College football scores, rankings, highlights: Florida State, Oklahoma among top-10 teams to avoid upset bids

The Seminoles and Sooners were pushed by underdogs but made enough plays to survive and advance

Week 8 of the 2023 college football season brought more separation in the College Football Playoff race with compelling action from coast to coast. For a number of contenders, wins did not come easy. Look no further than No. 4 Florida State and No. 6 Oklahoma, both of which remain perfect at 7-0 but had to survive upset scares at home against No. 16 Duke and UCF, respectively. 

The Seminoles and Sooners weren't the only teams in the CFP conversation who had to dig deep before emerging on top. No. 8 Texas saw a 21-0 lead evaporate at Houston before hanging on for a 31-24 victory against the Cougars. No. 11 Alabama trailed No. 17 Tennessee 20-7 at halftime before posting a second-half shutout in a 34-20 triumph. And out West, No. 14 Utah needed a walk-off field goal to beat No. 18 USC 34-32 in a wild victory. 

Other contenders suffered their first major setbacks of 2023 on Saturday. No. 7 Penn State is once again behind the 8-ball in a typically-stacked Big Ten East Division after losing to No. 3 Ohio State. No. 10 North Carolina also saw its bid at an undefeated season end, dropping a 31-27 stunner against Virginia. 

On the opposite end of the spectrum, no heavyweight had a more comfortable win Saturday than No. 2 Michigan, which is still undefeated after blasting Michigan State 49-0. While the Wolverines have yet to face a ranked opponent, coach Jim Harbaugh's crew continues to check the boxes for a third consecutive Big Ten championship and CFP berth. 

That is only a glimpse into the action among ranked teams from Saturday. CBS Sports was there every step of the way to update you with the latest scores, highlights and storylines throughout the evening, all of which can be seen below. All times Eastern

College football scores, schedule: Week 8

No. 22 Air Force 17, Navy 6 -- Unbeaten Falcons extend winning streak to 12
No. 3 Ohio State 20, No. 7 Penn State 12 -- Defense leads Buckeyes past Nittany Lions
No. 6 Oklahoma 31, UCF 29 -- Recap
No. 11 Alabama 34, No. 17 Tennessee 20 -- Tide dispatch Vols with stellar second half
No. 9 Oregon 38, Washington State 24 -- Recap
No. 8 Texas 31, Houston 24 -- Questionable spot appears to cost Cougars late
No. 13 Ole Miss 28, Auburn 21 -- Recap
No. 2 Michigan 49, Michigan State 0 -- Wolverines pick up largest rivalry win since 1947
No. 4 Florida State 38, No. 16 Duke 20 -- Recap
No. 14 Utah 34, No. 18 USC 32 -- Utes hit walk-off FG as Trojans defense collapses
Miami 28, Clemson 20 (2OT) --  Recap
No. 5 Washington 15, Arizona State 7 -- Recap
Check out the entire Week 8 scoreboard

Check these out ...

• TT25T: Ohio State among teams surviving upset bids ahead of new rankings
• Michigan State apologizes: Stadium scoreboard shows image of Hitler during game
• Historic rivalry win: Virginia stuns No. 10 North Carolina for first top-10 road win
• Grayson McCall injury: Coastal Carolina QB carted from field 
• WATCH: Iowa potential go-ahead touchdown punt return TD called back
• Iowa points tracker: Hawkeyes offense craters against Minnesota 
• Quinn Ewers injury: Texas QB leaves game vs. Houston after taking hard hit 
• NCAA record: Bo Nix makes 54th career start vs. Washington State
• WATCH: Air Force QB breaks academy record with 94-yard TD pass
• Big Red lids: WKU unveils helmets with variations of Hilltoppers mascot
• Gronk goes to LA: NFL great named LA Bowl's new host, replacing Jimmy Kimmel

[Oct 22, 2023 at 2:11 am ET · Will Backus]

Washington holds on

Final: No. 5 Washington 15, Arizona State 7

It was anything but Pretty, but Washington kept its College Football Playoff hopes alive by holding on against upset-minded Arizona State. The Huskies' defense deserves all the credit. Defensive back Mishael Powell scored Washington's lone touchdown on an 89-yard interception returned for a touchdown. Washington turned the ball over four times and the Huskies' defense allowed just one touchdown as a result. 

