Week 10 of the 2025 college football season was wild. Ranked teams faced tough opponents, and some managed to hold their ground while others stumbled.
The latest Associated Press Top 25 poll shows just how much things shifted. Let’s dig into a few key games, the clutch plays, and what might be next for these big-name programs.
Survival of the Fittest: Key Wins and Losses
Saturday was a real test of grit for many top teams. Alabama, Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, BYU, Texas, and Virginia all survived their matchups.
On the other hand, LSU, Oklahoma, Missouri, South Florida, Illinois, and Arizona State didn’t make it through unscathed.
Alabama’s Late-Game Heroics
Alabama had a real scare against South Carolina. They were down eight in the fourth quarter and the mood was tense.
But the Crimson Tide dug deep—scoring a touchdown, nailing a two-point conversion, forcing a fumble, and then finding the end zone again in the final three minutes. That comeback win helps them shake off their earlier loss to Florida State and stay in the CFP hunt.
Ole Miss’s Comeback Victory
Ole Miss nearly let a double-digit halftime lead slip away. Oklahoma actually took the lead in the fourth quarter, which had fans sweating.
The Rebels answered with a Trinidad Chambliss touchdown pass, then a late field goal, and some clutch defense to seal a 34-26 win. With games left against South Carolina, The Citadel, Florida, and Mississippi State, Ole Miss is still in control of its CFP hopes.
SEC Dominance and Drama
The SEC, as usual, had its fair share of drama. Vanderbilt and Texas A&M both showed they could handle the pressure.
Vanderbilt’s Narrow Escape
Vanderbilt grabbed a 17-10 lead in the last two minutes against Missouri, thanks to a Diego Pavia touchdown run. Missouri’s last-second Hail Mary came up just a yard short.
This win keeps Vanderbilt’s playoff dream alive, but they’ve got tough road games ahead at Texas and Tennessee. Can they keep it going?
Texas A&M’s Second-Half Surge
Texas A&M flipped the script in the second half against LSU. Down at halftime, they stormed back and outscored LSU 35-7.
The Aggies are still undefeated and steering their own playoff fate. Meanwhile, LSU fans are getting restless, and head coach Brian Kelly is feeling the heat after that collapse.
Big 12 and Other Conferences: Key Performances
The SEC grabbed the headlines, but other conferences had their moments too. There were some wild finishes elsewhere.
Texas’s Overtime Thriller
Texas pulled off a gutsy comeback against Mississippi State, erasing a 17-point deficit in the fourth quarter. Backup QB Matthew Caldwell tossed the game-winning touchdown in overtime after Arch Manning left with a concussion.
That win keeps Texas hanging onto their faint playoff hopes. It wasn’t pretty, but it counts.
Indiana’s Continued Dominance
Indiana just keeps rolling. They blew out UCLA and are making a serious case for a high ranking.
The Hoosiers are looking like a real threat, though the season’s far from over.
Group of Five and Other Notable Games
Group of Five teams made some noise too. There were some big swings in playoff implications outside the Power Five.
BYU’s Undefeated Streak
BYU stayed perfect with a gritty second-half comeback over Iowa State. The Cougars keep finding ways to win tight games.
They’re making things interesting in the playoff conversation. Not bad for a team some folks wrote off early.
South Florida’s Late-Game Struggles
South Florida let a CFP Group of Five spot slip away with a rough finish against Memphis. The Tigers scored 17 unanswered in the fourth to win 34-31.
South Florida missed a 52-yard field goal as time expired, after a holding penalty pushed them back. That about sums up their late-game struggles.
Looking Ahead: Week 10 and Beyond
Week 10 is shaping up to be just as unpredictable. There are a few matchups you probably shouldn’t miss.
Ohio State vs. Penn State
This game lost a bit of shine since Penn State’s been struggling. Still, it’s a big one for Ohio State as they look to lock in their top spot and playoff hopes.
Georgia vs. Florida
Georgia vs. Florida isn’t quite the marquee matchup it could’ve been, but there’s still plenty at stake for the SEC standings and playoff picture.
Vanderbilt vs. Texas
All eyes are on the Vanderbilt vs. Texas matchup. If the Commodores manage to pull off another big win on the road, they’ll inch closer to a playoff spot.
This game feels like a turning point for both teams. Each side is hungry to make its mark on the 2025 season.
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