WAKE UP! THERE’S FOOTBALL TO WATCH!
First Up: Important Announcement.
If we can get the code set up (and it looks like we can) we’re going to be rolling out a new feature tomorrow for you! The LiveGump.
It will be a post on the front page where we liveblog the game, drop in some tweets and pics, etc. and you can comment on it. (We’re trying to find ways to add gifs now, both from us and you). Think of it as a game thread, but with interactivity and updates. You won’t have to run to a dozen places to caught up on scores, who’s doing what, how teams look, etc. And comments will make a lot more sense to someone who’s just checking in moreso than a standalone game thread would.
We don’t expect you to be glued to it or anything, but if you’d drop a random comment or create/join a discussion in there from time-to-time, we’d appreciate it: we can better see what kind of engagement and audience it’s drawing. We really appreciate it. And the best part? If you’re interested, we can even give you permission to post to the LiveGump! The more voices, the merrier.
Thanks and Roll Tide.
POST SCRIPT: The LiveGump is up now:
Welcome to Week 5 of the 2026 college football season, and let’s be honest: 2026 has been a bit of a dud. I wish I could say that we had wall to wall great games today. But on paper, we really don’t. Of course, that’s the beauty of college football — any game can suddenly be riveting television. So, let’s spitball from the schedule and see what’s worth watching.
Here’s your schedule, for the 10th year, courtesy of CFB Grid. All times in God’s right and proper Central time zone — and if it were Standard time, it would be perfect.
Must See TV
No. 23 No. 7 Alabama @ No. 16 Mississippi State: The quarterback duel of the year in any game, anywhere. WADR to Trinidad Chambliss, these two 19 year olds are the SEC’s best, and are on a very short, very deserved list of best in the nation, and are Heisman candidates for good reason. After three-four hours of fireworks and big plays, the winner walks out a clear contender for the SEC, in the drivers’ seat for a playoff berth, and the Heisman frontrunner. I’m not saying this because I’m a homer, but at least on paper, this sets up for the game of the week…though, the analyst in me begs to differ, and doesn’t think Bully can get defensive stops, even at home, and even cheating with those damn cowbells. If you missed our preview, and want to know why, just click below! ‘Bama is a six-point favorite for a reason.
No. 25 Mizzou v No. 9 Florida: Like a bolt out of the blue, it appears the long-slumbering giant in Gainesville has awakened. Philo has been efficient with those very short passes Florida relies upon, and Duke/Jadan are the best running back duo in the country. But MU’s rushing defense is third in the conference in yards per carry, and have surrendered just two rushing touchdowns. Can they get enough stops to make Philo try to win a game with his arm…and can he do it if he must? Does the Tigers explosive passing game have enough in the tank to challenge a bad Gators secondary? Mizzery are the only SEC team that throws the ball without a pick (we’re not counting the Vols here). Potentially a very good game.
Barn @ No. 17 10RC: When the phrase “meteor game” was coined, it was for this very matchup: Tennessee at home vs. Auburn. One team can’t or won’t throw for shit. The other can’t run for shit. And both pray they don’t have to rely on those weaknesses to get a W. The offensive line for both are at least suspect, and in Tennessee’s case, may be a flaming bag of poo. You suspect the team with the best defensive line play pulls this one out; and after AU’s showing against Jadan Baugh, that figures to be the Vols. They are the more talented, and far more expensive, roster. Still, we can take solace knowing that one of these clowns walks out a loser and will already have a pair of SEC losses by the first weekend of October. That knowledge, and Sydney Sweeney, are proof that God loves us.
No. 5 Ohio State @ No. 14 Iowa: Do we think that Iowa is a Top 15 team? The schedule wouldn’t tell you much, and their offensive opponents haven’t exactly been 2020 ‘Bama or anything. The Buckeyes do have that offense; however, it was held in check by the Longhorns in their choke at DKR. Iowa may not have a defense that good, but it ain’t shabby. As for OSU, this unit Patricia trots out on D is not the best OSU has ever fielded. In fact, it appears attrition may have finally caught up. It’s very good, but not what we’ve seen the past few years in C’bus. But is it good enough to get stops against a balanced Hawkeye attack that is both physical, and now can even throw the ball! Tough road environment and Day is a bit of a choker. Is talent enough to win this one, if Ferentz is outcoaching him?
No. 23 Kentucky @ South Carolina: The ‘Cocks are desperate for a win. The Wildcats, outside of three quarters against ‘Bama and a quarter against Souf ‘Bama, have played some great ball this season. Can these two middling-to-bad secondaries prevent the other from going nuts in the passing game? Has Shane Beamer restored discipline on this team, given the mess they were in Tuscaloosa? Like Mike Norvell vs. Virginia, for Beamer this one feels a whole lot like “win or hit the bricks, pal” for one of CFB’s truly good guys…and also one of its most beleaguered.