Washington even got a key stop on fourth-and-15 with 33 seconds remaining to officially slam the door on Arizona State. The Husky offense took the field and took a knee to drain the clock out. Washington is now the only remaining undefeated Pac-12 team at 7-0. 

[Oct 22, 2023 at 1:41 am ET · Will Backus]

Washington defense steps up

Mid 4Q: Washington 12, Arizona State 7

Washington needed a big play with its offense faltering. Instead of a more likely source -- like Heisman hopeful quarterback Michael Penix Jr. -- it was the defense that came through with a clutch score and gave the Huskies their first lead of the game. Arizona State faced a fourth-and-3 from Washington's 12-yard line. Sun Devils QB Trenton Bourguet dropped back to pass and threw an ill-advised ball that was intercepted by Washington's Mishael Powell, who took it 89 yards for the score. The Huskies still have to hold on for 8:11, but that was a huge step towards avoiding the upset. 

[Oct 22, 2023 at 1:12 am ET · Will Backus]

Washington still has work to do

End 3Q: Arizona State 7, Washington 3

Washington desperately needed to come out in the second half and build some momentum. It did the opposite of that. The Huskies fumbled the ball away two plays into the second quarter, committing their fourth turnover in six drives. Arizona State went three-and-out, but the Sun Devils defense forced Washington to punt on its next two possessions. That means Washington had eight drives through the first three quarters. Four ended in turnovers, three ended in a punt and one resulted in a Husky field goal -- their only points of the game. 

Washington got lucky that Arizona State missed a 43-yard field goal late in the third quarter, or else it could be digging itself out of a deeper hole during the final frame. UW quarterback and Heisman hopeful Michael Penix Jr. needs to get it going. He has just 185 yards passing and two interceptions. 

[Oct 22, 2023 at 12:20 am ET · Will Backus]

Washington reeling against Arizona State

Half: Arizona State 7, No. 5 Washington 3

Chalk it up to a hangover after last week's huge win against Oregon, but Washington was sluggish in the first half of its Week 8 game against Arizona State. In fact, the Huskies have some work to do if they want to avoid an upset over the last 30 minutes. Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. threw two interceptions and the Huskies turned the ball over three total times, though Arizona State was only able to capitalize with a score once. 

The Sun Devils got the ball with around nine minutes to play when Penix fumbled a handoff. Arizona State marched the ball downfield and cashed in with a 1-yard rushing touchdown from Cameron Skattebo, who accounted for 21 total yards on the scoring drive. For Washington's sake, coach Kalen DeBoer better have some wake-up juice in the locker room. 

[Oct 21, 2023 at 11:37 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Utah shocks USC

FINAL: Utah 34, USC 32

Utah quarterback Bryson Barnes broke off a 26-yard scramble against USC's struggling defense to set up a game-winning 38-yarder to shock the Trojans for the third time in two years. Barnes played the game of his life on the road, passing for 235 yards and rushing for 57 yards with four total touchdowns in the victory. Two-way running back Sione Vaki added 149 yards receiving, 68 yards rushing and two scores of his own as Utah moved to 6-1. 

USC quarterback Caleb Williams struggled in his first game after losing to Notre Dame, posting 256 yards on 34 pass attempts but not throwing for a touchdown. Williams did score a rushing touchdown on a short field after Zachariah Branch returned a punt to the 11-yard line, but it was not enough. USC was outgained by 82 yards against what was previously the worst-ranked offense in the Pac-12. 

[Oct 21, 2023 at 11:11 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Florida State pulls away for victory

Final: No. 4 Florida State 38, No. 16 Duke 20

It didn't come easy, but the Seminoles remain perfect as they rally to beat the Blue Devils, ending the game on a 21-0 scoring run. Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis ended the night 27 of 36 passing for 268 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for a score as the 'Noles moved to a perfect 20-for-20 all-time in their series with Duke. Of course, it's easy to wonder how this game might have finished if not for Blue Devils quarterback Riley Leonard exiting the game in the second half after re-injuring himself. Duke had zero answers offensively after Leonard left the game -- or in the second half at all, for that matter -- and the result is a second loss of 2023 that certainly hurts the Blue Devils' resume when it comes to any lingering CFP hopes. 

