College football scores, rankings, highlights: Michigan, Florida State among top-five teams to win big

Recapping a busy day around the top 25 of college football in Week 6

The race to the 2023 College Football Playoff is becoming clearer after an entertaining first Saturday of October. While the usual suspects abound, some surprise teams could be making a case for contention. Look no further than No. 25 Louisville, certain to jump in the AP Top 25 on Sunday after a convincing 33-20 win over No. 10 Notre Dame. In his first season at the helm, coach Jeff Brohm has the Cardinals sitting at 6-0 and looking like at least an ACC contender, if not more. 

Speaking of teams to watch, the 119th installment of the Red River Rivalry delivered yet another instant classic. No. 12 Oklahoma upended No. 3 Texas 34-30 on a last-minute touchdown in a battle of undefeated rivals at the Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas. Sooners quarterback Dillon Gabriel inserted his name into series lore with his go-ahead touchdown pass to Nic Anderson with just 15 seconds left in regulation. Oklahoma now has the inside track to the Big 12 Championship Game, which may prove to be a rematch with the Longhorns.

A drive south of Dallas in College Station, Texas, No. 11 Alabama reminded everyone that it is alive and well despite early-season concerns on offense. The Crimson Tide, now 5-1, are in the driver's seat of the SEC West race after a 26-20 comeback victory against Texas A&M. Still, No. 1 Georgia looks like the team to beat in the conference after its best performance yet in a 51-13 rout of No. 20 Kentucky. 

Other notables – No. 2 Michigan, No. 4 Ohio State and No. 5 Florida State among them – all remain undefeated after taking care of business against unranked opponents. And those are just some of the highlights from a busy Week 6 on the gridiron. 

CBS Sports was there every step of the way to update you with the latest scores, highlights and storylines throughout the evening. It can all be seen below as the focus shifts to Week 7. All times Eastern

College football scores, schedule: Week 6

No. 12 Oklahoma 34, No. 3 Texas 30 (Dallas) --  Gabriel's epic TD drive lifts Sooners past Horns
No. 4 Ohio State 37, Maryland 17 -- Buckeyes surge past Terps to avoid upset
No. 23 LSU 49, No. 21 Missouri 39 -- LSU D struggles but comes up with game-deciding plays
UCLA 25, No. 13 Washington State 17 -- Cougars no longer unbeaten thanks to Bruins' punishing D
No. 11 Alabama 26, Texas A&M 20 -- Jermaine Burton explodes, leads Tide to key win
No. 5 Florida State 39, Virginia Tech 17 -- Recap
Colorado 27, Arizona State 24 --  Deion, Buffs bounce back for first conference win
No. 1 Georgia 51, No. 20 Kentucky 13 -- Dawgs stand alone atop SEC East after flattening Wildcats
No. 2 Michigan 52, Minnesota 10 --Recap
No. 25 Louisville 33, No. 10 Notre Dame 20 -- Cardinals stifle Irish, Sam Hartman in upset
No. 9 USC 43, Arizona 41 -- Trojans survive upset bid in wild triple-overtime thriller
Check out the entire Week 6 scoreboard

Check these out ...

• TT25T: Oklahoma surges up rankings after Red River win
• Bowl Projections: Florida State jumps Texas in CFP field
• Winners & losers: Dawgs step on gas pedal, Irish watch CFP hopes vanish
• All-time blunder: Miami fumbles, gives up game-winning TD to Georgia Tech
• WATCH: Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh joins player celebration
• Dodd: Oklahoma, Texas deliver another classic; SEC salivates over what's to come
• Iowa points tracker: Hawkeyes well off pace for necessary season total
• WATCH: Nicholls State WR makes insane one-handed TD catch

[Oct 7, 2023 at 11:38 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Georgia Tech with a miracle

Final: Georgia Tech 23, No. 17 Miami 20

An absolutely jarring turn of events in South Florida as Georgia Tech's desperation attempt to upset Miami is successful. Yellow Jackets quarterback Haynes King has a man wide open down field and Georgia Tech scores the game-winning touchdown with just two seconds left on the clock, stunning the crowd at Hard Rock Stadium. 

It's going to be an absolutely brutal one to swallow for coach Mario Cristobal and the Hurricanes given how it even happened in the first place. Miami could have kneeled on third down the previous drive and milked the clock out, but opted to hand the ball off and subsequently fumbled. Twenty-six seconds and 74 yards later, the Yellow Jackets complete the stunner.

