Week 8 Predictions – 2025

Cory Steger:  Things are going from bad to worse for Wisconsin. The Badgers have lost four straight games, and have scored just 34 total points during that stretch. They are coming off a 37-0 loss to Iowa. Wisconsin can’t pass the ball well, but in the past that did not matter a ton because they were so good at running the ball. Well, this season their leading rusher is Dilin Jones, who has just 268 rushing yards. Wisconsin as a team has just five total rushing touchdowns. Ohio State might have their backups in after halftime of this one.   Ohio State 42, Wisconsin 7

Dave Culver:  Ohio State 42  Wisconsin  7 

Gregg Watson:  In October I start moving my predictions/breakdowns more to the playoff implications.  The rest of our group here does a great job breaking down keys to the game, which players will be key contributors, etc. Ohio State is on a collision course with a Big Ten title and a top rating in the playoffs. The Badgers will be a small speedbump that Ohio State will roll over at top speed.  Maybe one thing the can get out of this victory is a bit more juice in the Heisman race for Sayin and Smith.  Would love to see a defensive score in this one to really put a stamp on another huge victory.   Ohio State 45  Wisconsin 10  

Jason Harris:  Wisconsin’s season has completely unraveled and former Buckeye Luke Fickell is firmly on the hot seat. After a 37–0 loss to Iowa, the Badgers are on a four-game losing streak with a struggling offense, fading defense, and little hope as they now face a dominant Ohio State team.

The Buckeyes, meanwhile, are rolling. Their defense remains elite, leading the nation in red zone efficiency and their offense has been deliberate but explosive when it needs to be coming off a 34–16 road win over Illinois.

Wisconsin’s defense still plays hard and can slow the run where Ohio State has had a few issues, but with no offensive production or consistency, it won’t matter. Ohio State will pull away gradually behind quarterback Julian Sayin and the Buckeye passing attack taking over in the 2^nd quarter as the Buckeyes roll to 7-0.   Ohio State 45 Wisconsin 0

Joe Hylton:  OSU

John Siebert:  Ohio State big 31-6 

Josh Watson: It’s always dangerous to call a trip to Camp Randall “routine,” but this Ohio State team plays like one immune to distractions. The Buckeyes enter 6–0, coming off a 34–16 road win over Illinois where the defense forced three turnovers and the offense quietly handled business. Now, Ryan Day’s squad faces a classic trap setting: night game, hostile crowd, Badgers desperate to prove they can still matter in the Big Ten West. Wisconsin, however, hasn’t looked like the old Badger brand. The rushing attack lacks its usual bite, and quarterback inconsistency has left the offense sputtering. Against a defense as fast and disciplined as Ohio State’s — which has given up just three touchdowns all season — sustained drives are a near impossibility. Expect the Buckeyes to once again play complementary football: a conservative first quarter, a big defensive play to flip field position, and then Julian Sayin and the offense opening it up in the second half. Bo Jackson and CJ Donaldson should have a steady workload against Wisconsin’s front, which ranks middle-of-the-pack in yards per carry allowed. Expect Sayin to hit Carnell Tate or Jeremiah Smith for one or two timely explosives to break it open. By the third quarter, the gap in athleticism should be obvious.   Ohio State 42, Wisconsin 0

Steven Smith:  This one is tough to write, insofar as most Buckeyes recognize what Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell has meant to the Ohio State program, but it is time for a change in Madison, and deep in his heart, it wouldn’t be difficult to guess that Luke knows it, too. The Fickell experiment has not worked at Wisconsin. The Badgers have certainly been beset by injuries this season, but the entire program got off on the wrong foot when coach Fickell tried to institute an updated, modern offense that fizzled from the start. What should have been a fantastic marriage of Fickell’s defensive acumen and Wisconsin’s grind it out pedigree, turned into a miasma of missed opportunities. This week doesn’t get much better for the Badgers, but you know OSU won’t go out of their way to embarrass one of their own. Embarrassment or not, another loss might be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. Wisconsin is 6th from the bottom (131st) in scoring nationally.  After 2 games where Badger backup QB Hunter Simmons played respectable, but not spectacular ball, the wheels came off last week in a 37-0 loss to Iowa. It is safe to say the Buckeye defense may do much the same to Simmons and the Badger offense. Wisconsin should NOT be lumped in with the Sisters of the Poor, but until things change in Madison, we’ll call them the moderately impoverished. Bucky might put up a fight, but not for long. The Bucks will just low-key, methodically do what they do. Brutus dismantles Bucky 42-6.

