College football Power Rankings after Week 8

The Week 8 college slate left something to be desired but, given the way the year has gone, the lackluster schedule did little to deter the unpredictability of the season.

Cincinnati and Oklahoma, both undefeated with realistic College Football Playoff chances, were pushed by significant underdogs but survived to keep the hope of a perfect season alive. Other teams weren’t quite as lucky as considerable favorites.

Penn State fell in nine overtimes — yes, you read that right, nine — to Illinois in Happy Valley while previously unbeaten Oklahoma State fell in Ames to Iowa State to disrupt this week’s top 10.

Meanwhile, Michigan kept on winning ahead of an undefeated showdown with rival Michigan State next week. Alabama and Ohio State continued to rebound in impressive fashion after early season losses and the ACC balance of power has officially shifted.

All that in a “boring” week, eh?

Now that the action is behind us, it’s time to take a look at this week’s Power Rankings.

The top-ranked Bulldogs spent their off week trying to get healthy before their final run to a potential College Football Playoff spot. UGA coach Kirby Smart said quarterback JT Daniels was throwing more in practice, although he isn’t ready to say whether Stetson Bennett III or Daniels will start against Florida on Saturday. Bennett started the past three games while Daniels was sidelined and played well, guiding the Bulldogs to victories over three ranked foes. Running back Kendall Milton is expected to miss time with a knee injury, and Kenny McIntosh has been bothered by a hamstring, so tailback depth is a possible concern heading down the stretch. — Mark Schlabach

This is not the Alabama defense of old, and there was a time Saturday night that the Crimson Tide actually seemed to be on their heels. But it was an interception by redshirt freshman Jalyn Armour-Davis and 47-yard return that changed the complexion of the game and fueled a 28-point fourth quarter, leading to…