College football predictions for AP Top 25 games in Week 8

A highly anticipated rivalry game is on tap this week as USC visits Notre Dame. There have been some storied meetings between the schools. The stakes won't be as high this go-round but more than pride is on the line. In the SEC, Ole Miss visits Georgia as Lane Kiffin and Kirby Smart match wits—a look at the Top 25 games in Week 8 of the college football season.

No. 25 Nebraska at Minnesota

The Cornhuskers slip back into the rankings and will be tested by a 4-2 Minneosta team. While Nebraska's 5-1 mark is impressive, its wins over Michigan State and Maryland won't scare the Golden Gophers. Prediction: Nebraska 23, Minnesota 20

No. 24 Cincinnati at Oklahoma State

The Bearcats will pummel a Cowboys program that is in disarray. Oklahoma State is more focused on next coach than the rest of this season. Prediction: Cincinnati 43. Oklahoma State 13

No. 23 Utah at No. 15 BYU

The Utes come to Provo for the Holy War. BYU has the higher ranking and the home field. However, it is also quite fortunate to be undefeated. The Cougars could have easily lost to Arizona last week. Utah is rolling and should pick up another "W." Prediction: Utah 27, BYU 23

No. 22 Memphis at UAB

Trent Dilfer is out at UAB and so is hope for the 2025 season. Memphis remains undefeated against a woeful foe. Prediction: Memphis 37, UAB 13

No. 21 Texas at Kentucky

Kentucky comes home after being pummeled on the road by South Carolina and Georgia. Texas found its mojo against Oklahoma and will not suffer a let down despite being on the road. The Longhorn defense came alive and did more than enough to relieve pressure from Arch Manning and the offense. Prediction: Texas 23, Kentucky 16

No. 20 USC at No. 13 Notre Dame

A storied rivalry is renewed as the Trojans visit the Fighting Irish. Notre dame has won four in a row and this is the stiffest test left on its schedule for the rest of the regular season. USC's lone loss came at Illinois on a last-second field goal. USC can derail any fleeting hopes ND has for a CFP bid. If the Irish win, they likely will run the rest of the table and think that makes a case. Prediction: USC 33, Notre Dame 27

FAU vs. No. 19 South Florida

South Florida comes off a powerhouse performance against formerly undefeated North Texas. The Bulls scored 63 points in the romp. FAU hammered UAB in its last game, which turned out to be the final game for Trent Dilfer with the Blazers. South Florida should roll. Prediction: South Florida 37, FAU 17

Washington State vs. No. 18 Virginia

Virginia has one loss and the home-field advantage here. Which Washington State team will show up, the one that lost by seven touchdowns to North Texas and was destroyed by Washington or the Cougar squad that only fell by a field goal at Ole Miss? Prediction: Virgina 23, Washington State 16

No. 10 LSU at No. 17 Vanderbilt

A fascinating SEC matchup as Garrett Nussmeier duels Diego Pavia. Who thought that LSU would be an underdog against Vanderbilt? That is the situation here. The Commodores' schedule was questionable coming into the Alabama game and they lost by 16. Expect a closer game here. Prediction: Vanderbilt 28, LSU 23

No. 16 Missouri at Auburn

Missouri was stung at home by Alabama. Auburn was scorched by Kirby Smart and the officials who said he didn't ask for a timeout in the loss to Georgia. The Tigers doomed themselves with a goal-line fumble by Jackson Arnold. Auburn just does enought to find a way to beat itself. Prediction: Missouri 24, Auburn 23

No. 14 Oklahoma at South Carolina

South Carolina has disappointed big time this year. Oklahoma was smothered and stifled in the Red River Rivalry by Texas. Both teams have a lot to prove. Prediction: Oklahoma 31, South Carolina 20

No. 12 Georgia Tech at Duke

Strange line as this one has a two-loss Duke team favored over an undefeated Georgia Tech squad. Haynes King is having a huge season for the Yellow Jackets. The Blue Devils have beaten NC State, Syracuse and California in a row. None of them are close to Georgia Tech: Prediction: Georgia Tech 34, Duke 23

No. 11 Tennessee at No. 6 Alabama

It seems as if every SEC matchup is a marquee one. Tennessee is an offensive powerhouse. It is primed for a big effort on the road against an Alabama team coming off wins against three straight ranked teams Will this be a fourth for the Tide? Prediction: Alabama 37, Tennessee 31

No. 5 Ole Miss at No. 9 Georgia

Ole Miss almost got caught looking ahead to this one in its last versus Washington State. Georgia played three-point games against Tennessee and Alabama, splitting those decisions. Prediction: Georgia 20, Ole Miss 17

No. 8 Oregon at Rutgers

The Ducks have to go across the country after their loss to Indiana. Don't expect Rutgers to do to Oregon what UCLA did to Penn State. Prediction: Oregon 45, Rutgers 20

No. 7 Texas Tech at Arizona State

Teams with quarterback challenges meet. Sam Leavitt has missed time for ASU. Behren Morton was injured last week against Kansas. Both teams need these players. It sounds like Morton will be likely. Will Leavitt is a question mark. Prediction: Texas Tech 30, Arizona State 23

No. 4 Texas A&M at Arkansas

Bobby Petrino will get an upset at some point as interim Razorbacks coach. It won't be here. Prediction: Texas A&M 31, Arkansas 17

Michigan State at No. 3 Indiana

This one has blowout written all over it. Prediction: Indiana 47, Michigan State 10

Louisville at No. 2 Miami

Louisville and its 4-1 mark could be the toughest game remaining on Miami's regular-season schedule. That says a lot about the rest of the ACC. Prediction: Miami 30, Louisville 13

No. 1 Ohio State at Wisconsin

In most years, this would have been a huge test for the Buckeyes. However, the Badgers are having all sorts of issues. The Ohio State defense is ferocious. Prediction: Ohio State 33, Wisconsin 10

This article originally appeared on The List Wire: AP Top 25 college football picks and predictions for Week 8