2024 College Football Week 6 Action Report: Unlikely CFP Contenders Emerge
Week 6 of the 2024 College Football season saw the landscape of the College Football Playoff (CFP) race get even more intriguing, with unexpected teams entering the conversation for a potential playoff berth. While the usual suspects—teams like Georgia, Ohio State, and Alabama—remain in the hunt, several surprise teams showed that they’re capable of crashing the CFP party.
1. Kansas State Takes Down Texas
In one of the most shocking results of the weekend, Kansas State delivered a massive upset by defeating Texas in a game that had major implications for the Big 12 race. The Wildcats played a disciplined, physical brand of football that frustrated the Longhorns’ potent offense. Kansas State’s defense kept Texas’ high-powered attack in check, while the offense capitalized on key turnovers. With this win, Kansas State now finds itself in the mix for a potential playoff spot, especially if they can win out in the competitive Big 12.
2. Washington State Continues to Impress
After a string of impressive performances to start the season, Washington State continued its rise in Week 6, taking down Oregon State in a hard-fought game. The Cougars have made a statement in the Pac-12, especially with their balanced offense and improved defense. With Oregon and USC still on the schedule, Washington State’s path to a potential CFP berth is challenging, but the team’s resilience and ability to compete with top-tier talent makes them a team to watch.
3. Louisville Upsets Notre Dame
In one of the biggest surprises of the week, Louisville stunned Notre Dame in a high-scoring, back-and-forth affair. The Cardinals showcased a potent offense led by their quarterback, who was dynamic in both the passing and rushing games. While Notre Dame has been a staple of the CFP conversation in recent years, this loss puts their chances at risk. Meanwhile, Louisville’s surprising victory places them squarely in the race for a New Year’s Six bowl game and possibly a CFP berth if they can continue to build momentum in the ACC.
4. Iowa State’s Defense Propels Them to Victory
Iowa State might not be the first team that comes to mind when talking about CFP contenders, but after their statement victory over Oklahoma, they’ve got people talking. The Cyclones’ defense was stifling, holding Oklahoma to under 300 total yards. If Iowa State’s offense can find consistency, their stout defense could keep them in the hunt for a spot in a major bowl game, and perhaps even a surprise entry into the CFP, depending on how the Big 12 season shakes out.
5. James Madison’s Historic Start
James Madison’s undefeated start to the season has turned heads. While the Dukes play in the Sun Belt, their dominant victories over Power Five teams have created buzz about their potential to sneak into the playoff conversation as a Cinderella story. Their win against a struggling Virginia Tech team solidified their case as one of the most dangerous Group of Five teams in the country.
Key Takeaways for the CFP Race
- The CFP field is as wide open as it’s been in recent years, with unexpected teams like Kansas State, Washington State, and Louisville making their cases for playoff contention.
- Traditional powerhouses are still in the hunt, but they’re facing increased competition from programs that weren’t expected to be in the conversation this early in the season.
- The road to the CFP is long, and these surprise contenders will need to prove they can sustain their success in the second half of the season, but Week 6 made one thing clear: anything can happen in college football.
As the season progresses, these unlikely CFP contenders will have their mettle tested, and it will be fascinating to see if they can continue to disrupt the traditional playoff picture.
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