2025 cbhsports 10/11 College Football Preview

Image Courtesy: The Herald-Times

AP Top 5
1.Ohio State 5-0 (2-0) Big Ten This week: @ Illinois (5-1) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, FOX)
2.Miami 5-0 (1-0) ACC This week: Off
3.Oregon 5-0 (2-0) Big Ten This week: Indiana (5-0) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, CBS)
4.Ole Miss 5-0 (3-0) SEC This week: Washington State (3-2) (Saturday, 12:45 PM ET, SECN)
5.Texas A&M 5-0 (2-0) SEC This week: Florida (2-3) (Saturday, 7 PM ET, ESPN)

Biggest risers and fallers in the AP Top 25 this week:

Risers
12.Tennessee 4-1 (1-1) SEC Week 6: #15 (Off)
13.Georgia Tech 5-0 (2-0) ACC Week 6: #17 (Off)
14.Missouri 5-0 (1-0) SEC Week 6: #19 (Off)
15.Michigan 4-1 (2-0) Big Ten Week 6: #20 (Defeated Wisconsin 24-10)
16.Notre Dame 3-2 Independents Week 6: #21 (Defeated Boise State 28-7)
17.Illinois 5-1 (2-1) Big Ten Week 6: #22 (Defeated Purdue 43-27)
18.BYU 5-0 (2-0) Big 12 Week 6: #23 (Defeated West Virginia 38-24)
19.Virginia 5-1 (3-0) ACC Week 6: #24 (Defeated Louisville 30-27)
21.Arizona State 4-1 (2-0) Big 12 Week 6: #25 (Off)

Fallers
20.Vanderbilt 5-1 (1-1) SEC Week 6: #16 (Lost to 10.Alabama 30-14)
22.Iowa State 5-1 (2-1) Big 12 Week 6: #14 (Lost to Cincinnati 38-30)
25.Florida State 3-2 (0-2) Big Ten Week 6: #18 (Lost to 3.Miami 28-22)

Dropped Out
Penn State 3-2 (0-2) Big Ten Week 6: #7 (Lost to UCLA 42-37)
Texas 3-2 (0-1) SEC Week 6: #9 (Lost to Florida 29-21)

New
23.Memphis 6-0 (2-0) American Week 6: NR (Defeated Tulsa 45-7)
24.South Florida 4-1 (1-0) American Week 6: NR (Defeated Charlotte 54-26)

Key games this weekend (Rankings based off of AP Poll)

Saturday, October 11
1.Ohio State (5-0) @ 17.Illinois (5-1)
12 PM ET, FOX
Top ranked Ohio State faces No. 17 Illinois in its first ranked on ranked matchup versus then No. 1 Texas. The Longhorns have fallen since, losing to both the Buckeyes over a month ago and to Florida last Saturday so making a statement versus the Fighting Illini will be key. Illinois has won back to back games since being blown out by Indiana 63-10 but Ohio State presents a challenge they have not seen this season.

If the Indiana offense can score over 60 points on the Illinois defense, Ohio State’s unit should be able score that number or more. Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate have been everything as advertised with over 400 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns between them. It will be up to the Illini secondary including Matthew Bailey and Miles Scott to play better than they did against the Hoosier secondary against the Buckeyes on Saturday.

A part of defending the pass will be giving eye candy in the coverages to quarterback Julian Sayin, who has already thrown for over 1,300 yards and 13 touchdowns. Another big help would be limiting the running back trio of Bo Jackson, James Peoples, and CJ Donaldson.

If Buckeye linebackers Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles, and defensive end Caden Curry show up and lead their defense to a successful performance against the Fighting Illini, the game could turn into a blowout fast. So, Bret Bielema’s team must show up to fight on their home turf to avoid their second loss in Big Ten play.

They will do that with a quality performance from quarterback Luke Altmyer, who has similar statistics to Sayin, throwing for 12 touchdowns and over 1,500 yards through the air. Like the Buckeyes, the Illini have three tailbacks they trust. Ca’Lil Valentine, Kaden Feagin, and Aidan Laughery will look to help Altmyer and build on a season where they have combined for 10 touchdowns together as a group.

Ohio State will dominate Illinois if they are successful on Saturday afternoon. The Fighting Illini will only find success if they limit the Buckeye offense. If they do not, they will fall.

Projected Score: Ohio State 49, Illinois 24

8.Alabama (4-1) @ 14.Missouri (5-0)
12 PM ET, ABC
After defeating Vanderbilt on Saturday, Alabama faces Missouri, another SEC opponent that is capable of challenging them, especially as it will be away from the friendly confines of Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Tigers host the Crimson Tide coming off of a bye week so they should be prepared for battle but a lot will be expected of them to beat Alabama.

The Crimson Tide’s offensive success will be defined by if they are able to continue to throw the football at a high level. Ty Simpson has had a fantastic year throwing 13 touchdowns to just one interception. And with a great cast of weapons like Germie Bernard and Ryan Williams going against a weaker Missouri secondary, they should have continued success in this match up.

