Full Breakdown
College Football Week 5 Highlights: Key Performances and Outcomes
9/28/2025, 9:37:26 PM
Malik Benson's Scoring Potential
In the 2025 college football season, Malik Benson of the Oregon Ducks is highlighted as a strong candidate to score a touchdown in Week 5. Benson leads his team with 14 receptions and has already secured two touchdown receptions this season. The Ducks are set to face Penn State, which ranks 17th in opponent dropback EPA, allowing 5.58 yards per dropback. Betting odds place Benson at +245 to score his third touchdown of the season, reflecting confidence in his performance against a challenging defense.
James Madison's Dominant Win
James Madison University (JMU) secured a decisive 35-10 victory over Georgia Southern in their Sun Belt Conference opener. Curtis Harris-Lopez made a significant impact by returning a kickoff 88 yards for a touchdown, contributing to JMU's commanding lead. The Dukes showcased a powerful rushing attack, amassing 331 yards on the ground, with Wayne Knight and Jordan Fuller each scoring touchdowns. JMU's defense was formidable, limiting Georgia Southern to just 27 rushing yards and recording three sacks.
Ole Miss Triumphs in the Magnolia Bowl
The Ole Miss Rebels achieved a notable victory against the LSU Tigers, winning 24-19 in the Magnolia Bowl. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss delivered an impressive performance, passing for 314 yards and a touchdown, marking his third consecutive game with over 300 passing yards. The Rebels' defense played a crucial role, allowing only two field goals and a late touchdown while forcing LSU to struggle offensively. Ole Miss's ability to control the clock in the final minutes secured their win, improving their record to 5-0.
Ohio State's Gritty Win Over Washington
In a highly anticipated matchup, the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes defeated Washington 24-6. Quarterback Julian Sayin completed 22 of 28 passes for 208 yards and two touchdowns, leading a conservative yet effective offensive strategy. Ohio State's defense was particularly impressive, holding Washington to just two field goals and limiting their offensive production to 234 total yards. The Buckeyes' red-zone defense was also notable, preventing Washington from scoring on three trips inside the 20-yard line.
Old Dominion's Resilience Against Liberty
Old Dominion University (ODU) overcame four turnovers to defeat Liberty 21-7, marking a significant achievement for head coach Ricky Rahne. Despite the turnovers, ODU managed to score three touchdowns, with quarterback Colton Joseph throwing for 271 yards and three touchdowns. The Monarchs' defense was effective, restricting Liberty to only 203 total yards, the lowest allowed since ODU transitioned to FBS.
Conclusion
Week 5 of the 2025 college football season showcased remarkable performances from various teams and players. Malik Benson's potential for scoring, JMU's dominant display, Ole Miss's critical victory, Ohio State's defensive prowess, and ODU's resilience highlight the competitive nature of college football this season. As teams continue to vie for supremacy, these outcomes will have lasting implications for rankings and postseason aspirations.
