Around the Country: Week 8

Shalina Sabih, Kolton Becker, and Youngchan Kang

October 14, 2024

A fan reacts after catching a football that was kicked over the net for a field goal during Texas A&M’s game against McNeese State at Kyle Field on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Chris Swann/The Battalion)

No. 2 Oregon at Purdue

Friday, Oct. 18 — Ross-Ade Stadium — West Lafayette, Indiana

7 p.m. on FOX

The No. 2 Oregon Ducks are gearing up for battle against the Purdue Boilermakers, with both teams eager to bounce back from recent setbacks. Oregon edged Ohio State in a thrilling 32-21 victory, while Purdue suffered a heartbreaking 50-49 loss to Illinois.

Containing Purdue’s rushing attack, which has averaged 5.7 yards per carry against conference opponents, will also be crucial. Oregon’s defense needs to clamp down on Purdue’s ground game early, forcing them into passing situations where the Ducks’ secondary can make plays.

For Oregon to assert its dominance, their offense needs to remain explosive. Senior QB Dillon Gabriel must continue his efficient play by spreading the ball around and capitalizing on Purdue’s defensive lapses. The running game, which has been solid all season, will also need to grind down Purdue’s front seven, creating opportunities for big plays and clock management.

Purdue will rely heavily on senior QB Hudson Card’s arm and the playmaking ability of sophomore tight end Max Klare, who has recorded 21 receptions for 352 yards and 2 touchdowns, averaging 16.8 yards per catch. Klare’s deep threat potential, with the longest reception of 62 yards, makes him a crucial target as Purdue looks to exploit any gaps in Oregon’s defense.

The Boilermakers’ chances of pulling off an upset will depend on their ability to protect Card and whether their defense, anchored by sophomore defensive end Will Heldt, can slow down Oregon’s balanced offensive attack.

Prediction: Oregon 45, Purdue 13

No. 12 Notre Dame at Georgia Tech

Saturday, Oct. 19 — Mercedes-Benz Stadium — Atlanta

2:30 p.m. on ESPN

After a huge Week 1 win for Notre Dame over Texas A&M and an overseas victory for Georgia Tech in Ireland against Florida State, the Irish are looking to stay in the running for a playoff berth while the Yellow Jackets are hoping for a shot at the ACC Championship game.

Notre Dame enters Week 8 fresh off a victory against Stanford. Senior quarterback Riley Leonard threw for 229 yards with 3 touchdown passes and no interceptions with help from the Notre Dame defense, which is No. 17 in total defense. Led by a strong linebacker room, the Irish also have a strong secondary, who will hope to shut down the Georgia Tech wide receivers.

The Georgia Tech offense, powered by junior QB Haynes King, who has only eight touchdowns and one interception this season. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound frame has a 71.2 completion percentage and is averaging 8.2 yards per attempt. His weapons include junior wide receiver Malik Rutherford and sophomore WR Eric Singleton Jr., with a commanding ground game in junior running back Jamal Haynes and sophomore RB Chad Alexander.

With the 41-34 win against North Carolina, the Yellow Jackets must make a statement in this neutral site game. At the same time, it feels as if it is a must win game for the Irish after dropping their only loss of the season to Northern Illinois.

Predictions: Notre Dame: 34, Georgia Tech: 31

Colorado at Arizona

Saturday, Oct. 19 — Arizona Stadium — Tucson, Arizona

3 p.m. on FOX

After tough losses against BYU and Kansas State, Arizona is set to face off against Colorado in a must-win game to turn around its season.

Arizona sophomore QB Noah Fifita had an off-night, throwing three interceptions against the BYU Cougars. Fifta has regressed over the course of the season by only throwing eight touchdowns to nine interceptions. However, the spark in Arizona’s offense is junior WR Tetairoa McMillan, who has racked up 664 total yards and four touchdowns this season. If Arizona wants to win, Fifita needs to step up big-time and get the offense rolling.

Colorado, meanwhile, fell short of a comeback against No. 18 Kansas State. Senior QB Shedeur Sanders threw for 388 yards along with three touchdown passes. Sophomore WR Omarion Miller stepped up for the Buffalos, totaling 145 yards. But the main concern is two-way junior Travis Hunter, who exited the game with a right shoulder injury and did not play for the rest of the game.

If Hunter is ruled out in this matchup, Arizona’s passing game should have an advantage over a struggling Colorado defense. This feels similar to how Colorado played in 2023, where they started off hot until Hunter got injured and the season fell apart.

Prediction: Arizona 27, Colorado 14

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About the Contributors

Shalina Sabih, Features Writer

Shalina is a Pakistani-American journalism major from Dallas, TX. She is also minoring in communications. She is a features writer at The Battalion writing profiles, recaps, previews and more for both the Life & Arts and Sports desks. She freelances for the yearbook and was an intern writer at The Bryan-College Station Chronicle. She is the winner of the Headliners Foundation Scholarship and is the only Aggie who received the scholarship for the 2024-25 school year. Shalina's favorite sport is football, and she loves the Dallas Cowboys. She wants to pursue a career in journalism after graduating college and also plans to attend law school.

Kolton Becker, Sports Writer

Kolton Becker is an agricultural communications and journalism major with a minor in sport management from Port Lavaca, Texas. He started at The Battalion in 2024 as a sports writer. During his time as a reporter, he has covered football, baseball, softball, volleyball, swim and dive, track and field, cross country and equestrian. Kolton previously interned with the Victoria Generals for two seasons and also had the opportunity to work in operations at the Valero Alamo Bowl in 2023. In his spare time, he loves to fish, cook, watch and play sports, attend church and spend time with his family, friends and dog, Bella.