Until Saturday Newsletter: Your Guide to College Football Excitement

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Thrilling Games This Week

This week has already delivered some nail-biting action. On Tuesday, New Mexico State (2-5) triumphed over Louisiana Tech (2-4) in a gripping double-overtime showdown. The excitement continued on Wednesday as Sam Houston (5-2), a team that has been quietly making waves in its second FBS season, faced off against Western Kentucky (5-2) and fell short with a 31-14 loss. As we gear up for the weekend, let’s dive into the upcoming schedule and highlight some midseason awards.

Week 8 Viewer Guide

Friday Night Lights

The weekend kicks off with two ranked matchups on Friday night, setting the stage for an electrifying evening of college football.

• No. 2 Oregon (6-0) at Purdue (1-5) (8 p.m., Fox): The Boilermakers have struggled this season, ranking No. 123 in total defense and No. 106 in total offense. However, they managed to keep it close against No. 22 Illinois last week. Oregon, fresh off a big win against Ohio State, is a four-touchdown favorite, but they must avoid a post-victory hangover.

• Oklahoma State (3-3) at No. 13 BYU (6-0) (10:15 p.m., ESPN): The Cowboys are in search of their first win since September 14, while BYU has been climbing the polls. Last November, Oklahoma State edged BYU in a double-overtime thriller. This time, the Cougars are favored by 9.5 points.

Saturday’s Schedule

As we move into Saturday, the excitement continues with a variety of matchups, each with its own storylines and implications.

Early Games

• Most Important Game: Nebraska (5-1) at No. 16 Indiana (6-0). The undefeated Hoosiers are making headlines, projected as an 11-seed in the CFP. However, their wins have come against teams with a combined record of 14-23. The quarterback duel between Indiana’s seasoned Kurtis Rourke and Nebraska’s freshman sensation Dylan Raiola will be a highlight. Nebraska’s coach, Matt Rhule, emphasized the significance of this matchup, stating, “This is as big of a game as we’ve probably ever played.”

• Most Underrated Game: No. 6 Miami (6-0) at Louisville (4-2). Coming off a bye week, Miami has had two close calls recently. Quarterback Cam Ward leads the FBS in total offense and passing touchdowns, making this matchup one to watch. Louisville is no pushover, and fans can expect a high-scoring affair featuring the top two receivers in the ACC.

Afternoon Games

• Most Important Game: No. 7 Alabama (5-1) at No. 11 Tennessee (5-1). Both teams are looking to bounce back from recent upsets. Alabama’s Ryan Williams will be key against Tennessee’s second-ranked defense. This rivalry game is crucial for both teams’ CFP aspirations.

• Most Underrated Game: Colorado (4-2) at Arizona (3-3). Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan leads the Big 12 in receiving yards, while Colorado’s Travis Hunter is expected to return from injury. This matchup promises to be a showcase of talent.

Night Games

• Most Important Game: No. 5 Georgia (5-1) at No. 1 Texas (6-0). This highly anticipated matchup brings back memories of their last encounter in the 2019 Sugar Bowl. Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers will need to regain his rhythm against Georgia’s Carson Beck. The Longhorns are slight favorites in this clash of titans.

• Most Underrated Game: North Texas (5-1) at Memphis (5-1) (7:30 p.m., ESPNU). This rematch of last year’s thrilling 45-42 game is set to be another high-scoring affair. North Texas boasts a potent offense, while Memphis relies on its strong defense.

For a complete look at the Week 8 schedule, check out the full schedule here.

Midseason Awards

Did You Know Ryan Williams is 17?

As we reach the midseason point, it’s time to hand out some awards. The “Until Saturday” podcast recently discussed the “Middies,” recognizing standout performances and narratives.

• Best Transfer Portal Player: The nominees include Cam Ward, Diego Pavia, Kurtis Rourke, and Dillon Gabriel. The award went to Diego Pavia, whose impact at New Mexico State has been transformative, leading them to unexpected heights.

• Most Repetitive Media Narrative: This award went to Ryan Williams, highlighting the fact that he is only 17 years old. His youth has been a talking point throughout the season, drawing comparisons to past young talents in college football.

For more insights and discussions, listen to the “Until Saturday” podcast here.

Best Bets

A Big 12 Upset

Until Saturday Upset Special (2-4): Arizona State 27 (+5.5), Cincinnati 24. Both teams are coming off significant wins, but Arizona State faces challenges with their starting quarterback out. However, their strong rushing attack could lead them to an upset victory.

Quick Snaps

• Midseason Bowl Projections: As we look ahead to bowl season, midseason bowl projections are back, offering insights into potential matchups.

• Super League Proposals: The conversation around overcoming skepticism from the Big Ten and SEC continues, with super league proposals gaining traction.

Stay tuned for more updates, insights, and analysis as we continue to navigate the thrilling world of college football!