ESPN gives Florida a boost in its power rankings after Week 8 bye

ESPN's power rankings following college football's Week 8 have the Florida Gators rising once again. This time, Jon Sumrall and Co. were promoted three spots to No. 18 after taking a breather with a bye last weekend.

That places the Orange and Blue between No. 17 Northwestern and No. 19 Boise State.

"The Gators had an open date to prepare for rival Georgia and to get healthy. Quarterback Aaron Philo missed the Oct. 17 victory at Texas with a shoulder injury, and wide receiver Vernell Brown III has been out three weeks with a knee injury," writer Andrea Adelson notes as she looks ahead to the UF-UGA matchup.

"Additionally, wideout Bailey Stockton was hurt against the Longhorns. Being at full strength to try to beat the Bulldogs this Saturday for the first time since 2020 will be perhaps the biggest key."

Florida faces Georgia in their annual rivalry game on Saturday, Oct. 31, which will be played in Atlanta and broadcast on ABC starting at 3:30 p.m. ET.

SEC schools in ESPN's power rankings after Week 8

The Southeastern Conference maintained its tally of nine member schools in ESPN's power rankings this week, with third-ranked Georgia leading the way, followed by Kentucky (No. 8), Alabama (No. 10), LSU (No. 12), Texas (No. 13), Ole Miss (No. 14), Florida (No. 18), Tennessee (No. 20) and Missouri (No. 23).

ESPN's college football power rankings after Week 8

1. Miami Hurricanes
2. Ohio State Buckeyes
3. Georgia Bulldogs
4. BYU Cougars
5. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
6. UCLA Bruins
7. Indiana Hoosiers
8. Kentucky Wildcats
9. Utah Utes
10. Alabama Crimson Tide
11. Wake Forest Demon Deacons
12. LSU Tigers
13. Texas Longhorns
14. Ole Miss Rebels
15. Texas Tech Red Raiders
16. Houston Cougars
17. Northwestern Wildcats
18. Florida Gators
19. Boise State Broncos
20. Tennessee Volunteers
21. Arizona Wildcats
22. SMU Mustangs
23. Missouri Tigers
24. New Mexico Lobos
25. Oregon State Beavers

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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: ESPN gives Florida a boost in its power rankings after Week 8 bye