[Oct 21, 2023 at 10:46 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

USC swings game

4Q: Utah 28, USC 23

USC trailed 28-14 late in the third quarter, but a field goal and defensive score helped drag the Trojans back into the game. Defensive back Calen Bullock picked off a tipped pass and returned it for 30 yards to cut the lead to one score. USC has not scored an offensive touchdown since 6:17 remaining in the first quarter, but the defense and special teams is giving USC a chance. Reigning Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams is getting outplayed by former walk-on Bryson Barnes, who has thrown for 226 yards and three touchdowns on just 16 pass attempts. 

[Oct 21, 2023 at 10:35 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Florida State takes first lead

Early 4Q: No. 4 Florida State 24, No. 16 Duke 20

That's a statement drive by Florida State, as the Seminoles go 96 yards before quarterback Jordan Travis takes it himself for the go-ahead touchdown run. In doing so, FSU chewed more than six minutes off the clock as they are now on top for the first time tonight. However, star wideout Johnny Wilson exited the drive with an injury, and it's unclear if he will be able to return.

As Duke now gets the ball back, it appears the Blue Devils will be without quarterback Riley Leonard for at least this drive after he re-injured himself in the third quarter. Mike Elko's squad may have to dig deep if it intends to pull off the upset and end the Seminoles' bid at an undefeated season. 

[Oct 21, 2023 at 10:31 pm ET · Barrett Sallee]

Ole Miss outlasts Auburn

Final: No. 13 Ole Miss 28, Auburn 21

The Rebels and Tigers were tied at 14 at the half, but the Rebel defense shut the Tigers down in the second half to earn a big road win at a raucous Jordan-Hare Stadium. The defense allowed just 275 total yards, gave up 122 passing yards and notched nine tackles for loss. Save for a frantic drive in the closing minutes that resulted in an Auburn touchdown, the defense was virtually flawless during the final 30 minutes of the game. On the offensive side of the ball, Rebel quarterback Jaxson Dart accounted for three touchdowns (one passing, two rushing) in a must-win game for an Ole Miss team that has a conference loss to SEC West foe Alabama on the resume. The Rebels will host Vanderbilt next weekend before a big home game vs. Texas A&M the following week.

[Oct 21, 2023 at 10:14 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Duke QB Riley Leonard re-injured 

Mid 3Q: No. 16 Duke 20, No. 4 Florida State 17 

A tough sight for the Duke offense as quarterback Riley Leonard is once again hurt. Leonard was sacked for a loss of 8 yards on first down and was seen limping and in pain after the play before being attended to by trainers. On an initial look, it appears Leonard may have reaggravated the same lower-body injury that occurred near the end of Duke's loss to Notre Dame earlier in the season. Henry Belin IV completed the drive for the Blue Devils at quarterback as they reached the red zone before coming up empty on a fourth-down conversion attempt. 

[Oct 21, 2023 at 10:07 pm ET · David Cobb]

Virginia pulls a stunner

Final: Virginia 31, North Carolina 27

Virginia just pulled off the upset of the week, going on the road as a 24-point underdog and taking down previously unbeaten North Carolina behind three touchdowns from Mike Hollins. It has been a tough year all around for the Cavs, and for Hollins in particular as he was among the victims in the on-campus shooting that rocked the program to its core late last season. In the aftermath of the tragedy, UVa was repeatedly on the losing end of close games this season. But it found a way tonight against an ACC title contender. This loss will confound and frustrate North Carolina fans, but it should be a great building block for Virginia and second-year coach Tony Elliott.

[Oct 21, 2023 at 10:03 pm ET · Barrett Sallee]

Quarterback change for the Bruins

It looks like true freshman Dante Moore won't be the No. 1 signal-caller on UCLA's depth chart -- at least, not for tonight's game vs. Stanford. Ethan Garbers was spotted taking the first-team snaps in place of Moore, who was the No. 4 overall prospect, was QB1 since Week 2. Moore hadn't completed more than 50% of his passes in any of the last three games and has six total interceptions over the same time span. Garbers started the season-opener vs. Coastal Carolina, and made appearances in the first four games of the season. 

