercoaster of emotions, where victories and losses shape the narrative of each team’s season. It is a reminder of the resilience and determination required to succeed in the highly competitive world of college football.
<< photo by Mikhail Nilov >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.
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