WEEK 8 SLATE PREVIEW

Overall it is a huge weekend of college football with elite games spread out throughout the day. Two top10 matchups and many games with massive conference championship implications.

Undefeated BIG10 East foes Penn State and Michigan highlight the early slate. Assuming the East is represented by one of Penn State, Michigan, or Ohio State this is a huge game to hold any tiebreakers if Ohio State drops a game. The top10 matchup may not be the most exciting stylistically but with Michigan favored by just 6.5 points, it should be a great game.

Staying in the BIG10, the matchup between Minnesota and Illinois has suddenly become a massive game with traditional powers Iowa and Wisconsin dropping two conference games already. Unfortunately, Illinois starting QB Tommy Devito was injured last week and the offense may take a huge step back with Artur Sitkowski at the helm. This game features two excellent defenses so if you're into that then bump that hype rating!

Last week's tilt against Texas A&M was once the circled game on the calendar for Alabama to start the year. As Texas A&M struggled early this year the game quickly lost its luster, fortunately, it ended up being a great game. Tennessee has surged into the top10 this year and their offensive onslaught continues to have Vols fans excited. This has easily become the most talked-about game of the year. Hopefully Bryce Young plays to give this game the full experience.

A huge game in the BIG12 involving 2 of the 3 remaining unbeaten in conference play. Oklahoma State and TCU both feature exciting offenses and average at best defenses. Featuring one of the highest game totals of the day (68.5 points) this game not only has huge implications but should be fun to watch.

By far the largest test for USC so far this season. Even though Utah dropped their second game of the year last week against UCLA this game still has plenty of luster. Utah matches up very well with USC stylistically and is actually favored by 3.5 which may shock many. This game being played in Utah instead of USC definitely adds to the allure as a fan given the better atmosphere.

It has been a while since Clemson and Florida State played a huge game. Florida State is having a much improved season and the line is just Clemson -4.5 points. Florida State has already dropped two conference games so their ACC hopes may be dashed, but the hype around the program is finally back and should result in an electric atmosphere for a big matchup like this.

Until Duke lost last week against Georgia Tech, this week's matchup against North Carlina could have been the most hyped matchup in the rivalry in quite some time. Duke is a surprising 4-2 and a win against their cross-town rival could put them right in the hunt for an ACC Coastal championship with no real frontrunner at the moment.

Lastly, a must-win game for Mississippi State with Alabama on deck next week. Kentucky looked pretty poor last week without Will Levis at quarterback, if he is back this should be a great game.