Atlanta — Week 5 of the college football season was a whirlwind of upsets, statement wins, and a few teams that might want to check their playbooks for typos. The landscape shifted dramatically, with top-ranked teams falling and underdogs rising to the occasion. From the swamps of Athens to the plains of Oxford, the gridiron was alive with drama.
By the time the confetti settles on Week 5, two things are obvious: college football is absolutely not for the faint-hearted, and you better keep your bracket updates open all night. Over these weekend hours, more things broke than held: streaks, expectations, games, egos. We got triple-overtime thrillers, grit, panic, and bold statements from dogs no one wanted to bet on. The leaderboard is rearranging itself faster than you can refresh your phone, and that’s exactly the point.
Without further ado, let’s dive in.
Winners of the Week
Alabama
In a game that had the feel of a heavyweight bout, Alabama traveled to Athens and handed Georgia its first home loss in six years, 24–21. Ty Simpson was the catalyst, throwing for 276 yards and two touchdowns while adding a rushing score. The Crimson Tide never trailed, showcasing a balanced attack and a defense that stood tall when it mattered most. The win not only ended Georgia’s 33-game home winning streak but also sent a message: Alabama is back in the championship conversation, at least for now.
If the Tide can handle business at home and avoid a road trap game against Missouri, they are absolutely a national title contender.
We’ll find out more on Alabama pretty soon. Was Georgia a one-off win or are the Tide a weekly juggernaut? We shall see.
Oregon
Oregon outlasted Penn State in a thrilling double-overtime matchup, 30–24. Dillon Thieneman’s interception in the second overtime sealed the victory for the Ducks. The game was a rematch of last season’s Big Ten Championship, and Oregon proved it still belongs at the top of the conference. With this win, Oregon solidified its position as a top contender in the Big Ten.
Virginia
In a stunning upset, Virginia defeated No. 8 Florida State 46–38 in double overtime. Chandler Morris was the hero, accounting for five touchdowns—two through the air and three on the ground. The Cavaliers’ victory marked their first home win over a top-10 team since 2005, sending fans into a frenzy and shaking up the ACC standings.
Remember, that early season loss at NC State is not a conference loss, in the crazy world of 2025. The Hoo’s are very much alive in the ACC race.
Ole Miss
Ole Miss continued its perfect season with a 24–19 victory over LSU in Oxford. The Rebels outgained the Tigers 480 yards to 254, with Kewan Lacy and former LSU running back Logan Diggs each contributing a touchdown. The win not only kept Ole Miss undefeated but also added a significant notch to its résumé for the College Football Playoff race. Chambliss has emerged as a Heisman contender as Kiffin continues to work his QB magic.
Illinois
After a tough loss the previous week, Illinois bounced back in a big way, defeating USC 34–32 on a last-second 41-yard field goal by David Olano. Quarterback Luke Altmyer led the charge, driving the team into field goal range and setting up the dramatic finish. The Illini’s resilience was on full display, proving they’re still a team to watch in the Big Ten.
Credit to Bret Bielema for getting his team back on track here. It’s not easy to bounce back from a 50+ point thumping in the prior week to Indiana. Illinois did just that, keeping its season and playoff hopes very much alive.
Notre Dame
Notre Dame dominated Arkansas 56–13 in Fayetteville. Freshman quarterback CJ Carr threw for 354 yards and four touchdowns, matching a Notre Dame freshman record. Running back Jeremiyah Love was equally impressive, catching two touchdown passes and rushing for two more. The Fighting Irish’s offensive explosion left little doubt about their potential this season.
Losers of the Week
Georgia
Georgia’s 33-game home winning streak came to a halt against Alabama. Despite a valiant effort, the Bulldogs couldn’t overcome the Crimson Tide’s balanced attack and timely defense. While the loss stings, Georgia has the talent to rebound and remain a formidable force in the SEC. The season is far from over in Athens. The Dawgs can still win the SEC and the national title.
But…
Georgia had Alabama, its nemesis of the past decade, at home in Athens. This was a chance for Kirby Smart and the Dawgs to keep a mini dynasty rolling and become the next Alabama in the SEC.
Unfortunately, that very Alabama team, still has Georgia’s number, even in the post Nick Saban world. I am by no means writing off Smart and the Bulldogs, but the Alabama ‘problem’ is a real thing.