[Oct 21, 2023 at 9:42 pm ET · Barrett Sallee]

Auburn and Ole Miss in a tight one

End Q3: No. 13 Ole Miss 21, Auburn 14

Oddsmakers had this one pegged as a close game at the time toe met leather, and they have been spot on. Quarterback Jaxson Dart rushed up the middle from one yard out late in the third quarter, capping off a 90-yard drive with the only points of the third frame on either side.

The defenses have been the big story here. Ole Miss gave up just 14 yards and one first down in the third quarter to an Auburn offense that has used a quarterback rotation of Payton Thorne and Robby Ashford during the entire game. Auburn's defense was burned on the final drive of the third quarter, but has two interceptions, six tackles for loss and held Ole Miss to 2 of 10 on third down chances. 

[Oct 21, 2023 at 9:40 pm ET · Will Backus]

Michigan extends lead with pick six

Mid 3Q: Michigan 35, Michigan State 0

Michigan defensive back Mike Sainristil logged his second pick six of the season Saturday to give the Wolverines a 35-0 lead against Michigan State midway through the third quarter. Sainristil jumped an underthrown pass from Michigan State quarterback Katin Houser and returned it 72 yards for six. During Sainristil's return, Michigan State offensive lineman Spencer Brown was called for unsportsmanlike conduct during the pick six and, as a result, was ejected from the game. It appeared as if Brown threw Michigan defensive lineman Braiden McGregor to the ground and then made intentional helmet-to-helmet contact. 

[Oct 21, 2023 at 9:35 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Trojans, Utes tied up

HALF: USC 14, Utah 14

USC and Utah are locked in a dramatic defensive battle in Los Angeles. After 28 combined points were scored in the first quarter, both teams were held scoreless in the second. Still, the Utes and Trojans have combined for 475 yards through one half. The duo combined for four punts and a turnover on downs in the second quarter as no drive went further than six plays. 

USC quarterback Caleb Williams has 139 yards through the air, but Utah's counterpart has 134 on just nine attempts. Running back Ja'Quinden Jackson held 65 yards, but USC's MarShawn Lloyd has 74. The stat profile is very close, but switching passing and rushing attempts by team. 

[Oct 21, 2023 at 9:32 pm ET · David Cobb]

Virginia leads

Mid 4Q: Virginia 31, North Carolina 27

Virginia leads North Carolina 31-27 after 14-yard touchdown pass from Tony Muskett to Malik Washington. This would be an absolute stunner if the Cavaliers can hang on. The Cavaliers have found something offensively against one of the ACC's two remaining unbeaten teams. Florida State is also struggling with Duke, meaning the fate of the league's CFP hopes may be hanging in the balance tonight.

[Oct 21, 2023 at 9:24 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Duke leads at the half 

Halftime: No. 16 Duke 20, No. 4 Florida State 17

The Blue Devils are halfway home to what would be their first victory against the Seminoles in 20 tries after getting the lead back on a 33-yard field goal in the final minute of the first half. Looming large for Florida State right now are two drives that resulted in turnovers on downs and another that ended with a Jordan Travis pick-six, leading to 17 total points for Duke. The Blue Devils offense has leaned heavily on the run, rushing for 144 yards as opposed to just 37 yards passing. It's been the opposite for the 'Noles, who have moved the ball 173 yards through the air but have only gained 38 yards on the ground. Duke will get the ball first in the second half, and with that comes a prime chance to go back up by two scores. 

[Oct 21, 2023 at 9:00 pm ET · David Cobb]

North Carolina struggling

Mid 3Q: North Carolina 24, Virginia 21

Virginia just marched 74 yards on 13 plays to draw within three points against unbeaten UNC in Chapel Hill. Mike Hollins finished off the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run. The Cavaliers have moved the football well against UNC's defense and have held Drake Maye to just 13 of 27 passing. The Tar Heels are playing with fire against a team whose only victory is against an FCS opponent. Hollins has accounted for all of Virginia's touchdowns.

