College football’s Week 5 slate reminded us all why Saturdays in the fall are unlike anything else in sports. Chaos took over in week 5 as 3 top-10 teams went down in thrillers throughout the weekend. Oregon’s road triumph at Penn State and Virginia’s stunning upset of Florida State were the headline moments, sending ripple effects across the polls.
Winner: Oregon Ducks
Oregon walked into Beaver Stadium and left with a program-defining victory. The Ducks, ranked sixth entering the weekend, pulled off a 30–24 double-overtime win against No. 3 Penn State.
Freshman quarterback Dante Moore threw three touchdown passes and showed poise in a hostile environment. On defense, Dillon Thieneman delivered the dagger with an interception in the second OT. The Ducks now sit second in the AP poll and suddenly look like a legit contender.
Winner: Virginia Cavaliers
On Friday, Virginia stunned No. 8 Florida State 46–38 in double overtime. Quarterback Chandler Morris accounted for five touchdowns as the Cavaliers outlasted a Seminoles team that simply couldn’t execute in crunch time. The victory gives Virginia one of its biggest statement wins in recent memory.
Winner: Ole Miss Rebels
Lane Kiffin’s squad made a loud statement in Week 5, beating LSU on the road 24-19. Trindad Chambliss had 385 yards of total offense that included a game-winning 20-yard completion on 4th down.
Loser: Auburn Tigers
Auburn followed its Oklahoma loss with another one to Texas A&M, 16-10. In a game where they were dominated, there are already questions about Hugh Freeze; it could be a long season.
Loser: Penn State Nittany Lions
For Penn State, this one stings. The Nittany Lions had every chance to put Oregon away but failed to close the door at home. Head coach James Franklin’s record in marquee games now falls to 2–21 against top-six opponents, a stat that continues to dog him.
Instead of being in the driver’s seat for a playoff spot, Penn State now has to regroup after watching a golden opportunity slip away.
Loser: Florida State Seminoles
The Seminoles didn’t just lose; they unraveled. Despite outgaining Virginia in key stretches, turnovers and defensive lapses proved costly. Dropping ten spots in the AP poll to No. 18 hurts them even more. Unfortunately for them, there is no time to heal. #2 Miami sits on the horizon in Week 6.
Final Takeaway
Week 5 delivered everything fans could hope for with a pure combination of chaos and drama. From Oregon seizing its moment to Virginia shocking the country. The 2025 playoff race just got a whole lot more interesting.
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