Week 5 of the college football season? It had everything. There were thrilling matchups and, honestly, more than a few surprises.
Oregon’s wild double-overtime win over Penn State and Alabama’s narrow escape against Georgia made for a weekend that shook up the whole playoff picture. Here’s a closer look at what went down, plus some thoughts on how the AP top 12 might look now.
The Mighty Oregon Ducks: A Double-Overtime Thriller
Oregon, sitting at sixth, went head-to-head with third-ranked Penn State in a game that could’ve gone either way. Double overtime. Absolute chaos.
The Ducks pulled it off and, in doing so, staked their claim as a real threat this season. That win’s going to stick with them—and everyone else—moving forward.
Key Moments and Player Performances
There were some wild swings in this one. A last-minute touchdown sent it to overtime, and Oregon’s defense kept finding ways to hold firm.
The offense made the big plays when it counted. You could tell the stars were locked in—without those performances, Oregon’s not walking away with that win.
Alabama Back on Track: A Narrow Victory Over Georgia
Alabama, down at seventeen, just barely slipped past fifth-ranked Georgia, 24-21. It’s a huge moment for the Tide after a rocky start.
Georgia, meanwhile, has to be wondering if they can hang onto that top-five spot. This one’s going to sting for a while.
Game Highlights and Strategic Plays
Alabama’s win came down to some gutsy calls and a defense that refused to quit. Lead changes kept fans guessing until the end.
When it mattered, Alabama’s playmakers showed up. That kind of depth? Not every team has it.
Ohio State Dominates Washington
Ohio State, still at the top, didn’t let up against Washington. The Buckeyes cruised to a 24-6 win.
Honestly, they look like the team to beat. Their offense and defense both showed up big time.
Defensive Masterclass
Holding Washington to just six points? That’s not easy. Ohio State’s defense just keeps proving they’re legit.
They look ready for whatever comes next.
Ole Miss Upsets LSU
Maybe the biggest shock: thirteenth-ranked Ole Miss took down fourth-ranked LSU, 24-19. That’s going to shake up the rankings for sure.
Ole Miss has been quietly getting better, and this win’s going to get them noticed.
Impact on Rankings
This one’s a huge boost for Ole Miss. LSU, on the other hand, might need to take a hard look at what’s not working.
Notre Dame Crushes Arkansas
Notre Dame, ranked twenty-second, just steamrolled Arkansas, 56-13. That’s a statement if I’ve ever seen one.
Their offense was relentless, and the defense didn’t let up either.
Offensive Firepower
Fifty-six points is no joke. Notre Dame kept the pressure on from start to finish, and it paid off in a big way.
Illinois Edges Out USC
In a nail-biter, twenty-third-ranked Illinois barely held off twenty-first-ranked USC, 34-32. That’s a huge win for Illinois as they try to climb the ladder.
You could feel the tension the whole way through.
Game-Deciding Moments
It all came down to a last-minute field goal. Both teams left it all out there, but Illinois just managed to pull ahead when it counted.
Projecting the AP Top 12 Rankings
With the way these games played out, the AP top 12 rankings are about to get a real shake-up.
Here’s how the top 12 teams are expected to line up:
- 1. Ohio State
- 2. Oregon
- 3. Alabama
- 4. Ole Miss
- 5. Notre Dame
- 6. Penn State
- 7. Georgia
- 8. LSU
- 9. Washington
- 10. Illinois
- 11. USC
- 12. Arkansas
College football never really sits still, does it? Every week, the rankings get tossed around—sometimes more than you’d expect.
Ohio State and Oregon look pretty comfortable at the top right now. Alabama and Ole Miss? They’re definitely climbing.
If you want a closer look at what’s happening or just need your college football fix, check out The McShay Show.
Todd McShay and Steve Muench go deep on the latest, and honestly, their takes are usually worth a listen.
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