Miami climbs to No. 1 as Big 12 setbacks curb playoff hopes
Miami reached an unbeaten 7-0 record and earned the AP No. 1 ranking, while the Big 12 saw its playoff chances shrink after upsets to BYU and Texas Tech.
Miami surged to the top of the AP poll after a 52-23 victory over Pittsburgh, improving to 7-0 overall and 5-0 in ACC play. Quarterback Darian Mensah threw for 387 yards and four touchdowns, and wide receiver Malachi Toney added 194 receiving yards with three scores. The win gave the Hurricanes their first No. 1 ranking since 2002.
The Big 12's playoff prospects weakened following double-overtime loss by No. 2 BYU to UCF and a 37-24 defeat of No. 8 Texas Tech by Cincinnati. Analysts expect the conference to finish the season with only two teams in the top 12 and none in the AP top five, ending its early lead in the race for multiple College Football Playoff spots.
Baylor's season took another hit as a 25-24 loss to Kansas snapped a 14-game winning streak against the Jayhawks and intensified speculation about head coach Dave Aranda's future. The Bears surrendered a 21-10 lead in the fourth quarter and failed to convert a potential game-winning field goal.
South Carolina earned a second consecutive ranked win, upsetting No. 11 Tennessee 27-24 on a last-second play. Quarterback LaNorris Sellers contributed 210 passing yards, 96 rushing yards and three total touchdowns, while the defense recorded a key sack late in the game. The Gamecocks now face No. 5 Georgia in their final matchup.
James Madison's hopes for a Group of Six playoff berth were dented by a 34-31 overtime loss to Appalachian State, leaving the Dukes at 7-1 and limiting their margin for error in the Sun Belt race.
Minnesota also posted a notable win, adding to the list of teams that improved their standing in Week 8.