College football Week 5 highlights: Deion, Colorado fall to USC and rest of Top 25 action
Week 5 of the college football season featured some big matchups, with three games Saturday featuring teams in the top 25 of the US LBM Coaches Poll.
Those matchups Saturday did not disappoint. No. 20 Mississippi defeated No. 12 LSU 55-49 in the game of the day, an all-time great shootout that finally secured a signature win for Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin. Then, No. 13 Notre Dame stole a win in the final minute at No. 16 Duke thanks to some heroics from Sam Hartman and Audric Estime.
Elsewhere, a near-epic comeback from Deion Sanders' Colorado team came up short.
Looking for Week 5 picks? We got you covered here. And a complete college football TV schedule? Yep, that’s right here.
Check out scores, highlights, wild plays, analysis and more from throughout the day:
College football Week 5 Top 25 scores
- No. 1 Georgia 27, Auburn 20
- No. 2 Michigan 45, Nebraska 7
- No. 5 Texas 40, No. 24 Kansas 14
- No. 6 USC 48, Colorado 41
- No. 7 Penn State 41, Northwestern 13
- No. 8 Washington 31, Arizona 24
- No. 9 Oregon 42, Stanford 6
- No. 21 Oregon State 21, No. 10 Utah 7
- No. 11 Alabama 40, Mississippi State 17
- No. 20 Ole Miss 55, No. 12 LSU 49
- No. 13 Notre Dame 21, No. 16 Duke 14
- No. 14 Oklahoma 50, Iowa State 20
- No. 19 Tennessee 41, South Carolina 20
- No. 22 Missouri 38, Vanderbilt 21
- Kentucky 33, No. 23 Florida 14
USC vs. Colorado highlights
Georgia vs. Auburn highlights
LSU vs. Ole Miss highlights
Notre Dame vs. Duke highlights
College football winners and losers for Week 5
Georgia is No. 1 because the Bulldogs have won the past two national championships, losing just one game along the way. There have been and will be worse reasons to rank a team first in the US LBM AFCA Coaches Poll.
But whether the Bulldogs — meaning this year's Bulldogs — deserve to stay No. 1 is something voters will have to consider after another uninspiring SEC win as a heavy favorite. After struggling to put away South Carolina in its conference opener, Georgia needed a late touchdown from All-America tight end Brock Bowers to sneak out a 27-20 win against Auburn.
Georgia, Michigan and Florida top this week's winners and losers in college football.
College football Week 6 schedule
Wednesday, October 4
Jacksonville State at Middle Tennessee, ESPNU, 8 p.m.
Florida International at New Mexico State, CBSSN, 9 p.m.
Thursday, October 5
Sam Houston at Liberty, CBSSN, 7 p.m.
Western Kentucky at Louisiana Tech, ESPNU, 8 p.m.
Friday, October 6
Kansas State at Oklahoma State, ESPN, 7:30 p.m.
Nebraska at Illinois, FS1, 8 p.m
Saturday, October 7
Boston College at Army, CBSSN, noon
LSU at Missouri, ESPN, noon
Maryland at Ohio State, Fox, noon
Oklahoma vs. Texas, Dallas, ABC, noon
Rutgers at Wisconsin, Peacock, noon
Toledo at Massachusetts, ESPNU, noon
Western Michigan at Mississippi State, SEC, noon
William & Mary at Virginia, ACC, noon
Marshall at North Carolina State, CW, 2 p.m.
Howard at Northwestern, Big Ten, 3 p.m.
Washington State at UCLA, Pac-12, 3 p.m.
Alabama at Texas A&M, CBS, 3:30 p.m.
North Texas at Navy, CBSSN, 3:30 p.m.
Purdue at Iowa, Peacock, 3:30 p.m.
Wake Forest at Clemson, ACC, 3:30 p.m.
Central Florida at Kansas, Fox, 4 p.m.
Vanderbilt at Florida, SEC, 4 p.m.
Colorado at Arizona State, Pac-12, 6:30 p.m.
Kentucky at Georgia, ESPN, 7 p.m.
Arkansas at Mississippi, SEC, 7:30 p.m.
Michigan at Minnesota, NBC, 7:30 p.m.
Notre Dame at Louisville, ABC, 7:30 p.m.
Georgia Tech at Miami (Fla.), ACC, 8 p.m.
San Jose State at Boise State, CBSSN, 8 p.m.
Texas Tech at Baylor, ESPN2, 8 p.m.
Oregon State at California, Pac-12, 10 p.m.
Arizona at Southern California, ESPN, 10:30 p.m.
Notre Dame stage late comeback to win, Duke QB Riley Leonard injured
Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman led the Fighting Irish 95 yards down the field to take the lead back from Duke. Trailing 14-13, Notre Dame was trying to get in field goal range with 2:35 remaining in the game. Instead, it found the end zone.
On fourth and 16, Hartman scrambled for a 17-yard run to get a new set of downs with 41 seconds remaining. Audric Estime broke out for a 30-yard touchdown run and Notre Dame converted for two points to go up 21-14.
Duke got the ball back with 31 seconds remaining, but the game ended with a turnover from QB Riley Leonard after he was sacked. He stayed down after the play with an apparent leg injury and was helped off the field. — Cydney Henderson
Duke takes lead after Notre Dame DL Jordan Botelho ejected for targeting
After trailing 10-0 at halftime, Duke took a 14-13 lead in the fourth quarter following an eight-play, 80-yard drive that ended with a three-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Moore.
