After one of many greatest weeks of the season, week eight brings two extra huge video games, affecting the School Soccer Playoffs race and the race for the SEC Championship. So how did the Georgia Bulldogs, Tennessee Volunteers and Miami Hurricanes (amongst others) fare in Week 8 of the 2024 season?
The Longhorns Wrestle in opposition to Georgia
The quantity one-ranked Texas Longhorns confronted the five-ranked Georgia Bulldogs within the weekend sport. Texas got here into their first check of the season with an undefeated document and hoped to proceed this in opposition to the Bulldogs’ aspect, which has struggled on protection lately.
The sport didn’t begin nicely for both crew, with each their opening drives ending in punts. However Georgia would make the primary mistake within the sport. From their 23-yard line, the Longhorns’ protection intercepted the go from Bulldogs’ quarterback Carson Beck. Nevertheless, the error was vindicated, as Texas couldn’t do something from the following possession.
Historical past repeated itself on the following drive from the Bulldogs, as Beck’s go would once more be intercepted. This time, it occurred deep into the Longhorns’ territory on their five-yard line. However Georgia wouldn’t be with out the ball for lengthy. On the Texas 28-yard line, Longhorns’ quarterback Quinn Ewers can be sacked after which fumbled the ball. The Bulldogs scooped this up, and some performs later, Trevor Etienne discovered the endzone for a two-yard dashing landing to take the lead.
The Bulldogs added to their lead on their subsequent drive. Profiting from one other poor Texas drive, they began this drive in Longhorns’ territory. Nevertheless, they might not do something with this, forcing kicker Peyton Woodring to kick a 33-yard subject objective to offer them three factors.
In reply, one other mistake from the Longhorns. Ewers’ go was intercepted on the 34-yard line, and the Bulldogs had been capable of reap the benefits of this. Beck moved the offense right down to the Longhorns’ 15-yard line, and from right here, Etienne discovered his manner into the endzone for a 15-yard dashing TD.
Embed from Getty Photographs
Georgia prolonged their lead quickly after with a 48-yard subject objective from Woodring.
After this drive, the Longhorns made a change at quarterback, changing the struggling Ewers with Arch Manning. He couldn’t make any distinction, and in his last play earlier than the half, he fumbled the ball, which the Bulldogs recovered. They scored one other subject objective from this possession.
This meant that the Bulldogs had a 23-0 lead at halftime,
Texas had the primary possession of the second half and was capable of get off to the beginning they needed. With Quinn Ewers as a quarterback, he moved the offense right down to the Bulldogs, two-yard line. From right here, he discovered Isaiah Bond for the TD go. The next two-point conversion was additionally profitable.
After a turnover on down on their subsequent drive, issues did enhance for the Longhorns, as Beck threw his third interception of the sport. Nevertheless, the unique name on the play was defensive go interference. This resolution angered Texas coach Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns followers, who threw bottles onto the sphere.
Embed from Getty Photographs
After a evaluation, the choice was overturned, and the ruling was now that Beck’s go was intercepted and returned to the Bulldogs’ nine-yard line.
The Longhorns may rating from this possession, with Jaydon Blue discovering the endzone for a 17-yard dashing TD. In reply to this, the Bulldogs had been once more capable of rating, with Etienne discovering the endzone for his third landing.
Embed from Getty Photographs
Time was working out for Texas to launch a comeback. The comeback by no means got here. They turned the ball over on the remainder of their drives, primarily on a failed fourth-down conversion.
This meant that the quantity five-ranked Georgia Bulldogs defeated the quantity one-ranked Texas Longhorns 30-15.
The Longhorns crumbled on this sport. The usually sturdy offense couldn’t carry out, and the protection couldn’t sustain with Trevor Etienne. Now that each crew has misplaced, this does open up the SEC. Each groups fall to a 6-1 document total.
Subsequent week, Georgia is on a relaxation week whereas the Longhorns face Vanderbilt.