[Oct 7, 2023 at 11:19 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

USC on upset alert

End 1Q: Arizona, No. 9 USC 0

Pac-12 after dark is proving to be alive and well. After 15 minutes in Los Angeles, Arizona leads USC by double-digits. USC has struggled in recent weeks on defense and it will take a turnaround for the team to get back on track. Arizona is starting backup quarterback Noah Fifita for the second consecutive week and after the first quarter he is 8 of 11 for 85 yards and a touchdown. Can USC turn it around for the final 45 minutes?

[Oct 7, 2023 at 11:06 pm ET · David Cobb]

How about Louisville

Final: Louisville 33, Notre Dame 20

This will go down as a signature win for Jeff Brohm as the Cardinals improve to 6-0 in the native son's first season. What's most impressive about knocking off the No. 10 Fighting Irish is how Louisville did it. Notre Dame could not run the football effectively and committed four turnovers against the Cardinals. Brohm is an offensive guru, but his defense shined tonight, and Jawhar Jordan made big plays in the running game. Louisville looks like it will absolutely be a factor in the ACC race.

[Oct 7, 2023 at 10:46 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Michigan stays perfect 

Final: No. 2 Michigan 52, Minnesota 10

The Wolverines didn't face much pressure on Saturday in Minneapolis. Michigan never trailed and used a stout defensive effort to beat Minnesota to improve to 6-0 on the season. The Wolverines recorded two defensive touchdowns and star quarterback J.J. McCarthy finished 14 of 20 for 219 yards and a touchdowns. After Minnesota scored just before halftime to make it 24-10, Michigan responded by scoring 28 unanswered points to secure the win. Michigan hosts Indiana next weekend at The Big House.

[Oct 7, 2023 at 10:33 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Georgia wraps up rout, improves to 6-0

Final: No. 1 Georgia 51, No. 20 Kentucky 13 

That'll do it in Athens on a night where it was total domination from start to end by the two-time reigning national champions. Carson Beck passed for four touchdowns while flirting with 400 yards through the air, and Georgia's defense held Kentucky to just 183 total yards of offense as the Bulldogs runaway with the victory in this ranked SEC East showdown. The Wildcats' rushing attack in particular was stifled, as Kentucky ended the night with just 55 yards on the ground. Next on the docket for Georgia is a Week 7 visit to Vanderbilt while the Wildcats look to rebound at home against Missouri. 

[Oct 7, 2023 at 10:24 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Colorado wins thriller

Final: Colorado 27, Arizona State 24

It all came down to Colorado kicker Alejandro Mata in the final moments and he delivered. Mata's 43-yard field goal with 12 seconds remaining lifted the Buffaloes over Arizona State for their first Pac-12 win in the Deion Sanders era. Colorado star quarterback Shedeur Sanders finished 26 of 42 for 239 yards and a touchdown in the comeback win. Colorado moves to 4-2 on the season and hosts Stanford on a short week this Friday.

[Oct 7, 2023 at 10:14 pm ET · David Cobb]

To the wire

Early 4Q: Louisville 17, Notre Dame 13

Jawhar Jordan finally broke free for a 45-yard touchdown run in the third quarter to put Louisville ahead 17-10 and ignite a great crowd in the 'Ville. Notre Dame responded with a 54-yard field goal from Spencer Shrader, who also hit a 53-yarder early in the quarter. If it comes down to a field goal, the Irish are in good shape. But Louisville has been excellent defensively tonight, especially against Notre Dame's vaunted rushing attack. Fighting Irish have work to do.

[Oct 7, 2023 at 9:53 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

USC missing star freshman

For the second consecutive week, USC will be without superstar freshman wide receiver Zachariah Branch. He is not dressed out this week against Arizona and the Trojans will give him another week of rest before facing Notre Dame in South Bend next week. Branch is one of the most electric returners in college football and has multiple touchdowns on special teams this season.

[Oct 7, 2023 at 9:52 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Georgia up big heading to the fourth 

END 3Q: No. 1 Georgia 44, No. 20 Kentucky 13

It's safe to say the Bulldogs are looking more like the No. 1 team in the country tonight than they have at any previous point in the season. Carson Beck is now up to 389 yards passing and Georgia has eclipsed more than 500 yards of total offense on the night while leading Kentucky by 31. If this the version of Kirby Smart's team that shows up on the regular moving forward, the Bulldogs might be tough for anyone to stop as they eye a College Football Playoff National Championship three-peat.

[Oct 7, 2023 at 9:49 pm ET · David Cobb]

Tied in the 'Ville

Mid 3Q: Notre Dame 10, Louisville 10

Neither offense has been able to find a groove in this top 25 battle, but the teams have traded field goals here in the third quarter. Notre Dame's make came on a short field supplied via fumble while the Cardinals' field goal was the result of a 48-yard drive that stalled just inside the Notre Dame 27. Jeff Brohm faced a big decision on whether to go for it on fourth-and-1. He elected to kick, which is a good demonstration of how points are at a premium in this matchup.