QB Riley Leonard started the drive by connecting with Moore for a 26-yard reception to bring the Blue Devils to the 50-yard line. Leonard then ran for 33 yards to get to the red zone. Notre Dame DL Jordan Botelho was called for targeting following a hit on Leonard the next play and set the Blue Devils up on the Fighting Irish’ 8-yard line.
Leonard has thrown for 129 yards, one touchdown and one interception, while also picking up 70 yards with his feet as the team’s leading rusher.
Botelho’s foul marked Notre Dame’s 10th penalty for a total of 53 yards. — Cydney Henderson
No. 20 Ole Miss rallies past No. 12 LSU in game of the day
What. A. Game.
Ole Miss trailed by nine with 8:34 to go following a controversial LSU touchdown, but two quick touchdown drives and two rare defensive stops helped the Rebels surge to a 55-49 victory in a game low on defense but high on entertainment value.
Jaxson Dart’s touchdown run answered LSU’s score and cut the Tigers’ lead to 49-47. The Rebels went 65 yards in 10 plays and needed just 3:28 to score. They needed even less time to take the lead, marching 88 yards in just eight plays and 1:57 after a Tigers punt. Dart hit Tre Harris for the touchdown – Harris had a beautiful catch on the drive and finished with a game-high 153 yards – with 39 seconds left and Ole Miss converted a two-point conversion to go up 55-49.
Ole Miss held on desperately from there and wasn’t able to exhale until Jayden Daniels’ last-gasp pass went flying incomplete. Fans then rushed the field.
The Rebels finished with 706 yards and 32 first downs. LSU finished with 637 yards and 33 first downs, with one turnover. — Jace Evans
Duke on the board, cuts Notre Dame’s lead to three
Duke broke through in the third quarter and put together an 11-play, 75-yard touchdown drive, the Blue Devils' first points of the night. The largest gain on the drive came from a 34-yard run from RB Jaquez Moore, who is up to 49-yards on five carries.
Duke RB Jordan Waters punched the ball into the end zone on a one-yard run that was set up by an offside penalty called on Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish have drawn nine penalties for 45-yards, while the Blue Devils have no penalties against them. — Cydney Henderson
Ole Miss fans not happy after LSU touchdown stands
Some debris was thrown onto the field by angry Ole Miss fans at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium after LSU scored a controversial touchdown on a free play in the fourth quarter.
Leading 42-40, Jayden Daniels hit Brian Thomas Jr. for a touchdown on a free play after an Ole Miss offsides. Or did he? After a lengthy review of the very-close call, the touchdown stood and LSU took a 49-40 lead. Ole Miss fans were not happy. — Jace Evans
Halftime: Notre Dame 10, Duke 0
Duke looked poised to score ahead of the half. QB Riley Leonard had the ball on Notre Dame’s 6-yard line and fumbled during a third down run. Duke recovered the ball and opted to settle for a field goal with four seconds remaining in the half, but kicker Todd Pelino missed a 25-yard field goal. It was Pelino’s second miss of the night. He missed a 38-yard field goal attempt in the first quarter.
Nothing went right for Duke in the first half. Out of six possessions, the Blue Devils had one interception, two missed field goals and one punt.
Notre Dame found the end zone once after a fake punt play, but self-inflicted wounds prevented the Fighting Irish from scoring more. They drew seven penalties for 40 yards and also missed a field goal.
Hartman completed nine of 16 passes for 132 yards, while Leonard completed eight of 17 passes for 93 yards and one interception. — Cydney Henderson
Iowa QB Cade McNamara injured vs. Michigan State
Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara suffered an injury following an awkward landing trying to get out of his own end zone against Michigan State on Saturday.
He dropped back and tried to scramble as the pocket collapsed, eventually falling to the ground with a non-contact injury. He was tended to on the field for a while before he was eventually helped off. He was 3 for 5 passing with 46 yards.
Shortly after exiting the game, McNamara would be carted off the field. Quarterback Deacon Hill came into the game. — Kevin Skiver, USA TODAY Network
Notre Dame takes early lead over Duke after fake punt
The Fighting Irish came out the gate hot and put up seven points in their opening drive against Duke thanks to a fake punt.
Facing fourth and 4 at Duke’s 47-yard line, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love caught Duke by surprise and took the snap directly. He ran 34 yards for a first down to the right side of the field. That play set up a 6-yard touchdown run for Audric Estime. — Cydney Henderson
UCF blows 28-point lead, loses to Baylor
It hasn’t been the start to Big 12 that UCF imagined, as the Knights blew a 28-point second-half lead to Baylor to fall to 0-2 in conference play.
Midway through the third quarter, UCF took a 35-7 lead over the Bears at home. But the Knights fell apart while the Baylor offense picked up. Up 35-26, UCF was in Baylor territory with nine minutes left and a chance to put the game away. But a fumble led to 72-yard touchdown return for the Bears, which made it a two-point game.
The Knights punted on their ensuing drive, and Baylor was able to drive up the field, with Isaiah Hankins knocking in a 25-yard field goal to give Baylor a 36-35 lead.
UCF got the ball, and even with a miraculous fourth down conversion early in the drive, Colton Boomer wasn’t able to drill a 59-yard field goal as time expired. The Baylor win gave the Bears their first FBS win of the year. — Jordan Mendoza
Brock Bowers, No. 1 Georgia escape Auburn in rivalry win
The Dawgs hold on.It was a back-and-forth game in Jordan-Hare Stadium, but No. 1 Georgia was able to hold off a pesky Auburn team to win 27-20 in The Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry.Georgia was able to pick off Payton Thorne in the final minutes to secure the win.The star of the game was tight end Brock Bowers, who hauled in eight catches for 157 yards, 121 of which came in the fourth quarter. Bowers also scored what would be the game-winning touchdown on an emphatic catch and run.Auburn gave Georgia fits all game, mainly on the ground as the Tigers ran for 219 yards on a team that was top 20 in the country in rushing defense.The win gives the Bulldogs seven straight wins over the Tigers, and ends an incredible streak for Auburn: the last four No. 1 teams to play at Auburn ended up losing. — Jordan Mendoza
No. 16 Duke vs. No. 13 Notre Dame: Blue Devils on the rise under Mike Elko
Is this the brightest spotlight cast on Duke football since … ever?
