CFB1h ago
College Football Chaos Peaks as Top Teams Fall Again in Week 8
A wave of upsets leaves few reliable contenders with five weeks left in the regular season.
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Upsets Mount Across the Rankings
For the third straight week a team ranked in the top two fell to an unranked opponent. The pattern echoes the 2007 season and has already produced 19 conference losses by double-digit favorites, compared with 25 for the entire previous season. Only three unbeaten FBS teams remain, the fewest at this point since 2003. Five ranked teams from Nos. 2 through 16 lost to unranked foes, while two others nearly did the same.
Texas Leans on Defense for Survival
Texas allowed more than 5.0 yards per play only once all season and held one opponent to three points after halftime in that game. Against a potent offense the defense limited production to 70 yards on two early snaps and 68 yards on 35 additional plays before the break. After the opponent tied the score late, Texas again restricted scoring to three points across the final four drives. The unit has kept the team in playoff contention despite an offense that has gone long stretches without points and turned the ball over at key moments.
SEC and Miami Show Different Levels of Reliability
The SEC has accounted for 21 percent of the double-digit favorite losses despite having only 12 percent of FBS teams. Title probabilities have shifted sharply among eight different squads over three weeks. Miami posted 506 yards and scored touchdowns on six of its first eight drives while staying within 12 points of only one opponent all season. Texas Tech opened with six straight wins but then managed just three field goals and multiple turnovers in its next outing.
Analysis, not a wagering instruction. Confirm every number on the sportsbook. 21+.