Stefan Armintrout: In the past, this would be a marquee game for the Buckeyes. Wisconsin was one of the few Big Ten teams that challenged the Buckeyes throughout the years. But now, the Badgers are a shell of themselves. It’s sad to see, because of Fickell. He’s a good coach on top of being a former Buckeye. But for whatever reason, it has not worked out there for him. I see this game being much like the Minnesota game. Ohio State should dominate the game completely. I don’t think Ryan Day will run up the score, but they will win handily. I don’t see Wisconsin having any answers for the Buckeye offense. And I don’t see the lackluster Badger offense putting up a lot of points against the stout silver bullet defense. The Buckeyes walk into Madison and win big.   (Ohio State, 38-6) 

Final Score:  Ohio State 34   Wisconsin 0 

Cory:  Ole Miss got a scare last week from Washington State, of all teams. The Rebels managed to pull out a 24-21 win at home, but it was not a good look going into this week’s matchup with Georgia. Georgia overcame a poor offensive effort, as well as some interesting officiating, to down Auburn on the road last week. Not many teams pile up the offensive states like Ole Miss does, yet I feel that they will be hard to come by in this game. Schedule-wise, Ole Miss has not really been test yet whereas Georgia has already played Tennessee, Alabama, and Auburn. Georgia came from behind in their wins over Tennessee and Auburn. There is a resiliency to this team that you can’t measure with stats.   Georgia 24, Ole Miss 21

Dave:  Mississippi 28  Georgia 27

Gregg:  Mississippi has surprised folks around the country with their 6-0 start and a win today will put them in the driver seat for a spot in Atlanta come December.  Their win last week over LSU does look impressive on paper but will will probably know after today if LSU has any meat to their team as they face Vandy. The rest of their schedule has been thin at best.  Georgia has not been dominating but only has the one loss to Alabama.  The Bulldogs have been in this situation before, the Rebels are not used to this spotlight.  I think Kirby Smart and the boys get the job done between the hedges.  The win would also allow the talking heads to keep both teams in the top 12 and keep them both lined up for a playoff spot.   Georgia 27  Ole Miss 20

Jason:  A top-10 SEC clash highlights the Week 8 slate as undefeated Ole Miss visits Georgia in a matchup with College Football Playoff implications.

The Rebels remain unbeaten behind quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and star running back Kewan Lacy, who ranks second in the SEC in rushing yards and touchdowns. Coming off a poor performance as they narrowly escaped Washington State last week, the Rebels look to earn a statement win on the road to strengthen their CFP resume. Run defense remains a concern for the Rebels ranking 94th nationally, giving up over 157 rushing yards per game. The Dawgs are looking to find consistency after a home loss to Alabama. Georgia’s defense has been particularly inconsistent against the run. Offensively, Quarterback Gunner Stockton has been steady and taken good care of the football which will be key against an aggressive Ole Miss attack. The story of this one will be the Ole Miss dynamic offense against Georgia’s tested defense. If the Rebels can slow Georgia’s rushing attack and hit big plays early, they could challenge the Bulldogs and pull off the big road win. Having said that, the Georgia experience and home crowd will be the difference in a hard, four quarter battle as Georgia sends Ole Miss home with a tough loss and puts the Dawgs in the thick of the CFP race.   Georgia 31 Ole Miss 28

Joe-S-U:  Georgia

John:  Georgia 

Josh: After narrowly escaping Auburn thanks to a few favorable whistles and late stops, Georgia heads home knowing they dodged a bullet. The Bulldogs remain talented, but cracks are forming — especially on the back end of the defense and in the offensive line’s protection against speed rushers. Ole Miss, meanwhile, has rediscovered its offensive rhythm. Jaxson Dart has been sharp, Quinshon Judkins is again running with confidence, and Lane Kiffin’s group has enough creativity to challenge Georgia schematically. The question is whether the Rebels can handle Georgia’s front seven for four quarters. The Dawgs’ defense, even when imperfect, eventually imposes its will. If Ole Miss can keep the game within a score late, things could get tight — but between the crowd, officiating, and Georgia’s sheer efficiency in big games, it’s hard to pick against them at home. Still, don’t expect this to be the walkover some are predicting. Georgia will get their share of calls, yes, but Ole Miss will land a few punches too. Expect a competitive first half before Georgia’s depth wins out.   Georgia 31, Mississippi 17