“I think there are two hats that I wear,” Duke coach Mike Elko told USA TODAY Sports. “There’s the Duke football coach who gives you all the bland answers, which is, ‘It’s one game at a time.’ Then, as the CEO of Duke football, obviously, this opportunity brings exposure, a chance to put this many eyes on Duke football, this campus and what this stadium will look like.”
The Blue Devils are 13-4 since hiring Elko, formerly the defensive coordinator at Wake Forest, Texas A&M and Notre Dame. The Aggies' defense in 2021 finished sixth nationally in yards allowed per play.
“As we try to build something here, I tell people all the time: We’re like a startup business. Duke football, we’re trying to build our brand. This is an opportunity for us to showcase that on a huge stage. That’s something we’d love to take advantage of.”
Read Paul Myerberg’s full story here
Texas’ Quinn Ewers punches in second rushing touchdown to seal win
Texas QB Quinn Ewers picked up his second rushing touchdown as the Longhorns went up 40-14 over Kansas with 5:34 remaining.
The Longhorns were already up by 19, but didn’t let off the gas. Ewers faked a handoff on the one-yard line, held onto the football and dove for the pylon. In addition to two rushing touchdowns, Ewers threw 325 yards for one touchdown and one interception.
Ewers' night was done after his score. — Cydney Henderson
Brock Bowers touchdown gives Georgia late lead
What a fourth quarter for Brock Bowers.The do-it-all tight end has done all he could to power Georgia to win over Auburn, hauling in an impressive 40-yard touchdown pass to give the Bulldogs a 27-20 lead with just under three minutes left.Bowers has eight catches for 157 yards, 121 of which have come in the fourth quarter. — Jordan Mendoza
Auburn ties it back up with Georgia
Auburn was able to respond to Georgia’s field goal with three points of its own, and it’s once again tied at 20 with under seven minutes left.The Tigers were aided by a pass interference call by Georgia that helped set up a 42-yard field goal from Alex McPherson. — Jordan Mendoza
Adonai Mitchell, Texas take 19-point lead over Kansas in fourth quarter
Texas has busted Saturday’s matchup against Kansas wide open with a nine-yard touchdown pass to Adonai Mitchell to go up 33-14.
The Longhorns have possessed the ball 32:01, compared to 16:34 for the Jayhawks. Kansas hasn’t been able to find any rhythm offensively, recording only seven first downs the entire game and going 0-7 on third down and 0-1 on fourth down. Kansas’ defense has been on the field a majority of the time, and despite a couple defensive stands, it has not been able to keep up with the charging Longhorns.
If Texas holds on, it will move to 5-0 for the first time since 2009. — Cydney Henderson
Georgia takes fourth quarter lead over Auburn
Brock Bowers put Georgia on his back to give the Bulldogs a 20-17 lead in the fourth quarter, their first of the game.Bowers accounted for 65 of the yards the Bulldogs got on their 71-yard drive into Auburn territory before it stalled. Kicker Peyton Woodring then knocked in a 38-yard field goal to give Georgia the lead with just under 11 minutes left. — Jordan Mendoza
Texas capitalizes on Kansas backup QB’s fumble, up 26-14
Another missed opportunity for the Longhorns. Kicker Bert Auburn missed a 47-yard field goal with 6:31 remaining in the third quarter, marking Auburn’s second miss of the day.
Texas’ defense, however, got the ball back on Kansas’ 38-yard line. The Jayhawks tried to convert a fourth and one with QB Jason Bean handing the ball off to Daniel Hishaw Jr., but Bean appeared to change his mind and tried to take the ball back, which led to a fumble recovered by Texas.
The Longhorns capitalized on the turnover with a five-play, 32-yard drive that ended with RB Jonathon Brooks finding the end zone for his second rushing touchdown of the night.
Texas didn’t pick up a two-point conversion, but is up 26-14 over Kansas. — Cydney Henderson
Georgia ties it up against Auburn
The back-to-back champions just had one of their best drives of the season, going 98 yards down the field for a touchdown to tie it at 17-all against Auburn.
The 10-play drive featured quarterback Carson Beck making several key throws, including two big third-down conversions to keep the drive alive. Daijun Edwards then jumped outside and powered through the line to get in the endzone to tie it up with a minute left in the third quarter. Edwards has both of Georgia’s touchdowns and has 78 yards on 18 carries. — Jordan Mendoza
Arkansas tight end Luke Hasz breaks clavicle
Arkansas freshman tight end Luke Hasz broke his clavicle during the first drive of the 34-22 loss to Texas A&M on Saturday, Razorbacks coach Sam Pittman confirmed.
Pittman said postgame he is assuming the injury will be season-ending, cutting the budding star's freshman season short. Hasz had 15 receptions and 239 yards in his first year with the Razorbacks, pulling in three touchdowns and providing quarterback K.J. Jefferson with a reliable pass-catching threat.
The Arkansas offense struggled massively throughout the matchup against the Aggies, finishing with a season-low 132 passing yards in Hasz's absence. Pittman will have to pinpoint other receivers on this Arkansas squad that can manage an increased load for the rest of the season.
