Week 5 of the college football season is shaping up to be one of the most exhilarating weekends of the year. High-stakes matchups and key showdowns are on the slate, and several top teams have a lot riding on these games.
From ranked-versus-ranked duels to litmus tests for emerging talents, the schedule is loaded. Fans really shouldn’t miss this one—there’s just too much happening.
Let’s jump into the most exciting games of the weekend. We’ll break down key players, matchups, and what’s worth keeping an eye on.
Oregon vs Penn State: A Clash for the No. 1 Spot
One of the biggest games this weekend is the highly-anticipated showdown between the Oregon Ducks and the Penn State Nittany Lions. Both teams are undefeated and gunning for the top spot in the college football rankings.
Key Players to Watch
Oregon’s defense has been tough, holding opponents to just a 51.1 percent completion rate and a 0-4 TD-INT rate. Penn State’s defense isn’t far behind, giving up only 4.6 pass yards per attempt.
Oregon quarterback Dante Moore will have his work cut out for him against Penn State’s aggressive front. That matchup alone could decide a lot.
Home-Field Advantage
Penn State gets the home-field boost at Beaver Stadium, which is never a small thing. Quarterback Drew Allar has been a bit off lately, completing just 56.5 percent of his passes in the last two games.
The Nittany Lions’ defense might have to carry the load if he can’t find his rhythm. It’s going to be a tense one.
Ole Miss vs LSU: A Battle in the SEC
The Ole Miss Rebels meet the LSU Tigers in a crucial SEC matchup. This one’s not in Death Valley, which probably helps Ole Miss a bit.
Offensive and Defensive Insights
LSU’s defense has been stingy, allowing just 64 rushing yards per game and 2.6 yards per carry. Ole Miss, meanwhile, has given up a whopping 190.5 rushing yards per game.
That gap in run defense could turn out to be a real difference-maker. It’s hard to ignore.
Key Players
LSU running back Caden Durham has been solid against Power 4 teams, averaging 83.5 rushing yards per game. Ole Miss is counting on quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, who’s sporting an 88.5 QBR.
Notre Dame vs Arkansas: A High-Scoring Affair
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Arkansas Razorbacks are set for what looks like a high-scoring game. Both defenses have had their struggles.
Offensive Firepower
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love will try to take advantage of Arkansas’ weak run defense, which allows 157.5 rushing yards per game. Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green gets to go after a Notre Dame pass defense that’s giving up 8.1 yards per attempt.
Defensive Challenges
Both teams are near the bottom in total yards allowed per game—Notre Dame gives up 402.0, Arkansas 371.0. It might just come down to which defense can make a late stand.
Alabama vs Georgia: SEC Powerhouses Collide
The Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs square off in a can’t-miss SEC battle. Both teams have strong records and plenty at stake.
Quarterback Duel
Alabama’s quarterback Ty Simpson has been solid on deep throws, with a 90.0 PFF grade. Georgia’s Gunner Stockton is playing some of his best football, so this QB matchup should be fun.
Running Game
Georgia is rolling on the ground, averaging 209 rushing yards per game. Alabama gets back running back Jam Miller and defensive lineman Tim Keenan III, which should even things out a bit.
USC vs Illinois: A Test for the Trojans
The USC Trojans face the Illinois Fighting Illini in a game that could reveal a lot about both squads. USC quarterback Jayden Maiava leads the nation in ESPN QBR this season.
Quarterback Performance
Maiava will test an Illinois defense that recently allowed more passing touchdowns than incompletions in a game. With Illinois missing All-Big Ten defensive back Xavier Scott, Maiava could have a big day.
Pass Rush Factor
The Trojans’ pass rush is tied for most sacks in the country. Illinois quarterback Luek Altmyer has struggled under pressure, completing just 51.9 percent of his passes.
That’s a tough spot for Illinois, honestly.
Texas A&M vs Auburn: SEC Showdown
The Texas A&M Aggies go up against the Auburn Tigers in another interesting SEC matchup. Texas A&M brings a strong pass rush, averaging three sacks per game.
Offensive Line Struggles
Auburn’s offensive line has been shaky, and quarterback Jackson Arnold has taken 16 sacks already this season. If Texas A&M gets after him, Auburn could be in for a long afternoon.
Key to Victory
For Texas A&M, it’s all about pressuring Arnold. If they can do that, Auburn will have a hard time scoring.
Auburn’s defense needs to step up, or this one could get away from them.
Washington vs Ohio State: A Test for the Huskies
The Washington Huskies are in for a challenge against the Ohio State Buckeyes. Washington’s defense has had issues with deep passes, and Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin is eager to take advantage.
Downfield Threat
Sayin has been perfect on throws of 20-plus yards this year. Washington’s secondary will have their hands full trying to contain Ohio State’s passing attack.
Offensive Line Battle
Ohio State’s offensive line has been outstanding, allowing just one sack and ten pressures all season. That could be a huge factor in how this game unfolds.
Mississippi State vs Tennessee: Offensive Fireworks
The Mississippi State Bulldogs and the Tennessee Volunteers are set for a game that should feature plenty of points. Both teams have been racking up yards and lighting up the scoreboard.
Offensive Prowess
Tennessee is putting up the fourth-most points and seventh-most total yards in college football. Mississippi State has doubled their win total from last season with a much-improved offense.
Defensive Struggles
Tennessee’s secondary is really feeling the pain this season, with injuries piling up everywhere. They’re giving up a rough 279 passing yards per game—yikes.
Mississippi State’s defense isn’t exactly lighting it up either. They’ve struggled to create much pressure, so honestly, this could turn into a wild shootout.
If you want to dive deeper into predictions and analysis, check out Sportsnaut’s Week 5 College Football Predictions.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
