It won't be ideal, but it will work. Back in my late teens, when I could only afford one reel, I used a Penn 704 on an 8' Berkley rod.
Funny how no matter when you buy them, reels always seem to cost a week's pay
Thats what i was trying to do, knock three birds with one stone i didnt pick it out for the 8 footer so i didnt ever put the reel on the rod, just a bit curious