Week 5 Recap: Late-Game Drama and ACC Notre Races in College Football
This story was updated with new information.
The fifth week of the college football season was nothing short of thrilling as several teams managed to find a sprinkle of luck when it mattered most. With high stakes and intense matchups, this week elicits both joy and despair among teams and their supporters.
Miami’s Narrow Escape
The eyes of college football were firmly set on Mario Cristobal and the No. 7 Miami Hurricanes, who faced a tense contest against Virginia Tech. The game, characterized by fierce competition, came to a nail-biting conclusion when Virginia Tech’s quarterback Kyron Drones launched what appeared to be a game-winning touchdown pass. Initially ruled a score by the on-field officials, the excitement quickly turned to disappointment for Hokies fans as the call was overturned upon review. The Hurricanes’ victory allowed them to maintain their unbeaten status for the season, adding a dramatic storyline to the week’s action and ensuring their relevance in the national conversation.
Clemson’s Resurgence
Meanwhile, over in South Carolina, the Clemson Tigers are on a roll. Dabo Swinney’s squad secured a convincing 40-14 victory over Stanford, marking their third consecutive win this season. With this victory, the Tigers improved to 2-0 in ACC play and have found their footing after a rocky start to the season. As they continue to climb the rankings, many anticipate that Clemson will quietly reinsert itself into the top 15 national polls after the misstep against Georgia in Week 1. The growing confidence in the team’s performance is palpable, and the fans are eager to see just how far Swinney can lead them in the coming weeks.
Syracuse Continues the Streak
In the ACC, the Syracuse Orange celebrated a historic achievement, extending their dominance over FCS opponents, which now stands at 22 consecutive wins dating back to 1978. Braves’ quarterback Kyle McCord was instrumental as they dispatched Holy Cross with a strong 42-14 victory. This performance not only affirmed their prowess against lower-tier teams but potentially sets them up for increased visibility and votes in the upcoming rankings, marking their ascendance in the college football landscape.
Week 6 Rankings Take Shape
Following the exhilarating outcomes of Week 5, the implications were evident in the updated US LBM Coaches Poll and Associated Press poll rankings. As teams jockey for position, here’s how the ACC squads are faring:
College Football Rankings for Week 6
ACC teams are bolded. First-place votes are in parentheses.
- Texas (29)
- Alabama (19)
- Ohio State (7)
- Tennessee
- Georgia
- Oregon
- Penn State
- Miami
- Missouri
- Michigan
- Ole Miss
- LSU
- Notre Dame
- Clemson
- USC
- Iowa State
- Oklahoma
- Utah
- BYU
- Kansas State
- Texas A&M
- Louisville
- UNLV
- Indiana
- Illinois
Others receiving votes: Boise State (103); Pitt (51); Arizona (44); Rutgers (35); Iowa (29); James Madison (25); Duke (22); Kentucky (17); Oklahoma State (15); SMU (14); Nebraska (12); Navy (9); Colorado (9); Boston College (6); Army (3); UCF (2); Liberty (2); Tulane (1); South Carolina (1).
With teams like Miami and Clemson gearing up for continued success, and Syracuse eyeing a strong season, the next few weeks promise even more dramatic contests and potential shifts in the rankings. Fans eagerly await the release of the AP Top 25 poll on Sunday to see how these thrilling narratives will reshape the college football landscape.