[Oct 7, 2023 at 9:04 pm ET · Will Backus]

Michigan in full control so far

Half: No. 2 Michigan 24, Minnesota 10

Some highly ranked teams have struggled today, or are in the process of struggling, but Michigan is cruising so far. Minnesota did score a touchdown with about six seconds left in the first half, giving the Gophers a bit of momentum, but the Wolverines have been in control since the opening kick. Michigan got on the board just 12 seconds into the game, thanks to a pick six from cornerback Will Johnson. The offense shook off a slow start to generate two touchdown drives in the second quarter. Running back Blake Corum and quarterback J.J. McCarthy each have a rushing touchdown. Even so, 10 points is the most that Michigan has allowed in a single game all season, so maybe Minnesota can make something of this game in the second half. 

[Oct 7, 2023 at 8:53 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Bulldogs cruising at halftime

Half: No. 1 Georgia 34, No. 20 Kentucky 7 

When Georgia gets rolling, good luck. Kentucky has found that out the hard way through 30 minutes of football as the Bulldogs have roared to a commanding 34-7 lead with little signs of slowing down. Georgia hits a field goal just as time expires to make the score what it is, though that's merely a cherry on top. Carson Beck already secured his third consecutive 300-yard passing performance, throwing for 306 yards and three touchdowns in the first half. Every drive for the Bulldogs so far has resulted in points scored, and you have to think coach Kirby Smart's group might feel as if it has something to prove tonight following last week's upset scare at Auburn. 

[Oct 7, 2023 at 8:45 pm ET · David Cobb]

Tight game in Louisville

Late 2Q: Notre Dame 7, Louisville 7

It's a tight game early in Louisville as Notre Dame and Louisville each try and find their footing offensively. The Cardinals started with a 12-play touchdown drive but have gone cold since. Notre Dame just tied it up on an 88-yard drive capped by a 36-yard Sam Hartman touchdown pass to Jordan Faison. Both defenses have come up with a couple of big early sacks, and the Cardinals intercepted Hartman to end Notre Dame's opening series.

[Oct 7, 2023 at 8:23 pm ET · Will Backus]

Michigan cools after impressive start

End 1Q: No. 2 Michigan 10, Minnesota 3

Michigan scored 12 seconds into its game against Minnesota, courtesy of a 36-yard pick six from Will Johnson, but the Wolverines' offense hasn't been able to generate much on their own. They engineered just one scoring drive, which ended with a 31-yard field goal. Michigan had just 24 net rushing yards, averaging 3.4 yards per carry, and quarterback J.J. McCarthy connected on five passes. Minnesota is keeping this score respectable with strong defense and a 54-yard field goal from Dragan Kesich. 

[Oct 7, 2023 at 8:20 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

ASU leads Colorado

Halftime: Arizona State 17, Colorado 14

After 30 minutes in Tempe, 1-4 Arizona State leads Colorado. The Sun Devils opened the scoring in the first quarter with a 2-yard touchdown run by quarterback Trenton Bourguet and Colorado responded eight minutes later with a 1-yard touchdown run by wide receiver Xavier Weaver. Sun Devils star running back Cameron Skattebo scored a 1-yard touchdown on their second drive of the second quarter. Colorado star quarterback Shedeur Sanders responded with a 16-yard touchdown run in the final minute, but Arizona State went on a drive that ended with a field goal to close the half.

[Oct 7, 2023 at 7:50 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Georgia in command against Kentucky 

End 1Q: No. 1 Georgia 14, No. 20 Kentucky 0

No issues for the top-ranked Bulldogs so far in their first game against ranked competition this season as they lead the Wildcats by two scores after a quarter. Georgia's two completed drives tonight have both resulted in touchdowns, including a highlight-reel catch by RaRa Thomas for the Bulldogs' second trip to the end zone. Georgia quarterback Carson Beck has been absolutely dialed in thus far, completing each of his first 11 pass attempts. 

[Oct 7, 2023 at 7:43 pm ET · Will Backus]

Michigan off to scorching hot start

Early 1Q: Michigan 7, Minnesota 0

It took Michigan 12 seconds to score in its game against Minnesota, and the offense never had to see the field. The Gophers got the ball to start the game and Athan Kaliakmanis' first pass attempt fell incomplete. His second found the arms of Michigan cornerback Will Johnson, who plucked the pass out of the air and returned it 36 yards, untouched, for the touchdown. 

