Week 8: The 5 Teams That Impressed Us The Most This Saturday
These five teams impressed us the most.
Week 8 of the college football season is in the books, and it was an eventful one. There were a number of exciting finishes, and at least two teams registered convincing rivalry game victories.
Let’s take a look at the five teams the teams that impressed us the most this Saturday, listed in alphabetical order:
Iowa State
The Cyclones are one of the fun surprises of the 2017 season. They knocked off Oklahoma two weeks ago, and today went on the road and thumped Texas Tech, winning 31-13. Kyle Kempt tossed three touchdowns, while running back David Montgomery rushed for 164 yards. Iowa State plays three ranked opponents (TCU, West Virginia and Oklahoma State) the next three weeks before finishing with Baylor and Kansas State. Mark your calendars, Cyclone fans. Your team will be going bowling this winter.
Mississippi State
A monster win for the Bulldogs, who destroyed Kentucky 45-7 at home. Sure, Kentucky was a bit of a soft 5-1, but that doesn't mean Mississippi State's win wasn't impressive. Nick Fitzgerald ran for two touchdowns and passed for one more. Keytaon Thompson also scored twice. Up next for Missisippi State? Texas A&M on the road and UMass at home, before a date with No. 1 Alabama o Nov. 11.
Notre Dame
Some were wondering just how good No. 13 Notre Dame was heading into tonight's rivalry game against No. 11 USC. Well, the Irish answered in resounding fashion, jumping out to a 28-0 halftime lead and blowing out the Trojans 49-14. Running back Josh Adams strengthened his budding Heisman resume with 191 rushing yards and three touchdowns, while quarterback Brandon Wimbush passed for 120 yards and two touchdowns. Wimbush also added 106 yards and two scores on the ground. Next week's game against NC State will be fun.
Penn State
Penn State took Michigan to the woodshed in its annual "White Out" game, winning 42-13. Quarterback Trace McSorley ran for three touchdowns and threw for one, and Heisman front-runner Saquon Barkley rushed for 108 yards and two more scores. Penn State also held Michigan to 269 yards of total offense. Up next is a prime time showdown next Saturday in Columbus against Ohio State. The winner will have the inside track to the Big Ten East title and the College Football Playoff.
Virginia Tech
UNC is not good, but the Hokies obliterated them, winning 59-7. Josh Jackson threw for three touchdowns, and Virginia Tech limited three different UNC quarterbacks to 8-of-22 passing for 118 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. For good measure, Virginia Tech scored touchdowns via interception return and punt return. In all likelihood, the winner of the VT-Miami game on Nov. 4 will win the ACC Coastal crown.