[Oct 21, 2023 at 8:57 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Wild sequence in Tallahassee

2Q: No. 16 Duke 17, No. 4 Florida State 17 

Talk about a wild little stretch between the Blue Devils and Seminoles. Duke extended its lead back to 10 points after intercepting Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis and taking it the other way for a touchdown, only for the 'Noles to strike back immediately with a 99-yard touchdown return on the ensuing kickoff. Florida State since tacked on a field goal to knot the game at 17. This appears to be anyone's contest with some of the momentum swings that we've seen so far. 

[Oct 21, 2023 at 8:50 pm ET · David Cobb]

Ole Miss in a battle

Start 3Q: Ole Miss 14, Auburn 14

Ole Miss turned the ball over twice in the first half and was penalized seven times for 45 yards, helping Auburn stay in the game as Hugh Freeze takes on his old school. Robby Ashford is getting a lot of run at QB for the Tigers, and Jarquez Hunter has two rushing touchdowns — including a 53-yarder. Quinshon Judkins is having a nice day for the Rebels with 78 yards on 11 carries.

[Oct 21, 2023 at 8:49 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Tied up in Los Angeles

End 1Q: No. 14 Utah 14, No. 18 USC 14 

The offenses have stolen the show early, with the Utes and Trojans combining for four touchdowns across the first five completed drives of the game. Utah quarterback Bryson Barnes has passed and rushed for a touchdown as the Utes seek a fourth consecutive victory in the Pac-12 series between the schools. USC quarterback Caleb Williams also seems to be in a groove following his shaky showing at Notre Dame last week, completing each of his first six pass attempts. Both Trojan touchdowns thus far have been rushing scores, one by South Carolina transfer Marshawn Lloyd and another by freshman standout Zachariah Branch. 

[Oct 21, 2023 at 8:43 pm ET · Barrett Sallee]

Auburn and Ole Miss tied at the half

HALF: No. 13 Ole Miss 14, Auburn 14

Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter notched his second touchdown of the game early in the second frame to tie it up. It was the only time either side would dent the scoreboard during the second quarter.Ole Miss had a chance to take the lead ripped away midway through the frame, though. The Rebels cruised inside the Tiger 10-yard line, and looked to be on the brink of breaking the tie. But Jaxson Dart was popped for intentional grounding, Ulysses Bentley IV was stopped short on a third-and-long and place-kick holder Charlie Pollock was picked off after bobbling a snap on a field goal attempt. 

[Oct 21, 2023 at 8:30 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Duke still leads, but FSU on the board

End 1Q: No. 16 Duke 10, No. 4 Florida State 7

The Blue Devils extended their lead to 10-0 before the Seminoles got on the board with a 7-yard touchdown pass from Jordan Travis to Caziah Holmes in the final minute of the first quarter. Duke has been rather opportunistic so far tonight, carrying a three-point edge despite being outgained by Florida State 147-71 in total yardage. Blue Devils quarterback Riley Leonard has completed just one pass across a mere four attempts, so expect Duke to rely on its rushing attack a bit more than usual tonight with Leonard seemingly not operating at full strength. 

[Oct 21, 2023 at 8:12 pm ET · Will Backus]

Michigan up after one

End 1Q: Michigan 14, Michigan State 0

Michigan is handling business early against Michigan State. The Spartans didn't have much of an answer for the Wolverines defensively, as Michigan was able to go 4-for-4 on third downs to extend its two scoring drives. Though UM struggled to move the ball on the ground, posting eight rushes for 13 yards, quarterback JJ McCarthy was almost perfect. He completed 10 of his 12 pass attempts for 144 yards and the touchdown strike that put the Wolverines up 14-0. Michigan State's offense had 36 total yards in comparison. 

[Oct 21, 2023 at 8:01 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Duke strikes first at FSU 

Early 1Q: No. 16 Duke 7, No. 4 Florida State 0 

The Blue Devils draw first blood in Tallahassee on a 42-yard touchdown run by Jaquez Moore, and that's certainly a way to silence the crowd at Doak Campbell Stadium. According to the ABC broadcast, it's the first time Duke has led FSU in a football game since 2001, which was 11 meetings ago between the ACC foes. There's plenty of action left, but that's about as good of a start the Blue Devils could ask for as they go for what would be a signifcant upset. 

