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College football prime time TV schedule: Week 8

By Phillip Barnard

Oct 15, 2016; Madison, WI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) throws a pass during warmups prior to the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; Madison, WI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) throws a pass during warmups prior to the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Here are some of the best games to watch during Week 8 of the college football season.

We are halfway through the 2016 college football season. Rivalry games are heating up, and bowl season is starting to loom near. Here’s a look at some Week 8 prime time time games you can watch. As usual, all start times are Eastern.

We start off on Thursday night with a battle between the Miami Hurricanes and the Virginia Tech Hokies. Miami is undefeated on the road, looking to add another notch in Blacksburg. However, they’re in need of some momentum after having lost their last two games to Florida State and North Carolina. Virginia Tech had a three-game streak snapped last week at Syracuse. Both teams are fairly evenly matched, giving up roughly two touchdowns per game and less than 200 yards passing. ESPN will carry the broadcast beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Later that night, BYU will travel to #14 Boise State with upset intentions on its mind. BYU pulled off a big win over Boise last year, so the 14th-ranked Broncos would love to avoid a repeat performance this time around. In fact, a win for Boise State would boost its shot at a Cotton Bowl bid as the top team from a non-power league. Broncos wide receiver Thomas Sperbeck has 38 receptions and six touchdowns so far this year. ESPN will continue its Thursday night coverage with a 10:15 p.m. kickoff.

Friday night will see a west coast showdown, as San Jose State will travel to San Diego State. San Jose State is in dire need of something to go its way, heading into Friday night’s contest with a 2-5 record. San Diego’s lone loss came back at the start of October with a lopsided defeat at South Alabama. ESPN 2 will kick off coverage at 10:30 p.m.

Saturday will have more than its share of action, as the 11th-ranked Houston Cougars will hit the road to challenge SMU. Houston’s chances at the playoffs have all but evaporated, but a strong finish to the season would serve it well come bowl selection time. Heisman hopeful Greg Ward Jr. has passed for nearly 2,000 yards on 11 touchdowns. They’ll get the Saturday night action started on ESPN2 at 7:00 p.m.

Ohio State will take its #2 ranking and undefeated record to Penn State for a big game. The Buckeyes are averaging nearly 50 points a game while barely giving up an average of 12 points. Penn State is giving up 381 yards per game, mostly on the ground. But Heisman standout J.T. Barrett is ready to add to his collection of 16 touchdown passes and will look to help Ohio State increase its 21-game road winning streak. ABC will take center stage under the lights at 8:00 p.m.

Wrapping up our prime time coverage this week is a Big 12 explosion in Lubbock, as #16 Oklahoma heads south to face Texas Tech. Unfortunately for the Sooners, they’ll be without star running back Samaje Perine. Head coach Bob Stoops announced Monday that an injured hamstring will keep Perine out of action for about three weeks. Stepping up will be Joe Mixon, who will have to carry a big serving of the workload. The Red Raiders have given up at least 40 points in each of the last two weeks, so all signs indicate the Sooners could be in for a big week in the Lone Star State. You can catch the game on Fox at 8:00 p.m.

Next: Ranking The 25 Best Rivalries In College Football

Naturally these are just a few highlights of the prime time schedule this week. ESPN has a full listing of all the Week 8 action.

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