There are some major showdowns in Week 5 of the college football season. Breaking down the biggest matchups that will decide Saturday's matchups.
Friday night’s appetizer was nice, but the main course is now at hand. A full Week 5 college football Saturday features marquee contests all day and well into the night.
For the sake of brevity, we’ve limited ourselves to the seven most compelling matchups for this viewers’ guide. But as usual, we certainly allow that there are plenty of other games on the schedule more than capable of producing surprises and close finishes. Once again, keep one eye on the scoreboard, one hand on the remote, and enjoy.
With all that out of the way, let’s get into the nuts and bolts, starting in prime time.
No. 5 Oregon at No. 2 Penn State
Time/TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBC.
Why watch: This Big Ten blockbuster has been circled on the calendar all month, as we finally get to see if the Nittany Lions are worthy of their lofty preseason billing. Oregon, to be fair, hasn’t been challenged much either, though the Ducks did get an earlier taste of conference travel at Northwestern. Oregon QB Dante Moore has the offense humming, averaging just over 10 yards per pass attempt spreading the ball among a slew of big-play targets like WR Dakorien Moore and TE Kenyon Sadiq. Penn State DE Dani Dennis-Sutton and LB Tony Rojas will try to make his job difficult. Nittany Lions QB Drew Allar hasn’t had to test the deep waters much, as RBs Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton have also picked up where they left off last season. Allar will probably need to stretch the field more this week to keep Ducks LB Bryce Boettcher at bay.
Why it could disappoint: We’d be surprised if it does, but unexpected things happen in this sport all the time. When these teams last met in the 2024 Big Ten championship game, Penn State fell into an early hole and couldn’t quite make it all the way back. That seems unlikely to happen here in Happy Valley, but the Ducks shouldn’t be overwhelmed by the atmosphere either.
No. 16 Alabama at No. 3 Georgia
Time/TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC.
Why watch: One can only hope this showdown of recent national powers comes close to matching the drama of some past encounters. The stakes might not be as high this time, though the Crimson Tide certainly want to avoid taking a second ‘L’ on their ledger this early in the campaign. The Bulldogs for their part are happy to have gotten out of Tennessee unscathed a couple weeks ago and now look to defend their home turf. The Georgia defense wasn’t exactly lights out in Knoxville, which could bode well for Alabama QB Ty Simpson and his most dependable WR Germie Bernard. Chris Cole and the Bulldogs LB corps have had some success on blitzes, but more pressure is needed from the front line. UGa QB Gunner Stockton’s most dangerous weapon is WR Zachariah Branch, who will be monitored at all times by Crimson Tide DB Bray Hubbard.
Why it could disappoint: It will depend on how the Alabama lines hold up. If Georgia dominates in the trenches the way Florida State did, the Tide are in for a long night. But a back-and-forth treat seems more likely, as the Bulldogs haven’t consistently imposed their will either.
No. 4 LSU at No. 11 Mississippi
Time/TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC.
Why watch: In most weeks, this clash of unbeatens in the SEC would be the undisputed headliner. When all is said and done, it might prove to be the most consequential, as both teams still have plenty of challenges ahead and would very much like to have this one in the win column. The stronger units for both teams will be on the field when Ole Miss has possession. The Rebels have moved the ball effectively with either QB Austin Simmons or Trinidad Chambliss at the controls. Chambliss should continue to start for now, and workhorse RB Kewan Lacy is a big part of all packages who will receive extra attention from LSU LB Harold Perkins. The Tigers haven’t been as flashy, though they’ve faced stiffer resistance. QB Garrett Nussmeier and RB Caden Durham might find more openings against the Rebels, but DT Zxavian Harris is hard to move in the middle.
Why it could disappoint: A couple of possibilities come to mind. Either the LSU offense won’t be able to keep up, or the Tigers’ defense will take charge immediately and turn the game into a slog. We suspect, however, that there will be enough momentum changes on the field to keep everyone interested.
No. 1 Ohio State at Washington
Time/TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS.
