After one of many greatest weeks of the season, week eight brings two extra large 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 recreation. Texas got here into their first take a look at of the season with an undefeated report and hoped to proceed this in opposition to the Bulldogs’ facet, which has struggled on protection just lately.
The sport didn’t begin properly for both workforce, with each their opening drives ending in punts. However Georgia would make the primary mistake within the recreation. From their 23-yard line, the Longhorns’ protection intercepted the cross from Bulldogs’ quarterback Carson Beck. Nevertheless, the error was vindicated, as Texas couldn’t do something from the next possession.
Historical past repeated itself on the following drive from the Bulldogs, as Beck’s cross 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 speeding landing to take the lead.
The Bulldogs added to their lead on their subsequent drive. Benefiting from one other poor Texas drive, they began this drive in Longhorns’ territory. Nevertheless, they may not do something with this, forcing kicker Peyton Woodring to kick a 33-yard discipline purpose to provide them three factors.
In reply, one other mistake from the Longhorns. Ewers’ cross was intercepted on the 34-yard line, and the Bulldogs have been in a position to make the most 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 speeding TD.
Georgia prolonged their lead quickly after with a 48-yard discipline purpose 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 ultimate play earlier than the half, he fumbled the ball, which the Bulldogs recovered. They scored one other discipline purpose 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 in a position to get off to the beginning they wished. 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 cross. 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 cross interference. This determination angered Texas coach Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns followers, who threw bottles onto the sphere.
After a assessment, the choice was overturned, and the ruling was now that Beck’s cross 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 speeding TD. In reply to this, the Bulldogs have been once more in a position to rating, with Etienne discovering the endzone for his third landing.
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 recreation. The usually sturdy offense couldn’t carry out, and the protection couldn’t sustain with Trevor Etienne. Now that each workforce has misplaced, this does open up the SEC. Each groups fall to a 6-1 report general.
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 is able to be seen because the co-main occasion. The quantity seven-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide confronted the quantity 11-ranked Tennessee Volunteers. This was an essential recreation for each groups, as that they had one loss. One other loss would put them out of rivalry for the SEC championship recreation and probably a spot within the CFP. These two groups final met in 2022 in an all-time traditional. Would we see the identical right here?
The sport didn’t begin properly. 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 may not do something with it.
A number of drives later, it was Alabama making a mistake. Jalen Milroes’ cross 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 discipline purpose for Volunteers kicker Max Gilbert. He missed this kick, protecting 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 cross. In reply, the Volunteers would throw an interception, which in addition they did on the drive after this one.
A pair of missed discipline 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 properly. 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 speeding landing to tie the sport.
However the tie didn’t final lengthy, as Alabama was in a position to break into the Volunteers’ purple zone on their subsequent drive. Nevertheless, the drive stalled on the 17-yard line, leading to a profitable discipline purpose from Crimson Tide kicker Graham Nicholson from the 35-yard line.
However Tennessee was in a position to strike again on their subsequent drive. A 3-yard speeding TD from Simpson returned the result in the Volunteers. They held this for about two minutes, as a seven-yard speeding 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 cross from Iamaleave to Chris Brazzell II discovered the endzone to provide the Volunteers a three-point lead.
Alabama did attempt to regain this lead however turned the ball down on downs. This may be an enormous mistake, as Tennessee would rating a discipline purpose 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 cross 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 an in depth recreation; 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 recreation now that there are not 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?
Shifting 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 a minimum of 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 discipline purpose try, which he was profitable with.
In reply to this, the Cardinals rapidly responded. A 43-yard speeding landing from Isaac Brown gave Louisville the lead. However this didn’t final lengthy, as Ward discovered Jacolby George for a 27-yard TD cross 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 cross. The Cardinals matched this on their subsequent drive when quarterback Tyler Shough discovered Mark Redman for a three-yard TD cross.
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 discipline purpose, 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 cross.
Nevertheless, it was at this second that Louisville would acquire 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 next drive, Shough discovered Ja’Corey Brooks for a 21-yard landing cross. 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 cross to retake the lead. However the Cardinals replied when Shough discovered Duke Watson for a four-yard cross to return the parity because the groups entered the fourth quarter.
Miami took the lead after this, with Ajay Allen scoring a two-yard speeding 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 another landing. They need to have discovered Brooks for a four-yard TD cross, nevertheless it was a comfort rating.
Finally, 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 have been the stronger workforce on this recreation and improved to a 7-0 (3-0 ACC) report, whereas the Cardinals fell to a 4-3 (2-2 ACC report)
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. Not like 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 will 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 report 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 recreation this week in opposition to the UCF Knights. Nevertheless, quarterback Rocco Becht’s late landing gave them a 38-35 win, protecting their undefeated season alive and placing them answerable for the Huge 12.
Virginia @ #10 Clemson
The quantity 10 ranked Clemson Tigers are more likely to face Miami within the ACC Championship recreation. 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 recreation, as they haven’t received a single recreation within the Huge 12 this season. They have been very near doing this. This was till BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff discovered Darius Lassiter for a 35-yard TD cross with 10 seconds to play. This gave the Cougars a 38-35 victory and saved 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 take a look at of the season up to now, dealing with Dylan Raiola and the Nebraska Cornhuskers. They have 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 mean time.
#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.
Auburn @ #19 Missouri
The quantity 19-ranked Missouri Tigers confronted the Auburn Tigers in a recreation through which 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 straightforward 40-10 win over the struggling Cardinal workforce.
#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 report 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 Day by day scored six touchdowns within the 45-28 win, protecting their undefeated season alive. Nevertheless, to play satan’s advocate for the second, they haven’t confronted any onerous opposition but.
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 powerful 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.
