ESPN updates power rankings after Week 8 of college football
The ESPN Power Rankings have been updated following a ridiculous Week 8 of college football. While the juicy ranked matchups we’ve grown accustomed to weren’t taking place, the upsets and craziness still took place.
To begin, Penn State‘s College Football Playoff hopes were dashed — and it took nine overtimes to do it. In a showdown that’ll live on for years, James Franklin’s squad simply couldn’t close the deal.
Additionally, the Oklahoma Sooners made a slate that originally looked weak very entertaining. Superman came to save the day though, as Caleb Williams quelled any ideas of a Kansas upset using his legs.
Many of the top teams in the ESPN Power Rankings got a much needed bye week in Week 8. For example, the Georgia Bulldogs, Michigan State Spartans and Florida Gators enjoyed a stressless week. Let’s take a look at the ESPN Power Rankings following Week 8.
ESPN Power Rankings after Week 8:
1) Georgia Bulldogs
2) Alabama Crimson Tide
3) Cincinnati Bearcats
4) Ohio State Buckeyes
5) Michigan Wolverines
6) Michigan State Spartans
7) Oklahoma Sooners
8) Oregon Ducks
9) Ole Miss Rebels
10) Iowa Hawkeyes
11) Notre Dame Fighting Irish
12) Wake Forest Demon Deacons
13) Texas A&M Aggies
14) Kentucky Wildcats
15) Oklahoma State Cowboys
16) Pittsburgh Panthers
17) SMU Mustangs
18) Baylor Bears
19) San Diego State Aztecs
20) Penn State Nittany Lions
21) Auburn Tigers
22) UTSA Roadrunners
23) Iowa State Cyclones
24) Coastal Carolina Chanticleers
25) Virginia Cavaliers
Winners
Wake Forest Demon Deacons: In a game that featured virtually no defense, the Demon Deacons found a way to get a victory. They remained undefeated by putting up 70 points on Army, climbing up to No. 12 in the ESPN Power Rankings. Their schedule picks up in the coming weeks, but Wake Forest can shock the world behind quarterback Sam Hartman.
Iowa State Cyclones: After two early season losses to Iowa and Baylor, the Cyclones were written off. Finally, Matt Campbell’s team got a signature win — ending Oklahoma State’s undefeated bid. It’s too little, too late for a College Football Playoff run, but Campbell’s team is working it’s way back up lists — like the ESPN Power Rankings.
Losers
Penn State Nittany Lions: Losing to Iowa with your backup quarterback was understandable, but letting Illinois come into your home stadium and win is a bad look. It doesn’t get any easier for the Nittany Lions, as they travel to play Ohio State this weekend.
Coastal Carolina Chanticleers: A team in Coastal Carolina’s position can’t afford to lose, and they blew their shot at a top-ten ranking by losing to Appalachian State. The Chanticleers wanted to shake up the ESPN Power Rankings, but instead they fell like a rock.