Why watch: This is the Buckeyes’ only visit to the Big Ten’s west-coast enclave, and while it isn’t Oregon or Southern California, it might not be a walk in the park. The Huskies handled the non-conference portion of their schedule with relative ease and are now ready to see how they stack up among the league’s upper tier. Washington QB Demond Williams Jr. has been efficient thus far, though having RB Jonah Coleman with him in the backfield has certainly helped. If they can keep Caleb Downs and the Buckeyes’ excellent safety group busy, there might be opportunities to stretch the field. Ohio State QB Julian Sayin did enough in his first major test against Texas and has since gotten in a couple of tune-ups. He’ll want to get standout WR Jeremiah Smith involved early and often, though Huskies DB Alex McLaughlin will assist with coverage.
Why it could disappoint: The Buckeyes had last week off, while the Huskies were in an Apple Cup fight with Washington State that took a bit longer to secure than they might have liked. Beyond that, though, it might be that Washington’s rebuild is not that close to where Ohio State is in the sport’s pecking order. We should know fairly soon if that is the case.
No. 12 Indiana at Iowa
Time/TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, Peacock.
Why watch: The Hoosiers must put last week’s strong statement win in the rearview as they hit the road to face the Hawkeyes, who had a solid result themselves at Rutgers in their Big Ten opener. LB Jaden Harrell and the Iowa defense buttoned down in the second half after a rough start last week. They can’t afford a repeat of that formula against dynamic Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza and his deep stable of backs. The good news for the Hawkeyes was the improved output by QB Mark Gronowski and the offense, but LB Aiden Fisher and the Hoosiers’ front could be harder to solve. It wouldn’t come as a shock if the kicking game played a major role, with weapons like Iowa’s Kaden Wetjen or the Hoosiers’ D’Angelo Ponds capable of a big return at any time.
Why it could disappoint: Even with Iowa’s offensive upgrade, it still isn’t really equipped to mount a multi-score comeback if Indiana should grab the lead early. But if the Hawkeyes can make it a battle of field position, there could be fourth-quarter drama.
No. 22 Southern California at No. 23 Illinois
Time/TV: noon ET, Fox.
Why watch: After cracking the US LBM Coaches Poll for the first time this season, the Trojans now put that ranking on the line with this road trip. The Fighting Illini, meanwhile, are in desperate need of a reset after being thoroughly humbled by Indiana. Illinois QB Luke Altmyer didn’t have much time to operate last week as his offensive line was constantly overwhelmed. That kind of physicality has not been a defining trait for USC in recent years, but LB Eric Gentry does give the Trojans a veteran presence in the middle. USC QB Jayden Maiava has nine scoring throws without a pick and is getting solid ground support from RBs Waymond Jordan and Eli Sanders. LB Gabe Jacas and the Illinois front must regroup quickly.
Why it could disappoint: Following a late-night game in its home time zone a week ago, USC faces a major body-clock adjustment with what will feel like a morning kickoff. Will it matter? Probably not, but it might be worth watching early.
Arizona at No. 13 Iowa State
Time/TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN.
Why watch: The Cyclones got an early jump-start in Big 12 play a month ago. They finally return to league competition in Ames as they welcome the Wildcats, who are still something of a mystery team but have shown signs of improvement after going 4-8 in 2024. Iowa State is coming off a needed open date, which could translate to a quick start for QB Rocco Becht and RB Carson Hansen. The Wildcats, however, are also rested, and DB Genesis Smith and Co. don’t surrender many long gainers. Arizona QB Noah Fifita has six scoring passes without an interception, though his completion percentage has dipped slightly to 59% this season. He’ll be up against a deep Cyclones’ secondary featuring Jamison Patton.
Why it could disappoint: It probably won’t. Iowa State doesn’t exactly blow opponents out of the water even while winning. And, like the Cyclones, Arizona was also involved in a one-score game with Kansas State, though that one didn’t count in the conference standings. It probably won’t be a track meet, but it appears to be a close matchup on paper.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: College football Week 5 games to watch have playoff implications
Category: General Sports
