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Week 8 of the college football season has come and gone, but it didn’t leave quietly. Top ten upsets, bitter rivalries, and a Heisman season were dashed over the weekend.
Before we put the final stamp on the week that was, let’s take a closer look at the most significant moments from the weekend.
Here are the five biggest headlines from Week 8.
5. The Iowa Screwjob
THEY CALLED THIS AN INVALID FAIR CATCH??? OH NO IOWA pic.twitter.com/iImEwl6RPH
— Sickos Committee (@SickosCommittee) October 21, 2023
The biggest heartbreak of the weekend belongs to the Iowa Hawkeyes. The Hawkeyes were in desperate need of a miracle in the late moments of their game with Minnesota when punt returner Cooper DeJean delivered just that with what seemed like a game-winning touchdown return.
However, officials ruled that DeJean made an invalid fair catch before his epic return that would have given Iowa the victory. So the play was called dead, and one Hawkeyes turnover later, the Minnesota Golden Gophers were celebrating a 12-10 win.
4. A Sweet Alabama Victory
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) October 21, 2023
Tennessee was looking for a second consecutive victory over Alabama this past weekend, and at halftime, it felt like it may actually happen. However, the Crimson Tide decided to wake up in the second half, holding the Volunteers to 0 points.
Alabama’s 34-20 victory was an impressive display of halftime adjustments led by quarterback Jalen Milroe and his two touchdown passes. In the post-game, Saban indulged in the long tradition of having the victors of this game having a cigar.
For a moment, all is right in Tuscaloosa.
3. Virginia Is For Upsets
VIRGINIA UPSETS #10 NORTH CAROLINA.
WHAT AN INTERCEPTION FOR THE GAME!pic.twitter.com/SViHtOJoZo
— DraftKings (@DraftKings) October 22, 2023
North Carolina had been well on its way to a potential undefeated season. A one-win Virginia team stood in the way of the Tar Heels continuing to flex their muscles on the rest of the ACC. However, the Cavaliers didn’t get the memo on the UNC dream season.
Virginia shocked the entire college football world with their 31-27 victory over the top ten Tar Heels. This is the second straight weekend that a one-win team pulled off a massive upset in the ACC.
If you forgot the CW Network existed, then you have missed out on some brilliant ACC football.
2. USC Falls Again
UTAH TAKES DOWN USC ON A WALK-OFF FG 🚨 pic.twitter.com/xM3dUdRKJZ
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 22, 2023
Coming off of a dismantling defeat at the hands of Notre Dame, USC was hoping to right the ship against a team that they’ve had trouble taking down in recent memory. This past weekend’s matchup against Utah was no different than the last few meetings between the programs.
The Utes handed the Trojans their second straight defeat of the season with a walk-off 38-yard field goal. Leaving many to speculate about the future of Caleb Williams’ college football career.
Utah deserves all the credit for this performance as the program continues to climb back into the top ten conversation.
1. Buckeyes Own Nittany Lions
ICYMI: The Ohio State Defense BALLED OUT against Penn State 🔥 Relive its biggest plays ⬇️#GoBucks | #OhioState | #Buckeyes
pic.twitter.com/iQbxQYJbdu— Saturday Cadence Podcast (@SaturdayCadence) October 21, 2023
Penn State’s past has seemingly been decided by their performance in their matchup with Ohio State. Unfortunately, in recent memory, the Nittany Lions have not fared well in the matchup, but this season was supposed to be different.
Well, it wasn’t.
The Buckeyes won their seventh straight over Penn State, with their 20-12 victory on Saturday. The Nittany Lions have been so close to breaking that glass ceiling but can’t seem to find the right tools.
To paraphrase the great Michael Jordan, maybe the Nittany Lions ceiling is the roof.
