College football week 5 is in the books. After every week fans can take away things from what happened on the field. Here are 5 things learned from college football week 5.
Related:Â 5 Things to watch in college football week 5
1. Alabama Can Win the CFP
The most hyped matchup of the weekend had Georgia traveling to Tuscaloosa to take on Alabama. Alabama took an early lead, but the Bulldogs came back to take the lead late. The Crimson Tide then retook the lead on a deep pass to true freshman Ryan Williams. They eventually held on to win the game on the biggest stage of the season so far.
There were doubts about Alabama’s ceiling this season after losing Nick Saban to retirement. Kalen DeBoer was questioned as he entered the program. He has answered plenty of questions already. The Crimson Tide have a talented roster and DeBoer getting a win in this game, proves he can maximize the talent, like he did at Washington and Fresno State. If he maximizes the talent at Alabama, a championship could be coming to Tuscaloosa this season.
2. Notre Dame Can Still Make the CFP
Notre Dame dropped a rough game to Northern Illinois earlier in the season. After that game, plenty of people wrote them off. They have since put up some good performances. This week that continued when they defeated a ranked Louisville team. With the win, Notre Dame is back on track.
While the Fighting Irish still don’t look great, they have taken care of business. They have an easier schedule down the stretch and will likely be favored in every game besides maybe against USC. Winning out will put them in the expanded CFP. There is a long way to go, but the Fighting Irish are still in it.
3. The Big 12 is Wide Open
Before the season, the Big 12 seemed like several teams could win. That looks to be the case already through five weeks. This week, the frontrunner in the conference was Utah. The Utes lost to Arizona. While they were without starting quarterback Cam Rising, it opens things up for other teams, including Arizona, who only has lost to Kansas State so far.
Kansas State followed up their loss to BYU by defeating Oklahoma State. The Cowboys were one of the favorites before the season. On top of all that, BYU, Colorado, Texas Tech and Iowa State are all still undefeated in conference so far. Things have started out in wild fashion, but it could really get off the rails soon.
4. Ashton Jeanty Should be in New York for the Heisman
Ashton Jeanty was already known around the country as one of the best players in college football. This week, Boise State matched up with an undefeated Washington State team. The Broncos got the win 45-24 and a lot of that is thanks to Jeanty’s play. He finished the game with 259 rushing yards, seven receiving yards and four touchdowns.
It may be premature to talk about players that need to be invited to the Heisman Trophy ceremony, but Jeanty doesn’t play at a power four school and may get left out. In four games, he has 845 rushing yards, 19 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. He has plenty of highlight-runs and is helping his team win. Taking home the Heisman will be tough for a non-power four running back, but Jeanty should at least be in consideration.
5. UNLV is Better Off This Week
UNLV was undefeated through three games with two wins over power four competition. Starting quarterback Matthew Sluka left the team due to an NIL dispute. That meant that UNLV had to start Hajj-Malik Williams at quarterback against Fresno State. It was a toss-up of a game, but the Rebels ended up blowing the Bulldogs out.
Sluka was completing less than 45 percent of his passes this season. In this game against a team that was projected to compete in the MWC, Williams completed 13 of 16 passes for 182 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 119 yards and a score. After several players supported Williams starting, he showed up in big fashion. The Rebels have a lot of big games ahead and they look better with Williams at quarterback.
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