It’s Over for Bama
If the slate of weekly video games is sort of a UFC struggle card, this may be seen because the co-main occasion. The quantity seven-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide confronted the quantity 11-ranked Tennessee Volunteers. This was an vital sport for each groups, as that they had one loss. One other loss would put them out of rivalry for the SEC championship sport and doubtlessly a spot within the CFP. These two groups final met in 2022 in an all-time basic. Would we see the identical right here?
The sport didn’t begin nicely. On the second drive, the Volunteers fumbled the ball on the Alabama 18-yard line, which was scooped up by the Crimson Tide protection. Nevertheless, they might not do something with it.
A number of drives later, it was Alabama making a mistake. Jalen Milroes’ go was intercepted on the Volunteers’ three-yard line and returned into Alabama territory. Fortunately for the Crimson Tide, the Tennessee offense struggled, and this arrange a 53-yard subject objective for Volunteers kicker Max Gilbert. He missed this kick, maintaining the scores deadlocked in any respect zeros.
However Alabama quickly broke this impasse. Quarterback Jalen Milroe moved his offense right down to the Tennessee five-yard line and, from right here, discovered 17-year-old sensation Ryan Williams for the TD go. In reply, the Volunteers would throw an interception, which in addition they did on the drive after this one.
Embed from Getty Photographs
A pair of missed subject objectives capped off a dismal half of soccer on each side. Nevertheless, it did imply that Alabama had a slim 7-0 lead.
Like the primary half, the second half didn’t begin nicely. However Tennessee scored the primary factors.
Ranging from their nine-yard line, Volunteers quarterback Nico Iamaleava moved the offense down the sphere and to the Alabama two-yard line. From right here, Dylan Simpson discovered the endzone for a two-yard dashing landing to tie the sport.
However the tie didn’t final lengthy, as Alabama was capable of break into the Volunteers’ pink zone on their subsequent drive. Nevertheless, the drive stalled on the 17-yard line, leading to a profitable subject objective from Crimson Tide kicker Graham Nicholson from the 35-yard line.
However Tennessee was capable of strike again on their subsequent drive. A 3-yard dashing TD from Simpson returned the result in the Volunteers. They held this for about two minutes, as a seven-yard dashing TD from Justice Haynes gave the Crimson Tide a four-point lead because the groups entered the fourth quarter.
After a couple of drives that led to punts, Tennessee would strike once more. A 16-yard go from Iamaleave to Chris Brazzell II discovered the endzone to offer the Volunteers a three-point lead.
Embed from Getty Photographs
Alabama did attempt to regain this lead however turned the ball down on downs. This is able to be an enormous mistake, as Tennessee would rating a subject objective to increase the result in seven factors. Jalen Milroe needed to lead a game-winning drive to maintain Alabama’s season alive.
He couldn’t do that, because the opening go of his drive was intercepted. This meant that the quantity 11-ranked Tennessee Volunteers had defeated the quantity seven-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide 24-17.
This was a detailed sport; the victory was Tennessee’s second consecutive win over Alabama. The victory retains their season alive and places them in rivalry for the SEC championship sport now that there aren’t any extra undefeated groups. They enhance to 6-1 (3-1 SEC). As for Alabama, it’s the first time since 2007 (the primary Nick Saban season) that they’ve misplaced two video games earlier than November. They fall to 5-2 (2-2 SEC), and their season is on the rocks.
Subsequent week, Tennessee is on a relaxation week, whereas Alabama faces Missouri.
May Miami win the Natty?
Transferring away from the SEC, the quantity six ranked (and nonetheless undefeated) Miami Hurricanes face the Louisville Cardinals in an ACC conflict. Earlier than their relaxation week, Miami was fortunate to win at the very least two video games. Would they be fortunate to win one other one, or will this lastly be the day the Hurricanes lose?
