The season has started and is off with a bang, but week 4 was the most exciting week yet, with lots of ranked matchups
We are starting to get to the point of the season where we know “who” teams really are as they enter conference play, but much of the season is left!
College football never disappoints, and this year is no exception. Let’s check in with the Weekly Rivalry Sports Top 5 for each power conference.
SEC Top Five
The conference of college football champions, the SEC holds strong at the top with Georgia, but unlike most years, the number two team is still unknown. Look for the next few weeks to show us where teams stand as the deep conference battles against each other.
1. Georgia (4 – 0)
The two-time defending National Champs are the team to beat until someone knocks them off. With a roster full of highly ranked recruits, the “machine” that is the Georgia football team seems to keep rolling on, but with a soft schedule to open the year, we have yet to see them really put their best foot forward with the possible exception of the second half of their win over South Carolina in week 3.
Week 5 Opponent: @Auburn at 3:30 pm EDT, Saturday 9/30/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
2. LSU (3 – 1)
LSU is a strong team, but we have seen lapses in their play, as evidenced by their week 1 loss to FSU and then their last-second win over Arkansas in week 4. Arkansas is not a weak team, but LSU was heavily favored at home and struggled to get the win. However, when this team is on, they have a stout Defensive front, and their QB, Jaden Daniels, can light up the scoreboard.
Week 5 Opponent: @ Ole Miss at 6:00pm EDT Saturday 9/30/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
3. Alabama (3 – 1)
The great Alabama Crimson Tide have shown some chinks in their armor the last couple of years, but many predicted them to turn it around and make the College Football Playoffs this year. However, with a week 2 loss to Texas and a struggle to defeat the University of South Florida in week 3, the critics have started to pile on and question the direction of the team under the great coach Nick Saban. Saban quieted some of the noise in week 4 when he re-inserted Jalen Milroe into the starting lineup at QB, as despite some of the mistakes he makes, he is by far the best playmaker that Alabama has at the position. With a stout defense and Milroe back leading the offense, Alabama defeated a strong Ole Miss team in week 4.
Week 5 Opponent: @ Miss State at 9:00pm EDT Saturday 9/30/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
4. Ole Miss (3 – 1)
This was a tight spot that could have gone to a couple of teams after Ole Miss’ disappointing outing against the Crimson Tide, but I have faith that this team has what it takes to win most weeks. Jaxson Dart needs to play with a little more consistency at QB, and the running game needs to get going, but with Pete Golding as the defensive coordinator, this could be their best defense in years.
Week 5 Opponent: LSU at 6:00pm EDT Saturday 9/30/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Loss
5. Florida (3 – 1)
This was a tough pick as I believe that Tennessee has a higher ceiling and Kentucky is undefeated, but Florida beat Tennessee in a head-to-head matchup, and Kentucky has played a weak schedule up to this point. Florida has seen consistency and ball control from QB Graham Mertz, and with a strong defense, they only need some consistent playmakers to emerge on offense, and they could rise in these rankings.
Week 5 Opponent: @ Kentucky at 12:00pm EDT Saturday 9/30/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
B1G Top Five
The Big 10 is a deep and talented conference, with the East division sporting at least three teams that could compete for the college football playoffs.
1. Michigan (4 – 0)
As the two-time defending B1G champs, they are the ones to beat until proven otherwise. A soft schedule to start the season and some uneven play have shown that there is room to grow. Over the next month, we need to see the Wolverines tighten up the ship, or the brutal end of their schedule could leave them with one or more losses. With a dominant defense, a star running back, among a deep and talented running back room, a talented and experienced QB, and an offensive line that is still gelling, this team will be a tough out.
Week 5 Opponent: @ Nebraska at 3:30pm EDT Saturday 9/30/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
2. Ohio State (4 – 0)
The Buckeyes are always talented, and this year is no exception. With the best receiving corps (including TE Cade Stover) in the B1G and probably the nation and a strong defense, this Ohio State team has its eyes on the college football playoff yet again. Their dramatic win over a highly-ranked Notre Dame team at South Bend showed everyone that the Buckeyes are for real again this year.
Week 5 Opponent: Bye Week
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Bye Week
3. Penn State (4 – 0)
The B1G East is absolutely loaded with the above two teams and Penn State, who all ranked in the national top ten. Penn State is loaded with talent on both sides of the ball. So far, this team has looked every bit the part of a college football playoff contender, but they still have to prove that they are good enough to compete and beat the “Big Two” of Michigan and Ohio State. Will this be the year that Penn State rises to the top of the B1G, or will their talented Sophomores need more experience to lead the team to the promised land?
