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The Missouri Tigers emerged as the biggest victors from Week 5 of the college football season, defeating the previously red-hot Florida Gators and climbing in the rankings. However, the weekend also produced its share of losers, including Michigan, which dropped its second consecutive game, and Utah, which has struggled early in the Kyle Whittingham era. Iowa suffered a blowout loss to Ohio State in front of a College GameDay crowd.
With Week 5 in the books, here are some overreactions from the action.
Alabama Is Playing Like the SEC's Best
The SEC landscape can shift rapidly. First Ole Miss seemed ascendant, then Florida, but Georgia has been the only consistent powerhouse. Now Alabama looks like a legitimate contender. The Crimson Tide demolished Mississippi State 56-23 in Starkville, forcing four turnovers. Despite a shaky start to the season, the defense has improved, and quarterback Keelon Russell, a former five-star recruit, continues to impress. Alabama boasts the nation's No. 2 scoring offense. A showdown with Georgia this weekend looms large, with both teams likely playoff-bound, but significant stakes are on the line.
Mike Norvell's Hot Seat Is Cooling
Mike Norvell's job security might not be entirely safe, but he has bought himself another week. Florida State looked like a competent team in a 38-7 rout of Virginia. Quarterback Ashton Daniels rushed for 136 yards and five touchdowns, while the Seminoles' defense stifled the Cavaliers. FSU has now won two straight and is a few plays away from being 4-1. The season-opening loss to SMU still stings, but the Seminoles have plenty to play for. Their next game at Louisville suddenly seems winnable after the Cardinals suffered their third loss on Saturday. Another victory could further cool Norvell's seat and build momentum.
Arizona and Baylor Belong in Big 12 Conversation
The Big 12 is wide open. Texas Tech struggled with Colorado for much of their game, and BYU's offense sputtered against a 2-3 TCU team. Utah appears to be the most complete team, but Arizona and Baylor should not be overlooked. Both won decisively on Saturday night: Baylor crushed Arizona State 55-19 in Tempe, while Arizona defeated previously unbeaten Cincinnati 34-7. Arizona's only loss came in Week 2 against BYU, but the Wildcats control their destiny with games against Utah and Texas Tech remaining. Baylor, meanwhile, could cruise until its final three games against Texas Tech, BYU, and Houston. Both offenses are explosive and capable of making a run.
Penn State Will Always Be Penn State, Regardless of Coach
It may be unfair to criticize Matt Campbell so early in his Penn State tenure, but the Nittany Lions' issues seem independent of who is coaching. James Franklin consistently disappointed fans, and last year's team was expected to contend for the College Football Playoff. Campbell arrived from Iowa State with what looked like the easiest Big Ten schedule, yet Penn State has now lost two straight, falling to Wisconsin and Northwestern. Veteran quarterback Rocco Becht has not lived up to expectations. With a home game against USC this weekend, a 3-3 start is staring Campbell in the face.
Originally reported by yahoo.