Week 8 of the college football schedule will shake up the race in a few conferences.
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One of the biggest matchups this weekend will be between No. 5 Ole Miss and No. 9 Georgia on Saturday. The Rebels are tied with No. 4 Texas A&M and No. 6 Alabama atop the SEC with a 3-0 conference record.
Week 8 already saw one upset that had huge ramifications for Conference USA. The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers entered their matchup on Tuesday night against FIU atop the C-USA with a 3-0 conference record.
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However, the Hilltoppers offense struggled against the Panthers. Senior quarterback Maverick McIvor threw for 159 yards and three interceptions. He entered the game leading the C-USA in passing yards (264) and 12 touchdowns.
McIvor was replaced on the final drive by freshman quarterback Rodney Tisdale Jr., who went 7-of-8 passing for 66 yards.
The Panthers offense had an electric night behind senior running back Kejon Owens, who rushed 22 times for 195 yards and one touchdown. He had a long run of 84 yards in the first quarter that set up a Florida International field goal to take a 6-0 lead. He scored a key touchdown with 2:03 remaining in the third quarter to put the Panthers up 25-6.
Those were the final points of the ballgame, as the Panthers pulled off an upset over WKU in front of 12,276 fans at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Per ESPN BET, FIU entered the contest as an 8.5-point underdog to Western Kentucky.
FIU outgained the Hilltoppers 453-341 in total offense. The big story of the night was the 3-0 turnover margin in favor of the Panthers defense. Freshman defensive back Jessiah McGrew recorded two interceptions of McIvor.
The outcome of the game has huge ramifications for C-USA. The Hilltoppers dropped to third in the conference. Jacksonville State (3-3) and Kennesaw State (4-2) are now tied for first place with 2-0 records in conference play.
FIU improved to 3-3 and 1-1 in the C-USA. The Panthers will play Kennesaw State in Week 9. WKU will play Louisiana Tech in Week 9.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.”
For more on the NCAA, head to Newsweek Sports.
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