High-stakes conference matchups on college football Week 5 docket

The GIST: Georgia’s trip to Tuscaloosa isn’t the only high-stakes game hitting the gridiron in Week 5: Tomorrow offers even more Top-25 matchups, with major conference power struggles at play.

No. 20 Oklahoma State Cowboys (3-1) vs. No. 23 Kansas State Wildcats (3-1), 12 p.m. ET (ESPN): Both squads suffered tough losses in their Big 12 openers — especially Kansas State, who plummeted 10 spots in the poll after last week’s 38–9 thumping by then-unranked BYU. The winner could right the ship, but the loser will need a miracle to recover their season.

No. 15 Louisville Cardinals (3-0) vs. No. 16 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (3-1), 3:30 p.m. ET (Peacock): Louisville has transformed from ACC trap team to genuine threat over the last few seasons, most notably stunning a peaking ND last year. This one’s personal for the Irish, who can’t afford any more slip-ups if they want to remain anywhere near the CFP conversation.

No. 19 Illinois Fighting Illini (4-0) vs. No. 9 Penn State Nittany Lions (3-0), 7:30 p.m. ET (NBC): The Illini are on the rise thanks to QB Luke Altmyer’s breakout season, but Happy Valley will be Illinois’ ultimate vibe check. The Nittany Lions have been knocking on the door of the sport’s upper echelons for years, and a win here will be crucial to the resume as they shoot for a CFP berth.