The initial College Football Playoff rankings are still weeks away from being released, but Week 8 led to a shakeup in our projections.

The game turned into a big-play fest and a showcase for running back Jeremiyah Love, who rushed for 228 yards and a touchdown in the 34-24 win over USC. It was the most yards by a Notre Dame player ever against USC. USC's Jayden Maiava had 328 yards passing but the Trojans had four turnovers.

Just missing the bowl projections after Week 8: South Carolina, Penn State, Rutgers, Michigan State, Kennesaw State, Syracuse, UCF, Washington State, San Jose State, Bowling Green, Rice, Florida Atlantic, New Mexico, Arkansas State, Kansas State, Colorado, New Mexico State, Liberty, ULM, Wyoming, FIU, and Coastal Carolina.

No. 20 USC (+9½) at No. 13 Notre Dame (6:30 p.m., NBC 5, Peacock, 780-AM): If the Irish survive this one, they’re going to the playoff. They do — in a real Shillelagh smasher — 38-34.

Lorenzo Reyes analyzes and forecasts the records of every NBA team for the 2025-26 season and makes his playoff predictions.