College Football Week 5 Preview: Top 5 Must-Watch Games This Weekend

Week 5 brings some exciting matchups between ranked teams, including an SEC championship rematch from last year between No. 2 Georgia and No. 4 Alabama, a critical Big 12 battle between No. 20 Oklahoma State and No. 23 Kansas State, and an intriguing Big Ten clash with No. 19 Illinois visiting No. 9 Penn State.

As September wraps up, the season is heating up, and we’re about to learn which teams have real College Football Playoff potential as October looms.

Here are the top five games you won’t want to miss this weekend:

Minnesota at No. 12 Michigan (Noon ET on FOX)

Expect no surprises here—Michigan is set to run the ball, and Minnesota must figure out how to stop it if they hope to leave Ann Arbor with a win. Michigan’s QB Alex Orji, now firmly established as the starter, doesn’t throw often, but he and the Wolverines’ backs can grind out yards on the ground. Minnesota boasts the nation’s No. 2 pass defense, but that won’t matter much against Michigan’s relentless rushing attack, especially after giving up 125 rushing yards per game so far.

No. 20 Oklahoma State at No. 23 Kansas State (12 p.m. ET on ESPN)

Both Oklahoma State and Kansas State are still in the Big 12 title hunt despite recent losses. Kansas State’s young QB Avery Johnson will try to bounce back from a tough outing last week against an Oklahoma State defense that has struggled, allowing over 460 yards per game. Oklahoma State’s offense also needs a spark, particularly from RB Ollie Gordon II, who has been quiet lately and will face another tough defense this week.

No. 15 Louisville at No. 12 Notre Dame (3:30 p.m. ET on Peacock)

Notre Dame is fighting to keep its CFP hopes alive after an early-season upset, and they need a win over high-scoring Louisville. The Cardinals, led by QB Tyler Shough, bring one of the top offenses in the nation (47.3 ppg), while Notre Dame counters with a top-tier defense. Irish QB Riley Leonard will look to build on his strong performance last week as Notre Dame tries to avoid a repeat of last year’s loss to Louisville.

No. 2 Georgia at No. 4 Alabama (7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN)

The most anticipated matchup of the week is a rematch of last year’s SEC title game, where Alabama edged out Georgia 27-24. Georgia will need to slow down QB Jalen Milroe and Alabama’s fifth-ranked offense (49.0 ppg) while counting on QB Carson Beck to jumpstart their own offense, which has struggled to score in the first half. Both teams bring elite talent, but Georgia’s stout defense will face its biggest test yet against an explosive Alabama attack.

No. 19 Illinois at No. 9 Penn State (7:30 p.m. ET on NBC)

Penn State is calling for “White Out energy” as they host Illinois in their first Big Ten matchup of the season. Illinois, fresh off two wins over ranked teams, won’t be intimidated by the Beaver Stadium atmosphere. Meanwhile, Penn State is looking for a statement win to solidify its playoff hopes after cruising through an easier early schedule.