10 Insights from Week 5: Milroe Shines in Heisman Moment as Ole Miss Falls

College football's unpredictability and excitement keep us coming back for more every Saturday, and the fifth week of the 2024 season was no exception. From Kentucky's stunning upset of No. 6 Ole Miss to a rollercoaster game in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the action was thrilling.

Each Sunday, I’ll share my biggest takeaways from the college football weekend, spotlighting the most intriguing storylines, tracking College Football Playoff contenders, and recognizing standout individual and team performances.

Here are my top takeaways from Week 5:

1. Jalen Milroe Had His Heisman Moment
   Every Heisman voter had their eyes on Tuscaloosa on Saturday night. In case anyone missed it, I’d gladly provide a recap of Alabama’s first half against Georgia. Milroe was exceptional, consistently dismantling Kirby Smart’s defense. Alabama scored touchdowns on its first four possessions, with Milroe accounting for 305 total yards and three touchdowns by halftime. While Colorado's Travis Hunter has been impressive, Milroe has emerged as the frontrunner for the prestigious award as September turns to October.

2. Georgia Remains One of the Best Teams in the SEC — and the Nation
   I admit I doubted the Bulldogs after they fell behind 28-0 on the road. However, Georgia's defensive turnaround in the second half against Alabama was impressive and speaks volumes about both the players and Coach Kirby Smart. Though Georgia fell short, their second-half performance showed they can compete with anyone. I’m more confident in Georgia against elite teams with less mobile quarterbacks than I am in their matchups with dual-threat quarterbacks like Milroe. I'm not ready to count them out just yet.

3. Ole Miss Might Be a Pretender, But Kentucky Could Be Legit
   It’s still early in the season, and one loss doesn't eliminate a contender, but Ole Miss's performance against Kentucky raised concerns. Their previous explosive plays were absent against a tough Wildcat defense. Kentucky had also come close against then-No. 1 Georgia, so their gutsy fourth-down call from deep in their territory led to a game-winning touchdown. Typically, Kentucky loses games like this, which makes the victory noteworthy, while a serious contender like Ole Miss should have fared better.

4. Miami is Flawed but Still Unbeaten
   Miami might be the team to beat in the ACC, but their shaky victory over Virginia Tech cast some doubt. They nearly lost on a last-second play that dragged on for ten minutes. While I believe the incomplete pass call was correct, the officiating process was chaotic. Miami’s performance reminded me of the highs and lows of Cam Ward's time at Wazzu, combining Heisman-worthy moments with frustrating turnovers. It'll be interesting to see how Miami addresses their defensive struggles moving forward.

5. Jeremiah Smith is Emerging as One of College Football’s Top Receivers
   Ohio State coach Ryan Day praised true freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith long before he played a snap, which speaks to his talent. Smith’s incredible hand-eye coordination and body control were evident in his one-handed catch against Michigan State, part of an impressive highlight reel. With five touchdowns in four games, he’s already on track to break Ohio State's true freshman receiving record.

6. Army and Navy are Both 4-0 for the First Time Since 1945
   In an exciting twist, Army and Navy have both started the season 4-0 for the first time since World War II ended. This is not just thrilling for fans; it could also impact the College Football Playoff (CFP) picture. Both teams are in the running for the Group of 5 champion spot, adding an interesting layer to their upcoming rivalry.

7. The End of the Big Ten East is a Boon for Indiana and Rutgers
   Rutgers and Indiana are thriving with the new division-less Big Ten schedules. No longer facing powerhouse teams every week, Indiana is 5-0 for just the third time in program history, while Rutgers is 4-0 for the first time in over a decade. Instead of just aiming for bowl eligibility, both teams are in a position to discuss potential bowl placements, which is a refreshing change.

8. UNLV is Thriving Without Matthew Sluka
   Despite Matthew Sluka's NIL dispute making headlines, UNLV showed no signs of slowing down, crushing Fresno State 59-14. Quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams had an outstanding first start, showcasing the team's resilience after Sluka’s departure.

9. Hot Seat Watch: Time is Running Out for Baylor’s Dave Aranda, Arkansas’ Sam Pittman, and Possibly Hugh Freeze
   The pressure is mounting for several coaches as Baylor faces its third loss in four games, and Arkansas has suffered back-to-back defeats, including a collapse against Texas A&M. Aranda's earlier success is overshadowed by recent struggles, while Pittman’s hire of Bobby Petrino could lead to a swift change if the losses continue. Meanwhile, Freeze's tenure at Auburn is also under scrutiny due to disappointing performances.

10. The CFP Hasn’t Diminished the Stakes of Major Showdowns like Alabama vs. Georgia
    Some pundits claim that the 12-team playoff has made games like Alabama-Georgia less significant, but those who watched the intense matchup know it was anything but meaningless. The energy and implications of the game resonated, proving that high-stakes matchups still matter, regardless of playoff scenarios.