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Key Matchups and Rivals Week 5

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After 4 weeks of overpowered matchups, convention soccer is formally right here. Any more, the video games are going to be loads nearer, and the race for the convention championship spots begins. Week 5 has many intriguing matchups, and a rematch of the most effective video games from final season is the place this overview begins.

Is Alabama Again?

The Seventeenth-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide and the Fifth-ranked Georgia Bulldogs have developed a powerful rivalry through the years, with the groups assembly in quite a few Nationwide Championship video games. Issues are a bit completely different for Bama now, as coach Kalen DeBoer is struggling to reside as much as the excessive expectations, having misplaced many key video games. A defeat right here may finish their CFP possibilities. When these groups met final yr, the most effective video games in latest reminiscence was performed. Will we get the identical right here?

The Bulldogs had the opening possession of the sport however have been unable to capitalise on it, rapidly handing it over to Alabama. In response, Bama was in a position to open the scoring. Led by quarterback Ty Simpson, the Crimson Tide offense slowly made its method right down to the Bulldogs’ six-yard line. Right here, he discovered Germie Bernard for the landing go.

This lead was added to initially of the second quarter, with Simpson discovering Isaiah Horton for a six-yard landing go. Nevertheless, Georgia was in a position to rapidly reply to this, with quarterback Gunner Stockton discovering Colbie Younger for a 38-yard landing go. 

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Nevertheless, the Bulldogs would make a mistake on their subsequent drive. Nate Frazier would fumble the ball deep within the Bulldogs’ territory, with the ball being recovered by the Crimson Tide. However, even with the very quick discipline, they have been unable to search out the endzone, having to depend on a 24-yard discipline objective from Conor Talty to get one thing from the drive. 

Georgia was in a position to get better from the error on their subsequent drive, with Stockton and firm with the ability to make their method right down to the Bama’s two-yard line. Right here, Chauncey Bowens discovered the endzone for the dashing landing to make it a three-point recreation. This didn’t final lengthy, as Simpson would discover the endzone on the subsequent drive to increase the lead for Alabama. 

This meant that at halftime, the Crimson Tide had a 24-14 lead over the Bulldogs. 

Alabama had a superb likelihood to additional lengthen its lead on the primary drive of the second half. The Crimson Tide received the ball into discipline objective territory, however Talty missed his kick from 43 yards out. In response, the Bulldogs have been capable of finding the top zone. Josh McCray scored a one-yard dashing landing to once more make it a three-point recreation. With an entire quarter left to play, may we see a comeback?

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No. The truth is, we might not see anything on offense from both staff in the remainder of the sport. The closest the Bulldogs got here to the endzone was a fourth and 1 down on Bama’s eight-yard line. They didn’t convert this. 

Because of this, after a less-than-stellar second half, the quantity 17-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide had defeated then quantity five-ranked Georgia Bulldogs 24-21.

This recreation promised loads, however underdelivered at occasions. Nevertheless, with two younger and inexperienced quarterbacks on the helm of each groups, it was at all times going to be a recreation like this. For Alabama, this win places them again into the dialog for the CFP, they usually have avenged the early-season defeat to Florida State. They improved to a 3-1 (1-0 SEC) document. As for Georgia, an enchancment must be seen if they’re going to contend for the nationwide championship this yr, they usually fall to 3-1 (1-1 SEC document)

Subsequent week, Alabama faces Vanderbilt (who defeated them final season), whereas Georgia faces Kentucky.

Extra time Oregon

The quantity three-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions have been in a position to put themselves into the dialog for the nationwide championship. Nevertheless, they haven’t confronted a single take a look at within the first few weeks of the season. The huge take a look at got here this week within the type of the quantity six-ranked Oregon Geese. These groups are chasing Ohio State for the Large Ten Convention, so a win tonight will considerably assist their probabilities of making the championship recreation. However who would win?

The primary quarter wouldn’t be entertaining, with the primary two drives ending in punts, after which Oregon turned the ball over on downs close to the center of the sphere. From this drive, the Nittany Lions would regain possession and rating the primary factors of the sport. Led by quarterback Drew Allar, the Nittany Lions’ sturdy working again pairing of Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton was in a position to transfer the ball right down to the Geese’ 32-yard line, the place the drive stalled. Right here, Ryan Barker efficiently kicked a 49-yard discipline objective try to offer Penn State the lead.

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In response, Oregon was additionally in a position to get the ball into discipline objective territory and try a kick. Nevertheless, Atticus Sappington’s 47-yard try missed. He would have extra success on the next Oregon drive, the place he was in a position to put a 42-yard try by means of the uprights to degree the sport. 

