College football viewing guide Week 8: All 3 ranked-vs.-ranked games are in the SEC West

Every college football season features a handful of games that drive Vegas completely berserk, and Week 8’s Oregon-Cal holds all the hallmarks of a matchup that should drive bettors to their nearest insane asylum (Friday, 9:30 p.m. CT, ESPN and live streaming on WatchESPN).

As Jason Kirk points out, both teams rank in the top 25 in yards gained per play, and both teams rank in the bottom 25 in yards allowed per play. The over/under for the game is a cool 88 points, and there’s no reason to believe the Ducks and Golden Bears can’t exceed that. Those of us rooting for chaos should hope for the over, because we deserve the over, and hell, it’s Friday night and it’s time to get a little crazy.

As it has been for a few years now, the SEC West is college football’s DIVISION OF DEATH, and that brutal reality will be on full display Saturday as three ranked-ranked games unravel throughout the afternoon and night. Here’s what we’re keeping eyes on beyond the Ole Miss-LSU proceedings in Baton Rouge (8 p.m. CT, ESPN and live streaming at WatchESPN).

Early Games

NC State at No. 7 Louisville, 11 a.m. CT, ABC (live streaming at WatchESPN)

Whether due to Clemson playing very poorly last week or the Wolfpack playing outside of themselves or both, this could be a trap game for Louisville. The Cardinals still have but one loss on their record this year, to No. 4 Clemson of course, and a tight heartbreaking win at home would most assuredly ruin what has already been a stellar season for them. Plus, it should go without saying, you’re obligated to watch Lamar Jackson play football at every opportunity.

Afternoon Games

Colorado at Stanford, 2 p.m. CT, Pac 12 Networks (live streaming at Pac 12 Live)

Stanford has suffered something of a fall from grace after its early season strutting. Many liked the Cardinal’s chances of making the College Football Playoff, but after back-to-back losses to Washington and Washington State (oof), those CFP hopes have vaporized. Colorado also has two losses, but they’re playing well all the same, so much so that the Buffs received the most number of votes among teams not in the AP Top 25 this week. This one should get fun in a hell of a hurry.

No. 6 Texas A&M at No. 1 Alabama, 2:30 p.m. CT, CBS (live streaming at CBS Sports)

There’s no way you’re not watching this.

Evening Games

No. 17 Arkansas at No. 21 Auburn, 5 p.m. CT, ESPN (live streaming at WatchESPN)

Just placing this here so you know when and where it’s happening. Doesn’t put you under any obligation to watch it, though.

No. 11 Houston at SMU, 6 p.m. CT, ESPN2 (live streaming at WatchESPN)

After nearly puking themselves against Tulsa last week, Houston travels to Dallas for a possible trap game. Much of the early season shine has worn off of these Cougars, who nevertheless could grunt their way through the rest of the season and into a New Year’s Six Bowl. Then, Tom Herman gets offered literally the planet Jupiter to go coach at LSU for the next three decades.

#Pac12AfterDark

Washington State at Arizona State, 9 p.m. CT, Pac 12 Networks (live streaming at Pac 12 Live)

Oddsshark has the Cougars as a two-possession favorite with an over/under of 65 points. Bet the farm on Arizona State +7.5.

Full Week 8 viewing guide