15. Arizona (6-1, Previous Rank: 20)

Week 8 Result: WIN vs. Iowa State (39-3)
Next Week: at Texas Tech

Noah Fifita and the Arizona offense have been the story for much of the season, but it was the Wildcats’ defense that turned in a dominant performance in Week 8. The Cyclones kicked a field goal on their second drive of the game and didn’t put points on the board the rest of the way, with 80 of their 221 total yards coming on that one scoring drive. Fifita (27/34, 308 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT) had another efficient performance under center, while Isaiah Mizell (8 catches, 134 yards, 1 TD) had his second straight 100-yard receiving game.

14. Ole Miss (5-2, Previous Rank: 9)

Week 8 Result: LOSS at Texas (27-34)
Next Week: vs. Auburn

The Rebels battled back after falling behind 24-3 in the first half, but their comeback bid ultimately fell short as Trinidad Chambliss’ third interception of the game came on a Hail Mary heave as time expired. The Texas secondary limited Chambliss to 25-of-52 passing and had eight pass deflections to go along with the three interceptions, and with running back Kewan Lacy (16 carries, 36 yards) held in check that was the story of the game.

13. Texas (5-2, Previous Rank: NR)

Week 8 Result: WIN vs. Ole Miss (34-27)
Next Week: vs. Mississippi State

The Texas defense held strong against Ole Miss star Trinidad Chambliss on the final drive of the game to halt any potential heroics, and for the fifth time in seven games the outcome of a Longhorns game was seven points or fewer. It looked like things were headed for a more lopsided finish when they built a 24-3 halftime lead, but the Rebels stormed back. Arch Manning had a passing touchdown and two rushing touchdowns, but also turned it over three times in another uneven performance.

12. Alabama (6-2, Previous Rank: 13)

Week 8 Result: WIN vs. Texas A&M (31-20)
Next Week: BYE

Keelon Russell had 311 passing yards and three touchdowns, including a pair of fourth-quarter strikes to flip a 20-17 deficit into a 31-20 victory. The Crimson Tide managed just 68 rushing yards, which put more pressure on Russell’s arm to shoulder the offensive load, and he stepped up to help avoid a potentially devastating third loss. They get a bye next week before what could amount to a playoff elimination game with fellow two-loss SEC contender LSU on Nov. 7.

11. Tennessee (6-2, Previous Rank: 11)

Week 8 Result: LOSS at South Carolina (24-27)
Next Week: BYE

The Volunteers had a 24-17 lead and the football with 8:13 remaining, and while they ran plenty of clock with a nine-play, 59-yard drive, they ultimately turned it over on downs. South Carolina seized that opportunity with a touchdown drive that tied the game with 1:17 remaining, and a fumble by Tennessee quarterback George MacIntyre gave the Gamecocks the ball back with enough time to kick the game-winning field goal. Workhorse running back DeSean Bishop (32 carries, 120 yards, 1 TD) was held to 3.8 yards per carry, well below his 6.0 season average.