"He's so valuable to us," Pittman told reporters after the loss. "Go back to LSU and see the big things he did for us. ... We need other guys to step up ... but we missed Luke." — Sahil Kurup, USA TODAY NETWORK
Kansas cuts into Texas’ lead with 58-yard touchdown
Kansas immediately answered back. Despite a struggling passing game, backup QB Jason Bean launched a 58-yard shot down the field to a wide open Trevor Wilson, who ran untouched into the end zone. Kansas trails 20-14. — Cydney Henderson
Texas RB Jonathon Brooks scores on 54-yard TD run vs. Kansas
Texas didn’t struggle to find the end zone at the start of the second half, thanks to a 54-yard touchdown run from RB Jonathon Brooks. QB Quinn Ewers handed off to Brooks, who found a hole up the middle and turned on the jets on Kansas defenders.
Brooks has 180 rushing yards on the day, a career-high for the third-year running back. It also marks Brooks’ third straight 100+ yard rushing game of the season. — Cydney Henderson
Texas struggles to halftime lead over Kansas
Texas QB Quinn Ewers’ interception-free streak is over. After completing 246 consecutive passes without an interception, Ewers was picked off by Cornell Wheeler at Kansas’ 29-yard line with 5 seconds remaining in the first half. The interception, Ewers’ first of the season, prevented Texas from kicking a field goal before heading into halftime.
It’s not the only points Texas left on the board. Kicker Bert Auburn missed a 50-yard field goal on the previous possession.
Despite dominating time of possession (20:07) and racking up 342 total yards of offense, Texas has struggled to punch it into the end zone and only has a 13-7 halftime lead.
Meanwhile, Kansas has 139 total yards of offense (23 passing yards and 116 yards on the ground.) The Jayhawks only registered five first downs and punted four of their five first-half possessions. — Cydney Henderson
Georgia, Auburn tied at halftime
The Deep South's Oldest Rivalry is a tight one, as the No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs and Auburn Tigers are tied at 10 heading into halftime.
Georgia knotted the game up at 10 with a field goal from Peyton Woodring, and Auburn was able to drive the ball down into Georgia territory. But Auburn decided to gamble on a short fourth down in the redzone, and the Georgia defensive line stepped up and stopped the Tigers running attack from converting. Georgia punted the ball on the following drive and Auburn took the ball into the half.
The story of the first half was Auburn’s rushing attack, which has picked up 145 rushing yards against a team that only allows 87 per game. Quarterback Payton Thorne has led the rushing attack with 68 yards on seven carries, with Jarquez Hunter getting Auburn’s one touchdown. — Jordan Mendoza
Michigan's Roman Wilson makes crazy catch
Roman Wilson might've just made the catch of the year in college football.
On Michigan's first drive of Saturday's game against Nebraska, Wilson jumped high over safety Isaac Gifford to secure the touchdown — by using the top of the player's helmet.
J.J. McCarthy stepped back in the pocket with loads of time and found his favorite target for the 29-yard touchdown to take the early 7-0 lead for the Wolverines.
Wilson's insane catch was his seventh touchdown catch of the season, most of any Michigan receiver. Entering Saturday, Wilson's six touchdowns were tied for first among all FBS receivers this year. — Gabriela Carroll, USA TODAY NETWORK
Kansas gets on the board vs. Texas after QB fumble
Kansas scored in the second quarter in an unconventional way.
Backup quarterback Jason Bean has not been able to get the passing game going so far, completing one of five passes for 18 yards, but he’s had some success with his feet. He exploded for a 27-yard run into Texas territory, but Longhorns DB Jalen Catalon leveled Bean and forced him to fumble. Kansas RB Daniel Hishaw Jr. recovered the ball and ran it 18 yards for a touchdown. They play was reviewed and was upheld.
Texas RB Jonathon Brooks exploded for a 67-yard TD on the Longhorns' next possession, but Kansas’ defense held the Longhorns to a field goal. Texas is up 13-7. — Cydney Henderson
Georgia responds with touchdown
For all the slow starts this season, Georgia has been an excellent second quarter team, and they continued the theme by getting in the endzone to make the Auburn lead 10-7.
Mekhi Mews gave the Bulldogs great field position on the kick return, and Carson Beck was able to make critical throws to keep the drive alive. Daijun Edwards then ran in for a two-yard touchdown to cut the deficit and get the Bulldogs some momentum. — Jordan Mendoza
Kansas QB Jalon Daniels ‘doubtful’ to play vs. Texas
Kansas head coach Lance Leipold said starting quarterback Jalon Daniels is “questionable to doubtful” to play after he was a late scratch due to back tightness in Saturday’s matchup against Texas. Daniels ”is in the locker room trying to get things worked out,” Leipold said.
QB Jason Bean started for Kansas instead. He’s completed one of five passes for 18-yards so far. — Cydney Henderson
Texas converts fourth down in red zone, but settles for field goal vs. Kansas
Receiver Jonathon Brooks made several defenders miss on a 23-yard reception from QB Quinn Ewers, who connected with Xavier Worthy on the next play for another 23-yard reception.
Instead of settling for a field goal on Kansas’ 12-yard line, Texas converted a 4th & three to keep their drive alive, but the Longhorns weren’t able to find the end zone. They kicked a field goal to extend their lead over the Jayhawks to 10-0.
