Welcome to Week 6 of the college football season. The race for the College Football Playoff (CFP) is starting to get spicy.
This week’s already brought some wild moments and real shakeups in the projected playoff bracket. From Alabama’s bounce-back to Michigan’s possible run, things are changing fast.
We’ll dive into the key games, big performances, and what all this means for the playoff picture as the season rolls on.
Week 6: A Turning Point in the CFP Race
Week six really feels like a tipping point. Several top teams are either locking in their spots or taking hits that might knock them out of playoff contention.
Preseason favorites like Texas and Penn State? Their hopes are hanging by a thread. Meanwhile, Alabama and Michigan are making their cases for a top-four finish.
Alabama’s Resurgence
Alabama took an early-season loss to Florida State that surprised a lot of people. But since then, they’ve bounced back.
Their win over Vanderbilt was more than just another Top 25 victory. It’s put them back in the thick of the SEC race, which is always a mess this time of year.
This win might end up being huge as the selection committee starts sorting contenders from the rest. Alabama’s performance this week just shows how unpredictable college football can be.
Their defense is tough, and the offense is finally clicking. Suddenly, the Crimson Tide look like national contenders again. If you want more details on their journey, here’s Sports Illustrated’s live projections.
Michigan’s Potential Run
Michigan’s win over Wisconsin at the Big House has set up a potentially big run toward the CFP. Sherrone Moore’s team looks like it’s peaking at just the right time.
If they can get past USC next week, they’ll be in a strong spot heading into their showdown with Ohio State. That game is probably going to decide who gets into the Big Ten title game.
The Wolverines have handled pressure well so far. Their defense has been especially solid, helping them control games and stay in the mix.
If you want a deeper look at Michigan’s chances, check out Sports Illustrated’s live projections.
Key Games and Their Implications
This week’s games really shook up the CFP race. Here are a few that mattered most:
- Texas vs. Florida: Florida’s big win in the Swamp has pretty much ended the Longhorns’ playoff hopes. Texas just couldn’t find enough consistency when it counted.
- UCLA vs. Penn State: UCLA’s upset at the Rose Bowl pushed Penn State further out of the playoff conversation. That one stings for Nittany Lions fans.
- Vanderbilt vs. Alabama: Vanderbilt put up a fight, but Alabama’s win keeps them right in the thick of things. It’s a reminder that even the “easy” games aren’t always easy.
Ohio State’s Steady Climb
Ohio State’s been quietly building a strong season. Their offense keeps improving, and the defense—led by Matt Patricia—has barely given up any points, just 22 all year.
This balance makes them a tough out for anybody. The Buckeyes’ schedule is pretty manageable, so they’ll have time to iron out any wrinkles before the big one against Michigan.
That game is shaping up to be one of the season’s biggest. Both teams will probably be fighting for a spot in the Big Ten title game. For more on Ohio State, here’s Sports Illustrated’s live projections.
Oklahoma’s Quarterback Conundrum
Oklahoma’s had to figure things out without John Mateer at quarterback. Their backup has stepped up, though, and kept the ship afloat.
The Red River showdown against Texas next week is a huge test. Win it, and Oklahoma’s right in the playoff mix; lose, and things could unravel pretty fast.
Their ability to adapt has been a big story this year. The next few weeks are going to be tough, and we’ll see what they’re really made of. For a closer look at Oklahoma, check out Sports Illustrated’s live projections.
Dark Horses and Surprise Contenders
It’s not just the usual suspects in the CFP race. Some dark horses are making things interesting, too.
Tulane and Indiana, for example, are shaking things up and could play spoiler as we move deeper into the season.
Tulane’s Strong Season
The Green Wave have become favorites in the American Athletic Conference. With two Power 4 wins already, they’ve shown they can hang with just about anyone.
Their next few games will be crucial. If they keep this up, they could snag a spot in a major bowl game.
Tulane’s balanced attack and discipline have been key. They’re executing in all phases, which makes them a team to keep an eye on. For more on Tulane, here’s Sports Illustrated’s live projections.
Indiana’s Historic Opportunity
Indiana’s gearing up for maybe the biggest game in their history as they head to Oregon next week. A win there would put them right in the national spotlight.
They’ve shown plenty of resilience and grit this season. The Hoosiers have become one of the year’s best stories—and they’re not done yet.
If you want to dig into Indiana’s journey, check out Sports Illustrated’s live projections.
Looking Ahead
We’re heading into the thick of the college football season now. The race for the CFP? It’s about to get even more wild.
Key matchups are looming, and honestly, upsets could shake up everything. The whole playoff picture feels unsettled—maybe even a little chaotic.
Teams can’t afford to let up for a second if they want a shot at the playoff. Every week, the stakes get a little higher.
The selection committee’s job isn’t getting any easier. They’ll be picking apart every résumé, every big win, every weird loss.
Every snap, every call, every weird bounce of the ball—it’s all under the microscope now. If you’re a fan of drama, this is the good stuff.
For fresh updates and live projections, check out Sports Illustrated’s live projections. It’s a solid resource if you’re trying to keep up.
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