[Oct 7, 2023 at 7:11 pm ET · Chip Patterson]

Florida State finishes strong 

FINAL: Florida State 39, Virginia Tech 17 

The Seminoles had the backups in for the final snaps of this relatively comfortable win against Virginia Tech, which finished with a 22-point margin but at one point was as close at five points before Jordan Travis re-took control of the game. Florida State was more efficient on a per-play basis and on third downs, but a 10-0 second quarter in favor of the Hokies and 99-yard kickoff return touchdown to start the second half did make this interesting for a portion of Saturday afternoon. The star of the afternoon was was Florida State running back Trey Benson, who totaled 200 rushing yards and two touchdowns including an 85-yard score in the fourth quarter that put a squash to any Virginia Tech upset hopes. 

[Oct 7, 2023 at 7:06 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Alabama hangs on against Texas A&M 

Final: No. 11 Alabama 26, Texas A&M 20 

The Crimson Tide leave Kyle Field victorious as they run out the clock and secure the comeback victory against the Aggies. Alabama outscored Texas A&M 16-3 in the second half as Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe passed for 321 yards and three touchdowns, two of them to Jermaine Burton. It's the third consecutive meeting between the SEC West rivals to be decided by one score as Alabama has now won two straight in the series after falling in their previous trip to College Station in 2021. The win also puts the Crimson Tide on the inside track to reaching the SEC Championship Game, and for a Texas A&M, a second loss puts the Aggies behind the eight ball in the College Football Playoff race. 

[Oct 7, 2023 at 6:57 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

UCLA upsets WSU

Final: UCLA 25, No. 13 Washington State 17

That's all she wrote from Pasadena. UCLA recorded its biggest win of the season by knocking off previous unbeaten Washington State to improve to 4-1 on the season. The Bruins defense was the story of the afternoon and forced four turnovers in the win. WSU star quarterback Cameron Ward had his worst performance of the season and completed 19 of 39 passes for 197 yards. UCLA has another test next week on the road against Oregon State.

[Oct 7, 2023 at 6:17 pm ET · Chip Patterson]

FSU looking for a strong finish 

End 3Q: Florida State 32, Virginia Tech 17

Since going up 22-0 at the end of the first quarter, No. 5 Florida State has been outscored by unranked Virginia Tech 17-10 over the middle two quarters of the game. The Seminoles lost effectiveness on offense in the second quarter, saw star wide receiver Johnny Wilson leave the game with an apparent lower body injury and allowed the Hokies offense to build a little of confidence after nothing but three-and-outs in the early stages of the game. The Seminoles' defense has not allowed a lot in the second half so far, so there's not any immediate reason to light the upset alert siren but it's still a score to monitor in case things get interesting. 

[Oct 7, 2023 at 6:15 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Deion Sanders, Colorado look to right the ship

Are the wheels coming off the "Coach Prime" hype train after consecutive losses to Oregon and USC? Maybe not just yet considering the Ducks and Trojans were both AP Top 10 opponents, but it certainly adds to the pressure for Colorado to get back in the win column Saturday when they visit a struggling Arizona State squad. The Sun Devils have lost four straight games since winning their season opener against Southern Utah and have yet to beat an FBS opponent in their first season under coach Kenny Dillingham. Even amid the absence of two-way star Travis Hunter due to injury, Colorado's talent at key positions may still be too much for Arizona State to handle in this matchup of two Pac-12 foes who are bound for the Big 12 in 2024.

Colorado vs. Arizona State live stream, watch online, TV channel, kickoff time, prediction, expert picks

Dean Straka

[Oct 7, 2023 at 6:02 pm ET · Barrett Sallee]

Tight game between Texas A&M and Alabama

END Q3: No. 11 Alabama 24, Texas A&M 17

Alabama wide receiver Jermaine Burton is absolutely destroying the Aggies in this one. He has 186 yards and two touchdown catches on eight receptions as we make the turn into the home stretch in College Station. Both of his touchdown catches came in the third quarter as the Tide tied it up early and took the lead with 22 seconds to go. The Aggies have struggled to get pressure on Milroe since halftime, which is a big reason why they have fallen into a seven-point hole. It's been difficult for both teams to run the football, but that might be the key for Texas A&M in the fourth quarter.