This was a game it felt like Georgia had to have for the present and the future. In the expanded playoff, the Dawgs still have every goal in front of them.
Catch Alabama again in Atlanta and every single goal is still on the table, including beating the Crimson Tide.
The Dawgs have a pair of national championships and two SEC Championships in the 2020’s. But… Alabama is still a roadblock for Georgia. To some fans, that’s not good enough and it’s understandable as to why.
LSU
LSU’s offense sputtered in Oxford, managing only 254 total yards in a 24–19 loss to Ole Miss. The Tigers couldn’t establish a consistent rhythm, and missed opportunities proved costly. Coach Brian Kelly will need to address these issues quickly to keep LSU’s season on track. That Week 1 win at Clemson no longer looks like a program changer, even though it’s a good victory.
LSU must rebound and do so fast. The Tigers still have no answer on offense.
Penn State
Penn State’s White Out game turned into a nightmare as they fell to Oregon 30–24 in double overtime. Despite a strong performance, the Nittany Lions couldn’t close out the game, allowing Oregon to capitalize in the extra periods. The loss raises questions about Penn State’s ability to perform under pressure.
Similar to Georgia, this loss has little impact on the goals of this season for Penn State. The Nittany Lions can still win the Big Ten, a national championship and all of the accolades.
But…
This was the moment for Penn State. You had over eight months to prepare for this Oregon game with the way the schedule lined up. Three cupcake openers and a bye week, plus an entire spring and summer of practice and time in the weight room.
Yet Penn State looked like the same team it’s always been under Franklin.
The most veteran-led roster in football. A pair of NFL running backs behind a solid offensive line. A home White Out game at night.
And yet, Penn State still lost the big one, again.
The Nittany Lions can dink and dunk their way to 10-2 without having to win a Top 10 game and it will get them into the playoff. However, this was supposed to be the year the Nittany Lions turned the corner.
Penn State will get another shot in Columbus next month. Win that game and this loss means very little for the Nittany Lions.
But… If not now, when?
Penn State had its best opportunity for a signature win on Saturday night and it came up short. Where do you go from here?
James Franklin wins the games he should win, but every time the pressure mounts in a showdown, he crumbles.
Do you fire a guy for going 10-2 at a sleeping giant and potential blue blood program? Georgia tried it with Mark Richt and it seemed to work out pretty well.
If you fire Franklin, you better have a pretty good answer or you can turn into Nebraska. Ask Tennessee fans how the 2010’s went.
Is the gamble worth it? Penn State fans sure seem to think so and they may finally be right.
Florida State
Florida State’s hopes of a playoff berth took a major hit with a 46–38 double-overtime loss to Virginia. The Seminoles had opportunities, but couldn’t execute in critical moments. While the season isn’t lost, FSU will need to regroup and address its shortcomings to stay in contention.
The good news? A rebound awaits with a chance to upset Miami at home this weekend.
The bad news? Conference expansion makes a loss in ACC play hard to recover from for reaching Charlotte.
An 11-1 FSU with a win over Alabama gets into the playoff and likely hosts a home game. You better beat Miami this weekend or it will be tall task to stay in contention.
There aren’t enough quality games on the schedule to stumble again.
Thank God you caught Alabama asleep at the wheel and put that statement win on the resume. It’s going to matter in November if you can’t beat Miami.
Arkansas
Arkansas was overwhelmed at home, falling 56–13 to Notre Dame. The Razorbacks were outmatched on both sides of the ball, and the loss raises concerns about their ability to compete in the SEC. Coach Sam Pittman is a thing of the past in Fayetteville, as a familiar face returns to the sidelines.
If Bobby Petrino plucks off Tennessee, Auburn or A&M in the coming weeks, there’s a chance Petrino earns the job yet again.
Let’s see what the Razorbacks are made of. Taylen Green always gives you a chance, but it’s going to take some magic to pull off a 2024 Florida type of late-season rally for a bowl game.
The floor is yours, pal.
USC
USC’s trip to Illinois ended in disappointment as they lost 34–32 on a last-second field goal. The Trojans’ offense moved the ball effectively but couldn’t finish drives when it mattered most. The loss highlights the need for USC to improve its execution in clutch situations.
We told you the Trojans weren’t getting enough respect coming into this game. They didn’t play bad on Saturday, but the moment looked a little too big for Lincoln Riley and company.
We won’t give up on USC just yet, but it better return from the bye and beat Michigan or Notre Dame to prove its worth.
