Oklahoma pulled off a 27-24 upset over No. 1 Texas in Week 6, shaking up the college football landscape as UCLA secured a win without their starting quarterback, while LSU and Oregon suffered setbacks. The Sooners’ victory at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas was a rare bright spot after losses to Michigan and Georgia earlier this season.
Oklahoma’s offense struggled against Texas’s defense, managing only 14 points on offensive drives, but the Sooners added crucial non-offensive points to secure the win. This emotional victory could signal a turning point in their season, though the challenges ahead are significant. Their next game at home against No. 17 Kentucky will test whether this win was a fluke or the start of a resurgence.
Kentucky has made a strong impression under first-year coach Will Stein. The Wildcats are 5-1 after back-to-back overtime wins against South Carolina and LSU, both secured by successful two-point conversions in overtime—an aggressive approach by Stein that has paid off. Quarterback Kenny Minchey has been a steady presence, throwing for 1,394 yards and 12 total touchdowns with only one interception. Kentucky’s only loss came against Alabama, where they held a halftime lead before falling behind.
UCLA’s 17-15 win over Oregon was notable not only because it was an upset but also because the Bruins lost their starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava to a season-ending knee injury during the game. Backup Ty Dieffenbach stepped in and threw a 9-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter that put UCLA ahead 17-6. First-year coach Bob Chesney, who led James Madison to the College Football Playoff last season, has the Bruins at 5-0.
Oregon’s quarterback Dylan Raiola had a difficult night, completing just 6 of 19 passes for 43 yards, with two interceptions and a fumble before being replaced by third-string quarterback Brock Thomas. The Ducks have now lost twice this season, including a previous defeat to Oklahoma State, denting their College Football Playoff hopes. They will likely have to win out, including a challenging road game against Ohio State on November 7, to stay in contention.
LSU’s 35-34 overtime loss to Kentucky was another upset that raised questions about the Tigers’ offense under first-year coach Lane Kiffin. Quarterback Sam Leavitt, a transfer from Arizona State, threw an interception and lost a fumble in the defeat. Leavitt leads the SEC in interceptions with nine, despite tallying 17 total touchdowns. LSU had been favored by nearly 10 points but failed to capitalize, continuing a pattern of turnovers that have hindered their offensive output.
Florida’s season has also taken a downturn. After reaching No. 8 in the US LBM Coaches Poll following a dominant 52-28 win over Ole Miss on September 26, the Gators have since lost consecutive games to Missouri and South Carolina. Their rushing attack, which was once a strength, has faltered, averaging just 3.2 yards per carry in the loss to South Carolina. That defeat was South Carolina’s first SEC win since their season opener against Kentucky last year. Florida’s troubles continue under first-year coach Jon Sumrall, and upcoming games against Texas and Georgia loom large.
As Week 7 approaches, Oklahoma’s win over Texas and UCLA’s resilience without their starter stand out, while Oregon, LSU, and Florida face pressure to regroup after surprising defeats.
According to Yahoo Sports.
