Under-the-radar college football games in Week 8

As the number of playoff contenders is reduced, the number of true marquee matchups dwindles. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of games worth keeping an eye on in Week 8. Here are the top under-the-radar contests on the Saturday slate.

No. 17 Arkansas at No. 24 Auburn

Saturday, 6 p.m. ET, ESPN | Pregame.com line: Auburn by 10

The host Tigers have one thing working for them that Arkansas does not. Namely they have yet to face Alabama, and can still harbor slim hopes of winning the SEC West. The Razorbacks can only play spoiler at this point, but their games are often entertaining.

Bowl projections: Clemson barely hanging on to College Football Playoff spot

No. 22 Mississippi at No. 23 LSU

Saturday, 9 p.m. ET, ESPN | Pregame.com line: LSU by 6

The Bayou Bengals will also get a crack at the Crimson Tide, and they have yet to face Texas A&M as well. It’s an unusual situation for a program that will be hiring a new coach, but that’s life in the SEC. The Rebels, meanwhile, have played arguably the most challenging schedule to anyone in the country but falling below .500 would come as little comfort to the Rebels’ faithful.

Memphis at No. 25 Navy

Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network | Memphis by 2½

This has suddenly become a head-to-head clash for first place in the AAC West. Thanks to the postponement of their game at East Carolina, the Midshipmen are taking the field for the first time since their upset of Houston. The Tigers figure to be another major physical challenge to the Navy defense, but Memphis QB Riley Ferguson can be pick-prone.

Colorado at Stanford

Saturday, 3 p.m. ET, Pac-12 Networks | Pregame.com line: Stanford by 2½

What if I told you one of these teams has a direct path to the Pac-12 title game — and it isn’t Stanford? The Cardinal will still pose a challenge for the Buffs, but Colorado has the advantage of not having Washington on its cross-divisional schedule.

Washington State at Arizona State

Saturday, 10 p.m. ET, Pac-12 Networks | Pregame.com line: Washington State by 7½

The Cougars have rebounded from their 0-2 start and have suddenly played themselves into the Pac-12 North race. There are plenty of obstacles before the ‘Apple Cup’ showdown with Washington including this one. The Sun Devils’ two league losses were quite decisive, but they’ve been much more competitive in Tempe.

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