Week 8 Predictions – 2024
Last Week: The Buckeyes had a few bright spots last week, but the defense was not one of them. It is clear they have some things to work on after the 32-31 loss to Oregon. If they want to be a great team, they are already there. If they want to be a championship team, they have a long way to go. One good thing about their situation, is everything is still in front of them in terms of their season goals, and it is better to have this test now than in the playoffs. Take this bye week, learn and grow. move on. As for our staff predictions, we finish the first half of the season with Andy and Coach Rick tied for the lead at 27-6.
This Week’s Games: I will miss not having the Buckeyes on the field this week but maybe they need the extra week to work on things they learned from the Oregon loss. But we have plenty of great games to focus on this week, all will play a part in shaping the playoff picture. It starts with #1 playing #5 as Georgia travels to Austin to play Texas. Can Ewers put the Longhorn team on his shoulders and secure the victory? …. Also in the SEC, Alabama takes on Tennessee on the checkered field. Can the Tide find that orange/white endzone enough to win the game? …. From the ACC, the big game of the week is Miami and Louisville. The Hurricanes are the luckiest 6-0 team in the country. Can the Canes win this going away or will it take another favorable call from the refs to keep the ACC darlings undefeated? …. And let’s not forget the B1G! Nebraska is heading to Bloomington to battle the Hoosiers. Be honest who, at the beginning of the season, had these two teams coming into this game with just one loss between them? …. And what may be playoff elimination game for the Wolverines, Michigan takes on the surprising Illini. Which team stays in the Big Ten race, and which one will be chanting, ‘we will be better next year!”?
Buckeye Greats: As in the past, we will continue to include former Buckeye players in our prediction fun and we are thrilled to have Vaughn Broadnax back with us as a regular participant for the tenth straight year.
Here we go with our Week 8 Picks – Good Luck to All – Gregg
(5)Georgia @ (1)Texas
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU-RB 1980-83): Georgia is clearly down this year and playing Texas at home will not offer any relief. Texas makes an SEC statement edging Georgia 35-28.
Andy: This game should be fun to watch, I think Georgia is supremely talented as is Texas. I do believe this Georgia team is not playing anywhere near their potential especially on offense. The Bulldogs are having a hard time running the ball and their receivers are underperforming significantly. We’ve seen the Georgia defense line struggle to get pressure and struggle against the run. I expect Texas to win this behind their talented offense. Texas 31 Georgia 24
Cory: Georgia 30 Texas 28
Dave: Texas 38 Georgia 28
Gregg: Welcome to the SEC Longhorns, not only do you get to join ESPN’s favorite conference, but you get to have the last three national champions on your schedule. Add the fact you also play Oklahoma each year, they do not have a slate that makes you think they will have an unbeaten record. That is where they find themselves right now going into week eight. This time they get to host Georgia and if they can get by the Bulldogs, they may well be on their way to the #1 seed in the playoffs. Quinn Ewers returned last week but did not look like the Heisman candidate he was to start the season. His passes were low and the offensive game plan did not have him going down field at all. Is that due to health, or were they saving him for the Bulldogs? I do think they defeat Georgia, but I doubt the Uga fans will be whining to fire Kirby, like the 5%ers are coming after Ryan Day in Columbus. Hook’em Horns! Texas 32 Georgia 24
Joe-S-U: Texas
John: Georgia
Josh: Texas is the last standing undefeated team in the SEC, and is coming off a big win against their rival in Oklahoma, while welcoming back Quinn Ewers. Georgia has looked ok the last few weeks since losing to Alabama, but they have some issues to fix on defense. Texas has yet to be really challenged all season, so this will be the test of if they are a legitamite contender. I think Georgia has too much at stake to not win this game and I think will be the key difference, and I think both of these teams see each other again in Atlanta. Georgia 28 – Texas 24.
Steven: Texas coach Steve Sarkisian would do well to tell Quinn Ewers, thanks, but Arch Manning starts this week. Perhaps Ewers’ experience can be the deciding factor, but it is tough not to see the upside of Manning. In either case, the Longhorns are just the more complete team this year. Georgia is a rare underdog, and being on the road, it’s probably warranted. Another mid-season top 5 matchup, like OSU at Oregon last week, could well be a preview of a future playoff game. Horns 33-22. Georgia falls to 7th.
Trout: I think I have to give the edge to the Bulldogs in this one. I think Texas is really good. They may be the best team in college football right now. But they have not been challenged this year. Their best 2 wins are Michigan and Oklahoma. And they have been shown to be middling to bad. This is the Longhorn’s first game against a real top 5 team. I just have a feeling that Georgia will come into Texas and pull off the upset. It won’t be a blow out. I actually think it’ll be extremely close with both teams taking the lead at different points in the game. Somehow Beck and the Bulldog offense do just enough to get by Texas, and cause a little more chaos to this crazy season. (Georgia, 34-31)
Final Score: Georgia 30 Texas 15
(7)Alabama(-3) @ (11)Tennessee
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU-RB 1980-83): Alabama has been living on the brink of disaster all year but have found ways to escape. Tennessee wants to prove themselves in front of their fans. The Vols stem the Tide 31-21.
