College football Week 8 preview: Texas-Georgia, five midseason surprises and more

Week 8 of college football is here, and we have some exciting conference matchups to look forward to on Saturday. No. 5 Georgia faces off against No. 1 Texas in Austin, while No. 11 Alabama takes on No. 7 Tennessee. These games are crucial as we approach the midseason point with the playoffs looming. The Longhorns need to focus on their passing game, while the Bulldogs aim to play a complete game. Also, the Zombieland touchdown celebration, popularized by Miami QB Cam Ward, has an interesting origin story. Stay tuned for more exciting matchups and storylines in Week 8! Davis proudly claimed to be the first to perform the Zombieland touchdown celebration on national TV in 2022. The Hilltoppers attached different meanings to it, including jabbing at opponents. Ward adopted the celebration at Washington State in 2023 and continued at Miami. The celebration has spread, with NFL and college players joining in. The Alabama vs. Tennessee game is crucial for playoff contention. Both teams are 5-1 and facing tough tests ahead. Vanderbilt’s upset over Alabama and Ashton Jeanty’s impressive season are notable surprises. Indiana’s success under new coach Curt Cignetti is also highlighted in the midseason review. Texas A&M, Syracuse, Duke, and UL Monroe are all being recognized for their impressive 5-1 starts with new coaching staffs. On the flip side, it’s shocking to see Florida State, once a playoff contender, struggling at 1-5 and unlikely to make a bowl game. Several other preseason top 25 teams have also fallen out of the rankings. The quarterback position has been a challenge for many teams, with high-profile players like DJ Uiagalelei and Jackson Arnold facing difficulties, while others have been sidelined by injuries or poor performance. It’s been a tough season for many teams, but those who have had success at quarterback should count themselves lucky.