We’re back with the report card this week after a refreshing pause, and some teams could certainly use a breather (shoutout to our buddies in Norman and Lincoln).

Nevertheless, teams that excel at keeping the ball from their opponents or managing to complete passes under pressure are still in the running as we approach the initial College Football Playoff rankings.

Like last year’s grades, only outstanding performances will earn high marks, and the poorly rated teams have no chance for redemption.

Here’s our take on how fans, teams, players, and coaches performed during Week 8:

Wisconsin’s Strength Coach Brady Collins: A Courageous Individual

There’s something remarkable about honoring your promises, especially if it means braving chilly waters just to motivate a football team.

Collins made a bold commitment to jump into Lake Michigan if the Badgers overcame Northwestern.

After Wisconsin secured a 23-3 victory over the Wildcats, Collins took the plunge into the icy waters while the team cheered him on. After a brief moment of splashing and excitement, he wisely exited the lake.

Coaches who were planning on similar stunts will have to wait, as it was Northwestern’s last game at their temporary stadium this season, with a new Ryan Field expected for the 2026 season.

Jumping in: A+

Highlights and Lowlights of the Week

This week’s shoutout goes to DeSean Jackson.

Dropped Opportunities: F

Mental Games in West Lafayette

Turning Chaos into Gains: A-

Overcoming Challenges

Ready for the Olympics: A

When Keeping It Real Goes Wrong

Posturing While Losing: Expulsion

Get off me, son.

Outstanding Efforts: A+++

Answer: Uncertain

Circus Candidate: Graduation

Stretch Armstrong

Opportunity Missed: A

Coach Quotes

“Your entire network doubted us, and the officials tried to take the game from us with their calls,” Georgia head coach Kirby Smart remarked regarding ESPN and the media after a pivotal pass interference call against Texas was overturned following a stoppage due to fans throwing debris onto the field.

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“I want everyone to hear this clearly,” said Maryland coach Mike Locksley to the Washington Post, addressing the recent rise in weapon-themed celebrations in college football. “I lost a son to gun violence. Mimicking gun gestures or brandishing imaginary firearms isn’t funny to me or my family.”

“If that’s how you want to celebrate a big play, then perhaps this program isn’t the right fit for you.”

***

“I don’t mean to bring personal issues into this, as I appreciate Louisville and its people, but Miami is going to trounce them,” said top golfer Scottie Scheffler, who was Saturday’s College GameDay guest picker, following an arrest earlier this year in Louisville.

***

“Our kicking game is in terrible shape, so if you can kick and you’re at Arizona State, please contact me. We’re holding kicking tryouts this Monday, so bring your A-game,” said Sun Devils head coach Kenny Dillingham. “Seriously, we’re promoting it on our social media; we need someone who can make a field goal.”

This season, ASU kickers have only made 7 out of 13 field goal attempts, including two misses (from 48 and 41 yards) during a 24-14 defeat to Cincinnati. Dillingham later expressed regret for his comments.

Notable Stats

0: Points Indiana allowed in the first quarter.

7: Touchdowns Army scored on their opening drives across seven games this year.

9: All-time regular-season matchups between No. 1 and No. 2 in FCS history. The second-ranked team leads the first 6-3 after North Dakota State edged South Dakota State 13-9 on Saturday.

22: Florida State lost 23-16 to Duke, marking Duke’s first win over FSU after 22 previous failures.

620: Total passing yards achieved by Cole Gonzales, quarterback for Western Carolina (FCS), completing 35 out of 55 passes with five touchdown throws during a 52-20 victory against Furman.

Game Highlight of the Week

Nebraska at Indiana

So, about the game:

This matchup was a rare opportunity to see two Power Four teams with winning records, both of whom could impact the national title race. Unfortunately, it unfolded as many games do in this category: one team decided to forgo competition while the other seized the day, finishing the match swiftly.

Nebraska needs to regroup after a heavy 56-7 loss, as the Hoosiers celebrated their first full-house crowd at Memorial Stadium in three years. Five turnovers sealed Nebraska’s fate, contributing to Indiana’s record-setting conference win and a joyful day for fans indulging in treats and celebrations.