Week 8 had everything one could imagine in a college football slate.
This included acrobatic catches, Heisman poses, completing catches with the left hand, successful fake punts and, of course, trolling. louisville Head coach Jeff Brohm strengthened his resume as an underdog, minnesotaThe conservative bet paid off and CaliforniaThe mascot shocked Bill Belichick and North Carolina,
With a busy week ahead, we handed out a number of non-traditional superlatives for Week 8 of the college football season.

Scariest coach to face while in the AP Top 5?: Jeff Brohm
Louisville entered Hard Rock Stadium unranked and undefeated with a seven-game losing streak against AP top-5 opponents. miami Awaited. The No. 2-seeded Hurricanes were double-digit favorites, however, history and the betting mark did not take into account Cardinals head coach, Jeff Brohm.
Brohm has found unexpected success as an underdog. Before Friday, they had three wins against an AP top-5 opponent as an unseeded opponent – which was improved to four after Louisville beat Miami. 24-21 Victory. Brome is 4-4 when facing a top-5 team and this is his first such win with the Cardinals.
At present, Louisville’s schedule does not include any such matchup. But, if it all falls into place again, Brom will be back in his element.
Best Heisman performances: diego pavia
Vanderbilt Defeated LSU A statement win at home for the program – and Diego Pavia’s Heisman case. Pavia threw for 160 yards and a score while rushing for two touchdowns on the ground. He is the second Vanderbilt quarterback with multiple rushing touchdowns against an AP top-10 opponent in the last 20 seasons.
The senior quarterback is now up to 1,409 passing yards with 14 touchdowns and just four interceptions. According to ESPN BET, it’s never too early for Pavia to make his shot at the Heisman — he entered the game with 150-1 odds to win the award — and he made the most of it on Saturday.
After scoring a rushing touchdown in the third quarter, Pavia punted.
Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia hits Heisman and pays tribute to Johnny Manziel pic.twitter.com/ukQZ67VIDs
– Sports Center (@SportsCenter) 18 October 2025
Best use of their non-dominant hand: dylan raiola
minnesotadefense suppressed nebraska Quarterback Dylan Raiola sacked the second-year player nine times on Friday, the most in a game since 1977. Under pressure throughout the game, Raiola had to think creatively to get the ball out at times.
He was perfect on second and six early in the second quarter. While running a bootleg play action pass, the Golden Gophers linebacker Maverick Baranowski As he started to move to his right, Raiola ran. Raiola then stopped for a moment, avoided the sack, took the ball to his non-dominant left hand and threw a strike to the tight end. Luke Lindenmayer For 18 yards.
-Nebraska Football (@HuskerFootball) 18 October 2025
Least Likely to Go All-In During a Card Game: Minnesota
In the era of analytics-led fourth down aggression, Minnesota decided to throw it back to simpler times against Nebraska.
The Golden Gophers took a 7–3 lead after a three-and-out early in the second quarter. They received the ball at their own 38-yard-line, then gained about 10 yards. opted for a punt At 47 to quarter inches. (don’t tell detroit lions Head coach Dan Campbell.)
In the end, the conservative play call proved correct. minnesota upset nebraska 24-6,
Every catch matters in the game and it does not matter how it is completed. just ask tulane Wide receivers Chase Preston and ruler Wide receiver Jake Taylor.
Tulane was on the verge of defeat until jake retzlaff Gave a pass towards Preston. One Army The defender made a play on the ball, sending it inside the end zone where Preston juggled it and then secured the go-ahead touchdown catch.
Out of the bubble to score 😱 pic.twitter.com/jQ9IWroAf3
– ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) 18 October 2025
The Blue Devils faced third-and-3 in the second half against No. 12 georgia techquarterback Darian Mensah Took a jab towards Taylor.
The ball bounced off Taylor’s hands and off his helmet, causing the wide receiver to throw the ball into the air toward the sideline with his right hand. In the air, it flew over Georgia Tech’s defensive backs John Mitchell As Taylor jumped to gain four yards.
Leaned it towards me to catch it 😱 pic.twitter.com/eGjfQBZuHi
– ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) 18 October 2025
Fake Punt of the Week: Indiana State
When playing one of the best teams in the FCS, all tricks are on the board – including fake punts.
Indiana State Aparajit hosted North Dakota State And gave a statement in the beginning itself. Facing a deep fourth-and-2 in their own territory, the Sycamores took out the punting unit. But, he didn’t plan to kick.
punter harry tram Carried the ball down for 18 yards, swinging the momentum toward Indiana State. The risk paid off as the Sycamores scored a touchdown to end the drive. North Dakota State ultimately won 38-7,
There goes that guy!
Harry Trumm tucked the punt and took it 18 yards for a first down near midfield.#March on , #leave no doubt pic.twitter.com/khChvA6Ibn
– Indiana State Football (@IndStFB) 18 October 2025
The safest job security in America: Cal’s mascot
opponents of North Carolina Have found ways to troll the program and Bill Belichick this season. California took it to another level during his 21-18 win on Friday, and used its mascot, Oskie the Bear.
It looked like the Tar Heels were headed out to the lead late as they established themselves in the red zone. quarterback geo lopez found nathan leacock for 12 yards, but just as Leacock was about to cross the goal line for the score, Cal made a defensive tackle brent austin Punches the ball to gain possession.
golden bear instant trolledA “statement” from Oski was posted on the Jumbotron, writing: “I am fully committed to Cal Athletics and the program we are building here. Why do you ask?” Below this was a statement from Cal officials saying: “Oski has our full support. No, really, that’s what we mean. Why else would we make this statement?”
Fake quotes were a reference A story of October 8 Where Belichick made a statement that he is “fully committed to UNC football and the program we are building here.” The UNC athletics director said Belichick has the “full support” of the administration.