Ewers has completed 8-for-11 passes for 108 yards and Texas is averaging 9.8 yards per pass. — Cydney Henderson
Auburn takes 10-0 lead over Georgia
Slow starts will eventually catch up to Georgia, as Auburn has a 10-0 first quarter lead against the defending champions.Carson Beck threw an interception, and Auburn capitalized as the Tigers ran down the field and Jaraquez Hunter powered through for the first touchdown of the game. Auburn already has 109 rushing yards from Hunter and quarterback Payton Thorne. — Jordan Mendoza
Running game leads to Auburn score on Georgia
Auburn is looking for a statement win under first-year head coach Hugh Freeze, and what better way than to knock off the No. 1 team in the nation.
Both teams punted on their opening drives, but the Tigers were able to strike with a field goal first thanks to the running game.
After starting at its own 7-yardline, Auburn got a big play when quarterback Payton Thorne kept it and ran it 61 yards before going out of bounds. Running back Jarquez Hunter then ran the ball on four straight plays, getting one first down but unable to convert a third down. Kicker Alex McPherson then knocked in a 27-yard field goal to make it 3-0, giving the Tigers the lead against a team that has struggled in first quarters this season. — Jordan Mendoza
Texas' Quinn Ewers scores on longest run of his career vs. Kansas
Don’t forget Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers can use his legs too.
Ewers capped the Longhorns’ seven-play, 88-yard opening drive with a 30-yard touchdown run to jump to a 7-0 lead over Kansas in Austin. It marked the longest run of his career. Ewers bested the previous record he set last week with a 29-yard touchdown run in their 38-6 win over Baylor. — Cydney Henderson
Prime Time, Colorado come up short against No. 6 USC, 48-41
BOULDER, Colo. – Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes almost did it again in front of a national television audience on Fox. This time they fell behind by 27 points in the first half before conjuring some late magic against No. 6 Southern California. But it wasn’t enough. They lost, 48-41.
USC quarterback Caleb Williams, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, ended up being too much for Colorado (3-2). He threw four touchdown passes in the first half alone as USC (5-0) built a 34-14 halftime lead.
At that point, it looked like last week, when the Buffs suffered a 42-6 loss at Oregon. Only this time the Buffs kept fighting in front of a sold-out crowd of 54,032 at Folsom Field. Freshman receiver Omarion Miller in particular came up clutch for Colorado, including a 9-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter to help cut USC’s lead to 48-34. His first four career catches in college went for a combined 146 yards.
The game concludes a brutal two-game stretch for Colorado against the two top-scoring teams in the country. The Buffs next play Saturday at Arizona State. — Brent Schrotenboer
UConn loses on blocked extra point
What a way to lose.
The UConn Huskies entered Saturday 0-4 after a bowl appearance last season, hosting 1-3 Utah State. It was a back and forth game, and the Huskies got the ball at their 15-yard line down by seven with more than two minutes left. They then went down the field and scored a touchdown with 40 seconds left.
All UConn needed was an extra point to send the game into overtime, but instead, Utah State was aggressive on the point after and blocked it to preserve a one-point lead, and seal the win for the Aggies. — Jordan Mendoza
No. 24 Kansas at No. 5 Texas: Time, TV for Big 12 matchup
Time/TV: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC.
Why watch: With a huge win at Alabama in the bank and off to a solid start in the Big 12, the Longhorns look to maintain their early momentum. The Jayhawks, however, will have other ideas. Though more closely associated with hardwood prowess, KU has become a tough out on the gridiron under third-year coach Lance Leipold’s leadership. Texas QB Quinn Ewers has been nearly flawless thus far, making excellent use of TE Ja’Tavion Sanders and WR Xavier Worthy. They’ll be up against a sound KU secondary featuring DB Kenny Logan that doesn’t allow many explosive plays. The Jayhawks will counter with QB Jalon Daniels, who battled injuries early but is back at full speed. He gets plenty of help from RB Devin Neal, and they’ll both get plenty of attention from Longhorns LB Jaylan Ford.
Why it could disappoint: Last week’s victory against Brigham Young might indeed prove to be a quality result, but it still remains to be seen if the Jayhawks are ready to compete with the Big 12’s elite. KU came to Austin two seasons ago and walked away with a track-meet win, but this year’s Longhorns’ squad looks to be more complete.
Arkansas DL John Morgan III carted off field on stretcher during game
AT&T Stadium fell silent Saturday when Arkansas defensive lineman John Morgan III didn’t get up after a play in the fourth quarter of the Razorbacks' game against Texas A&M.
Morgan III’s teammates surrounded him on the field while he received medical attention. A stretcher was brought out and he was carted off the field as fans clapped with somber faces.
The SEC Network broadcast reported that Morgan III was “talking” and “able to move.” Athletic director Hunter Yurachek told reporter Alyssa Lang that the trainers said the redshirt senior’s neck was “snapped back” and he had “tenderness and pain in the neck area.” His trip to the hospital was ruled as “precautionary” because of standard procedure with neck injuries. — Victoria Henderson
Jimmy Horn Jr., Colorado score to make it 48-41
It may have taken too much time, but Colorado has made it a one-score game.
The Buffaloes capitalized from a missed field goal by going 78 yards in 10 plays and four minutes with Shedeur Sanders finding Jimmy Horn Jr. for a 16-yard touchdown with under two minutes left. Colorado, with no timeouts left, will attempt an onside kick to extend it. — Jordan Mendoza
USC misses field goal, gives Colorado life
Colorado was in prime position to make a comeback, and it took a big hit after the Southern California defense made a fourth-down stop near midfield, but there’s still hope.
After forcing a Trojan punt, the Buffaloes were unable to make it a one-score game after Shedeur Sanders took a sack on a fourth-down play that severely hurt their comeback attempt. USC got in the redzone on the following drive and Colorado was able to get a third-down sack, and kicker Denis Lynch missed a 38-yard field goal attempt to keep the Buffaloes in the game. — Jordan Mendoza
Colorado gets ball back
The Colorado defense has stepped up late in the game.