The Hurricanes may get the sport’s first rating from their first drive. Ranging from their 29-yard line, the offense led by quarterback Cam Ward would transfer down the sphere to the Cardinals’ 37-yard line earlier than stalling. This arrange Miami kicker Andres Borregales with a 55-yard subject objective try, which he was profitable with.
In reply to this, the Cardinals shortly responded. A 43-yard dashing landing from Isaac Brown gave Louisville the lead. However this didn’t final lengthy, as Ward discovered Jacolby George for a 27-yard TD go on the next drive to return the result in Miami.
The Hurricanes prolonged this lead on their subsequent drive. Ward would discover Samuel Brown (no relation to the Louisville landing rating, Isaac Brown) for a 49-yard landing go. The Cardinals matched this on their subsequent drive when quarterback Tyler Shough discovered Mark Redman for a three-yard TD go.
Embed from Getty Photographs
However Louisville would make a mistake on their subsequent drive. On their three-yard line, Brown fumbled the ball, which the Hurricanes scooped up and returned for a landing.
On the ultimate half drive, the Cardinals scored a subject objective, Brock Travelstead efficiently making it from 22 yards out.
This implies the Hurricanes had a 24-14 lead over the Cardinals at halftime.
Miami had the opening drive of the second half and was ready so as to add to its lead. Ranging from their 25-yard line, Ward slowly moved right down to the Louisville nine-yard line, and from right here, he discovered Xavier Restrepo for the TD go.
Nevertheless, it was at this second that Louisville would achieve the momentum. On the kickoff, Caullin Lacy returned the ball to the endzone for a 100-yard landing. On the sport’s subsequent play, Cam Ward fumbled the ball, which the Cardinals recovered. On the following drive, Shough discovered Ja’Corey Brooks for a 21-yard landing go. After these three performs, the scores can be tied 31-31.
However Miami was not having this. On their subsequent drive, Ward discovered Isaiah Horton for a two-yard landing go to retake the lead. However the Cardinals replied when Shough discovered Duke Watson for a four-yard go to return the parity because the groups entered the fourth quarter.
Embed from Getty Photographs
Miami took the lead after this, with Ajay Allen scoring a two-yard dashing TD. They prolonged their lead on their subsequent drive, with Damien Martinez discovering the endzone from 30 yards out. With time working out and the sport out of attain, Louisville scored yet another landing. They need to have discovered Brooks for a four-yard TD go, nevertheless it was a comfort rating.
In the end, the quantity six ranked Miami Hurricanes defeated the Louisville Cardinals 52-45.
That is what School Soccer is all about. A high-scoring shootout between two potent offenses. The Hurricanes had been the stronger crew on this sport and improved to a 7-0 (3-0 ACC) document, whereas the Cardinals fell to a 4-3 (2-2 ACC document)
Subsequent week, the Hurricanes face Florida State, whereas Louisville performs Boston School.
What Occurred to the Different Ranked Groups?
#2 Oregon @ Purdue
The quantity two-ranked Oregon Geese confronted the Purdue Boilermakers after defeating Ohio State final week. In contrast to Ohio State, Purdue was a lot weaker. Geese QB Dillon Gabriel threw for 2 touchdowns as Oregon shut out the Boilermakers 35-0. This retains their undefeated season alive and may give them the number-one rating for subsequent week.
#8 LSU @ Arkansas
The quantity eight LSU Tigers confronted the Arkansas Razorbacks with their undefeated SEC document on the road. Tigers working again Caden Durham scored three touchdowns within the Tigers’ 34-10 win.
UCF @ #9 Iowa State
The quantity nine-ranked Iowa State Cyclones are undefeated and hoped to win one other sport this week in opposition to the UCF Knights. Nevertheless, quarterback Rocco Becht’s late landing gave them a 38-35 win, maintaining their undefeated season alive and placing them in command of the Massive 12.
