Week 8 of the college football season delivered a wave of instability as several highly ranked programs suffered unexpected losses. The weekend was defined by a high volume of upsets, with six ranked teams falling to unranked opponents, marking one of the most volatile periods in recent history.

Which top teams fell this week?

Several prominent programs struggled to maintain their standing in the national polls. The most notable losses included:

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  • No. 2 BYU: The Cougars lost a double-overtime thriller to UCF, 39-31.
  • No. 8 Texas Tech: The Red Raiders were defeated 37-24 by Cincinnati.
  • No. 11 Tennessee: The Volunteers surrendered a late lead to South Carolina, losing 27-24.
  • No. 16 USC: The Trojans' offense struggled significantly in a 24-7 loss to Wisconsin.

This surge of upsets has drastically altered the landscape for the postseason, as the number of undefeated teams in the FBS has dwindled to just four: Miami, UCLA, Utah, and BYU (though BYU's recent loss complicates their status).

How did the top programs fare?

While many favorites stumbled, some top-tier teams managed to secure vital victories. No. 1 Miami dominated Pittsburgh with a 52-23 win, and No. 18 LSU defeated Auburn 38-17. In a high-stakes SEC matchup, No. 19 Texas narrowly escaped an upset by defeating No. 7 Ole Miss 34-27. Texas quarterback Arch Manning contributed three touchdowns despite throwing two interceptions to help secure the win.

What happens next for the rankings?

With so many high-profile losses, the upcoming US LBM Coaches Poll and AP Top 25 updates are expected to show significant movement. Analysts are watching to see how much weight is given to the unranked teams that secured these major wins. The reduction in undefeated teams suggests a highly competitive race for the College Football Playoff as the season progresses into November.

FAQ

How many undefeated FBS teams are left?

Following the Week 8 results, only Miami, UCLA, and Utah remain undefeated.

Was there a significant upset in the SEC?

Yes, unranked South Carolina defeated No. 11 Tennessee 27-24 via a walk-off field goal after a late rushing touchdown by LaNorris Sellers tied the game.