College Football

Takeaways from College Football Week 6: Kirby Smart eliminates Alabama problem, UCLA becomes CFP contender

October 11, 2026

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart has silenced critics by defeating Alabama twice in a row, including a decisive win in Tuscaloosa this past weekend. The victory over Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide—who are widely regarded as the best program in college football—further solidifies Smart’s reputation as one of the game’s top coaches.

With this win, the debate over manufactured weaknesses in the Georgia-Alabama rivalry is over, as Smart has proven his ability to navigate the most high-profile matchups in the sport without needing artificial stakes to elevate the stakes of the game.

Meanwhile, Texas’ brief reign as the No. 1 team in the AP Top 25 has been called into question after a loss to Oklahoma exposed significant offensive struggles.

Quarterback Arch Manning’s two fourth-quarter interceptions highlighted the Longhorns’ inconsistency, while offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian faces scrutiny for the team’s high three-and-out rate—both in the SEC and nationally. The Longhorns’ inability to sustain drives remains a major hurdle, raising doubts about their College Football Playoff aspirations.

On a brighter note, UCLA has emerged as a serious contender under first-year coach Chip Chesney, continuing the trend of former James Madison coaches turning around struggling programs. Chesney’s ability to develop talent and build a winning culture has quickly transformed the Bruins into a Big Ten powerhouse.