Week 5 Opponent: @ Northwestern at 12:00pm EDT Saturday 9/30/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
4. Wisconsin (3 – 1)
The Badgers have a new coach in Luke Fickell, but Fickell is a proven coach who will continue to lead the tradition of tough Wisconsin teams. With this being Fickell’s first year in Madison, there are still question marks, but I expect this team to be in the running to win the B1G West division. Their only loss this year came to a good Washington State team that is now ranked in the top 20 in the nation. As always, Wisconsin will rely on their tough D and a bruising ground game, but can new transfer QB Tanner Mordecai take them to new levels of success?
Week 5 Opponent: Bye Week
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Bye Week
5. Maryland (4 – 0)
This was a tough choice as Iowa was also a contender for this spot, but combined with Maryland’s undefeated record and Iowa laying an egg against Penn State, the Terps have earned their spot. We will get to see just how good this team is when they play the Ohio State Buckeyes in week 6! QB Taulia Tagovailoa has led a prolific offense for years now, and as he is a Senior, this is the last chance for the Terps to field a championship-level team around their star QB.
Week 5 Opponent: Indiana at 3:30pm EDT Saturday 9/30/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
Pac-12 Top Five
Enjoy this conference while you have it because starting next year, it will be disbanded or at least drastically changed, as only Oregon State and Washington State will remain. That is a shame, as this year is showcasing the tremendous amount of talent in the conference, with at least 5 teams having a legitimate shot at going to the college football playoffs!
1. Utah (4 – 0)
This might be an unpopular ranking with many people, but the Utes are not only the defending conference champions, they have also played one of the hardest schedules to date, and that is without their star QB Cam Rising. Rising is expected back next week for the battle against Oregon State, and like always, the Utes embody the toughness of their coach, Kyle Whittingham.
Week 5 Opponent: @ Oregon State at 9:00pm EDT Friday 9/29/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
2. Washington (4 – 0)
This team is an offensive powerhouse with talented receivers being fed the ball by Heisman candidate QB Michael Penix Jr. This team is poised to compete for the Pac-12 championship and maybe more if their defense can hold up and their offense stays hot!
Week 5 Opponent: @ Arizona at 10:00pm EDT Saturday 9/30/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
3. Oregon (4 – 0)
The Ducks are loaded, as shown by their absolute destruction of the Colorado Buffaloes. Led by coach Dan Lanning from the sideline and Heisman candidate QB Bo Nix on the field, this team is deep and fast on both sides of the ball. The game between Oregon and Washington in two weeks is must-see TV!
Week 5 Opponent: @ Stanford at 6:30pm EDT Saturday 9/30/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
4. USC (4 – 0)
Coach Lincoln Riley came over from Oklahoma last year and, along with the reigning Heisman winner, QB Caleb Williams, immediately restored USC football to their rightful place among the college football elite. This year looks to be more of the same with the same caveat: can the defense do enough to stop the other opponent? We know the offense will do its part and more; can the Trojans defense do their part? We will know by the end of the year as USC may have the most difficult last 6 weeks of opponents in football.
Week 5 Opponent: @ Colorado at 12:00pm EDT Saturday 9/30/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
5. Washington State (4 – 0)
An underrated Cougars team that has started to show people that they are for real. This team is well coached by head coach Jake Dickert, and star QB Cam Ward has been spectacular to start the season. They just got a good win over a ranked Oregon State team (that just missed the top 5 ranking) and will look to continue to gain national relevance with this week’s game against UCLA and a Week 7 matchup with Oregon!
Week 5 Opponent: Bye Week
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Bye Week
Big 12 Top Five
The Big 12 is another conference that will see changes after this season, but the Big 12 has done a good job of making sure they stay strong and relevant by replacing departing Texas and Oklahoma with a talented group of teams, including Colorado and BYU.
1. Texas (4 – 0)
With a roster full of highly-ranked recruits and a win on the road over Alabama, Texas has jumped back into the national spotlight. QB Quinn Ewers, WR Xavier Worthy, and RB Jonathon Brooks lead a powerful offense. With one of their toughest tests already out of the way, they are set up to be the favorite in their remaining games, but can they keep their focus?
Week 5 Opponent: Kansas at 3:30pm EDT Saturday 9/30/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
2. Oklahoma (4 – 0)
In his second season as head coach, Brent Venables is restoring the winning ways that the Sooners have come to expect. With QB Dillon Gabriel earning Heisman notice with his play, the Sooners are a tough team. Last year’s defense was surprisingly weak, considering Venable’s defensive background, but the D has looked improved this year. With the meat of the schedule coming up, we will see if this D is for real. If the Sooners want a chance at the College football playoffs, they will have to knock off Texas in the Red River Showdown on October 7th.
