Here’s a rundown of the major storylines from Saturday’s games (and the Friday night opener) in the 2025 college football season — focusing on upsets, big wins and notable injury/in-availability items from the action of October 18.
1. Louisville Cardinals 24, Miami Hurricanes 21 (Friday night)
Why it matters: Unranked Louisville stunned No. 2 Miami in a huge road upset, handing the Hurricanes their first loss of the season. (
Summary:
- Louisville jumped out 14-0 and held on.
- Miami’s quarterback threw four interceptions, including the game-sealing pick late by Louisville’s T.J. Capers.
- Miami was limited to just 63 rushing yards on 24 carries — a major blow for their usual offensive strength.
- On the injury/availability front: Miami was missing DL Hayden Lowe, WR Chance Robinson, TE Dylan Reiman and others.
- Louisville had several players out including RB Duke Watson and OL Naeer Jackson.
Implications: Miami’s playoff hopes and ACC positioning take a hit; Louisville gets a massive résumé-boost and may enter the rankings.
2. Arizona State Sun Devils 26, Texas Tech Red Raiders 22
Why it matters: Arizona State, unranked, upset No. 7 Texas Tech in a dramatic late-drive finish.
Summary:
- ASU QB Sam Leavitt (returning from injury) completed 28 of 47 for 319 yards and a touchdown, led a decisive 4th quarter drive.
- Texas Tech’s TE Terrance Carter Jr., a key offensive weapon, left the game with a lower-body injury.
- ASU’s defense stepped up: sacks, an interception, and clutch play in the fourth quarter.
- For Texas Tech, this is their first loss of the season (was 6-0 going in) and the missed chance will sting.
Implications: This gives ASU major momentum and shakes up the Big 12 landscape. Texas Tech’s title hopes now face serious turbulence.
3. Texas A&M Aggies 45, Arkansas Razorbacks 42
Why it matters: A high-scoring shootout in the SEC, Texas A&M held on to stay undefeated.
Summary:
- A&M QB Marcel Reed threw for ~280 yards and 3 TDs, plus 55 rushing yards and a rushing score.
- Arkansas piled up 268 rushing yards and still came up short — A&M’s defensive lapses could be a warning sign.
- A&M improved to 7-0 for the first time since 1994.
4. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 27, Duke Blue Devils 18
Why it matters: Georgia Tech improved to 7-0 — their best start since 1966 — with a big win on the road.
Summary:
- GT gave up just 57 first-half yards and forced multiple turnovers.
- The big play: a 98-yard fumble return touchdown by Omar Daniels early in the second half.
- In the fourth quarter, GT piled up 198 yards to pull away.
Implications: Georgia Tech has serious momentum and could be a sleeper in the ACC. Duke continues to struggle.
5. Ball State Cardinals 42, Akron Zips 28
Implications: A&M remains the SEC’s last undefeated team and a serious contender, but the defensive concerns may give other teams hope.
Why it matters: In the MAC, Ball State grabbed a big home win and halted some Akron momentum.
Summary:
- QB Kiael Kelly had four total touchdowns (3 rushing, 1 passing).
- At a key moment late in the game, Akron was at BSU’s 2-yard line when a lightning delay happened; afterward they settled for a field goal and BSU answered immediately with an 89-yard kickoff return for a TD.
- Akron’s QB Ben Finley threw for 291 yards and 3 TDs, but two interceptions doomed their comeback.
Implications: Ball State remains unbeaten at home; Akron falls to 2-6 and must regroup fast.
Injury / Availability Highlights
- Texas Tech TE Terrance Carter Jr. exited the ASU game with a lower-body injury — a major blow for the Red Raiders.
- Miami’s list of unavailable players heading into the Louisville game was long (DL Hayden Lowe, WR Chance Robinson, TE Dylan Reiman, OL Ralph Scroggins among others) which may have contributed to their downfall. \
Big picture takeaways
- Upset alert in full effect: Two of the major top-10 matchups ended in road upsets (Louisville over Miami; Arizona State over Texas Tech). The era of “any given Saturday” has never looked more real. (The Washington Post)
- Momentum matters: Georgia Tech stays unbeaten and continues building confidence. On the flip side, Miami and Texas Tech have sudden momentum swings they must absorb.
- Defense and turnovers win games: Both Louisville and Arizona State capitalised on opponent miscues and made key defensive plays.
- Injuries/availability make a difference: Texas Tech’s loss of a key pass-catcher and Miami’s thin roster depth may have tilted the balance.
- Playoff and conference races shaken: Miami’s fall, Texas Tech’s fall, and continued A&M and GT runs create shifting landscapes in both the SEC and ACC (and beyond).