After cutting the Southern California lead to 14, the Buffaloes got a much needed stop by forcing a punt to get the ball back with more than 10 minutes left. The Trojans’ drive only took 1:26 off the clock. — Jordan Mendoza
Shedeur Sanders, Colorado cutting into deficit
The Buffaloes have momentum late in the game, and now trail Southern California 48-34 with more than 11 minutes left.
Colorado got a huge boost at the end of the third quarter when it picked off Caleb Williams near the midfield line. The Buffaloes were able to drive down the field, and needing to pick up at least a first down on a fourth-down play in the redzone, Shedeur Sanders launched a dart to Omarion Miller to make it a two-score game.
Miller has been a big play magnet for Colorado today, with three catches for 118 yards and the touchdown. Sanders has thrown for 273 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. — Jordan Mendoza
Colorado faces major deficit heading into fourth quarter
The “Prime effect” has been no match for Caleb Williams, but Colorado may have some hope against Southern California as they trail 48-27 heading into the fourth quarter.
USC has gotten into the endzone seven times in Boulder, with Williams putting up an impressive 374 yards and six touchdown passes. Colorado was able to match the Trojans in the third quarter, with Sheduer Sanders finding Michael Harrison on a screen for a 21-yard touchdown pass toward the end of the third quarter, but unable to convert the two-point conversion.
But the Buffaloes got a major boost in the final minute of the third quarter, with Jaylen Ellis picking off Williams on the first play of the USC drive to give Colorado a chance to make it a two-score game. It was Williams’ first turnover on what has been an impressive day with 374 yards and six touchdowns. — Jordan Mendoza
Caleb Williams, USC extend lead over Colorado
Colorado’s chances of pulling off a comeback are quickly fading, as Southern California added another touchdown to make it 41-14 midway through the third quarter.
After getting a score before the half, Colorado had a chance to inch closer by getting the ball to start the third quarter but the Buffaloes ended up punting. The Trojans stalled on their opening drive of the half, but Colorado once again couldn’t capitalize by punting again.
USC then drove 55 yards down the field and capped it off with Caleb Williams finding Brenden Rice for a six-yard touchdown pass. Williams has ripped apart the Colorado defense with 320 yards and five touchdown passes. — Jordan Mendoza
Colorado gets score before halftime, still down 20 to USC
Despite several first half mistakes, Colorado is trying to keep up with Southern California as the Trojans lead 34-14 at halftime.
USC’s offense has gashed the Buffaloes defense for a majority of the game, with Caleb Williams throwing for 248 yards and four touchdowns in what has become a typical outing for the No. 1 scoring team in the country. Williams has thrown for 260 yards as USC has 333 total yards.
Colorado has mostly stalled on offense, but it got a much needed score just before the end of the half with Shedeur Sanders' 25-yard touchdown run. Down by 20, Colorado will get the ball to start the third quarter in hopes of pulling off a miraculous comeback.
“We gotta run the ball and throw the ball effectively,” head coach Deion Sanders told Fox before heading into the locker room. — Jordan Mendoza
Kentucky’s Ray Davis running all over Florida
Kentucky running back Ray Davis is having a field day against the Gators, rushing for 206 yards and two touchdowns in the first half as the Wildcats sprinted out to a 23-7 lead. Davis scored on runs of 75 yards and 3 yards and has seven runs of 10 yards or more. Davis also has a 9-yard touchdown catch from Devin Leary. Florida entered the game with the SEC’s second-ranked rushing defense, giving up only 82 yards a game.
Former running back Moe Williams has the Kentucky school record for rushing yards in a game, piling up 299 yards against South Carolina in 1995. Williams also has the two next highest single-game rushing totals in school history. — Scooby Axson
Former Colorado player Brenden Rice scores on old team
Southern California has become a hot transfer portal destination since Lincoln Riley took over, and someone that once wore a Buffaloes uniform was able to score in his Trojans one Saturday.
Receiver Brenden Rice hauled in a pass from Caleb Williams and ran down the sideline for a 26-yard touchdown pass to give USC a commanding 34-7 lead late in the first half.
Rice was with the Buffaloes from 2020-21 before he moved to Southern California for the 2022 season, and has become a top target for the reigning Heisman Trophy winner. Rice came into Saturday with a team-high five touchdown receptions. — Jordan Mendoza
Blocked punt leads to USC touchdown
Another Colorado mistake leads to a Southern California touchdown as the Trojans lead 27-7.
After a big defensive stop, Colorado was unable to do anything with the ball and was forced to punt. But punter Mark Vassett took too long to get the punt off and Eric Gentry’s arm was able to block it. The Trojans got the ball at the Colorado 23-yard line, and two plays later, Caleb Williams found Mario Williams all by himself for his third touchdown pass of the day. — Jordan Mendoza
Shedeur Sanders, Colorado get on the board
The Buffaloes are showing life.
It looked like Colorado was in for another blowout loss after Southern California quickly went up 21-0, but the Buffaloes had their best drive of the day to get in the endzone and stay in the game.
Colorado looked like the team that took over the college football world in the first three weeks of the season in its seven play, 75-yard drive that was capped by Shedeur Sanders finding Jimmy Horn Jr. open for a 30-yard touchdown pass. It was the best pass so far from the quarterback. — Jordan Mendoza
USC capitalizes on Colorado interception to extend lead
It’s getting ugly in Boulder.