Embed from Getty Photographs
Virginia @ #10 Clemson
The quantity 10 ranked Clemson Tigers are more likely to face Miami within the ACC Championship sport. They confronted the Virginia Cavaliers this week, and regardless of a comeback from the Cavs, the Tigers held on for victory. Clemson QB Cade Klubnik threw for 308 yards and three touchdowns within the 48-31 win.
#12 Notre Dame @ Georgia Tech
The quantity 12 ranked Notre Dame Combating Irish continued their hunt for a CFP place by defeating the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard was concerned in three touchdowns as they recorded a 31-13 win. Questions can now be requested about their prospects and rating if they didn’t lose to Northern Illinois, as they’d be undefeated if that didn’t occur.
Oklahoma State @ #13 BYU
The quantity 13-ranked BYU Cougars confronted the Oklahoma State Cowboys this week. The Cowboys wanted to win this sport, as they haven’t received a single sport within the Massive 12 this season. They had been very near doing this. This was till BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff discovered Darius Lassiter for a 35-yard TD go with 10 seconds to play. This gave the Cougars a 38-35 victory and stored their undefeated season alive.
#14 Texas A&M @ Mississippi State
The 14th-ranked Texas A&M Aggies confronted the struggling Mississippi State Bulldogs this week. Two touchdowns from working again Le’Veon Moss gave the Aggies a 34-24 win. This makes them undefeated in opposition to their fellow SEC opponents, which places them within the driving seat within the SEC.
Nebraska @ #16 Indiana
The quantity 16-ranked Indiana Hoosiers confronted their hardest check of the season to date, going through Dylan Raiola and the Nebraska Cornhuskers. They had been no match for the Hoosiers, who recorded a 56-7 win to maintain their undefeated season alive. Overlook Ohio State or Penn State; the Indiana Hoosiers are the closest problem to Oregon in the meanwhile.
#17 Kansas State @ West Virginia
After their victory over Colorado final week, the quantity 17 ranked Kansas State Wildcats confronted the West Virginia Mountaineers. This was a easy win for the Wildcats. Quarterback Avery Johnson threw for 298 yards and three touchdowns of their 45-18 win.
Embed from Getty Photographs
Auburn @ #19 Missouri
The quantity 19-ranked Missouri Tigers confronted the Auburn Tigers in a sport wherein Missouri QB Brady Prepare dinner left the sport to go to the hospital for an MRI examination. He returned and helped the Tigers to a fourth-quarter comeback victory over Auburn, with the ultimate rating being 21-17.
#21 SMU @ Stanford
The quantity 21-ranked SMU Mustangs travelled west to face the Stanford Cardinals. Mustangs quarterback Kevin Jennings threw for 3 touchdowns of their simple 40-10 win over the struggling Cardinal crew.
#24 Michigan @ #22 Illinois
The quantity 22-ranked Illinois Combating Illini confronted the quantity 24-ranked Michigan Wolverines. How the Wolverines are nonetheless ranked is past me. Fortunately, they won’t be subsequent week. Illinois dominated the defending nationwide champions to document a 21-7 win.
East Carolina @ #23 Military
The quantity 23 ranked Military Black Nights are undefeated and eventually ranked. They confronted the East Carolina Pirates this week and demolished them. Quarterback Bryson Each day scored six touchdowns within the 45-28 win, maintaining their undefeated season alive. Nevertheless, to play satan’s advocate for the second, they haven’t confronted any onerous opposition but.
Embed from Getty Photographs
Charlotte @ #25 Navy
The quantity 25 ranked Navy Midshipman are additionally undefeated and ranked this week. Just like the Military, they haven’t confronted tremendous robust opposition this week, and this week was not anticipated. They destroyed the Charlotte 49ers 51-17.
That was week 8 of the 2024 School Soccer season. Subsequent week, LSU faces Texas A&M in a battle for the SEC. Notre Dame hopes to sink the Navy’s undefeated season, and Ohio State will return to motion in opposition to Nebraska.
