Kirk Herbstreit ranks top performing teams of Week 6

No team in the top 25 was safe during Week 6 — especially in the top 10.

Six teams fell ill to the upset bug as Week 6 showcased some of the most unexpectedly exciting matchups of the 2024 season. ESPN College GameDay host Kirk Herbstreit ranked those six teams in order, including a bonus seventh team that has been playing lights out this season.

1. Vanderbilt Commodores

Vanderbilt pulled off the upset of the season on Saturday against former No. 1 Alabama at home. The Commodores came out, smacked the Crimson Tide on the mouth and proceeded to go toe-to-toe with Alabama for four quarters and won.

Quarterback Diego Pavia was masterful during the upset bid. The transfer quarterback completed 16 of 20 passes for 252 yards and two interceptions to go with 20 carries for 56 yards on the ground. They’ve got a road trip to Kentucky up next as the Commodores continue their insprising 2024 season.

2. Arkansas Razorbacks

The SEC wasn’t safe from upsets this week, as the Arkansas Razorbacks joined Vanderbilt in the winner’s circle after they bested a top five Tennessee team 19-14 at home on Saturday.

Tennessee’s high-fyling offense was tested by the Razorbacks and Arkansas’ offense was able to do just enough against the skilled Volunteers defense. It was a validating win for head coach Sam Pittman and company, who came up just short against a ranked Texas A&M team in the week prior. They have another shot to beat a top 25 team when No. 13 LSU comes to town in Week 7.

3. Minnesota Gophers

Minnesota running back Darius Taylor rushed for 144 yards while quarterback Max Brosmer scored all three of the Gophers touchdowns on the ground as they defeated a ranked USC team 24-17 on Saturday. Brosmer was 15 of 19 passing for 169 yards through the air as well.

The victory is validating for the Gophers, who have lost two games by three or less points this season, including against Michigan in Week 5. They’ll travel to UCLA on Saturday to further prove their worth in the Big Ten in 2024.

4. Texas A&M Aggies

Texas A&M didn’t hold back during its 41-10 win over a top-10 ranked Missouri team in Week 6. Running back Le’Veon Moss rushed for a career-high 138 yards uring the contest, scoring three touchdowns during the blowout.

The Aggies have now won its last five games after dropping the season opener to Notre Dame, and are alone atop the SEC standings at 3-0 in conference play. Texas A&M has seemingly rallied around first-year head coach Mike Elko, and there’s no sign they’ll slow down against Mississippi State this weekend.

5. Washington Huskies

Washington earned its redemption against Michigan on Saturday, defeating the Wolverines 27-17 in a rematch of last year’s national championship game.

Although neither team appears to be on trajectory to achieve the same success it enjoyed last season, the Huskies now have bragging rights over the Wolverines in their first-ever meeting as Big Ten opponents.

6. SMU Mustangs

SMU‘s offense was explosive out of the gates against a ranked Louisville team 34-27 on Saturday. The Cardinals had no answer for the dual-threat abilities of Mustangs quarterback Kevin Jennings. He totaled 394 yards of total offense during the victory.

It pushed SMU to 5-1 on the season and was added to the latest AP Top 25 poll, coming in at No. 25. Appearing to be a legitimate threat in their first year in the ACC, SMU has a strong case to be in the conference title picture at the mid-season mark.

7. Pitt Panthers

Much like SMU, Pitt has turned heads in the ACC this season. They’re 5-0 after defeating North Carolina on the road in Week 6, and face a tricky Cal team at home this weekend.

Panthers quarterback Eli Holstein has been as advertised and the team is on track to pass 1,000 yards on the ground against the Golden Bears. The defense hasn’t been perfect, but this high-scoring Pitt team has been able to cover for their defensive woes and currently sits tied for first place in the ACC.