Steven:  I’m not sure why the Rebels aren’t getting much love for this contest. They are about a touchdown underdog. The Rebels are 5th in total offense nationally vs.a Georgia team who sit 52nd. This one should come down to if Georgia can limit Rebel RB Kewan Lacy who is averaging 4.7 yards per carry and close to 100 yards per game. Georgia QB Gunner Stockton has been solid this year averaging close to 200 yards per contest but has been held out of the end zone in 2 of the Bulldogs 6 contests. Gonna go against the grain and say the Rebels hang a second loss on Georgia. Rebs 34-21.

Trout:  Although I am skeptical on how far Lane Kiffin can actually get with the Rebels, I think they could beat Georgia. I don’t think the Bulldogs are that good. If they weren’t helped out by the refs last week, they would have lost to Auburn. I see this game being somewhat close. However, the Rebels are able to get the go-ahead score and hang on to win the game. Georgia gets their second loss and critically hurts their playoff chances.   (Mississippi, 24-20)

Final Score:  Georgia 43   Mississippi 35 

Cory:  The game between Tennessee and Alabama will be the more watchable game of the big SEC games this week but expect the home team to come out on top in this one. Tennessee has a habit of playing to their opponent’s level so the Volunteers will keep it close, but it’s hard to ignore what Alabama is doing right now. They’ve got three straight wins over ranked teams in a row. I’ve been critical of Alabama for not running the ball well, but in their last two games running back Jam Miller has 42 carries for 221 yards and a touchdown. That balance the offense needed is finally there.   Alabama 31, Tennessee 24

Dave:  Alabama 32  Tennessee 28

Gregg:  Third Saturday, must be time for the Cigar Game.  Tennessee is playing well with only the one ‘close’ loss against Georgia, no shame there.  But Alabama was able to take care of business against the Bulldogs so I will go with the Tide for this one.  Eventually some of these games HAVE to knock out teams from the SEC.  But if the Volunteers can find a way to win,  the rest of their schedule is very manageable.   Alabama 28  Tennessee 24

Jason:  Tennessee visits Alabama on Saturday, with multiple SEC powers vying for College Football Playoff spots. This is a matchup that could make or break either team’s postseason hopes. Tennessee is nearly unbeaten with their lone loss coming due to a late missed chip shot FG attempt at home to Georgia. Despite that, shaky wins over Mississippi State and Arkansas show inconsistency. QB Joey Aguilar complements a powerful ground game averaging over yards per carry. For the Vols to be successful, they need to control the tempo with their run game against an Alabama run defense that’s susceptible to the run. For Bama, after an early season loss to Florida State, the Tide has found their mojo. QB Ty Simpson is a bonafide Heisman candidate who has looked sharp and efficient with few turnovers, using the midrange passing game to move the chains. While the run game has struggled, Alabama’s disciplined offense should be able to move it well against a Tennessee defense that has struggled of late. Expect an back-and-forth game and Tennessee’s pass rush will give Simpson some issues, but Alabama’s balance and superior defense keys a big win, keeping their CFP hopes alive and all but ending Tennessee’s.   Alabama 38 Tennessee 24

Joe-S-U:  Alabama

John:  Tennessee 

Josh: It’s Third Saturday in October — so light the cigars, because this rivalry always delivers theater. Last season, Tennessee ended Alabama’s long streak in Knoxville, prompting postgame pandemonium and a summer’s worth of revenge talk in Tuscaloosa. This year, Nick Saban’s group (or his successor’s, depending on your timeline) has quietly built momentum after early-season questions, and the Tide are beginning to look like the balanced, composed unit fans expected. Tennessee still brings swagger and physicality, but they’ve struggled with consistency in the passing game. The Volunteers can’t afford empty possessions against a defense that’s starting to generate takeaways again. Alabama’s front seven is regaining its old bite, and the offensive line has improved protection for Ty Simpson, who’s settled in with a strong stretch of efficient play. Look for Alabama to lean on its ground game early, hitting with Jam Miller and Justice Haynes, before taking shots to freshman phenom Ryan Williams once the safeties creep up. Tennessee will make a few splash plays, but turnovers and missed red-zone chances will haunt them.   Alabama 28, Tennessee 14.

