Arizona State and Notre Dame Stage Impressive Comebacks in Week 8

Week 8 of college football delivered several surprises, most notably the impressive comebacks of both Arizona State and Notre Dame. Four teams ranked in the Associated Press Top 25 suffered defeats against unranked opponents, with Arizona State achieving a significant victory over then-No. 7 Texas Tech, handing the Red Raiders their first loss of the season.

Arizona State’s win not only improved their record to 5-2 but also positioned them firmly in the mix for the Big 12 Conference championship. The Sun Devils, who are looking to secure back-to-back appearances in the Big 12 title game and a potential spot in the College Football Playoff, overcame a shaky start that included two earlier losses this season. The victory against Texas Tech, achieved with a score of 26-22, marked a turning point for the team.

Notre Dame’s Resurgence

Notre Dame is equally making headlines with its remarkable turnaround after an initial 0-2 start. The Fighting Irish are currently riding a five-game winning streak, highlighted by a crucial victory over then-No. 20 USC. This win has reignited Notre Dame’s aspirations for a national title, bringing them back into the conversation for the College Football Playoff.

Under the leadership of coach Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame has shown significant improvement on both offense and defense. Freeman has a proven track record of elevating his team, having led them from a disappointing start last season to a successful campaign, culminating in a national championship game appearance. Following the win against USC, he acknowledged the need for continued focus, stating that the Irish must remain in “must-win mode” moving forward.

Vanderbilt’s Historic Performance

Adding to the excitement of Week 8, Vanderbilt has emerged as one of the standout teams this season. The Commodores achieved their first 6-1 record since 1950 and celebrated a victory over LSU, marking their first win against the Tigers since 1990. Vanderbilt’s success can be attributed to the efforts of coach Clark Lea, who has revitalized the program by attracting key players and coaching staff, including quarterback Diego Pavia and offensive coordinator Tim Beck.

The Commodores will be featured on ESPN’s “College GameDay” this week, as they prepare to face Missouri in a matchup with substantial College Football Playoff implications. This season marks a significant turning point for Vanderbilt, demonstrating how rapidly the landscape of college football can change.

Pittsburgh’s Freshman Quarterback Shines

Pittsburgh is also experiencing a resurgence thanks to a change at quarterback. After suffering losses to West Virginia and Louisville, coach Pat Narduzzi made the decision to start true freshman Mason Heintschel. Since taking over, Heintschel has led the Panthers to three consecutive victories, including a 30-13 triumph over Syracuse. His performance has been historic, as he is the first true freshman quarterback at Pitt to win three straight games since 2007.

With a current record of 5-2 and standing at 3-1 in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), Pittsburgh remains competitive in the conference, with critical games ahead against ranked opponents, including No. 13 Notre Dame and No. 7 Georgia Tech.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Arizona State and Notre Dame to see if they can maintain their momentum and make a compelling case for the College Football Playoff. Meanwhile, Vanderbilt and Pittsburgh are set to continue their surprising runs, adding further intrigue to the unfolding college football season.