I’m happy to bring back Kent Stater’s CFB Weekly series after nearly a month off. Join me in covering America’s greatest Saturday tradition is photographer Lucas Cochran.
Hurricanes claim state championship in win over No. 18 Seminoles
The Miami Hurricanes continued their dominant season with a 28-22 win over Florida State on Oct. 4, solidifying the team’s claim as one of the best in the nation.
Quarterback Carson Beck led the way, completing 20 of 27 passes for 241 yards and four touchdowns, showing calm command in a high-pressure rivalry game. True freshman wide receiver Malachi Toney emerged as the offensive star, catching seven passes for 107 yards and two touchdowns, giving Miami a steady spark through the air.
On defense, the Hurricanes forced two interceptions, including a key second-quarter pick by freshman Bryce Fitzpatrick that helped swing the momentum and set up a Miami touchdown.
Florida State quarterback Thomas Castellanos battled to keep his team close, finishing 25 of 45 for 272 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions, but Miami’s defense tightened late to close out the win.
The Hurricanes moved to 7-0, remaining unbeaten and strengthening their playoff hopes. Saturday’s victory wasn’t just another rivalry win — it was a statement that Miami may truly be the best team in the nation.
Florida makes a statement: Gators upset No. 9 Texas 29–21
In a high-energy matchup, the Florida Gators pulled off a statement win, knocking off No. 9 Texas 29–21.
Quarterback DJ Lagway led the charge, completing 21 of 28 passes for 298 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.
Running back Jadan Baugh powered the ground game with 107 yards and a touchdown, while true freshman Dallas Wilson shone through the air, recording six catches for 106 yards and two scores.
The Gator defense came to play, totaling six sacks and two interceptions off Texas quarterback Arch Manning, who went 16/29 for 263 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.
Bruins ruin Penn State’s playoff chances with huge upset win
Even in the 12-team playoff era, some two-loss teams can find themselves forbidden from postseason play if the team’s resume has a scarlet letter. The formerly ranked No. 7 Penn State Nittany Lions would have been wise to remember this heading into a potential (and eventual) trap game against the winless UCLA Bruins.
In a high-scoring, fast-paced shocker of a game, the Bruins were up by as much as 20 points over a team that was once ranked second in the nation just behind the reigning champion Buckeyes. Sophomore quarterback Nico Iamaleava had by far his best game as a Bruin against James Franklin’s defense, scoring five total touchdowns and amassing nearly 300 combined yards of offense.
Senior PSU quarterback Drew Allar brought the Lions within seven points with 4:11 left in the game, but it just wasn’t enough, as the Bruins were able to hold on to what is being referred to as a “death blow” victory, winning 42-37.
I asked this question when OSU Coach Ryan Day lost to Michigan last November, and he redeemed himself with a championship. So now, James Franklin, what is your excuse? How many big games can a team lose over a nearly 11-year span before the program, now unranked for the third time this decade, starts to look for answers?
Crimson Tide keeps on rolling with revenge victory over No. 16 Vanderbilt
There might not have been a more embarrassing loss in all of the 2024-2025 college football season than when the unranked Vanderbilt Commodores, coming off years of futility, beat the first-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide 40-35. Since then, it has been a whirlwind for both teams, as Alabama has gone through ebbs and flows while Vandy has seen a program resurgence.
On Saturday, the Commodores hit the ground running — literally — on a 65-yard rushing touchdown from junior running back Sedrick Alexander. Following an Alabama touchdown in the second quarter, Alexander scored his second touchdown of the day on a pass from senior Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia to make it a 14-7 ballgame.
However, Alabama would go on to score 23 unanswered points, led by a strong defensive effort and the sterling leg of sophomore kicker Conor Talty, who gave the Tide nine points on three kicks, all of which were from at least 30 yards out. Jam Miller, the senior running back out of Texas, put the icing on the 30-14 victory with a 20-yard rushing touchdown.
Alabama now finds itself ranked No. 8 in the country, set to be back in the SEC Championship game if it can run the table against teams like Tennessee, LSU and Oklahoma. As for No. 20 Vanderbilt, the feel-good story can still stay alive, but it’ll have to face a loaded conference gauntlet just like the Crimson Tide.
Moving ahead
Now is the time to hunker down, for both fans and teams. Regularly scheduled conference action now begins for all teams, and the road to January is now visible. For week seven, look out for the No. 3 Oregon Ducks as they welcome No. 7 Indiana in a battle of Big Ten contenders hoping to reach the playoffs for consecutive seasons.
Week six perfectly embodied the ideal week of college football, for fans and players (unless you’re Penn State). Dynamic revenge games, heated rivalries and teams falling all the way to the basement — this is one week we won’t be forgetting for a while.
Gage Wellman is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected] or @GageWellmanKSTV on X.
Lucas Cochran is a photographer. Contact him at [email protected].