Week 8 Takes: Number One Loses Three Times in One Day?

By Jace Hinton October 22, 2024 09:41

Photo by Crimson Tide Photos / UA Athletics

Week eight has concluded, and we are weeks away from the first unveiling of the new 12-team playoff bracket of the season. And it's only fitting that in this new wild west of college football that each week there is a new wild thing to happen each season.

Take Number One: Brent Vables is on The Hot Seat In Norman

Following the departure of Lincoln Riley, Oklahoma made the Hire of then Clemson DC Brent Venables. Since arriving in Norman, Vables has been 20-13 and 0-2 in bowl games. Very similar to Lincoln Riley at USC. Going to OU is not very good for you if you do not win since OU is a football blueblood. Yes, it is his third season in Norman, but Oklahoma is a win-now place, and the last two bowl games they have been in were not New Year's Six bowls or the college football playoff. Oklahoma's offense has struggled, so if Vables is the head coach following the season's conclusion, he better find a good OC and fast.

Take Number Two: Alabama is Out of Playoff Contention

Sitting at eighth in the SEC is a new thing for Alabama, and with this being the first season of the 12-team playoff and the first year for the Tide without Saban, it's 50/50 on whether this is a surprise. Two losses do not necessarily take them out, but with the teams above them being UGA, Texas, and Texas A&M, it is very unlikely the Tide make the playoffs. Alabama needs to focus on finishing the rest of the year with a winning record and go into the offseason and find a fix because the state of Tennessee owns the University of Alabama.

Take Number Three: Cam Rising Career is Over

Isaac Wilson has played better than Rising this season despite being younger. The Utes have played better behind Wilson this season. Rising's other problem is that he is injury-prone. Do not get me wrong; Rising was once one of the best quarterbacks in the country, but that time has since passed, and it is time for Kyle Whittingham and Utah to pass the torch to Isaac Wilson.

Take Number Four: How Does The Number One Team in the Nation Lose Three Times in One Day?

That happens when it's the number one team at three different levels. DI FBS's number one in the nation, Texas, lost to Georgia on Saturday, DI FCS South Dakota State lost to North Dakota State on Saturday, and DII Harding lost to Ouachita Baptist as well on Saturday. This is the third time in the FBS season that the number one team in the nation has lost. First, UGA lost to Alabama; the following week, Bama lost to Vandy; and finally, Texas lost to UGA this week.

Take Number Five: Colorado is in contention with the Big 12

Colorado has a 5-2 record after winning big in Tucson on Saturday, and while they are sitting at sixth in the Big 12, the two teams above them are Texas Tech and Cinncinati, who the Buffaloes play their next two games against. The Buffaloes are at home this week against the Bearcats and then are off the next week before they have to go to Lubbock to take on Texas Tech. Should the Buffaloes win those two games and win out, they will need some help. Since BYU and Iowa State are undefeated Kan, Kansas State has one loss, and K-State has the head-to-head with Colorado. Iowa State has to play UCF, Kansas, Texas Tech, and Kansas State. Should they lose 1-2 of those games and the Buffs beat Texas Tech and Kansas, the Buffs could be higher in the standings. K-State has Ciny and Kansas, who the Buffs also play, so should the Wildcats lose to one of those teams and the Buffs win, that could help. Utah, UCF, and Cincy all play BYU, and the Buffs play Utah and Cincy later on and have a win over UCF. Many things need to happen for Coach Prime and the Buffs to contend for the Big 12 Championship, but with how wild this season has been, would it be a surprise to anyone anymore?