The Crimson Tide’s running game has gained traction since Jam Miller returned to action, as he has carried the ball for 182 yards and a score. A big part of defending both Alabama’s passing and running attack will be defensive end Damon Wilson (3.5 sacks) and linebacker Jeremiah Trotter (14 tackles) leading the unit.

The third of four consecutive AP top 25 opponent Alabama will face is Missouri. Their offense has seen a rebrand thus far in 2025 with first year starter Beau Pribula at quarterback and talented running back Ahmad Hardy standing right next to him. Alabama’s front seven, led by defensive tackle LT Overton (1.5 sacks) and linebacker Justin Jefferson (18 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 forced fumble) will attempt to lead their defense to stop them.

Missouri receiver Kevin Coleman has shined since transferring over from Mississippi State. Coleman has a touchdown on 386 yards. Alabama defensive backs Bray Hubbard, Keon Sabb, and Domani Jackson will be keyed in on him.

This Alabama and Missouri match up should be close. The game is in Columbia so the Tigers should get some help from their crowd. But Simpson should keep playing at a high level and lead his team to a fourth consecutive win.

Projected Score: Alabama 31, Missouri 24

7.Indiana (5-0) @ 3.Oregon (5-0)
3:30 PM ET, CBS
Just two weeks after ESPN’s College GameDay was in Happy Valley for Oregon’s victory over Penn State, they head to Eugene for the Ducks’ battle with Indiana. Curt Cignetti again has the Hoosiers poised for a deep postseason run but much of the regular season still remains including a battle with Dan Lanning’s Ducks this weekend.

Indiana had an even more efficient offense with this season’s roster than last season’s. California transfer Fernando Mendoza, who has thrown for over 1,200 yards and 16 scores and a tremendous group of tailbacks including Roman Hemby, Kaelon Black, Khobie Martin, and Lee Beebe Jr.

Mendoza trusts two receivers Elijah Sarratt (412 yards and 6 TDs) and Omar Cooper Jr. (408 yards and 6 TDs) to get down the field and create plays. Oregon’s defense will have to stop this balanced attack with the help of linebackers Bryce Boettcher and Teitum Tuioti.

The Ducks’ offense poses a similar threat that the Hoosier’s does. Quarterback Dante Moore has also thrown for over 1,200 yards but only 14 touchdowns. Moore’s trio of Dakorien Moore, Malik Benson, and Kenyon Sadiq have all amassed over 200 receiving yards and multiple scores. It will be up to Indiana’s secondary headed by Louis Moore (30 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 1 passes defended) and Devan Boykin (14 tackles and 2 passes defended to stop it.

The trio of Dierre Hill Jr., Jayden Limar, and Noah Whittington make up the Duck ground game this season. They have combined for 686 yards and seven touchdowns on the season. Linebackers Aiden Fisher, Isaiah Jones, and defensive lineman Kellan Wyatt to keep them from creating lanes to the end zone.

At the end of the day, this could be the most competitive game on Saturday. Indiana has a great team but I trust Oregon to protect their home field and grab their sixth win of the season.

Projected Score: Oregon 34, Indiana 27

6.Oklahoma (5-0) vs. Texas (3-2) (Dallas; Allstate Red River Rivalry)
3:30 PM ET, ABC
Not many people would have said Oklahoma would have the better record or even an undefeated record as they entered Red River week against Texas. Most would have thought that Texas be undefeated or at least have the superior record. But, we are here and the Longhorns have lost to Ohio State and Florida. Steve Sarkisian’s Longhorns need a win to save their season and reposition themselves for a chance to play in the postseason.

It is unsure whether Oklahoma starting quarterback John Mateer will play after successful surgery on his right thumb a few weeks ago. The Sooners would turn to backup Michael Hawkins for the second consecutive week if Mateer is not ready for action against the Longhorns. Hawkins started versus Kent State last weekend and led them to a 44-0 victory over the Golden Flashes by throwing for 162 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 33 yards and another score in Saturday’s victory.

If it is Hawkins behind center again on Saturday for the Sooners everyone else on the offensive side of the football will have to step up. Wide receiver Isaiah Sategna (359 yards and 3 TDs), Deion Burks (275 yards and 2 TDs), and tight end Jaren Kanak (328 yards) must be sure handed for Hawkins playing against a talented secondary that includes Michael Taafe (32 tackles and 1 interception), Jelani McDonald (21 tackles), and Graceson Littleton (18 tackles).

The Oklahoma running game must come on against Texas’ defensive front. Tory Blaylock (257 yards and 3 TDs) will lead the group but much more will be expected of Jaydn Ott (66 yards) if the Sooners want to be successful. They cannot look past this defense even though they had a bad performance in their loss to Florida.

To put it lightly, Arch Manning’s first season as Texas’ starting quarterback has been disappointing. Manning has thrown for 11 touchdowns but has already thrown five interceptions. He does lead the Longhorns in rushing but that means more has to be expected of tailbacks Jerrick Gibson and James Simon. Defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (3 sacks) and David Stone (1.5 sacks) will attempt to get in the backfield and sack Manning and continue to stop the Sooner ground game.

