Iowa State's Rise Highlights College Football's Week 5 Winners and Losers
College football delivered another wild weekend of swings, and for Iowa fans, the biggest story is the continued rise of Iowa State. The Cyclones finally put together a complete performance in a conference win over West Virginia, proving they are no longer the preseason pushover many expected. Meanwhile, Iowa's close loss to Michigan looks better by the week as the Wolverines continue to slide.
Here is a breakdown of the biggest risers and fallers after Week 5, with a focus on what it means for the Hawkeye State and the national picture.
Iowa State Cyclones: A Real Contender in the Big 12
Jimmy Rogers has the Cyclones rolling. After competitive losses to Iowa and Utah, Iowa State finally broke through with a conference victory over West Virginia. Quarterback Jaylen Raynor was solid, but the star of the day was Aiden Flora, who accounted for four total touchdowns in a career-best performance.
The Cyclones were written off after Matt Campbell's departure, but this team has grit. They are no cupcake, and the Big 12 should take notice. For Iowa fans who enjoy watching the in-state rival succeed on the national stage, this is a fun team to follow.
Michigan Falls: What It Means for Iowa's Resume
The Wolverines dropped to 3-2 after a loss to Minnesota, and the problems are mounting. Quarterback Bryce Underwood threw for just 101 yards, and the offense looks broken. Head coach Sherrone Moore has serious issues to fix, and the schedule does not get easier.
For Iowa, this is a mixed bag. The Hawkeyes lost to Michigan in a close game, so a struggling Wolverines squad does not boost Iowa's resume much. However, it also confirms that Iowa is competitive with a team that was expected to contend for a Big Ten title.
Alabama Looks Legit Ahead of Georgia Showdown
Alabama rolled into Starkville and dismantled Mississippi State, with quarterback Keelon Russell looking sharp and the pass rush living in the backfield. The Crimson Tide's weak early schedule left questions, but Saturday answered them. Next up is a massive showdown with Georgia, and this Alabama team looks ready.
Florida State, Wake Forest on the Rise
Mike Norvell's seat cooled off considerably after Florida State dominated Virginia. Ashton Daniels set a school record with five rushing touchdowns, and the Seminoles look like a different team. Road trips to Louisville and Miami will test them, but the arrow is pointing up.
Wake Forest is also surging. Jake Dickert's squad beat Stanford 57-3, and quarterback Gio Lopez accounted for five touchdowns. The Demon Deacons are competitive against the best teams in the ACC and are no longer a pushover.
Florida, Louisville, South Carolina Trending Down
Florida got exposed in a 45-17 loss to Missouri. The blueprint is out: load the box, stop the run, and force Aaron Philo to beat you through the air. The Gators will need to adjust quickly to avoid a slide.
Louisville sits at 2-3, with all three losses by three points. Close losses do not win championships, and the Cardinals are running out of time. South Carolina is also in trouble, starting 0-3 in SEC play after an overtime loss to Kentucky. Shane Beamer's seat is warming up.
What to Watch Next Week
The marquee matchup is Alabama versus Georgia, a game that could shape the College Football Playoff picture. Iowa State will look to build on its momentum, and Florida State faces a tough road test at Louisville. College football keeps delivering drama, and Week 6 should not disappoint.