A week after the dismantling against Oregon, Colorado and Deion Sanders find themselves down 21-0 against Southern California at the beginning of the second quarter.
After a big touchdown pass from Caleb Williams, Shedeur Sanders was picked off by Christian Roland-Wallace, who returned it to the Colorado 22-yard line. The high powered Trojans offense only needed four plays to get in the endzone and make it a three-score game.
USC has 188 yards, 155 of which are from Williams’ arm, while Colorado has 87. — Jordan Mendoza
Caleb Williams' long touchdown pass puts USC up 14-0
That’s why he’s the reigning Heisman Trophy winner.
Caleb Williams stood in the pocket for awhile, and scrambled around to give his receivers time to open. He then threw a missile to a wide open Tahj Washington, who ran 40 yards into the endzone to complete a 71-yard touchdown pass and quickly put the Trojans up 14-0 in the first quarter. — Jordan Mendoza
Blocked punt leads to USC touchdown
Another Colorado mistake leads to a Southern California touchdown.
After a big defensive stop, Colorado was unable to do anything with the ball and was forced to punt. But punter Mark Vassett took too long to get the punt off and Eric Gentry’s arm was able to block it. The Trojans got the ball at the Colorado 23-yard line, and two plays later, Caleb Williams found Mario Williams all by himself for his third touchdown pass of the day. — Jordan Mendoza
Colorado ends long drive with missed field goal
Colorado’s defense was finally able to get a stop thanks to some Southern California miscues, and the offense showed life, but it didn't put points on the board.
The Buffaloes used 17 plays in six minutes to go 72 yards, but the Trojans were able to force a fourth down. Kicker Jace Feely then missed a 41-yard field-goal attempt and the Buffaloes remained scoreless with three minutes left in the first quarter. — Jordan Mendoza
Penn State off to slow start against Northwestern
Penn State running back Nicholas Singleton fumbled the opening kickoff, and Northwestern failed to take advantage, instead settling for a Jake Olsen 33-yard field goal. The Nittany Lions countered with a 20-yard field goal from Alex Felkins on its second drive. Penn State quarterback Drew Allar is 4-7 for 43 yards. — Scooby Axson
USC marches right down the field against Colorado
Southern California came into Saturday with the No. 1 scoring offense in the country, and it wasted no time showing off its explosive offense with an opening drive touchdown against Coach Prime and Colorado.
Reigning Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams was perfect, going 4-for-4 with 51 passing yards, and running back MarShawn Lloyd was able to turn what should’ve been a loss into a 27-yard touchdown run to give the Trojans an early 7-0 lead. — Jordan Mendoza
Texas player DeAndre Moore Jr. opens 'Jive Turkey' food truck
Texas freshman wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. is also a first-year food truck owner, according to a report from Eater Austin, which covers local fare in town.
Moore's food truck is called "Jive Turkey," focusing on "comfort food made from turkey." The truck opened in August in the Riverside neighborhood, close to the University of Texas campus. The truck brands itself as the "Home of DMO's Deep Fried Turkey Tacos."
Moore's mother, Taleea, is the chef inside the truck. Moore is funding his new business with NIL money. According to the food truck's website, Jive Turkey's mission is to "bring quality dishes (Moore) loves, as well as partnering with local businesses to bridge the gap in the areas with food insecurities. Our mission is to provide authentic, homemade, high quality, inexpensive food to those that want the feel of going home to your family's home for a soulful meal." — Sahil Kurup, USA TODAY NETWORK
Colorado sets record; Coach Prime shirts sold out
BOULDER, Colo. – Last week’s blowout loss at Oregon hasn’t exactly slowed the Prime Effect at Colorado. The school has issued a record 892 media credentials for Saturday morning’s game against No. 6 Southern California, breaking the previous school record of 848 set just three weeks ago.
All the “Coach Prime” shirts also were out of stock at the CU bookstore on campus Saturday and a day before the game, the third home game for Colorado coach Deion Sanders, also known as Coach Prime.
CU students even got up early to party at Farrrand Field on campus, site of Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff show, where a Fox advertisement on campus was offering a $500 reward for the best sign in the crowd. It’s not clear who won that contest, but there were some creative ones. One sign showed a photo of Sanders sitting in place of Abraham Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial. It said, “I’m a Monument Not a Moment.” Another from USC fans said, “We’ve had your receipts. 0-16. Bout to be 0-17.” Colorado is 0-16 against USC dating to 1927.
More celebrities and NBA luminaries also attended, including rap star DaBaby. — Brent Schrotenboer
College football schedule, Top 25
Here are the kickoff times and TV info for Top 25 teams in the US LBM Coaches Poll.
- Kentucky 33, No. 23 Florida 14
- No. 7 Penn State 41, Northwestern 13
- No. 6 Southern California 48, Colorado 41
- No. 1 Georgia at Auburn, CBS, 3:30 p.m.
- No. 24 Kansas at No. 5 Texas, ABC, 3:30 p.m.
- No. 2 Michigan at Nebraska, Fox, 3:30 p.m.
- No. 22 Missouri at Vanderbilt, SEC, 4 p.m.
- No. 12 LSU at No. 20 Mississippi, ESPN, 6 p.m.
- No. 9 Oregon at Stanford, Pac-12, 6:30 p.m.
- Iowa State at No. 14 Oklahoma, FS1, 7 p.m.
- No. 13 Notre Dame at No. 15 Duke, ABC, 7:30 p.m.
- South Carolina at No. 19 Tennessee, SEC, 7:30 p.m.
- No. 11 Alabama at Mississippi State, ESPN, 9 p.m.
- No. 8 Washington at Arizona, Pac-12, 10 p.m.
