Kirk Herbstreit reveals top performing teams from Week 6

Week 6 was a big one in college football, with multiple conference pictures gaining clarity. Some of the biggest matchups in the entire sport took place as well and the payoff was great. None more so than earning recognition from ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit.

Herbstreit named his top-performing teams of Week 6, with seven teams being acknowledged. All come from Power Five conferences, with a few being upset wins. Others were quite the statement, especially coming out of the Lone Star State.

An eventful Week 6 for sure and some teams definitely deserve some credit. Herbstreit gave out his opinion and spotlighted his favorite performances from Saturday.

1. Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma is the obvious pick for Herbstreit’s top overall spot, getting a program-defining win against Texas in the Red River Shootout. There was some confidence coming out of Norman all week and the demons of last year’s game have been exercised… and then some.

Dillon Gabriel instantly became an Oklahoma legend because of his game-winning drive. Taking the Golden Hat home usually does the trick but taking down a top-three-ranked Texas to propel the Sooners back into the national conversation just elevates his status.

2. Louisville Cardinals

Notre Dame coming to town was a big deal for Louisville, with a record crowd being on hand Saturday night. Jeff Brohm‘s team was able to deliver and fans rushed onto the field once the game was over. The party was certainly on.

Louisville was great defensively, taking care of Sam Hartman and the Notre Dame run game. Just 20 points were scored and seven came in garbage time late in the fourth quarter. A 6-0 start has people believing a special season could be unfolding.

3. Alabama Crimson Tide

Alabama was a slight favorite heading to College Station, a place they lost during the 2021 season. There were thoughts of an upset occurring and Texas A&M would get another win over Nick Saban. The Crimson Tide made sure they flew back home with a nice win and firm control of the SEC West.

Jalen Milroe was a key reason why Alabama wound up victorious, having a great day through the air. Jermaine Burton was his favorite targeting, connecting for 197 yards and two touchdowns on nine receptions. The offense is beginning to connect, something those in Tuscaloosa have been waiting for all season.

4. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

When Miami took a snap with under 40 seconds remaining, you would have never imagined Georgia Tech would wind up on Herbstreit’s list. One fumble and game-winning touchdown from Christian Leary and the Yellow Jackets left Coral Gables by absolutely stealing one.

Even when Mario Cristobal‘s decision to not take a knee blew up in his face, the Georgia Tech offense still had to execute. They went down the field in just four plays and 75 yards for the touchdown. Some pitchy pitchy woo woo occurred but the defense was able to avoid making the game even more unbelievable.

5. Georgia Bulldogs

Georgia was part of an undefeated matchup on Saturday but it certainly did not feel that way. Kentucky was ripped to shreds in Athens, never looking like they had a real chance. For the first time this season, the Bulldogs truly have a statement win under their belt.

Carson Beck was diabolical in the pocket, getting almost anything he wanted. Georgia was over the 30-point mark before the second half even began, going into cruise control out of the locker room. It’s the type of performance you would expect from the back-to-back national champions but still impressive.

6. UCLA Bruins

The irony of how deep the Pac-12 is this season is well-known. At some point or another, the conference was going to tear itself up and cause multiple ranked teams to fall. UCLA was the latest to do so, taking down an undefeated Washington State team in Los Angeles.

Sure, Chip Kelly might be known for offense but UCLA will head into Week 7 with a top-10 scoring defense in the country. Cameron Ward has been dealing for Washington State and was held to 197 passing yards while throwing two interceptions.

7. Iowa State Cyclones

Iowa State was predicted to finish 10th in the Big 12 preseason media poll. Matt Campbell’s team has faced a lot of adversity but now has two conference wins out of three, with Saturday being the latest against TCU.

Much like their in-state rivals, the Iowa State defense is legit. The offense had been questionable but they stepped up in Ames vs. the Horned Frogs. Four turnovers — all being interceptions but against three different throwers — came up huge.

As sweet as Week 6 was, there is a great Week 7 college football slate ahead of us. There are games with huge implications on the line, especially concerning the College Football Playoff. Herbstreit is going to have another great list this time next week.