By Colin Bish, Sports Staffer
Week 5 was a big one, as four top ten teams (three of those in the top five) fell during the weekend and completely shook the landscape of CFB right now. Let’s take a look at what went well for teams, and who is looking to regroup after a shaky weekend.
The Good:
Tide Washes Away Georgia in Athens
To pull a famous quote from my favorite show, Avatar: The Last Airbender, “When the world needed him most, he vanished.” This refers to the world’s hero, the Avatar, disappearing in the wake of imminent war. That couldn’t be the case for redshirt junior quarterback Ty Simpson; when Alabama needed him most, he stepped up to the occasion, completing 24 of 38 passes for 276 yards and two touchdowns, adding another score on the ground. Against a top-tier Georgia defense, the offense played a nearly flawless game, committing zero turnovers and going 13/19 on third down. This was exactly the win head coach Kalen DeBoer needed to show that the Tide can still compete with the very best college football has to offer.
Illini Bounce Back for Homecoming
USC (University of South California) was uber-hot rolling into Champaign to take on an Illinois team that just got dusted 63-10 on the road to Indiana. Betting odds pinned the Trojans at 6.5-point favorites, but Illinois was ready for the challenge. Especially redshirt senior Luke Altmyer; the star quarterback went off, completing 20 of his 26 passes for 326 yards and two touchdowns through the air and one score on the ground. USC made a late rally in the fourth quarter, taking a 32-31 lead on a touchdown from junior wide receiver Makai Lemon. Yet it wasn’t enough, as Altmyer drove the Illini down the field for a game-winning, 41-yard field goal by junior kicker David Olano. A great bounceback game for head coach Bret Bielema to get back on track as they travel to Purdue this weekend before facing Ohio State at home on Oct. 11.
Ohio State Defense Strikes “Emerald” in Seattle
Speaking of the Buckeyes, they went on the road at Washington. The Huskies kept things close early, until OSU pulled in front with a touchdown from stud sophomore receiver Jeremiah Smith. Sophomore quarterback Julian Sayin continues to show his poise and confidence in his first year of starting. However, the defense was easily head coach Ryan Day’s shining star. The Buckeyes held Washington to six points on 234 total yards, but even more impressive was holding the Huskies to one of 11 on third down. Senior defensive end Caden Curry led the charge, notching 11 tackles and 3 sacks in the win. Ohio State continues to prove they are far and away the top team in college football.
Kennesaw State Shocking the System
The Owls are in just their second year at the FBS level, with the first not going so well, finishing 2-10 and 2025 was looking like more of the same, starting 0-2. However, they’ve begun to turn a corner. After two consecutive home wins, the Owls rode a big first quarter against Middle Tennessee to a 24-16 conference victory, their third win in a row. Even with the Blue Raiders leading in yards, third-down completion percentage and time of possession, the Kennesaw State defense held down the fort to secure the win. Redshirt sophomore quarterback Amari Odom threw for 162 yards and 2 touchdowns, both of them in the aforementioned first quarter. While I don’t think KSU will be an elite-level Group of Five squad, head coach Jerry Mack has some good going for a young program in desperate need of a jolt.
The Bad:
LSU Offense Can’t Keep Up With Kiffin
To answer my question last week, no, LSU’s offensive turnaround did not help them on the road against Ole Miss. And this time, the defense could not save them in time. Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin’s offense notched 484 total yards, with senior quarterback Trinidad Chambliss accumulating 385 total himself. The Tigers, meanwhile, could not keep up with the Rebels, totaling just 254 yards of offense and finishing two of 11 on third down. Although the defense will keep LSU in playoff conversation, the offense needs to turn something around. Sophomore running back Caden Durham was desperately missed in the run game but, more importantly, redshirt senior quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has not looked remotely close to what he was in 2024.
Pittsburgh Blows Two Separate Leads to Louisville
In no way should this game have even been close, but when you take two separate leads against your opponent, you have to close out. Pitt could not. Despite committing five turnovers, going one for 10 on third down and getting dominated in time of possession, the Panthers broke out to a 17-0 first quarter lead and later led at halftime 27-17. Unfortunately, they could not hold firm. Louisville redshirt senior quarterback Miller Moss led a furious comeback, putting the Cardinals up 34-27 in the fourth quarter. The Panthers failed to make a comeback, falling to 2-2 as Louisville remained unbeaten at 4-0. Despite the Cardinals outplaying Pitt, when you have a big lead in the game, let alone at two separate points in the game, you have to close it out no matter what.
TCU Topples in Tempe Showdown
Despite the Horned Frogs breaking out to a 17-0 lead, the defending Big 12 champs Arizona State wouldn’t go down without a fight. With under two minutes to go, a touchdown by redshirt junior receiver Jordyn Tyson tied the game. A TCU fumble seconds later set up Arizona State for a field goal to take the lead, 27-24. Redshirt junior quarterback Josh Hoover threw an interception on the ensuing drive, sealing the huge win for Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham. While TCU faced a really good team in the Sun Devils, they had multiple opportunities to secure the win, but they let the game fall out of their hands.
Hokies Tame the Pack in ACC Opener
With Virginia Tech under new leadership after firing former head coach Brent Pry two weeks ago, this left the Hokies ripe for the picking as they took on NC State in enemy territory. But interim coach Philip Montgomery had his team ready to go, as redshirt senior quarterback Kyron Drones threw two touchdowns while junior running back Terion Stewart added 174 yards on the ground in the 23-21 win. NC State sophomore quarterback CJ Bailey did all he could, throwing for 240 yards and two touchdowns, but it was not enough to overcome the Hokies. This is a big disappointment for NC State. When you have a team down like Virginia Tech was, you must capitalize on the opportunity. This is not the kind of start you want in conference play.