Week 5 Opponent: Iowa State at 7:00pm EDT Saturday 9/30/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
3. Kansas (4 – 0)
QB Jalon Daniels and coach Lance Leipold have this team humming along. While they are staying under the national radar, this is a solid team that is a threat to win every time they take the field.
Week 5 Opponent: @ Texas at 3:30 Saturday 9/30/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Loss
4. Kansas State (3 – 1)
The Big 12 defending champions lost a lot of talent to graduation after last year but still retained a lot of skill, with QB Will Howard and coach Chris Klieman leading the charge. Kansas State was knocked out of the top 25 with their loss to Missouri, but there is still time to climb their way back into the rankings.
Week 5 Opponent: Bye Week
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Bye Week
5. TCU (3 – 1)
The runner-up in last year’s national championship started off the season with a disappointing loss to upstart Colorado. Although TCU still has coach Sonny Dykes and talent across the roster, we will have to see if they can continue to grow from the first loss of the season.
Week 5 Opponent: West Virginia at 8:00pm EDT Saturday 9/30/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
ACC Top Five
The ACC has long been dominated by Clemson, but times are changing…
1. Florida State (4 – 0)
FSU is for Real! With a great win to open the season against LSU and another great win against Clemson in Death Valley, FSU has proved that they are a team to be taken seriously. This team is cohesive and dangerous with Mike Norvell, who has restored winning and brought a team atmosphere. With Heisman candidate QB Jordan Travis leading the offense and star DE Jared Verse leading the defense, this team will be hard to beat.
Week 5 Opponent: Bye Week
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Bye Week
2. Duke (4 – 0)
The Blue Devils are proving that they are not only a basketball school! Coach Mike Elko has Duke believing in themselves, and with a win to start the season against Clemson already on the books, the team is off and running. Star QB Riley Leonard is leading the charge on the field, but playing Notre Dame and Florida State in the next three weeks will be a tough test.
Week 5 Opponent: Notre Dame at 7:30pm EDT Saturday 9/30/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
3. North Carolina (4 – 0)
Coach Mack Brown has brought fun back to the football program since he came back for his second stint at the school in 2019. He has a Heisman candidate at QB in Drake Maye and an improved defense that gives the Tar Heels a chance to win each week. UNC avoids playing FSU during the regular season, but if they can get through Duke, Clemson, Miami, and others, then they could meet FSU in the ACC championship!
Week 5 Opponent: Bye Week
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Bye Week
4. Miami (4 – 0)
The Hurricane faithful expected immediate results from coach Mario Cristobal last year, but it was a building year. This may be the year that the Hurricanes start to turn the corner, but they have a number of big tests ahead, including North Carolina on October 14th. Can QB Tyler Van Dyke continue his hot start to the season as the competition stiffens?
Week 5 Opponent: Bye Week
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Bye Week
5. Clemson (2 – 2)
It has been a long time since Clemson was fifth in the ACC power rankings, but in all honesty, they could have been pushed even further down with Syracuse’s 4 – 0 start. I believe in coach Dabo Swinney, though, and he has the talent to still field a good team and have a strong finish to the season. I will be surprised if Clemson isn’t in the top 3 of the ACC by the end of the year.
Week 5 Opponent: @ Syracuse at 12:00pm EDT Saturday 9/30/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
Notable Upcoming Games
The season just continues to provide us with games to look forward to. There are lots of good games on the schedule for week 5, but some of the most exciting games for week 5 are listed below:
- #8 USC vs Colorado – Will Colorado bounce back or start a free fall?
- #22 Florida vs Kentucky – Kentucky is undefeated but unranked. A win against Florida could change that, but a Florida win will continue to show that the Gators are a tough and resilient team
- Clemson vs Syracuse – Clemson can’t possibly fall below .500 at this point of the season, can they? If Syracuse is for real, now is the time to prove it.
- #24 Kansas vs #3 Texas – This has to be the Big 12 game of the week. Texas has one of the big wins of the year, and this is Kansas’ chance to get their big win of the year!
- #13 LSU vs #20 Ole Miss – A border war game that will show what each of these teams is made of. The winner will put themselves in a position to compete for the SEC West crown.
- #11 Notre Dame vs #17 Duke – Will Notre Dame bounce back from the heartbreak of their last-second loss to OSU, or will Duke continue to show that their school is not just a basketball school?
- South Carolina vs #21 Tennessee – South Carolina is a strong team with a QB in Spencer Rattler who is playing amazingly. Tennessee had a magical season last year and still shows glimpses of their powerful offense, but we have not seen it consistently. This game could show the direction each team will take for the rest of the year.
Rivalry Sports Lock Pick of the Week – USC over Colorado
Rivalry Sports Underdog Pick of the Week – Florida over Kentucky
Check back in for updated power rankings next week!