More also needs to be expected of receivers Parker Livingstone and Ryan Wingo down the field. If Manning gets them the ball, they need to be able to score touchdowns if they want to be the Sooners. Defensive backs Peyton Bowen and Reggie Bowers III will have the job of containing Livingstone, Wingo, and the Longhorns’ other playmakers on the perimeter.

If Mateer does not play for Oklahoma, it may be difficult for them to score Texas’ stifling defense. But the Longhorns’ success on defense has not led to victories yet this season. Until Sarkisian’s offense shows up, Texas will not be able to beat Oklahoma.

Projected Score: Oklahoma 24, Texas 14

18.BYU (5-0) @ Arizona (4-1)
7 PM ET, ESPN2
BYU is one of four teams tied atop the Big 12 standings at 2-0 before they head to Tucson to face Arizona, who comes in with a 1-1 conference record. The Cougars cannot look past the Wildcats in this trap game before they host instate rival Utah on Oct. 18. A victory for Arizona could create craziness atop the Big 12 standings as October continues.

The Cougar front seven is talented with end Logan Lutui (22 tackles) and linebackers Jack Kelly (21 tackles and 4 sacks) and Isaiah Glasker (21 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 interception, and 1 pass defended) posing problems for opposing teams. They will challenge Noah Fifita, who has already thrown 13 touchdowns. Running back Ismail Madhi helps Fifita in the backfield, rushing for 382 yards and a score on the season. More will be expected of him if they want to beat BYU on Saturday.

WThe BYU secondary also has some nice pieces with safeties Faletau Satuala, Raider Damuni, and cornerback Evan Johnson. They will go against a talented group of receivers that includes Javin Whitley (316 yards and 3 TDs), Luke Wysong (220 yards and 1 TD), and Chris Hunter (189 yards and 1 TD).

Quarterback Bear Bachmeier may have only thrown seven touchdowns so far this season but he has rushed for the second most rush yards on the team with 206 and five scores. His receivers Chase Roberts, Parker Kingston, and tight end Carsen Ryan all have over 200 yards and at least a touchdown each despite his low Bachmeier’s low passing numbers. Defensive backs Dalton Johnson (31 tackles, 2 passes defended, and 1 sack) and Genesis Smith (28 tackles, 5 passes defended, and 1 interception) will do their best against that trio.

Next to Bachmeier in the ground game, tailback LJ Martin has 490 yards and three touchdowns. Linebackers Max Harris (25 tackles) and Taye Brown (22 tackles and 1 interception) must stop Bachmeier and Martin’s attack if the Wildcats want to win this game because that is the strongest part of the Cougar offense.

Can Arizona defend its home turf against BYU, or will the Cougars keep their perfect season alive? Expect a hard-fought battle, but the Wildcats edge out BYU in a close one.

Projected Score: Arizona 27, BYU 24

15.Michigan (4-1) @ USC (4-1)
7:30 PM ET, NBC
Michigan heads to Los Angeles to face USC for the second time as common Big Ten opponents. Last season at the ‘Big House’, the Wolverines defeated the Trojans 27-24. Michigan will look to continue that success against USC with their freshman quarterback and a defense that gave up just 10 points last Saturday against Wisconsin.

The Wolverines’ run game is their engine on offense. Tailback Justice Haynes has excelled, rushing for 654 yards and eight touchdowns so far. He supports a freshman quarterback in Bryce Underwood that has thrown just three touchdowns through five games. USC linebackers Eric Gentry (35 tackles and 3 sacks) and Desman Stephens II (25 tackles) will look to lead their defense in stopping Haynes running down the field.

Receivers Donavan McCulley (309 yards and 1 TD) and Semaj Morgan (187 yards and 1 TD) must support Underwood down the field if they want to go to Los Angeles and win against the Trojans. Safety Christian Pierce (21 tackles, 1 pass defended, and 1 sack) will try to stop a receiving unit that has underperformed thus far.

USC signal caller Jayden Maiava has thrown for over 1,500 yards and 11 touchdowns this season. Receivers Makai Lemon, Ja’Kobi Lane, and tight end Lake McRae have helped him down the field combining for seven touchdowns. Michigan defensive backs Brandyn Hillman (23 tackles, 1 interception, and 1 pass defended) and Jyaire Hill (18 tackles, 4 passes defended, and 1 sack) will have the job of defending the Trojans passing game.

Running back Waymond Jordan leads the Trojans with 537 yards and five scores. Linebackers Ernest Hausmann (31 tackles and 1 pass defended) and Jimmy Folder (28 tackles and 1 pass defended) will be trusted with defending USC’s ground game.

The Trojans come off of a bye week but the Wolverines have won three in a row. Michigan will edge USC out in a close game that should go down to the end.

Projected Score: Michigan 24, USC 21