The Ugly:
Penn State Falls to a Top-Ten Team (Again)
I can’t tell you when Penn State will best a top-10 opponent. Despite a furious fourth quarter comeback, Oregon came back in the second overtime to take a 30-24 lead before junior safety Dillon Thieneman intercepted Penn State senior quarterback Drew Allar to win the game. A solid defensive performance can only carry you so far when head coach James Franklin just can’t get it done in big games, not to mention your quarterback misses wide-open checkdowns to the tight end. Penn State is in no way out of the Playoff picture, but these losses bode horribly for when they have to face another (insert dramatic sound effect) top-10 team!
Florida State Trampled by Virginia, Literally
Despite struggling in recent years, they’ve turned a corner with graduate quarterback Chandler Morris at the helm. The veteran transfer had a great game against Florida State, scoring five total touchdowns, but his 3 interceptions kept the Noles in the game. After taking the lead in the second overtime, the Cavs sealed the game, 46-38, after junior defensive back Ja’son Prevard grabbed a fourth-down interception. The Virginia crowd immediately rushed the field, a great moment no doubt, but I really hope Florida State receiver Squirrel White is ok after getting caught in the fire. Although it was scary, I can’t help but find that clip of White disappearing among the field storm a pretty accurate depiction of that game on the Seminoles’ side.
Oregon State Still Winless After Collapse vs. Houston
After leading 24-10 in the fourth quarter, Houston redshirt junior quarterback Conner Weigman threw two touchdowns to tie the game at 24. Oregon State had a chance to win with a game-winning field goal, but Houston would block the kick and send the game to overtime. Houston senior kicker Ethan Sanchez kicked the game-winner to help the Cougs notch the 27-24 win, remaining undefeated. As for Oregon State, they continue to scrap for their first win of 2025, falling to 0-5 as they go on the road against Appalachian State this Saturday.
Holy Hog, Sound the Alarm!
Disaster has struck in Fayetteville. The Razorbacks have lost three straight, going back to their 41-35 loss to Ole Miss. Then the defense blew a lead against Memphis in a 32-31 loss. This past Saturday, Arkansas was dusted, 56-13, against Notre Dame. Noticing a pattern? This led to Arkansas cleaning house, firing head coach Sam Pittman and interim coach Bobby Petrino would subsequently let go of much of Pittman’s staff. Thus you have the pigpen-level mess that’s piling up for Arkansas. Things may get even worse as they travel to Rocky Top to take on the always-dangerous offensive powerhouse, theTennessee Volunteers on Saturday.
Week 6 Questions:
Can FSU Rebound Against an Old Foe?
The Seminoles are in desperation mode following their loss to Virginia, particularly as they face their old rival Miami on Saturday night. The Hurricanes have experienced a rejuvenation of their own, with redshirt senior quarterback Carson Beck super-charging the offense backed by a new-look, sturdy defense. The key in this game will come down to Florida State’s run game and Miami’s road performance. Florida State leads the nation in rush yards per game at over 300, while the Hurricanes defense has allowed 76.5 yards per game. Equally as important is Miami’s poise in their first road game. Without that home crowd in tow, deep in one of the most hostile environments and rivalries in college football, can Beck overcome the odds? All will be settled Saturday night.
Will Kalen DeBoer Get Revenge on Vandy?
It’s a bit premature to say that the road win against Georgia “saved” Alabama’s season, but it’s hard not to argue the case. The Tide have regained their confidence as College Gameday arrives in Tuscaloosa for a ranked matchup against Vanderbilt. As you may recall, Vanderbilt graduate quarterback Diego Pavia pulled off the upset of the year in 2024 as the unranked Commodores stunned #1 Alabama, 40-35. Now, Vandy has started the year 5-0 and are ranked #16 with an elite offense led by Pavia and my preseason All-American pick at tight end, graduate Eli Stowers (check out my Substack!). Bama’s defense improved heavily against Georgia, which presents a fun matchup ahead between these two teams.
How will the Sooners Fare with no Mateer?
News broke that star redshirt junior quarterback John Mateer would undergo surgery for a broken bone in his throwing hand. Thankfully, the Sooners were on a bye week, and they will take on Kent State at home in what’s likely a cakewalk. But trouble arises in the following weeks, particularly October 11th against Texas. While rumors have swirled that Mateer has a chance to return before the Longhorns game, fate is never kind. Filling in at quarterback is sophomore Michael Hawkins Jr., who saw some notable action last year for Oklahoma, but has a lot left to be desired considering the offense clicked so well under Mateer. Again, this week shouldn’t be a problem against the Flashes, but Texas looms large in two weeks.
Could Fritz and Houston Challenge Texas Tech?
One of the quieter teams in college football, Houston head coach WIllie Fritz has slowly been building up this Houston team as a potential Big 12 contender. They’ve started 4-0 with their toughest challenge on the horizon against the #11 Red Raiders. Unlike Texas Tech teams of the past, they’ve got a prolific offensive unit to pair alongside a new and improved defensive core. With guys like senior linebackers David Bailey and Jacob Rodriguez, this will be no easy feat. Not to mention Texas Tech already proving they can handle road crowds as they did against Utah. However, college football provides no certainties. All the stats and correlations go out the window when luck and doing things at the right place and time come into play. I’m telling you, in every game, there’s always a chance. Cue the Jim Carrey quote from Dumb and Dumber.
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