College Football Week 8: Upsets Brewing, hidden Gems, and Must-Watch Matchups
Week 8 of the college football season promises a compelling mix of Power five showdowns and intriguing contests from the lower divisions. You’re likely looking for insights beyond the headlines, and we’re here to deliver a extensive preview, highlighting potential upsets, key storylines, and games you absolutely shouldn’t miss. Let’s dive in.
Power Five Spotlight: Utah at Colorado – A Potential Trap Game
Utah travels to Boulder to face Colorado,and while the Utes are favored,this game isn’t a guaranteed win. Kaidon Salter and the Buffaloes possess notable offensive firepower, capable of explosive plays.Current betting lines show Utah as a 12.5-point favorite (down from 14.5), but analytical models suggest a wider margin.
* SP+ Projection: Utah by 17.0 points.
* FPI Projection: Utah by 11.2 points.
Don’t underestimate Colorado’s ability to make this a competitive contest. It could be a tricky situation for the Utes.
Smaller-School Showcase: Week 8’s Hidden Gems
beyond the major conferences, some of the most inspiring stories in college football are unfolding at the FCS, Division II, and Division III levels. Here are three games that deserve your attention this weekend.
FCS: Presbyterian at Dayton – An Unlikely Rise
Presbyterian is experiencing a remarkable turnaround, and it’s a story you need to know. For 16 years in FCS, the Blue Hose struggled, averaging just 2.8 wins per season. Remember the “Never Punts” strategy from 2021? It didn’t promptly translate to success, with a 1-10 record in 2022.
However, head coach Steve Englehart has orchestrated a stunning conversion. Presbyterian finished 6-6 in 2024, then surged to an undefeated 7-0 record in 2025, currently ranked 16th in FCS SP+. They’re outscoring opponents 41-14 on average.
* Key Players: Quarterback Collin Hurst leads a balanced attack.
* Defensive Strength: A secondary that has intercepted 10 passes is a major asset.
dayton, ranked 31st in SP+, presents a tough challenge. They suffered a narrow loss to Butler last week, but their defense allows only 16.1 points per game.
* SP+ projection: Presbyterian by 4.9 points.
This game has the potential to be a closely contested battle.
Division II: Grand Valley State at Ferris State – The Anchor-Bone Classic
the annual Anchor-bone Classic is always a highlight of the Division II season. Top-ranked ferris State remains a powerhouse, even after losing key offensive players to FBS programs. Redshirt freshman quarterback Wyatt Bower is exceeding expectations, continuing a tradition of strong quarterback play.
Grand Valley State faces a critical game. They’re 4-2 after an upset loss to Saginaw Valley State, and another defeat could jeopardize their playoff hopes. This is a must-win situation for the Lakers.
* SP+ Projection: Ferris State by 12.9 points.
Expect a hard-fought contest between two of Division II’s elite programs.
Division III: Wisconsin-Platteville at Wisconsin-Whitewater - A Six-Team Logjam
The Wisconsin intercollegiate athletic Conference (WIAC) is delivering a thrilling three-way race for the conference title. Six teams are currently tied at 2-1, creating a highly competitive habitat. Wisconsin-La Crosse hosts Wisconsin-Oshkosh in another key matchup, but the spotlight is on the game between No. 8 Wisconsin-Platteville and No. 9 Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Both teams boast top-five defenses in Division III, according to SP+.This suggests a physical, low-scoring affair.It’s a game that will likely be decided by defensive execution and special teams play.
* SP+ projection: Wisconsin-Whitewater by