That was all of the notable moments from the primary half, which means that the Nittany Lions and Geese have been tied 3-3 as they returned to the locker rooms. 

The second half didn’t begin nicely for Penn State, which needed to punt on its opening drive. From this, Oregon was in a position to take full benefit of the state of affairs. Ranging from their 20-yard line, the Geese’ quarterback Dante Moore was in a position to lead his offense right down to the Nittany Lions’ 8-yard line. From right here, he discovered Dierre Hill Jr for the landing go to offer them the lead.

This lead was expanded initially of the ultimate quarter, with Jordan Davison discovering the endzone for an eight-yard dashing landing to make it a two-possession recreation. 

It was right here that the Penn State offense lastly awoke. On their subsequent drive, Allar discovered Devonte Ross for a 35-yard landing go to make it a one-score recreation. Then, with 30 seconds left on the clock, the pair met up once more, this time for a seven-yard landing go to degree the scores. The ultimate Oregon drive went nowhere, which meant the sport would head to extra time. 

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The Nittany Lions open the primary “spherical” of extra time by discovering the endzone, forcing the Geese to go the identical. They have been in a position to, with Moore discovering Jamari Johnson for a 2-yard landing go. Then, to open the second interval, Moore discovered Gary Bryant Jr for a 25-yard landing go. This now meant that Penn State would want to search out the endzone, or it will be recreation over. 

Allar’s go was intercepted, which means that the quantity six-ranked Oregon Geese had defeated the quantity three-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions 30-24.

This was a really shut recreation, one thing that we must always anticipate from two potential nationwide champions. This can assist the Geese of their battle with Ohio State, as they enhance to a 5-0 (2-0 Large Ten) document for the season. As for Penn State, they fall to a 3-1 document (0-1 Large Ten).

Subsequent week, Penn State faces UCLA, whereas Oregon has a relaxation week.

Ole Miss: Nationwide Champions?

The quantity four-ranked LSU Tigers have been doing sufficient to maintain their profitable document. They haven’t had any huge wins, however do come into their conflict with the quantity 13-ranked Ole Miss Rebels with a 4-0 document. Ole Miss additionally comes into the sport undefeated, because of backup starter Trinidad Chambliss’ sturdy performances. Can we see one other win for the Rebels?

The primary three drives of the sport weren’t the perfect, with all ending in punts. It will be LSU who would break the impasse. Tigers’ quarterback Garrett Nussmeier opened the drive with a 50-yard go to Zavion Thomas. The offense would then transfer itself right down to the Rebels’ seven-yard line. Right here, Nussmeier discovered Nic Anderson for the landing go. 

Ole Miss would reply with a rating of their very own. The drive would stall deep within the Tigers’ purple zone, earlier than kicker Lucas Carneiro discovered the uprights from 25 yards out. Issues would get higher for the Rebels on the subsequent drive, after they intercepted Nussmeier’s go. Sadly, they have been unable to do something with the next possession.

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Just a few drives later, it will be Ole Miss making the error. On the endzone line, Cayden Lee would fumble the ball. This might be recovered by the Tigers’ protection, denying their likelihood to attain. However the Rebels would have the ability to discover the endzone on their subsequent drive because of a 15-yard dashing landing from Kewan Lacy handy them the lead. This lead could be prolonged on their subsequent drive, because of Chambliss discovering Lee for a two-yard landing go. 

This meant that at halftime, the Rebels had a 17-7 lead over the Tigers.

LSU would have the ability to get itself again into the sport within the third quarter.  Their drive stalled on the sting of the Rebels’ purple zone, however kicker Damian Ramos was in a position to make a 39-yard discipline objective try. The luck would enhance for the Tigers on the subsequent drive after they intercepted Chambliss’ go. Now with possession, the Tigers’ offense didn’t go far, however Ramos was in a position to make a 48-yard discipline objective. This meant that, going into the ultimate quarter, the Rebels had a four-point lead. 

This lead could be prolonged within the fourth quarter, additional serving to their probabilities of victory. Down on the Tigers’ six-yard line, Logan Diggs discovered the endzone for the dashing landing to make it an 11-point lead. 

The Tigers needed to discover the endzone with their subsequent drive in the event that they have been going to win this recreation. That is one thing that they have been in a position to do, with Harlem Berry discovering the endzone for a six-yard dashing landing to maintain them within the recreation. Now with 5 minutes left to play, they first needed to get possession off the Rebels earlier than placing in a game-winning drive. May LSU do it?

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No. Ole Miss would by no means lose possession in these remaining minutes, which means that the quantity 13-ranked Ole Miss Rebels had defeated the quantity four-ranked LSU Tigers 24-19.

