Mandatory Credit: Photo by Jeffrey McWhorter/AP/Shutterstock (13448896o) Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) throws a pass in front of Oklahoma defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) during the first half of an NCAA college football game at the Cotton Bowl, in Dallas Texas Oklahoma Football, Dallas, United States – 08 Oct 2022

College Football – Rank the Region – Week 8

Clovis Shropshire
October 19, 2022
0
8 minutes read

1. TCU – TCU’s comeback win over Oklahoma State solidified their place among the nation’s best after outscoring OSU 14-0 in the 4^th quarter to force overtime. This week presents another significant challenge as Kansas State brings the nation’s 7^th best rushing offense to Ft. Worth in another battle of ranked Big 12 teams. The Horned Frogs have proven they can win in blowout and come-from-behind fashion. If they secure another win this weekend, this TCU team may find themselves inside the top five.

2. Texas – In years past, Texas would have found a way to lose the style game that was played on Saturday against Iowa State. In what was as classic a trap game as you’ll find coming off the blowout win over OU, Texas found themselves in a hole early to the Cyclones before ultimately finding a way to win. In an odd way, it was encouraging to see the maturity in this Texas team to find a way to win ugly. This week’s contest against Oklahoma State in Stillwater will determine whether this Texas team will remain relevant in the chase for the Big 12 Championship.

3. LSU – It feels like playing spin the wheel each week to determine which version of LSU we’re going to get, as this week’s LSU provided a convincing win over Florida for their 4^th straight over the Gators. If Jayden Daniels can continue to play at the level he showed Saturday in a performance that totaled six touchdowns and almost 350 yards through the air, the Tigers could play the role of spoiler again this week against #7 Ole Miss.

4. Tulane – The incredible bounce back year for the Green Wave continues as Tulane topped South Florida 45-31 to get themselves back in the AP Top 25 for the first time since 1998. The key to success for Tulane remains their top-20 defense. If that unit can continue to play at the level it’s shown in the first half of the season, this Green Wave team could be a legitimate contender to unseat Cincinnati for the AAC title.

5. Baylor – It is never easy to get a win at night in Morgantown which the Baylor Bears experienced Thursday night. The Bears’ blocked extra point that was returned for two points proved to be one of the most decisive plays in a game that felt like Baylor was a play away from putting West Virginia away for good. Baylor needs a win badly this week against a banged-up Kansas to help get the season back on track.

6. Texas Tech – The Red Raiders were on a bye last week but the good news is that Tyler Shough, the starting QB to open the season, looks to be back healthy. Head Coach Joey McGuire has already stated if Shough can go that we will likely see all three QB’s this week against West Virginia.

7. Texas A&M – The Aggies were on a bye last week, with a must win game against South Carolina to look forward to this Saturday.

8. Houston – Houston is coming off a much needed bye week. For as poor as the start to the season was for the Cougars, they still have just one conference loss. If they can win on the road at Navy on Saturday, there is still a path for them in the AAC.

9. SMU – Similar to the Houston Cougars, SMU has just one conference loss in a season that has felt much worse than their record would indicate. The Ponies have a massive opportunity this weekend as they play host to AAC favorite #21 Cincinnati. SMU is just a field goal underdog in this game and could turn their entire season around if they pull off the upset.

10. UTSA – The Roadrunners played with their food for the first quarter against FIU before ultimately putting away the Panthers in route to their 3^rd conference win of the season. North Texas comes to town this weekend in a battle of conference unbeatens that will help solidify which of these teams will remain the favorite in CUSA.

11. North Texas – UNT seems to have found their way in CUSA play as the Mean Green are now 3-0 in conference after throttling La Tech on Saturday. UNT ran for 475 yards on their way to a 47-27 win that has them in the driver’s seat along with UTSA. This week’s matchup against the Roadrunners will give us a clear picture on whether the Mean Green are for real as a true CUSA contender.

12. Rice – Rice jumped out to an early 14-0 lead over FAU but didn’t score again as their offense sputtered to a 17-14 loss. The Owls are certainly an improved team, specifically on the defensive side of the ball, but the turnover issues continue to plague the team as a whole. Rice is 125^th in the nation with 11 interceptions through just 6 games of the season. There are enough winnable games left on the schedule to get to a bowl, but the turnovers will have to be eliminated.

13. Texas State – After shocking the world against APP State, the Bobcats fell just short of another conference upset in a 17-14 loss at Troy. Texas State’s inability to run the ball effectively continues to plague them, but this is clearly a better team than was expected going into the season. The Bobcats are a slight home underdog this week against a Southern Miss team that has a road win over Tulane.

14. UTEP – Utep returns home this week after coming off a bye. The Miners have back to back home games against FAU and Middle Tennessee, and likely need to win both if their bowl game hopes are to stay alive.