College football picks Week 5
The Week 5 schedule for the top 25 teams in the US LBM Coaches Poll isn’t quite as laden as last week’s buffet table. But even though six ranked teams have an open date, there are still plenty of tasty dishes for our expert prognosticators to nosh on, including a couple of traditional basketball schools looking to shake up the status quo on the gridiron.
The headliner is No. 13 Notre Dame, looking to bounce back from the Ohio State heartbreaker, facing a trip to No. 16 Duke. Over in the Big 12, No. 24 Kansas puts its perfect record and newly acquired poll position on the line at No. 5 Texas. The SEC West clash between No. 12 LSU and No. 20 Mississippi is another big one on the schedule.
How do our staffers see those games unfolding, and where else might potential upsets occur as conference play heats up? Have a look.
College football Week 5 odds, betting info
The top college football betting apps favor 12th-ranked LSU in their SEC showdown with No. 20 Ole Miss. The Tigers are 2.5-point road favorites over the Rebels, according to the BetMGM college football odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering College football betting promos in 2023.
Elsewhere, No. 6 USC is favored to win big over Deion Sanders and unranked Colorado. Can the Buffaloes pull off the upset in Boulder?
In the primetime slot, oddsmakers expect No. 13 Notre Dame to pull out a win over 16th-ranked Duke. The Fighting Irish are favored by 5.5 points on the road. Notre Dame QB Sam Hartman boasts some of the best betting odds to win the 2023 Heisman Trophy in 2023.
Not interested in these games? Our college football betting guide can help you get started. If you’re new to sports betting, don’t worry. We have tips for beginners on how to place bets online. And USA TODAY readers can claim exclusive promos and bonus codes with the online sportsbooks and sports betting sites.
No. 6 Southern California at Colorado: Time, TV channel for Big 12 matchup
Time/TV: Saturday, noon ET, Fox.
Why watch: Last week’s trip to Oregon proved to be something of a reality check for the upstart Buffaloes. They might be in for another against the Trojans, but USC didn’t exactly dominate in its first road game of the season last week at Arizona State. Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders should have somewhat more time to breathe this week, though USC is averaging four sacks a game. On the other side, Trojans QB Caleb Williams has enjoyed excellent protection, which has helped him produce 15 scoring tosses without a pick. The Colorado special teams must also beware of Trojans’ freshman sensation Zachariah Branch, who has brought a punt and a kickoff to the house in addition to a pair of TD receptions.
Why it could disappoint: We should know right away if it will. If the Buffaloes are able to match scores early, things could get interesting in the second half. But if the Trojans can build a cushion, it could get away from Colorado as the USC defense will be free to blitz often.
Deion Sanders bringing big bucks to Colorado
Colorado athletic director Rick George gave a surprising answer last year when asked how he came up with enough money to pay for his new football coach, Deion Sanders.
“We don’t have the money yet,” George told reporters then. “But I know we’ll have it.”
Ten months later, it turns out the university found the money. And it wasn’t hiding under the cushions of the sofa. It came instead from a return on investment with Sanders that has become shocking in scope.
Colorado is set to pay Sanders over five years through 2027, according to his contract with the university: $29.5 million, including $5.5 million this year.
The estimated return value on that investment just one month into his first season? $280 million.
Read Brent Schrotenboer’s full story here.
No. 23 Florida at Kentucky: Time, TV for SEC showdown
Time/TV: Saturday, noon ET, ESPN.
Why watch: With conference play now in full swing, it’s time to find out if there are any true challengers to Georgia in the SEC East. The Gators and Wildcats square off in hopes of keeping their league records clean. The Gators followed their big win against Tennessee with a lackluster victory against Charlotte. QB Graham Mertz and the rest of the offense will have to be much sharper on the road this week. That might not be easy against LB Trevin Wallace and the Wildcats, who are limiting opponents to just 15.5 points a game. Kentucky QB Devin Leary has been somewhat generous with the ball at times, but he might have to keep taking chances against LB Shemar James and the Gators’ defense that allows less than five yards per snap.
Why it could disappoint: In truth, neither team really has the fire power to make this an offensive show. But while there might be long stretches of little happening of note on the field, there should at least be second-half drama.
Best and worst of college football’s opening month
It's almost October. Then it's Halloween. Then it's rivalry weekend. Then it's the College Football Playoff. Cue the long and boring wait until next year. Rinse and repeat, over and over again.
So let's press pause for a moment to look back at the opening month of the 2023 season, a frenetic stretch that has included a handful of headlines that might've been the biggest story of any other season. There's Deion Sanders' attention-grabbing start at Colorado, Alabama's early dip out of contention and the last hurrah of the Pac-12, for starters.
One month in, here are USA TODAY Sports' picks for college football's best team, biggest disappointment, early Heisman Trophy leader and more:
- Best team: Washington
- Best Group of Five team: Fresno State
- Biggest surprises: Duke and Kansas
- Most improved team: Texas
- Biggest disappointment: Alabama's offense
- Best Power Five conference: Pac-12
Read the full September superlatives here.
Bold predictions for college football’s Week 5
After a loaded college football schedule in Week 4, this weekend again brings another series of highly anticipated matchups for fans across the country. Like every weekend, there is sure to be some surprises with ranked teams going down.
The hard part is sorting out when and where those upsets are going to come from. Week 5 does offer plenty of opportunities with four games matching ranked opponents and several other intriguing matchups.
Will Michigan continue its winning ways at Nebraska? Can Kansas pull off the upset at Texas?
Take a look at how USA TODAY Sports’ college football crew sees Saturday shaking out.
