Top 50 NCAA Football Rankings: Week 8

*Editor's Note: Graphic by @SSN_Troy, author is @BlitzCfb

Week 8 didn’t feature any ranked vs ranked matchups according to the AP Poll, but there were plenty of big games that impacted my top 50. Here is the latest edition of the top 50 heading into a huge Week 9 slate.

1. Georgia (7-0, 5-0) ↔️

Georgia remains the number one team in the country after the bye week. They only have one more top 50 opponent on their schedule & they will play them this week (Florida).

2. Cincinnati (7-0, 3-0) ↔️

The Bearcats didn’t look like the number two team in their narrow win against Navy. The Midshipmen are a physical football team that exposed the Cats a bit. However, Cincy got the win & that’s what matters.

3. Oklahoma (8-0, 5-0) ↔️

Oklahoma came out flat in the first half. Caleb Williams was due for a let down & that happened. The Sooners do deserve credit for turning that game around in the 2nd half. Oklahoma still has their toughest stretch of the year coming up.

4. Michigan (7-0, 4-0) ↔️

Michigan wore down Northwestern in the trenches. The Wolverines have looked good in most of their wins this year. They have a chance to get a quality win this week when they travel to East Lansing in a battle of undefeated teams.

5. Michigan State (7-0, 4-0) ⬆️1

Michigan State moves up a spot after Oklahoma State’s loss. The Spartans had a bye week to get rested & healthy for their big game against Michigan on Saturday. This will be the biggest game in the history of the Michigan-MSU rivalry.

6. Alabama (7-1, 4-1) ⬆️1

The score of the Tennessee-Alabama game on Saturday was not indicative of the game. Bama struggled early on defense. They did pull away in the 4th quarter, outscoring Tennessee 28-7. The Tide have a bye week before they take on LSU.

7. Oregon (6-1, 3-1) ⬆️3

Oregon picked up a solid road win as underdogs over UCLA. The Ducks don’t win with style points, but that comes second fiddle to winning the game. Oregon now has three top 50 wins on the season.

8. Ohio State (6-1, 4-0) ⬆️3

Ohio State has dominated their competition in their last four games. CJ Stroud looks better and better & the defense has been holding opponents to 11 points per game in those last four games. The Buckeyes will be tested this week against Penn State at home.

9. Kentucky (6-1, 4-1) ↔️

Kentucky remains at number 9 after their bye week. The Cats have a favorable remaining schedule. Don’t be shocked to see them end the regular season with only one loss. Do not forget about Big Blue Nation.

10. Ole Miss (6-1, 3-1) ⬆️2

Ole Miss is one of the best one loss teams in the nation. They took care of business against LSU this past Saturday. The Rebels are so well balanced on offense. They have a tough game at Auburn this Saturday.

11. Wake Forest (7-0, 4-0) ⬆️3

Wake Forest’s offense has yet to be stopped. The Deacs put up 638 yards of total offense against Army on Saturday. Wake will face solid defenses coming up against NC State & Clemson.

12. SMU (7-0, 3-0) ⬆️3

SMU dominated Tulane as they put up 612 total yards. The Mustangs need to keep winning to help the case for an AAC team to make the playoff. They have a huge road game at one loss Houston on Saturday.

13. Oklahoma State (6-1, 3-1) ⬇️8

Oklahoma State suffered their first loss of the season at Iowa State. The Pokes are still a really good football team with a great defense. They are 3-1 against top 50 opponents & can still win the Big 12.

14. Notre Dame (6-1) ⬆️3

Notre Dame had a solid win over rival USC. Jack Coan & Tyler Buchner both played well at QB. The Irish have an intriguing game coming up against North Carolina & their explosive offense.

15. Pitt (6-1, 3-0) ⬆️7

Pitt had a program defining victory over Dabo Swinney this past Saturday. Kenny Pickett has been a stud for this team & should be in the Heisman race. Pitt is undefeated in ACC play & every other team in the Coastal has at least two losses.

16. Iowa (6-1, 3-1) ↔️

Iowa had a bye week to recover from that terrible home loss to Purdue. The Hawkeyes still have some tough games left against Minnesota & at Wisconsin on Saturday.

17. Penn State (5-2, 2-2) ⬇️9

Penn State was extremely disappointing against Illinois in the longest game in FBS history. The Nittany Lions have back to back losses & they have to travel to Columbus on Saturday.

18. Auburn (5-2, 2-1) ↔️

Auburn had a bye week this past week. Hopefully, they got some time to rest because they play two tough teams in Ole Miss & Texas A&M in their next two games.

19. UTSA (8-0, 4-0) ⬆️1

UTSA keeps on winning. They dominated Louisiana Tech this past Saturday. The Roadrunners have a bye week before traveling to El Paso for a game against one loss UTEP. Keep an eye on Sincere McCormick & the rest of UTSA.

20. San Diego State (7-0, 3-0) ⬆️4

San Diego State held a physical Air Force team to only 248 total yards & they forced 2 turnovers. The Aztecs have a great defense which has carried them. They will need to score some more points on Saturday when they play Fresno State.

21. Baylor (6-1, 3-1) ↔️

Baylor is back in the Big 12 title race after Oklahoma State’s loss. The Bears have a critical game against Texas on Saturday. Their other tough game left is against Oklahoma in Week 11.

22. Iowa State (5-2, 3-1) ⬆️18

The Cyclones bolt up the top 50 after their big win over Oklahoma State. This was a huge win because it puts them back within reach of a Big 12 title. Iowa State will play at West Virginia on Saturday in a trap game.

23. BYU (6-2) ⬆️2

BYU picked up a road win over a controversy filled Washington State team. the Cougars remain highly ranked because of their 3-1 record against top 50 teams. They have a chance to improve that record again against Virginia in a very underrated matchup.

24. Texas A&M (6-2, 3-2) ⬆️5

Texas A&M’s defense held South Carolina to 185 total yards. The Aggies had 290 rushing yards with Achane & Spiller both over 100. Their next two games after the bye week are against Auburn & Ole Miss.

25. Houston (6-1, 4-0) ⬆️8

Houston makes their first appearance in the top 25 this season. They needed overtime to take down East Carolina after a five hour weather delay. The Cougars have a huge game against SMU on Saturday. Both teams are undefeated in conference play.

26. NC State (5-2, 2-1) ⬇️7

NC State lost a heartbreaking road game against Miami on Saturday. However, still control their own destiny in the ACC Atlantic. The Wolf Pack