As we reach week eight, the top teams in the Border Eight are coming more into view.
In the Big 10, Nebraska and Illinois both had bye weeks, and Iowa might as well have been on one. The Hawkeyes, who were only giving up nine points a game, got 54 dropped on their heads versus number 2 Ohio State in a 54-10 blowout.
Northwestern played a much better game than they have played the last few weeks, but still came up short to Maryland 31-24.
Over in the ACC, Louisville had a shot against the defending ACC champions in Pitt and capitalized at home winning 24-10 despite a shaky game from Malik Cunningham as he went 10/21 for 122 yards with 2 touchdowns and an interception.
In the SEC, Kentucky and Arkansas both had bye weeks and Tennessee had a “playable bye week” as they beat up cupcake UT Martin 65-24.
The Vanderbilt Commodores played a scrappy game against the hometown Missouri tigers, but came up just short 17-14 as Mizzou won “the battle for last place” in the SEC.
In the Big 12, Oklahoma and Iowa State both were idle as they prepared to play next week.
Over in Stillwater though, the Cowboys had a huge bounce back win over number 22 Texas to keep their Big 12 and playoff hopes alive.
Kansas State took their first conference loss of the season after blowing a 28-10 lead and losing to TCU 38-28.
The Kansas Jayhawks were also on the losing end as their rally from down 28-3 came up just short against Baylor as they lost 35-23. This is Kansas’s third consecutive loss after starting 5-0.
Down in the Group of Five, Northern Illinois was not able to keep their momentum going from last week’s blowout of Eastern Michigan as they lost to Ohio 24-17.
In the Conference USA, Middle Tennessee was idle, but Western Kentucky got a signature win over UAB 20-17.
In the American Athletic Conference, Memphis tried to rally down 35-0 against an amazing Tulane team but could not complete the comeback and lost 38-28.
Tulsa on the other hand won in a Friday night game versus Temple 27-16 to get their first conference win of the season.
Finally in the Sun Belt, Arkansas State took their sixth loss of the season to ULL 38-18.
The Border Eight teams finished a combined 5-8 on the week with seven teams on bye weeks.
Border Eight Standings:
(Rank) (Team) (Overall Record) (Record against other Border Eight Teams)
Tennessee (7-0) (0-0) Illinois (6-1) (1-0) Oklahoma State (0-0) Kansas State (2-0) Kentucky (5-2) (1-0) Western Kentucky (5-3) (1-0) Kansas (5-3) (1-1) Oklahoma (4-3) (2-1) Louisville (4-3) (0-0) Arkansas (4-3) (0-0) Memphis (4-4) (1-0) Tulsa (3-4) (1-0) Iowa State (3-4) (1-2) MTSU (3-4) (0-1) Nebraska (3-4) (0-2) Iowa (3-4) (0-2) Vanderbilt (3-5) (1-0) Arkansas State (2-6) (0-1) Northern Illinois (2-6) (0-3) Northwestern (1-6) (1-0)