Week 8 had everything one could imagine in a slate of college football.

There were acrobatic catches, Heisman poses, left-handed completions, successful fake punts and, of course, trolling. Louisville head coach Jeff Brohm strengthened his resume as an underdog, Minnesota’s conservative punt paid off and California’s mascot delivered a blow to Bill Belichick and North Carolina.

With the busy week, we handed out several nontraditional 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 with a seven-game losing streak against AP top-5 opponents as undefeated Miami awaited. The No. 2-seeded Hurricanes were double digit favorites, however, history and the betting mark didn’t take into account the Cardinals head coach, Jeff Brohm.

Brohm has found unlikely success as an underdog. Prior to Friday, he had secured three victories as an unranked opponent against an AP top-5 opponent – which was improved to four after Louisville stunned Miami in a 24-21 victory. Brohm is 4-4 when facing a top-5 team with this marking his first such victory with the Cardinals.

As of now, Louisville’s schedule doesn’t include a similar matchup. But, if it all lines up again, Brohm will be back in his element.

Best display of the Heisman: Diego Pavia

Vanderbilt defeated LSU in a statement win at home for the program — and Diego Pavia’s Heisman case. Pavia threw for 160 yards and a score, while running for two touchdowns on the ground. He’s the second Vanderbilt quarterback over the last 20 seasons with multiple rushing touchdowns against an AP top-10 opponent.

The senior quarterback is now up to 1,409 passing yards with 14 touchdowns and just four interceptions. It’s never too early for Pavia to make his push for the Heisman — he entered the game with odds of 150-1 to win the award, per ESPN BET — and he made the most of it on Saturday.

After scoring a rushing touchdown in the third quarter, Pavia struck the pose.

Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia hit the Heisman and paid homage to Johnny Manziel 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ukQZ67VIDs

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 18, 2025

Best use of their non-dominant hand: Dylan Raiola

Minnesota’s defense stifled Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola, sacking the sophomore a whopping nine times on Friday, its most in a game since 1977. Pressured throughout the game, Raiola had to think creatively to get the ball out at times.

He displayed perfect execution on second-and-six early in the second quarter. While running a bootleg play action pass, Golden Gophers linebacker Maverick Baranowski rushed Raiola as he began moving to his right. Raiola then stopped on a dime, avoided the sack, moved the ball to his non-dominant left hand and delivered a strike to tight end Luke Lindenmeyer for 18 yards.

⬅️➡️⬆️⬇️pic.twitter.com/bEzp1MYwGz

— Nebraska Football (@HuskerFootball) October 18, 2025

Least likely to go all-in during a card game: Minnesota

In an era of fourth down aggressiveness spearheaded by analytics, Minnesota decided to throw it back to simpler times against Nebraska.

The Golden Gophers held a 7-3 lead early in the second quarter after forcing a three-and-out. They received the ball at their own 38-yard-line, gained nearly 10 yards then opted for a punt on fourth-and-inches from the 47. (Don’t tell Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell.)

In the end, the conservative play call proved to be the correct one. Minnesota upset Nebraska 24-6.

Every catch matters in a game and it doesn’t matter how it’s completed. Just ask Tulane wide receiver Shazz Preston and Duke wide receiver Jake Taylor.

Tulane was on the brink of defeat until Jake Retzlaff fired a pass toward Preston. An Army defender made a play on the ball, sending it inside the end zone where Preston juggled it then secured the go-ahead touchdown catch.

OFF THE BOBBLE FOR THE SCORE 😱 pic.twitter.com/jQ9IWroAf3

— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) October 18, 2025

With the Blue Devils facing a third-and-three late in the second half against No. 12 Georgia Tech, quarterback Darian Mensah fired a strike toward Taylor.

The ball bounced off Taylor’s hands and helmet in front of him, prompting the wide receiver to tip the ball in the air with his right hand toward the sideline. In the air, it flew over Georgia Tech defensive back Jon Mitchell as Taylor dove to make the four-yard grab.

Tipped it to himself for the catch 😱 pic.twitter.com/eGjfQBZuHi

— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) October 18, 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 hosted undefeated North Dakota State and made a statement early on. Facing a fourth-and-two deep in their own territory, the Sycamores brought out the punting unit. But, they didn’t plan on kicking.

Punter Harry Traum took the ball down for 18 yards, shifting momentum toward Indiana State. The risk paid dividends as the Sycamores scored a touchdown to end the drive. North Dakota State ended up winning 38-7.

There goes that man!

Harry Traum tucks the punt and takes it 18 yards for the first down near midfield.#MarchOn | #LeaveNoDoubt pic.twitter.com/khChvA6Ibn

— Indiana State Football (@IndStFB) October 18, 2025

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 its 21-18 win on Friday, and utilized its mascot, Oski the bear.

The Tar Heels seemed to be headed toward a late lead as they set up in the red zone. Quarterback Gio Lopez found Nathan Leacock for 12 yards, but right when Leacock went to cross the goal line for a score, Cal defensive back Brent Austin punched the ball out to gain possession.

The Golden Bears immediately trolled, posting a “statement” from Oski on the jumbotron that read: “I am fully committed to Cal athletics and the program we are building here. Why do you ask?” Below it was a statement from Cal executives that said: “Oski has our full support. No, really, we mean it. Why else would we make this statement?”

The mock quotes were a reference to an Oct. 8 story where Belichick put out a statement that he was “fully committed to UNC Football and the program we’re building here.” UNC athletics director added that Belichick has the administration’s “full support.”