Below is the list of tables from the database along with their columns and datatype. Need to generate an accurate SQL query for the question.
Only use the columns present in the respective table. Only use the columns which are required to generate the SQL query. Only use table joins if required and not otherwise.

### Tables ###
TABLE: CREATE TABLE table_20823568_2 ( third_place_s_ VARCHAR, total_placing_s_ VARCHAR )

### Question ###
What is the total number of 3rd place entries that have exactly 8 total placings?

### Accurate SQL ###

SELECT COUNT(third_place_s_) FROM table_20823568_2 WHERE total_placing_s_ = 8