College Football: Week 8 playoff bracket
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After a chaotic Week 7, the College Football Playoff bracket has been completely shaken up. Before the games kick off in a massive Week 8, here’s what PFF’s updated bracket would look like based on our top 25 for the week.
Byes
Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State proved it’s the top team in the country with a convincing 34-16 win over No. 17 Illinois. Julian Sayin excelled in the win with a 91.6 PFF passing grade. His 91.4 PFF grade on the year is now the best in the FBS among all quarterbacks.
Miami (FL) Hurricanes
Miami was off this past weekend and is back in action this Friday night against Louisville.
Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana launches up to No. 3 following its 30-20 win on the road over previously third-ranked Oregon. The Hoosiers posted an 86.1 defensive grade as the Ducks and previous Heisman favorite Dante Moore only averaged four yards per play.
Texas A&M Aggies
Texas A&M is off to a 6-0 start for the first time in nine years following a 34-17 win over Florida. The Aggies’ defense came up big on money downs, as the Gators were just 1-for-11 on third and fourth down. In the last three weeks, Texas A&M’s defense has only allowed opposing teams to convert two of the previous 33 third down chances.
First Round
Alabama Crimson Tide vs. 12. USF Bulls
Alabama pulled off its third top-20 victory in as many weeks with a 27-24 win over No. 14 Missouri. The Crimson Tide’s defense dominated in the win, allowing just -0.343 EPA per pass. Alabama has a chance for a fourth straight top-20 win as it takes on No. 11 Tennessee this week.
USF is the new Group of Five favorite following its 63-36 victory over North Texas. The Bulls dominated in the second half, outscoring the Mean Green 42-15. USF averaged 0.695 EPA per play in the second half, while North Texas was only at -0.298.
Texas Tech continued to look like the best team in the Big 12 with a 42-17 win over Kansas on Saturday. The Red Raiders recorded an 88.2 defensive grade in the victory and now lead the nation with a 96.3 defensive mark. Texas Tech has another major test in Week 8 on the road against Arizona State.
BYU continued its undefeated season with a thrilling 33-27 double-overtime victory on the road over Arizona. Running back LJ Martin was the star for the Cougars, posting an 83.4 PFF rushing grade while rushing for 110 yards after contact. BYU has another huge game in Week 8 as it hosts No. 23 Utah in “The Holy War.”
Ole Miss escaped an upset bid from Washington State by winning 24-21. Kewan Lacy carried the team to victory with an 80.5 PFF rushing grade and broke 14 tackles while running for 142 yards. The Rebels have a major test in Week 8, as Georgia is third nationally in team PFF run-defense grade.
LSU beat South Carolina this past weekend by a 20-10 final score. The Tigers’ pass defense was phenomenal in the victory with -0.486 EPA per pass permitted. The unit will need to step up this week as LSU goes on the road to battle Diego Pavia and Vanderbilt.
Georgia won in the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry, beating Auburn 20-10. The Tigers’ offense couldn’t get anything going in the second half, getting shut out by the Bulldogs and only totaling 40 yards. Georgia hosts ESPN’s College GameDay in Week 8 as it faces Ole Miss.
Oregon falls five spots following its loss to Indiana. Dante Moore had his worst game as the Ducks’ starting quarterback, compiling just a 45.9 PFF passing grade as Oregon’s offensive line struggled keeping him clean in the pocket. The Ducks will try to rebound in Week 8 at Rutgers.
