Week 6 College Football Scores and Live Updates
Week 6 of the college football season delivered suspense, upsets and high-octane play across conferences. From a dramatic early sequence featuring Vanderbilt and Alabama to Boise State’s road fight at Notre Dame, fans got a front-row seat to the midway point of the schedule. Here are the latest updates, key moments, and what they mean for the resumes and playoff conversations.
Alabama vs. Vanderbilt: Early Tests and Turnovers
The afternoon showdown at Bryant-Denny Stadium opened with Vanderbilt striking first. A 65-yard touchdown run by Sedrick Alexander put the Commodores on the board and signaled trouble for the home favorite. Alabama, led by quarterback Ty Simpson, faced a decision at the Vanderbilt 29 on fourth-and-1 that backfired when Simpson was intercepted, stalling what could have been a smoother start for the Crimson Tide. Early in the game, Alabama showed flashes but also exposed a few vulnerabilities that could matter in tighter conference games.
Expect Alabama to tighten its execution as the game unfolds. Vanderbilt’s early tempo indicates they’re not shy about testing Alabama’s defense, and if the venom in the Tide’s huddle isn’t channeled, the Commodores could contest this one deeper into the fourth quarter.
Boise State Edges Notre Dame: Late-Game Drama
Notre Dame faced a stern test from a Boise State squad that seized momentum with a methodical late series. The Broncos moved 72 yards on 10 plays and capped it with a 1-yard touchdown run by QB Maddux Madsen to take a 7-6 lead in the second quarter. The Irish, who had missed a PAT and failed on two fourth-down attempts, found themselves playing catch-up at home.
This game highlighted Notre Dame’s need for cleaner red-zone execution and more consistent passing rhythm. Boise State showed resilience, stringing together big plays through the air after early struggles on offense. The result could redefine Notre Dame’s approach in non-conference play and provide critical tape for what lies ahead in a grueling schedule.
Mid-Morning and Afternoon Interruptions: Other Notable Scores
Baylor rallied to beat Kansas State in a thriller, 35-34, as Connor Hawkins nailed a 53-yard field goal with 31 seconds left. The Wildcats had a late chance but a 56-yard field-goal try was blocked, sealing Baylor’s comeback from a 31-17 deficit. Sawyer Robertson threw for 345 yards, keeping Baylor in the Big 12 title chase for another week.
Clemson overwhelmed North Carolina, 38-10, with Cade Klubnik tossing four touchdown passes and a dominant early surge. Clemson’s offense looked sharper after an uneven start to the season, while UNC’s defense struggled against big plays and a high-tempo attack. The Tar Heels’ in-season improvements were overshadowed by Clemson’s efficient performance.
SEC and ACC Showdowns: Georgia, Michigan, and Penn State in Focus
No. 12 Georgia ran away from Kentucky, 35-14, behind a balanced attack and a defense that finally asserted itself against the Wildcats. Gunner Stockton accounted for multiple touchdowns, and the defense limited Kentucky’s ground game, a key to Georgia’s steady control of the clock and field position.
In a separate SEC tilt, Michigan held off Wisconsin, 24-10, to preserve a top-20 standing and keep their eye on the looming showdown with USC. The Wolverines leaned on a strong ground game and defense to weather a scare from the Badgers, signaling that they’re built for the grind of late-season play.
Week 6 Storylines: Heisman Buzz, Conference Play, and Rebound Opportunities
With several top-25 teams on the docket and late-season implications forming, Week 6 is shaping the national conversation around Heisman contenders and playoff calculus. The week’s action has already produced turning points for teams hoping to climb into the playoff picture and for others trying to salvage their season after early setbacks.
What to Watch Next
Keep an eye on the late games and the second-half adjustments in teams like Alabama and Notre Dame. The path to a strong conference record in October will define which programs can challenge the traditional powerhouses in a crowded landscape.
Bottom Line
Week 6 offered a blend of marquee matchups, program-defining moments, and strategic coaching decisions that will ripple through the standings. Fans should expect more tight finishes, a few surprising upsets, and a clearer picture of which teams are real playoff contenders as October rolls on.