[Oct 7, 2023 at 5:18 pm ET · Chip Patterson]

Virginia Tech offers response in the 2nd Quarter

HALF: Florida State 22, Virginia Tech 10 

After what can best be described as a perfect quarter of football for Florida State -- three touchdowns on three offensive possessions while forcing three three-and-outs -- the competition has gotten more balance in the second. Virginia Tech has found more success on offense and kept the Seminoles scoreless throughout the second quarter to narrow the margin to just 12 points heading into halftime. Part of the Hokies offensive success has come on the back of going 4-for-4 on 4th downs in the second quarter to keep drives alive and allow for those scoring opportunities. After 15 minutes this figured to be an easy blowout for the No. 5 team in the country, but now FSU has to sweat a little bit and bring a better effort coming out of the locker room. 

[Oct 7, 2023 at 5:08 pm ET · Barrett Sallee]

Texas A&M dominating up front

HALF: Texas A&M 17, No. 11 Alabama 10

Texas A&M's defense had seven sacks and 15 tackles for loss in each of its last two games (Auburn and Arkansas), and it is back at it against the Crimson Tide. The Aggies have sacked Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe four times, notched five tackles for loss and held Alabama to -13 rushing yards on the afternoon. Meanwhile, Aggies quarterback Max Johnson is 8 of 14 for 151 yards and a touchdown pass to his brother, Jake. If Alabama doesn't figure out how to protect Milroe and get things going on the ground, Johnson and Co. might run away with this one.

[Oct 7, 2023 at 4:41 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

WSU up in Los Angeles

Halftime: No. 13 Washington State 10, UCLA 9

Just when you thought UCLA would take a lead into the break... here comes the Washington State defense. WSU safety Kapena Gushiken intercepted a pass from UCLA true freshman QB Dante Moore and returned it 88 yards the other way for a touchdown to give the Cougars a slim lead at the break after a sloppy offensive half. Washington State star quarterback Cameron Ward is struggling against UCLA's defense and is 9 of 22 for 92 yards Both teams are coming off their respective bye week and if UCLA can find a way to win, it could shake up the Pac-12 title race.

[Oct 7, 2023 at 4:29 pm ET · Chip Patterson]

Florida State puts together a perfect quarter

End 1Q: Florida State 22, Virginia Tech 0 

It's hard for there to be a more dominant 15 minutes than what we just witnessed in Tallassee. Florida State has had the ball three times and scored touchdowns on all three drives, averaging 7.3 yards per play with a good balance of the run and pass. Virginia Tech, meanwhile, has gone three-and-out on all three of its offensive possessions so far and have just 9 yards of offense across their 9 offensive plays. Things could turn but we are pacing towards a thunderous beatdown by a Florida State team that's building its case as one of the best teams in the entire country. 

[Oct 7, 2023 at 4:17 pm ET · Barrett Sallee]

Aggies and Crimson Tide even through one

END Q1: No. 11 Alabama 3, Texas A&M 3

The two SEC west foes are all knotted up after the first 15 minutes of the game due in large part to rather conservative gameplans on both sides of the ball. The biggest matchup in this game is the Aggie defensive line vs. the Tide offensive front, and it appears that the home-standing Aggies are winning that battle so far. They have two tackles for loss and have allowed only five rushing yards. If this continues, Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe might have to venture outside of his comfort zone and win this game with his arm.

[Oct 7, 2023 at 4:01 pm ET · Chip Patterson]

FSU showing no signs of rust 

Mid 1Q: Florida State 8, Virginia Tech 0 

The Seminoles entered Saturday's ACC matchup coming out of an off week, but there are no signs of rust early from Mike Norvell's squad. Florida State got the opening kickoff and marched 75 yards down the field in 13 plays with a Jordan Travis-to-Johnny Wilson touchdown as the capper for the drive. The Seminoles defense also seems dialed in to build on this strong to start to the season, forcing a three-and-out on Virginia Tech's first offensive possession. This is a stretch of the schedule where FSU's biggest challenge will be not playing down to inferior competition, so seeing this early-game focus is a good sign, especially after an off week. 

[Oct 7, 2023 at 3:53 pm ET · David Cobb]

Epic finish in Dallas

Final: Oklahoma 34, Texas 30

Dillon Gabriel just etched his name into Oklahoma lore with a surgical game-winning drive in the final two minutes of an epic Red River Showdown. Texas surged ahead 30-27 on a 47-yard Bert Auburn field goal with 1:17 remaining. But that left Gabriel with enough time to engineer legendary drive. It went like this: 11 yards to Drake Stoops, 16 yards to Jalil Farooq, 28 yards to Stoops, 15-yard DPI against Texas, 3-yard Gabriel rush, 3-yard touchdown pass from Gabriel to Nic Anderson with 15 seconds remaining. What an incredible find by Gabriel as the pocket collapsed around him.