Cincinnati @ Arizona: The last game of the night is also its best late game. Two of the Big 12’s most dynamic offenses, with solid defenses to back them up. All set against a game of importance to the conference title race. That is doubly true given how mortal the Texas Tech Fightin’ Codys are. Toughest road swing of the year for the Bearcats, and also the Wildcats toughest opponent to date. Good stuff.
Need some winners for Week 5? We’ve got you covered over at Giving Away Money.
Throw It On The Spare TV:
No. 20 BYU @ TCU: This is the first team the Cougars have played with a pulse, and it’s the first time BYU has even left the state of Utah. Given the Frogs firepower, the long road trip, and the unknown quantity of the Cougs in 2026, we could get a decent game.
No. 18 USC v Washington: If the Huskies offense is ever going to get healthy, this miserable Trojan defense is the answer. Then again, if this USC defense is ever going to get healthy, this miserable Washington offense is the answer. Both are coming off embarrassing barometer-type losses with second-half no-shows, and both alleged contenders need a dub in the most painful way. Big game for Lincoln Riley’s long term stay in LA, and for the Big 10 title race…LOL. Who are we kidding; OSU is running away with it this year. But a bad loss by either coach really could make their seats heat up.
Virginia @ FSU: Two absolutely terrible defenses flanked by two gifted offenses. This is going to be your random shootout of seemingly nowhere, and is a tossup by every measure. Even the oddsmakers are torn on it. A few things are certain though: Mike Norvell is a desperate man; the Hoos are a peer-level team that FSU can and probably should beat; and if he doesn’t win this game, Norvell probably doesn’t survive the weekend.
Commercial Check-in:
Arkansas @ Texas A&M: For the love of Gawd, Aggie, surely you can handle the ‘Hogs in a true home game at night, right? Well, Arkansas has been fairly miserable this year, but they are showing signs of life: the offense has some underrated talent, and the defense is starting to come around. Last week’s thrashing of Tulsa was both a complete game and impressive, given Arkansas’ play to begin the year. We’ll see if A&M’s anemic offense can get off the ground against a mediocre defense…and if their bad secondary can get stops against a decent passing game.
No. 4 Miami @ Clemson: Where are the Tigers going to find their offense? Given the struggles CU had against another talented offense in Baton Rouge, can Clemson even get enough stops defensively? As much as Cristobal has struggled on the road, and how well Wake was able to play them after a bumpy start, are the ‘Canes in for one of their patented, inexplicable letdowns…or can they handle their business like a championship contender should?
No. 3 Notre Dame @ UNC: First semi-serious roadie of the year for the Domers. But can an improved UNC offense keep up? Can their defense get enough stops against a ND offense of its own that doesn’t dominate the running game as they did in years past? Likely to be dull. But who knows; keep an eye on it in case.
Little Brown Jug: Minnesota v Michigan: The Gophers are hell on wheels as home underdogs. And fresh off a win in Seattle, and as bad as the Michigan offense has been this year, the Wolverines can’t overlook them. This team can beat UM. Could be entertaining enough to throw on a spare television, if it ends up being close — and the last was settled by a field goal. Besides, this rivalry has been played like 110 times, and I’m a sucker for tradition. Let’s savor — and save — what we have left.
Unwatchable Filth:
Vanderbilt @ No. 2 Georgia: The Bulldogs appear to be firing on all cylinders and are enjoying some health — and an absurd fifth straight home game before they face a true threat in Tuscaloosa next week. Ho-hum, national title aspirations, SEC title in their eyes. Same ole’ UGA. It’s also the same ole’ Vandy. But we’re not talking the new Clark Lea Vandy. We’re talking the Derek Mason variety. It’s a rebuilding team. It’s not very good. What talent they do have, freshman star QB Jared Curtis, is hurt and very well may not even play. And this was already going to be a whoopin’. Watching Georgia’s running backs bleed clock and run halfback dives for the final two quarters would give ‘Luudes a run for their money. Blah. Dull shit. UGA is 100% not going to show a thing in this game on either side of the ball; they’re going to go through the motions, run vanilla schemes, cover the generous spread of -24, and try to get back to the showers without any injuries.
That’s it for Week 5. It’s an important one in the Big 10 for a change, there is a nice one in the Big 12, an entertaining one in the ACC, and the SEC is its usual meatgrinding self. But, overall, it looks to be a light week. You can probably even squeeze in a few honey-dos if this shapes up as it appears on paper. Still, it’s college football and every minute is a gift.
Have a great day, and Roll Tide
There’s a lot to live for, brother. LOL.
Still amazing UGA doesn’t play a team with a pulse until week 6 and only has 3 real opponents. But SEC office is biased towards Bama.
TBF, Bham had no way of knowing the dirt burglars would be clinically dead at this point. That was a top-12 preseason matchup. Even those who thought OU was overrated didn’t expect it to be this bad.