The Trojans travel to Eugene in November. You better beat Michigan or Notre Dame if you have any hope of sneaking into the playoff, while catching the eyes of the nation.
Tread Carefully
Mississippi State
Mississippi State fought hard, but ultimately fell to Tennessee 41–34 in overtime in Starkville. Despite the loss, the Bulldogs showed resilience and determination. With a bye week ahead, Mississippi State has time to regroup and prepare for the challenges ahead.
But…
This was a missed opportunity for the Maroon and White. You had Tennessee on the ropes at home and let it slip away.
Redemption awaits in College Station on Saturday. Knock off the Aggies and all is okay. However, a loss puts the Bulldogs with their backs against the wall and the schedule doesn’t get any easier from here.
A road trip to The Swamp, home against Texas, at Arkansas, hosting Georgia, back on the road to Mizzou and the infamous Egg Bowl with Ole Miss.
This was a game you likely had to have. Still, things are looking up in Starkville. Trust the process under Jeff Lebby. It’s going to take a season or two to get this program rolling.
I think it can happen. The signs are there. This team feels a bit like 2021 Tennessee in Josh Heupel’s first year. Lebby is turning the ship in Starkville.
Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech narrowly escaped Wake Forest with a 30–29 overtime victory. The Yellow Jackets’ offense struggled to find consistency, and a missed offside call late in the game added to the controversy. While they remain unbeaten, Georgia Tech will need to improve.
Interestingly enough, it’s not the big games that stump the Yellow Jackets, it’s the ones they should win. You escaped Winston-Salem to avoid a crushing loss. You’re now 5-0.
We will forgive this performance, since you found a way to win and are still undefeated.
But…
Georgia Tech doesn’t have another big game on its schedule until Thanksgiving week, where the Jackets find the Dawgs in the Benz.
That’s horrifying news to Tech fans, if you’ve followed the Brent Key era closely. Ironically, Jacket fans would likely prefer more ranked opponents.
Find a way to win the upcoming games that are winnable on paper and all will be okay.
The schedule is very favorable on paper. Now lock in and find a way to get to Charlotte and possibly the playoff.
We’ll allow a mulligan here. Sure, it wasn’t even a loss. The fight and grit in the second half to scrap and claw out a victory looked like a textbook Brent Key team. Just don’t let it happen again or you might find an L by your name.
If Tech wants this season to go down in history on the Flats, it must handle business up to the Georgia game.
Honorable Mentions
- Arizona State: The Sun Devils secured a hard-fought win over TCU, proving they’re a team capable of competing with anyone. Their resilience will serve them well as the season progresses.
- Indiana: Coming off a bye week, Indiana will look to continue its momentum and prove that its early-season success wasn’t a fluke.
Week 6 Preview
Looking ahead, Week 6 promises high-stakes matchups that could further shape the playoff picture.
- Miami at Florida State: A crucial ACC showdown where both teams need a win to stay in contention. FSU will look to bounce back from its loss, while Miami aims to continue its strong start.
- Alabama vs. Vanderbilt: Alabama returns home to face Vanderbilt, looking to build on its momentum from the Georgia win. Vanderbilt will need to play its best game to keep it competitive, but fear lingers in Title Town after a post-Georgia hangover loss to Pavia last year. Don’t let it happen again.
- A&M vs. Mississippi State: Both teams are coming off odd games and will be eager to get back on track. A&M dominated the stat sheet Saturday, but the scoreboard looked closer than it really was against Auburn. State gave one away to Tennessee. Expect a hard-fought battle in CStat as two much-improved Maroon foes do battle.
- Penn State: The Nittany Lions must regroup and address their overtime loss to Oregon. How they respond will be telling.
- Ole Miss: The Rebels face a challenging stretch ahead and will look to maintain their perfect record.
- Notre Dame: Coming off a dominant win, the Fighting Irish will look to continue their strong play and keep climbing the rankings.
- Illinois: After a big win over USC, Illinois will aim to keep the momentum going and prove they’re still a force in the Big Ten.
- Georgia Tech: The Yellow Jackets will look to improve their play and avoid another close call.
Week 5 was a reminder that in college football, anything can happen. Teams rose to the occasion, while others faltered under pressure. As we move into Week 6, the playoff picture is far from clear, and every game counts. Stay tuned—this season is just getting started.
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