This win continues the great begin that Lane Kiffin’s staff has made this season. They improved to a  5-0 (3-0 SEC) document and now should be within the dialog for the CFP. For LSU, this defeat won’t assist them, nor will it support Garrett Nussmeier’s quest for the Heisman Trophy. They fall to 4-1 (1-1 SEC), and I concern we could possibly be seeing a repeat of final season for LSU.

Subsequent week, each groups are on a relaxation week. 

How did the opposite ranked groups fare this week?

#1 Ohio State @ Washington 

The quantity one-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes opened their Large Ten Convention schedule in opposition to the Washington Huskies. Rookie quarterback Julian Sayin threw for 208 yards and a couple of touchdowns within the Buckeyes’ 24-6 win over the Huskies.

Auburn @ #9 Texas A&M

In a powerful recreation for the protection of each groups, the quantity nine-ranked Texas A&M Aggies confronted the struggling Auburn Tigers. The Aggies’ offense did sufficient to document a 16-10 win on this recreation.

#11 Indiana @ Iowa 

After they demolished Illinois final week, the quantity 11-ranked Indiana Hoosiers confronted the Iowa Hawkeyes. This was a a lot nearer and low-scoring affair. A late 49-yard landing go from Fernando Mendoza to Elijah Sarratt was sufficient to offer the Hoosiers a 20-15 win to maintain their undefeated document alive.

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Arizona @ #14 Iowa State

The 14th-ranked Iowa State Cyclones saved their undefeated begin to the season alive with a win over the Arizona Wildcats. Roco Becht scored three dashing touchdowns within the 39-14 win.

#15 Tennessee @ Mississippi State

The quantity 15-ranked Tennessee Volunteers had a scare of their recreation in opposition to the Mississippi State Bulldogs (one of many weaker groups within the SEC). Vols QB Joey Aguilar scored a late landing to degree the scores, sending the sport to extra time. Right here, DeSean Bishop scored the profitable landing to offer Tennessee a 41-34 win over the Bulldogs.

#16 Georgia Tech @ Wake Forest 

The strong-performing, Sixteenth-ranked Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets continued their sturdy begin to the season with a win over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. This recreation was one of many many who went to extra time this week. Tech would win the sport 30-29, because of a failed two-point conversion by the Demon Deacons.

Utah State @ #18 Vanderbilt 

The quantity 18-ranked Vanderbilt Commodores ready for his or her rematch in opposition to the Alabama Crimson Tide subsequent week with a straightforward win over the Utah State Aggies. Commodores QB Diego Pavia threw for 5 touchdowns within the 55-35 win.

Massachusetts @ #20 Missouri 

The quantity 20-ranked Missouri Tigers confronted an easy recreation this week in opposition to the Massachusetts Minutemen. The latest member of the MAC wins sometimes 0-4 video games a yr, so it will by no means be a problem for the undefeated Missouri Tigers. The Tigers received this recreation 42-6.

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#21 USC @ #23 Illinois 

After their demolition final week at Indiana, the quantity 23-ranked Illinois Preventing Illini confronted the quantity 21-ranked USC Trojans. This was one other recreation that went right down to the wire, with a last-second discipline objective from Illini kicker David Olano giving them a 34-32 win.

#22 Notre Dame @ Arkansas 

The quantity 22-ranked Notre Dame Preventing Irish confronted the Arkansas Razorbacks this week within the battle between two struggling groups. Notre Dame was by far the higher staff on this recreation, with freshman QB CJ Carr throwing 4 touchdowns in a convincing 56-13 win over the Razorbacks.

#24 TCU @ Arizona State 

The quantity 24-ranked TCU Horned Frogs confronted the Arizona State Solar Devils in a carefully fought recreation between two evenly matched groups. A late discipline objective from Jesus Gomez gave the Solar Devils a 27-24 win. Whereas that is technically an upset win, given TCU’s ranked standing, I’d not name it a shock.

#25 BYU @ Colorado 

In a rematch of final yr’s Alamo Bowl, the quantity 25-ranked BYU Cougars confronted the Colorado Buffaloes. Now, with out his son at quarterback, Deion Sanders is struggling to steer the Buffaloes to success. An early fourth-quarter landing from Cody Hagen was all that was wanted to offer the Cougars a 24-21 win over Colorado, including extra stress on Coach Prime.

That was a have a look at Week 5 of the 2025 Faculty Soccer season. Subsequent week’s slate is headlined by Miami enjoying Florida State, in addition to Vanderbilt hoping to get one other win in opposition to Alabama, and the Texas Longhorns return to face the Florida Gators.

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