Andy: Both of these teams have opposing strengths this season. Alabama’s offense is really good with dual threat QB Jalen Milroe who is excellent at hitting the deep ball. Tennessee has been surprisingly good on defense this year allowing only 10.6 points per game. I expect this one to be a close game due to this being a rivalry, to be honest I could see either team winning this one. Alabama 31 Tennessee 28
Cory: Alabama 35 Tennessee 24
Dave: Alabama 38 Tennessee 32
Gregg: Home dogs typically find a way to step up and steal a victory. I think Alabama will find a way to get pressure on the young Tennesse quarterback and their defense is the difference. But if the Tide, losses, does this put this out of the playoff picture? In the end, it will be Alabama smoking the cigars after the game. Alabama 31 Tennessee 27
Joe-S-U: Alabama
John: Tennessee
Josh: Both teams since earning their defining win have looked mediocre, and both have a 1-1 record with a loss to a team they should have had no business losing to, and followed by a win that should have gone the other way. This game is their rivalry game, and someone will be smoking cigars by the end of it, but in reality these teams are playing for playoff relevance, and I think the loser is out of the conversation. I think Alabama has a bit more weapons to work with and Jalen Milroe will keep the Tennessee defense honest. Alabama 38 – Tennessee 31
Steven: Both offenses are fairly comparable, (9th & 10th in scoring respectively) but Tennessee’s defense, giving up 10 points per game less than the Tide, is what should give the Vols the win. Tennessee 28-24.
Trout: The Volunteers win this game. Alabama has clearly taken a step back with the retirement of Saban. With their historic loss to Vanderbelt, and barely getting by South Carolina, this team has been exposed. They should have also lost to Georgia as well. Luckily, the Bulldogs forgot how to play defense for that one play and Alabama escaped that game. The Tide are still a good team, but they are definitely not a great team. I don’t think Tennessee is much better. But they can put up some points. I can see this being a close game, with both teams putting up points. But in the end, the Volunteers pull off the win. Alabama loses and calls to fire Deboer get louder. (Tennessee, 42-38)
Final Score: Tennessee 24 Alabama 17
(6)Miami @ Louisville
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU-RB 1980-83): If this game was at night I would take the Cardinals. Louisville seems to place a spell on Florida teams when they play at night. That’s not the case so I am going with the Hurricanes 35-27 over the Cards.
Andy: This game would be extremely interesting if Louisville was able to capture their magic they had last season. I expect Miami to win this one because of their potent offense. Miami 38 Louisville 27
Cory: Miami 45 Louisville 28
Dave: Mami 24 Louisville 18
Gregg: Miami is the better team but I think Louisville keeps it close in the first half. The win will allow the Hurricanes to focus on the Clemson Tigers for the ACC title and the bye for playoffs. Louisville gets to play spoiler the rest of the season but depending on how things shape up, they may back into the playoffs so don’t give up Cardinals. Miami 35 Louisville 17
Joe-S-U: Miami
John: Miami
Josh: Miami should have 2 losses on their schedule, but have found controversial ways to win. Cam Ward is their best weapon and the success of their team is on how well he can play. I compare this Miami team more to the Caleb William’s USC teams the last two years based on Wards production and style. The Hurricanes are 4.5 point favorites, which shows that there is not as much confidence with this team. Louisville played Notre Dame and SMU tough, but lost both games in the end. Looking forward, this is Maimi’s toughest game the rest of the season so this is a must win to keep them in a straight path to the ACC Championship game. Miami 35 – Louisville 28
Steven: Louisville can absolutely hang with Miami, but can they force Hurricane QB Cam Ward into turning the ball over? It will take a bit of luck and defensive perseverance for the Cardinals to win. The Cardinals are 30th in the nation, giving up only 19 points per game, but Miami is leading all of college football in scoring. Ward is having a great season so far, having already thrown for 20 touchdowns. Louisville will have to slow him down if they are to manage an upset. It will be tight, but Miami wins 38-31.
Trout: Miami wins this game, but much like the last 2 week, they win by the skin of their teeth. Cam Ward has definitely improved the Hurricane’s offense, but there are still some inconsistencies. Not to mention, their defense has allowed lesser talented teams to stick around with them. Virginia Tech and Cal should have been easy wins but ended up being struggles that Miami just squeaked by. Not to mention they were helped in both games by questionable officiating. There will be one of these upcoming games where the Canes’ luck runs out, but it won’t be this one. Louisville keeps it close, but Miami escapes again. (Miami, 38-35)
Final Score: Miami 52 Louisville 45
Nebraska @ (16)Indiana
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU-RB 1980-83): Nebraska is playing well but not as well as Indiana. Indiana makes a statement and beats Nebraska 42-24.