[Oct 21, 2023 at 7:48 pm ET · Barrett Sallee]

Ole Miss up early on the Plains

End Q1: No. 13 Ole Miss 14, Auburn 7

Ole Miss capitalized on good field position on its first drive of the game after Auburn quarterback Robby Ashford was stopped on fourth-and-1 on his own 48-yard line. The Rebels 48 yards on nine plays, and quarterback Jaxson Dart found Zakhari Franklin over the middle for an 11-yard touchdown for the game's first score. Jarquez Hunter evened up the score late in the frame when he went 53 yards to the house on third-and-6. Momentum swung back to the Rebels with 24 seconds left in the quarter when Dart took a designed quarterback counter 29 yards to the house on fourth-and-1.

[Oct 21, 2023 at 7:45 pm ET · Dean Straka]

USC, Utah meet again  

A rematch of both last year's Pac-12 Championship Game and one of the conference's top regular season games will likely be the final meeting between the No. 18 Trojans and No. 14 Utes for the foreseeable future, as both join other leagues in 2024. Once again, plenty is at stake in a battle of one-loss teams. USC is looking to right the ship and salvage any CFP hopes after a blowout loss at Notre Dame in which quarterback and reigning Heisman winner Caleb Williams committed three interceptions. That came after the Trojans played with fire in Week 6, going down 17-0 at home to Arizona before rallying for a triple-overtime victory. 

As for Utah, a stout defense has allowed the two-time reigning Pac-12 champs to overcome a depleted offense en route to a 5-1 start. The Utes have still not seen quarterback Cameron Rising or tight end Brant Kuithe play a snap this season as the two continue to recover from injuries, and a potential return date remains unclear for both. Above all else, Utah's chances of a Pac-12 three-peat -- already an uphill battle with the competition in the league this season -- will be in dire straights if the Utes suffer a second Pac-12 loss Saturday night at the Coliseum. 

USC vs. Utah live stream, how to watch, TV channel, prediction, expert picks, kickoff time

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[Oct 21, 2023 at 7:39 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Duke gets Leonard back at QB

Duke quarterback Riley Leonard will get the start Saturday against Florida State, according to the ABC broadcast, after being ruled a game-time decision due to his lower-body injury suffered against Notre Dame in Week 5. Duke was on a bye in Week 6, and Riley did not play during the team's Week 7 victory against NC State as he recovered from the ailment. The Blue Devils will be looking for Riley, even if not completely at full-strength, to deliver his best effort as they seek to upend the Seminoles for the first time in program history. 

[Oct 21, 2023 at 7:31 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Oregon outlasts Wazzu

FINAL: Oregon 38, Washington State 24

The Ducks survived an early challenge from Wazzu and managed to pull away for a two-touchdown victory. Running back Bucky Irving had a sensational day, breaking off a touchdown run of 43 yards and a receiving score of 42 yards as part of a 180-yard, three-touchdown performance in the win. Quarterback Bo Nix scored three touchdowns of his own. 

Washington State quarterback Cameron Ward was incredible in a loss, posting 438 yards passing and a score. However, a missed fourth down throw to Lincoln Victor on fourth down ultimately proved to be the final nail. Victor and Kyle Williams each posted 100 yards receiving in the loss. 

[Oct 21, 2023 at 7:29 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Longhorns survive

FINAL: No. 8 Texas 31, Houston 24

Texas gets out of Houston with the victory after coming up with a red zone stop on fourth and short. The seven-point victory was far from pretty considering the Longhorns shot out to an early 21-0 lead before the Cougars marched back, but coach Steve Sarkisian's group is nonetheless 6-1 and still has all of its season-end goals intact. The big question now is the health of quarterback Quinn Ewers after the star Texas signal-caller left late with an apparent shoulder injury. Concerns in the secondary are also sure to be addressed after Houston quarterback Donovan Smith passed for 378 yards and three touchdowns Saturday. That said, the Longhorns' defense did force several critical turnovers down the stretch as they hung on for the win.