College football viewership is through the roof this season, and Week 8 is shaping up to be another ratings bonanza! The stakes are incredibly high, with numerous matchups that could dramatically alter conference standings and playoff hopes. Networks are pulling out all the stops to capitalize on this excitement. So, who will be calling the biggest games? Let's dive into the Week 8 announcer schedule and highlight the matchups you absolutely can't miss.
Friday night kicks things off with a primetime showdown. Then, Saturday is absolutely loaded, including a classic rivalry game, a battle between undefeated SEC powerhouses, and a late-night Holy War! Buckle up, college football fans!
Here's a detailed breakdown of the broadcast teams assigned to these crucial Week 8 games, compiled from various sources:
Friday, October 17th
- Louisville at Miami (7:00 PM ET, ESPN): Dave Pasch and Dusty Dvoracek will be in Miami Gardens to cover this ACC clash live from Hard Rock Stadium. Both teams will be fresh coming off a bye week. This game could be a turning point for either program as they navigate the always-competitive ACC. Consider this: Miami, potentially ranked #2 at kickoff, faces a Louisville team eager to prove themselves. The pressure is on The U to defend their home turf, but will they deliver? But here's where it gets controversial... Some analysts believe Louisville's bye week preparation gives them a significant edge, while others argue that Miami's raw talent will ultimately prevail. Who do you think will win?
Saturday, October 18th
LSU at Vanderbilt (12:00 PM ET, ABC): Joe Tessitore and Jesse Palmer will be in Nashville as LSU heads to Vanderbilt. This game holds major implications within the SEC. ABC is looking to continue its record-breaking ratings streak, and this matchup promises plenty of action. The Bayou Bengals are always a team to watch, but can they handle a road game against a hungry Vanderbilt squad? And this is the part most people miss: Vanderbilt is often underestimated, but playing at home, they could pull off an upset. Can LSU avoid a trap game?
Georgia Tech at Duke (12:00 PM ET, ESPN): Bob Wischusen and Louis Riddick will bring you this ACC battle from Durham. Both Georgia Tech and Duke are currently undefeated in conference play, making this game a pivotal one. The winner gains a significant advantage in the ACC standings. Could either of these teams emerge as a dark horse contender for the ACC Championship? This game will provide valuable insight into the conference's hierarchy.
Washington at Michigan (12:00 PM ET, FOX): Gus Johnson and Joel Klatt will be in Ann Arbor for FOX's Big Noon Kickoff. This game features two of the Big Ten's most promising young quarterbacks: Demond Williams for Washington and Bryce Underwood for Michigan. This early-season matchup could be a preview of future Big Ten Championship games. But here's where it gets controversial... Some fans argue that the early kickoff time favors the East Coast team (Michigan), while others claim that Washington's high-powered offense can score on anyone, anytime. What do you think?
Oklahoma at South Carolina (12:45 PM ET, SEC Network): Taylor Zarzour and Matt Stinchcomb will be in Columbia as both Oklahoma and South Carolina look to rebound from Week 7 losses. This game offers a crucial opportunity for either team to regain momentum. Keep an eye on Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer, who appears ready to play after recovering from a hand injury. Will Oklahoma's offense be too much for South Carolina to handle at home?
Ole Miss at Georgia (3:30 PM ET, ABC): Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit will be in Athens for this highly anticipated SEC showdown. Undefeated Ole Miss will attempt to make a statement against the always-tough Georgia Bulldogs. ESPN's College GameDay will also be on site, adding to the excitement. This game has major playoff implications. Can Ole Miss's high-octane offense crack Georgia's vaunted defense?
Texas Tech at Arizona State (4:00 PM ET, FOX): Connor Onion and Mark Helfrich will cover this Big 12 matchup. All eyes are on the quarterbacks, as both Behren Morton of Texas Tech and Sam Leavitt of Arizona State are battling back from injuries. This game could come down to which quarterback is healthier and more effective. Both teams are hungry for a conference win, adding to the stakes. Can either of these teams establish themselves as a Big 12 contender?
Tennessee at Alabama (7:30 PM ET, ABC): Sean McDonough and Greg McElroy will be in Tuscaloosa for the Third Saturday in October rivalry game. Alabama is riding a five-game winning streak, while Tennessee has won three straight since an overtime loss to Georgia. This game is always a physical and emotional battle. Can Tennessee finally break their losing streak against the Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa? And this is the part most people miss: The mental aspect of this rivalry is just as important as the physical. Which team will be able to handle the pressure and execute their game plan?
USC at Notre Dame (7:30 PM ET, NBC): Noah Eagle and Todd Blackledge will be in South Bend for the battle for the Jeweled Shillelagh. USC boasts a potent offense led by Jayden Maiava, while Notre Dame counters with CJ Carr. This rivalry game is always a highlight of the college football season. Will USC's offense be too much for Notre Dame's defense to contain?
Utah at BYU (8:00 PM ET, FOX): Jason Benetti and Robert Griffin III will be on the call for the Holy War. This rivalry game promises to be intense and physical. This game always carries extra weight for both fanbases. Which team will emerge victorious in this heated rivalry?
Additional Games and Announcers:
- Nebraska at Minnesota (Oct. 17, 8:00 PM ET, FOX): Tim Brando, Devin Gardner
- Arizona at Houston (Oct. 18, 12:00 PM ET, FS1): Eric Collins, Spencer Tillman
- Ohio State at Wisconsin (Oct. 18, 3:30 PM ET, CBS): Brad Nessler, Gary Danielson
- UNLV at Boise State (Oct. 18, 3:30 PM ET, FS1): Dan Hellie, Petros Papadakis
- Mississippi State at Florida (Oct. 18, 4:15 PM ET, SEC Network): Dave Neal, Fozzy Whittaker
- Texas at Kentucky (Oct. 18, 7:00 PM ET, ESPN): Dave Flemming, Brock Osweiler
- Florida State at Stanford (Oct. 18, 10:30 PM ET, ESPN): Roy Philpott, Sam Acho
With Week 8 upon us, prepare for another thrilling weekend of college football! The stakes are high, the rivalries are intense, and the broadcast teams are ready to capture all the action. Which game are you most excited to watch, and which broadcast team are you most looking forward to hearing? Do you agree with the announcer pairings for the biggest games? Let us know in the comments below!
