ESPN updates power rankings after Week 8 of college football

The ESPN Power Rankings have been updated following a ridiculous Week 8 of college football. While the juicy ranked matchups we’ve grown accustomed to weren’t taking place, the upsets and craziness still took place.

To begin, Penn State‘s College Football Playoff hopes were dashed — and it took nine overtimes to do it. In a showdown that’ll live on for years, James Franklin’s squad simply couldn’t close the deal.

Additionally, the Oklahoma Sooners made a slate that originally looked weak very entertaining. Superman came to save the day though, as Caleb Williams quelled any ideas of a Kansas upset using his legs.

Many of the top teams in the ESPN Power Rankings got a much needed bye week in Week 8. For example, the Georgia Bulldogs, Michigan State Spartans and Florida Gators enjoyed a stressless week. Let’s take a look at the ESPN Power Rankings following Week 8.

ESPN Power Rankings after Week 8:

1) Georgia Bulldogs

2) Alabama Crimson Tide

3) Cincinnati Bearcats

4) Ohio State Buckeyes

5) Michigan Wolverines

6) Michigan State Spartans

7) Oklahoma Sooners

8) Oregon Ducks

9) Ole Miss Rebels

10) Iowa Hawkeyes

11) Notre Dame Fighting Irish

12) Wake Forest Demon Deacons

13) Texas A&M Aggies

14) Kentucky Wildcats

15) Oklahoma State Cowboys

16) Pittsburgh Panthers

17) SMU Mustangs

18) Baylor Bears

19) San Diego State Aztecs

20) Penn State Nittany Lions

21) Auburn Tigers

22) UTSA Roadrunners

23) Iowa State Cyclones

24) Coastal Carolina Chanticleers

25) Virginia Cavaliers

Winners

Wake Forest Demon Deacons: In a game that featured virtually no defense, the Demon Deacons found a way to get a victory. They remained undefeated by putting up 70 points on Army, climbing up to No. 12 in the ESPN Power Rankings. Their schedule picks up in the coming weeks, but Wake Forest can shock the world behind quarterback Sam Hartman.

Iowa State Cyclones: After two early season losses to Iowa and Baylor, the Cyclones were written off. Finally, Matt Campbell’s team got a signature win — ending Oklahoma State’s undefeated bid. It’s too little, too late for a College Football Playoff run, but Campbell’s team is working it’s way back up lists — like the ESPN Power Rankings.

Losers

Penn State Nittany Lions: Losing to Iowa with your backup quarterback was understandable, but letting Illinois come into your home stadium and win is a bad look. It doesn’t get any easier for the Nittany Lions, as they travel to play Ohio State this weekend.

Coastal Carolina Chanticleers: A team in Coastal Carolina’s position can’t afford to lose, and they blew their shot at a top-ten ranking by losing to Appalachian State. The Chanticleers wanted to shake up the ESPN Power Rankings, but instead they fell like a rock.