Steven:  Alabama has been a bit of a surprise to me this season. I wasn’t prepared for how good Tide QB Ty Simpson is. After the opening week loss to Florida State, where Simpson wasn’t very good, he has rattled off 5 wins, 3 of them against top 25 teams, including knocking off #5 Georgia. While the overall offense is good, the Tide defense is  top 25 caliber. Tennessee, on the other hand, has a defense that can be had The Vols are giving up 393.8 yards and 29.3 points per game. They are 5-1, but that record is built on basically inferior competition. The Vols lost to their only top 25 opponent, falling 44-41 to then #6 Georgia. They almost outlasted the Dawgs, but it will take an extraordinary effort to defeat the Tide’s superior defense.  ‘Bama 33-28

Trout:  I think this game is very close, but I’ll give the edge to the Crimson Tide. I don’t really know if Alabama is any good, but they seem to be riding a wave of momentum. On the other side, the Volunteers seem to be a solid team, but I am yet to be wowed by them. I see the game being very tight up until the fourth quarter. Alabama will do just enough to get the edge and pull off the victory. Alabama wins and keeps their playoff hopes alive.  (Alabama, 17-14)  

Final Score:  Alabama 37   Tennessee 20  

Cory:  It’s easy to look at Georgia Tech, see they’re No. 12 in the country, and see they’re undefeated and think this will be a cake walk. It won’t. The Yellow Jackets have played an easy schedule so far, and Duke is not a pushover. In this game I see a battle of two great college quarterbacks – Haynes King at Georgia Tech, and Darian Mensah at Duke. King, who also leads the team in rushing, is one of the toughest quarterbacks in the nation. Mensah can put himself in the Heisman competition with a win this week. The difference is the running game. Duke struggles to defend the run and Georgia Tech is great at it.   Georgia Tech 24, Duke 20

Dave:  Georgia Tech 24  Duke 21

Gregg:  Georgia Tech is in driver seat to play in the ACC championship.  The Yellow Jackets  will go on the road and take a close win against the Blue Devils, but Duke will still have a great showing and go on to get a New Year’s say bowl game.   Georgia Tech 20  Duke 17

Jason:  Duke’s rested defense and ability to generate turnovers give it the upper hand, especially at home. Georgia Tech’s offense, led by Haynes King, can move the ball and strike quickly, but its negative turnover margin and inconsistency make it hard to trust against a disciplined Blue Devils team.

If Georgia Tech starts fast and protects the ball, it can keep things close. However, Duke’s defensive pressure and balanced scoring should wear the Yellow Jackets down in the second half.   Duke 31 Georgia Tech 28

Joe-S-U:  Duke

John:  Georgia Tech 

Josh: This is the kind of ACC matchup that sneaks under the radar but ends up deciding bowl bids later in the season. Georgia Tech has been one of the league’s pleasant surprises, building off quarterback Haynes King’s poise and a defense that flies to the football. Duke, though, has been a different team at home — gritty, well-coached, and opportunistic. The Blue Devils’ secondary is good enough to frustrate King if the pass rush doesn’t hold up. Expect Duke to come out emotional, feeding off the home crowd and trying to steal early momentum. The key will be finishing drives — the Devils have settled for field goals far too often this year, and Georgia Tech’s explosive offense can erase a deficit fast. Wideouts Malik Rutherford and Eric Singleton Jr. remain matchup nightmares for smaller corners. If Duke can contain those deep shots and stay balanced offensively, the upset is absolutely in play. But Tech’s speed on both sides gives them the edge in a fourth-quarter nail-biter. Georgia Tech 27, Duke 24

Steven:  Georgia Tech QB Haynes King is leading the team in both passing and rushing. He will have to be on his toes this week as Duke currently is top 20 in sacks. Sacking an option QBis always a tall order, so it will be the Blue Devils’s first order of business to contain King as much as possible. Unlike many Georgia Tech teams of recent memory, the ground game isn’t a one trick pony. King can throw. The Yellow Jackets are 63rd nationally in passing (better than Georgia) and 13th in total offense. Duke’s defense will be hard pressed to keep up with King and the Jackets. The Ramblin’ Wreck 34-21.

