College football schedule, games today: What to watch in Week 8 while Florida is off

Football

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Sitting just outside the top 10 in the nation, No. 11 Florida Gators football gets to enjoy their bye week on Saturday after going 6-1 (4-1 SEC) through the first half of the 2018 season. Though Florida was upset early in the season by Kentucky at home, it has since rebounded to win five straight games, including consecutive contests against ranked opponents. The Gators have won three SEC road games already this season, and they are faced with a tough showdown next week when Florida meets No. 8 Georgia in Jacksonville, Florida.

But just because the Gators are not on the field Saturday does not mean there’s a lack of worthwhile games to watch over the course of the day. OnlyGators.com is here to point out the best and most interesting games to keep an eye on this weekend. All times Eastern

Games you must watch

No. 1 Alabama (7-0) at Tennessee (3-3) — 3:30 p.m. on CBS: While the Crimson Tide are four-touchdown favorites, they will be playing this game on the road against a Volunteers team that just surprised many by knocking off Auburn. If Florida has any shot at the College Football Playoff, it wants Alabama to remain undefeated heading into the SEC Championship Game. Even if the Gators never make it there, a potentially 11-1 Florida (remember Bama last year?) would have quite a case for the No. 4 spot. It will also be interesting to see whether Tennessee has truly improved as the season has gone along or if Auburn really is just that bad this year.

No. 22 Mississippi State (4-2) at No. 5 LSU (6-1) — 7 p.m. on ESPN: A matchup of UF’s SEC West foes this season, both of which the Gators beat as ranked teams. It would be a surprise to see the Tigers fall to the Bulldogs here, but even so, it will be interesting with Alabama-LSU coming up soon. Florida should want LSU to win this one and retain its high ranking so UF’s victory looks better and better with each passing week.

Vanderbilt (3-4) at No. 14 Kentucky (5-1) — 7:30 p.m. on SEC Network: It will be interesting to see how the Wildcats respond after being edged by Texas A&M on the road. UK holds the tiebreaker, and another SEC loss would put Florida in great position. It would also make its come-from-behind win over Vandy last week that much sweeter. Of course, the Commodores beating the Wildcats would knock them from the top 25 … so that would probably negate any benefit from an upset here.

Games you should watch

No. 6 Michigan (6-1) at No. 24 Michigan State (4-2) – Noon on FOX: A big rivalry game airing early in the day without much competition is good enough reason to tune-in. The fact that Michigan has dominated Florida in their last two meetings and could very well — once again — be a bowl game opponent is another. There is also a top 10 slot that could open up should the Wolverines get beat on Saturday.

No. 16 NC State (5-0) at No. 3 Clemson (6-0) – 3:30 p.m. on ESPN: The Tigers’ schedule is not loaded with tough opponents, and the Wildcats are likely overrated after an easy early slate. Still, it’s the top ranked meeting of the day and a great channel-flipper when you’re not watching Alabama-Tennessee.

Games you could watch

No. 9 Oklahoma (5-1) at TCU (3-3) – Noon on ABC: Speaking of top 10 spots opening up, the Sooners have been dreadful defensively this season and may slip further on Saturday. That said, the Horned Frogs have been even worse. Oklahoma should roll when all is said and done, but it’s an early game and worth paying attention to.

Memphis (4-3) at Missouri (3-3) – 4 p.m. on SEC Network: The Gators host the Tigers in two weeks, and Mizzou gets an opportunity here against a team that nearly knocked off still-undefeated UCF last week. Mizzou is already 0-3 in SEC play but was in it early against Georgia and all game long against South Carolina.