Week 8 college football results highlight Cincinnati, LSU, Miami and Northwestern performances
Cincinnati extended its lead over Texas Tech, LSU defeated Auburn, Miami stayed unbeaten against Pittsburgh, and Northwestern opened a strong lead against Rutgers in Week 8 action.
Cincinnati built a 16-point advantage heading into the fourth quarter of its game against No. 8 Texas Tech, leading 31-15 after a third-quarter pick-six and a subsequent field-goal miss by the Red Raiders. Quarterback J.C. French IV added a fourth touchdown pass to widen the margin.
No. 23 SMU reclaimed the lead against Cal in the second half, scoring touchdowns on its first two drives after halftime. SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings recorded 140 passing yards and two touchdowns, while running back Kendrick Raphael contributed 85 rushing yards and a score.
Michigan failed to score after a promising drive in the second half against No. 6 Indiana. A third-and-goal play from the one-yard line resulted in a 13-yard loss, and a subsequent 32-yard field-goal attempt missed to the left.
No. 18 LSU took a 31-10 lead over Auburn at halftime, with quarterback Sam Leavitt throwing for 261 yards and three touchdowns and adding a rushing score. Wide receiver Jackson Harris recorded a 70-yard touchdown reception, bringing his total to 139 yards and two scores.
Miami's Malachi Toney caught a 53-yard touchdown pass against Pittsburgh, giving the Hurricanes a 24-7 halftime lead. Toney finished the first half with 12 receptions for 161 yards.
Northwestern surged to a 21-3 lead over Rutgers in the first quarter, as quarterback Aidan Chiles threw two touchdown passes and ran for another. The Wildcats accumulated 166 total yards in the opening period.
Mississippi State announced that quarterback Kamario Taylor, who missed the previous week with a foot injury, will be available for the upcoming game against Oklahoma. Taylor has thrown for 1,450 yards and 17 touchdowns this season.
College Football Playoff rankings were updated, with Miami and Georgia positioned at the top of the tiered list, while BYU and Ohio State remain in contention.
Analysts noted that the lack of top-25 matchups this week could increase the potential for upsets, highlighting BYU and Indiana as teams to watch.
In other news, Texas Athletic Director Chris Del Conte said the program remains stable despite recent challenges, stating, "Rome is not burning."