cam-ward-miami.png
Getty Images

The arrival of October means conference play is ramping up across college football after a raucous September that featured a bevy of nonconference matchups. Those games helped shape narratives around the country, and now it's time to nail down what we think we learned during the season's opening salvo.

We think we learned that No. 3 Ohio State is just as good as advertised as the Buckeyes thrashed four overmatched opponents by an average margin of 42 points. However, they may receive their toughest test yet as Iowa visits Saturday afternoon for a Big Ten showdown on CBS.

No. 4 Tennessee is another team that appeared elite in September as the Volunteers whacked NC State 51-10 before methodically leveling Oklahoma 25-15 on the road. But the Volunteers' defense may be facing its most significant challenge on Saturday during a trip to Arkansas to face the Razorbacks and mobile quarterback Taylen Green.

Then, there's No. 11 USC, which appeared physically tougher in September than it did in 2023. But the Trojans are in the middle of a seven-week stretch of games against Big Ten foes as they head to Minnesota for another bruising test. Are the Trojans truly ready to handle the season-long rigors of life in their new league?

As Week 6 action arrives, here's a viewer's guide to help you navigate through all of Saturday's action.

All times Eastern

The best games

No. 9 Missouri at No. 25 Texas A&M -- noon on ABC, fuboTV (try for free): Missouri is hitting the road for the first time this season and will have the validity of its top-10 ranking tested against a Texas A&M team that is off to a 2-0 start in league play. With a road win over Florida and a neutral-site victory against Arkansas, the Aggies have proven they are no pushover in Year 1 under coach Mike Elko. Mizzou narrowly edged Boston College and Vanderbilt and will have to be better about finishing drives with touchdowns after kicking a combined seven field goals in those two wins.

Navy at Air Force -- noon on CBS, CBSSports.com, CBS Sports App (Free), Paramount+ with Showtime: The first leg of the battle for the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy carries signifiant intrigue as Navy is off to a 4-0 start with four double-digit victories. The Midshipmen are more dynamic offensively than a typical service academy squad and look like a legitimate contender for the Group of Five's playoff spot. But the Falcons have won four straight in the series and would be delighted to end their rival's hot start.

Auburn at No. 5 Georgia -- 3:30 p.m. on ABC, fuboTV (try for free): Both teams desperately need a win in the Deep South's Oldest Rivalry after gut-wrenching league losses last week. This is the first in a tough stretch of three October road games for a reeling Auburn team that appears to have made no progress in Year 2 under coach Hugh Freeze. Georgia still has a few significant tests ahead and could use a low-stress victory to help it get back on track.

Iowa at No. 3 Ohio State -- 3:30 p.m. on CBS, CBSSports.com, CBS Sports App (Free), Paramount+ with Showtime After facing little resistance during a 4-0 start, Ohio State's offense will need to be sharp against Iowa. The Hawkeyes are entering off a bye week, have one of the nation's top rushing attacks led by Kaleb Johnson and are strong — though perhaps not elite — defensively. If the Buckeyes get caught looking ahead to next week's showdown at No. 6 Oregon, Iowa could make it interesting.

No. 10 Michigan at Washington -- 7:30 p.m. on NBC, fuboTV (try for free): Though it's a rematch of last season's national championship game, the teams are virtually unrecognizable with different coaches, different quarterbacks and vastly overhauled rosters. Michigan is sorely one-dimensional offensively and will be playing its first road game. The Huskies could use a momentum-building win under first-year coach Jedd Fisch after close September losses to Washington State and Rutgers.

No. 8 Miami at Cal -- 10:30 p.m. on ESPN, fuboTV (try for free): Miami was the class of the ACC in September, surging to a 5-0 start behind the play of star quarterback Cam Ward. But after a narrow home win against Virginia Tech last week, the Hurricanes find themselves in a tricky spot to begin October. Cal is a formidable foe and the Hurricanes are traveling three times zones away for a game that won't end until around 2 a.m. on their body clocks.

Best of the rest