Trout:  I’ll give the edge to the Yellow Jackets. I think their quarterback had the ability to be a difference maker. He may not play on Sundays, but he’s proven to be a key figure in their success. With Duke, they can be a decent team, but I don’t think they have it in them to play spoiler. They’ll challenge Georgia Tech, but I don’t see them having enough to win. I think the game remains close until the end, where Georgia Tech pulls off the win with a last minute field goal.   (Georgia Tech, 27-24)

Final Score:  Georgia Tech 27   Duke 18 

Cory:  It is time for people to start paying attention to Texas Tech. The Red Raiders are legit. They are stomping teams – so far their closest game has been a 34-10 win over Utah, and that game was on the road! They’ve got two good quarterbacks, a great running back in Cameron Dickey, and one of the best defensive lines in the nation. Arizona State is coming off a bad loss to Utah, and lot of it has to do with the injury to Sam Leavitt. The Sun Devils had to start former Nebraska quarterback Jeff Sims under center last week and they could barely move the ball. Even if Leavitt returns this week, I still favor Texas Tech by a lot.   Texas Tech 35, Arizona State 20

Dave:  Texas Tech 32  ASU 21 

Gregg:  Arizona State was in the playoffs last year and even had a bye.  Flash forward to this year, they lose to Mississippi and then their last game to Utah and all of the sudden they are on the fringe of being the first playoff team from last year to eliminate themselves this year.  Texas Tech has been strong all this year and looks like a team that can go deep in the post-season.  Look for the Red Raiders to take care of business and keep their lead in the B12.  Texas Tech 31  Arizona State 27  

Jason:  The undefeated and 7th ranked Red Raiders enter with the nation’s top passing offense and a balanced rushing attack having yet to trail in a game this season and lead the FBS in average margin of victory. Coach Joey McGuire’s team is explosive, disciplined, and capable of scoring from anywhere on the field. The Sun Devils are looking to bounce back after getting drubbed 42–10 by Utah, where they allowed 276 rushing yards. QB Sam Leavitt, who missed the Utah game due to injury, could be back and his availability will boost an offensive averaging 423 total yards per game. While Texas Tech’s offense is elite, Arizona State’s defensive discipline and ball-control offense may help them pull a big upset at home. Their defense is capable of generating pressure which can limit explosive plays. They will need to convert 3rd downs to keep drives alive and minimize turnovers to have a shot. This should be a high scoring game as both teams average over 400 yards per game and if Leavitt returns, the Sun Devils have more than enough to keep up in a track meet. When it’s all said and done however, Texas Tech’s depth and offensive firepower make them the better team, but Arizona State can keep it somewhat close on the back of Leavitt.   Texas Tech 42 Arizona State 31

Joe-S-U:  Texas Tech

John:  Texas Tech 

Josh: Out west, this one could quietly turn into a shootout. Texas Tech brings one of the most underrated quarterback-receiver duos in the country with Behren Morton and Caleb Douglas, and they’ll look to stretch an Arizona State secondary that’s given up chunk plays all season. The Sun Devils, still rebuilding under Kenny Dillingham, have shown flashes but lack consistency up front — their offensive line has allowed too many hits and drive-killing sacks. Expect Tech to set the tone early with tempo and quick strikes, forcing ASU to chase points. The Red Raiders’ defense isn’t elite, but it doesn’t need to be — just opportunistic. If they can pressure Trenton Bourguet and create a turnover or two, it’ll snowball quickly. By the fourth quarter, Morton’s rhythm passing and ASU’s lack of depth will tell the story. The Red Raiders should keep their unbeaten streak alive and make another statement in the Big 12 race.   Texas Tech 36, Arizona State 17

Steven:  The Red Raiders have been running roughshod over the competition this year. QB Behren Morton has already amassed just over 1,500 yards passing and sports a 13/3 TD to INT ratio. The Sun Devil defense gives up 336 yards per game, and I expect that to be surpassed by Tech this weekend. Tech leads the nation in total offense is second in scoring. This should be done by the end of the first half.   Red Raiders 49-19. 

Trout:  The Red Raiders will win this game, but I can see the Sun Devils putting up a good fight against them. Arizona State is still a decent team, but they seem to be missing the magic that propelled them to the playoffs last year. While Texas Tech is shaping up to be the top team in the Big 12. I think the game is close for a while, but towards the end of the game, Texas Tech will begin to pull away and wins by a fews scores. The Red Raiders win and keep their unbeaten streak alive.   (Texas Tech, 31-17)

Final Score:  Arizona State 26   Texas Tech 22