Andy: This is possibly the most interesting matchup this weekend for Big Ten fans. This will be the first test for IU as Nebraska is currently punching way above their weight class under head coach Matt Rhule. Dylan Raiola is playing great for a true freshman, he is going to face one of the best scoring defenses in the country as Indiana has a top 10 scoring defense. I do think Nebraska has a better roster on paper, but as we’ve seen many times the best roster doesn’t always win. I am predicting IU to win a close one. Indiana 45 Nebraska 37
Cory: Nebraska 28 Indiana 21
Dave: Indiana 30 Nebraska 28
Gregg: Indiana is certainly the biggest surprise this season in the Big Ten and possibly the entire country. Nebraska opened the season with an overtime loss in a game they should have won, otherwise this would have been two unbeaten teams. Indiana has not trailed one second this year and they may be down at some point in this game, but I think they will be in the lead with the final gun. Coach Cignetti has done a great job in his first year in Bloomington, could be the lead candidate for coach of the year in the conference. If he comes to Columbus unbeaten, that only may win it for him. Indiana 17 Nebraska 13
Joe-S-U: Indiana
John: Indiana
Josh: Both of these teams might be the surprise teams of the Big Ten this season, with Indiana starting off 6-0 with minimal challenges, and Nebraska with 1 loss in overtime to Illinois at home. I thinik this will be a good test to see how good both of these teams are. I think the key to this game will be if the Nebraska defense can disrupt Kurtis Rourke. I think this one will come down to the 4th quarter and Nebraska upsets the Hooisers. Nebraska 34 – Indiana 31
Steven: Absolutely, this is the game of the week in the Big Ten. Indiana should easily be in the top 10, but coming out of nowhere from the beginning of the season sets them back a bit with regard to the polls. Likewise, Nebraska should be ranked higher. They are only one overtime loss to Illinois away from being undefeated. Husker QB Dylan Raiola is as good as expected, but in that loss, his inexperience was apparent. Indiana could well exploit that inexperience by coming after the QB from all angles, and all the time. Both Indiana and Nebraska are in the top 15 of total defense, but Indiana is outscoring the Huskers close to 20 points a game. Hoosier daddy? Indiana 33-20.
Trout: I think the Hoosiers pull off the win. Nebraska is a better team than they were under Scott Frost. Raiola is a very talented player and has a bright future ahead of him. However, they are still a work in progress. It is hard to tell how good Indiana is, but if nothing else, they are consistently playing solid football. I can see the game being close. I think the Cornhuskers will make Indiana earn every yard. But after the dust settles Indiana is the team on top. Indiana wins and remains undefeated. (Indiana, 31-22)
Final Score: Indiana 56 Nebraska 7
(24)Michigan @ (22)Illinois
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU-RB 1980-83): Bret does the football world a big solid and the Illini blast the weasels 34-24.
Andy: This game could go either direction, Michigan has a very good defense and a very effective run offense. The one thing that hurts Michigan’s offense is their pass offense which is totally inept. Illinois is 50th in overall scoring offense and 34th on scoring defense. I think the matchup to watch will be Illinois’ front seven against the Michigan rush game. Michigan is not great statistically, but Illinois’ run defense is not even in the top 50 in the country. I expect Michigan to win this one behind their run game. Michigan 27 Illinois 23
Cory: Michigan 17 Illinois 14
Dave: Michigan 32 Illiniois 28
Gregg: I have never been a huge fan of Bret Bielema but he can get the most of his players better than most coaches. I think he finds a way to score just enough points and also figures away to stop the Michigan run game just enough, and will get pressure on Wolverine quarterback number 4. Go Illini. Illinois 24 Michigan 21
Joe-S-U: Illinois
John: Michigan
Josh: Illinois will be honoring Red Grange with their uniforms, who rushed for 6 touchdowns against the Wolverines. Michigan is coming out of a bye week where they got more reps with Tuttle as the starting quarterback, but I still feel like this team is very one dimensional. Illinois beat Purdue last week in a crazy high scoring game, so there is a concern for fatigue, but I think this game comes down to coaching, and I think Illinois has the edge. Illinois 21 – Michigan 17.
Steven: If the Illini can defend Michigan’s run game, they can easily beat the Wolverines. The Maize and Blue have taken football back a century with their putrid passing game, which is third from last in the country, only outpacing Army and Air Force. I have faith in Bert, and his ability to scheme against an outmatched opponent. Look for Illini QB Luke Altmyer to carve up the Michigan secondary. Illini 24-10.
Trout: Until Michigan can find a quarterback that can throw a pass, I will have to pick their opposition. As frustrated as we are with the Buckeyes about that Oregon loss, we can at least see that the Buckeyes have shown to be a talented team, albeit sloppy and somewhat inconsistent. Michigan is a dumpster fire right now. Edwards is still MIA. They have played 3 quarterbacks, and all of them have been terrible, and not to mention, the NCAA penalties are still looming. The Illini are not world beaters by any stretch, but Bielema has them playing well. I can see the game being somewhat low scoring, with neither team breaking 30 points. However, Illinois pulls off some last-minute heroics and hands Michigan their third loss of the season. (Illinois, 24-17)