Week Eight is right around the halfway point of the college football season. That makes it a key point in the year for teams in contention to figure out where they are going into the back half of it.
In a recent episode of ‘Always College Football’, Greg McElroy took a look at four games that could go unnoticed but may have a major effect on the College Football Playoff. In doing so, he noted how this slate of games is the one with the most matchups that fit that description to him.
“This week is the best one if you’re looking for under the radar games involving playoff teams – playoff implications potentially on the line,” said McElroy.
McElroy’s picks begin late on Friday with Oklahoma State going to BYU. With the Cougars taking the ‘Pokes to double overtime a season ago in a 40-34 result, he circled this one as it could have a major impact before the rest of the games even begin for the weekend.
“10:15 eastern time kick – Oklahoma State at BYU. This was a crazy game last year. BYU almost went to Stillwater and got it done. Now, Oklahoma State returns to BYU,” McElroy said. “Maybe BYU, this time, can upset a team with legitimate Big 12 title and College Football Playoff hopes.”
Next in McElroy’s selections was Notre Dame traveling to Atlanta to face Georgia Tech. In doing so, he compared it to the Fighting Irish’s loss last season at Louisville, especially since he sees the Yellow Jackets as an opponent that could surprise several throughout the year.
“Notre Dame at Georgia is on Week Eight as well,” said McElroy. “Notre Dame needs to be very careful. I’ve already talked about Georgia Tech as it relates to Florida State. I think Georgia Tech has a lot of team speed. That could be one, like last year where they go on the road – around the time of year, Week Eight or Week Nine. Last year, they went to Louisville. This year? Maybe they go to Georgia Tech and maybe they run into a bit of a buzzsaw.”
Third on the list for McElroy was another matchup within the ACC in Miami at Louisville. The Hurricanes and Cardinals played an exciting, 38-31 outcome in 2023 from Coral Gables. Now, in 2024, the two, who will both be looking to contend in their conference, will meet again.
“Miami at Louisville is another game with playoff implications,” McElroy said. “A very tough road game for Miami against a team that has legitimate ACC Championship hopes as well.”
Finally, McElroy took another Big 12 contest with his last choice in Kansas State versus West Virginia. While the Wildcats should be among the top teams in their league, a trip down those old country roads to meet the Mountaineers could catch up to them.
“I told you that I think Kansas State is the favorite in the Big 12 – totally expected. But West Virginia has a lot of pieces back that you’d love to have. They have one of best home-field environments in the Big 12,” McElroy said. “That game, Kansas State, can they survive a roadtrip to Morgantown? That’ll be a significant one.”
October 18th and 19th will mark a midway point in the fall for all these teams. That leaves it to each of them, including these eight, to set themselves up well for what’s left with wins over that weekend.
The post Greg McElroy lists under the radar Week 8 games to watch with CFP implications appeared first on On3.