Rick. I'm also in an 8b (some folks claim zone 9 begins just 3 or 4 miles closer to the gulf.) Even with the top growth and root structure. The plant will be going through a fair bit of shock. Just from transplanting. If you add the falling temps for the next 3 months. That "may" be a lot for the plant to handle.

Though I suspect it would probably survive. I'd play it safe. Plant it in a pot and either keep it inside till spring. Or bring it in and out depending on the weather.

I suspect then it would weaken less and once planted outside in spring. Recover quicker.