FBS Calendar: Week 8 Showdowns in the ACC, MWC, Pac-10 and Big 12 highlight the week

July 8, 2009

By Adam Caparell
NCAA.com

Over the summer, NCAA.com will look at the FBS schedule, highlighting the top matchups, the can't-miss games and the best storylines for each of the 15 weeks of the regular season. Check in every week to find out which games you simply have to see.

USC looked like the team to beat last September before a fateful trip up to Corvallis threw a wrench in that plan. Now in 2009, the Trojans gets a chance to stick it to Oregon State in the L.A. Coliseum when the two Pac-10 teams meet in one of Week 8's premier games. But don't overlook a big matchup in the Mountain West that very well could have national implications.

Week 8's Can't Miss Games

Thursday, Oct. 22 - Florida State at North Carolina
It's a meeting between the Atlantic (FSU) and Coastal (UNC) so while this matchup may not pack the biggest punch possible, it's still pretty important in the grand scheme of things in the ACC. Both teams have ambitions of reaching Tampa and the conference's championship game. Florida State might have the easier track not having to deal with Virginia Tech while the Tar Heels have a date with the Hokies in Blacksburg seven days after this game. Night games in Lane Stadium are usually murder on the road teams. That means there could be a greater sense of urgency for Butch Davis' crew in this one.

Saturday, Oct. 24 - TCU at BYU
This was a big game in the Mountain West last October that turned into a Horned Frogs trouncing of the Cougars. Both of these teams are stacked enough to make a run at a BCS berth. If BYU can somehow make it to this game undefeated - no easy task considering the Cougars will face Oklahoma and Florida State in the season's first three weeks - this one will be nothing short of huge because TCU could very well enter this one with an unblemished mark. No matter their records, it'll be a fun matchup between contrasting styles. TCU does it with defense while BYU loves to put points on the board.

Saturday, Oct. 24 - Oregon State at USC
We all remember what happened last year when these two met, right? Pete Carroll and the Trojans admittedly did not take the Beavers as seriously as they should have and they paid the price. That upset in Corvallis probably cost the Trojans and the nation's best defense a shot at a BCS Championship. Think a little revenge might be on their mind? First thing the Trojans are going to have to do is find a way to slow down Jacquizz Rodgers. He shredded USC last September for 186 yards and two scores in his introduction to the nation.

Saturday, Oct. 24 - Oklahoma at Kansas
Big 12 championship game preview? It very well could be. While Oklahoma will likely battle Texas and Oklahoma State for the right to play for the conference crown in the Dallas Cowboys new stadium, many consider Kansas to be the team to beat in the Big 12 North. High powered offenses will be on display for sure in this game. It's just a matter of which defense makes the stops. Oklahoma was a 45-31 winner in Norman last season. Sam Bradford had a huge day, throwing for 468 yards and 4 TDs. Todd Reesing, on the other hand, threw for 342 yards and 2 TDs.

Other Games To Keep An Eye On

Saturday, Oct. 24 - Tennessee at Alabama
The third Saturday in October always means Tennessee-Alabama. Lane Kiffin's barbs have mostly been reserved for Urban Meyer so far, but the Crimson Tide have not been immune to a dig or two.

Saturday, Oct. 24 - Arkansas at Ole Miss
Arkansas will be improved off of its 5-7 campaign in Bobby Petrino's first season. They should give the Rebels a good game after narrowly losing last year at home.

Saturday, Oct. 24 - Texas at Missouri
Will Texas slip up along its way toward a BCS Championship? The Tigers may feature many unproven players on offense to start the season, but that doesn't mean they won't be up to speed by now.

Saturday, Oct. 24 - South Florida at Pittsburgh
Another week, another matchup that figures to have big implications on the Big East standings.