'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Numerous Power Five programs are having a rest week during Week 8 of the 2024 college football season. For some, this will provide a welcome break and give them a chance to recover. However, for others, the break may stall any momentum that has been building.
Here's a closer look at some of the programs that have a bye this week.
Top college football teams on a bye week in Week 8
#1. Ohio State Buckeyes
The No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes come into their second rest week of the season with a 5-1 (2-1 Big Ten) record.
Last week, they suffered their first loss of the season in a close game against the Oregon Ducks. This rest week allows them to recuperate from this loss, and get the team ready for what will be an interesting final stretch.
In their last set of games, the Buckeyes face Penn State, Nebraska, rivals Michigan and surprise package Indiana.
Winning all of these games will be vital if Ryan Day's team wants a probable rematch with Oregon for the conference championship.
#2. Penn State Nittany Lions
The No. 3 Penn State Nittany Lions come into their rest week with an unbeaten record. They are 6-0 (3-0 Big Ten) and are the closest competitors to challenge the likes of Oregon and Ohio State. Led by quarterback Drew Allar, the Nittany Lions have been able to get wins by scoring a lot of points.
After this rest week, Penn State has a somewhat easy schedule, with only one ranked team to face. However, that is Ohio State, in what could be a game to decide both of their fates.
#3. Washington Huskies
The Washington Huskies have not had the best start to life in the Big Ten. Last year's national championship runners-up are currently 4-3 (2-2 Big Ten) after suffering a large defeat to the Iowa Hawkeyes last week.
The rest week couldn't have come at a better time, as it gives them a chance to look at where things have been going wrong and try to work on them.
When they return to action, they have a hard final set of games, facing Indiana, Penn State and Oregon, three ranked teams who are likely to cause problems for the Huskies.
#4. Ole Miss Rebels
It has been a season of missed opportunities for the No. 18 Ole Miss Rebels so far.
They come into the rest week having lost against the LSU Tigers last week, and this may have put to bed any chance of making the CFP. When Lane Kiffin's side returns to action, they will face Oklahoma.
However, a few weeks later they face the Georgia Bulldogs in what could be a vital game for both teams and their playoff chances.
#5. North Carolina Tar Heels
The North Carolina Tar Heels come into the rest week on a four-game losing streak in a season that started with a win over Minnesota.
After the rest week, they face Virginia before taking on a range of middle powers in the ACC, like Wake Forest and the struggling Florida State Seminoles.
#6. Syracuse Orange
The arrival of former Ohio State QB Kyle McCord has transformed the Syracuse Orange this season. Coming into their rest week, they are 5-1 (2-1 ACC) and could cause a surprise in the conference.
The first of these surprises could come when they return to action next week against the ranked Pittsburgh Panthers. Syracuse ends its season against the Miami Hurricanes in a game that could set up who will face likely opponents the Clemson Tigers in the championship game.
#7. Boise State Broncos
While they are not a Power Four school, the Boise State Broncos need to be mentioned.
Coming into their rest week they are 5-1 (2-0 Mountain West) and should have a strong second half of the season.
But, with Boise State not playing, running back and current Heisman Trophy favorite Ashton Jeanty will not be adding to what has been a potential record-breaking season so far.
The rest week should give him time to recover before continuing his quest for Barry Sanders' record against UNLV next week.
Which team are you looking forward to seeing in action again after their bye week? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
