College football scores, rankings, highlights: Clemson, USC overcome slow starts to remain undefeated

Though no top-10 teams were upset, Week 6 featured a lot of survive-and-advance moments

Though Week 6 marked a rare Saturday in which no top-10 teams lost, little came easy for the nation's best teams as upsets were thwarted by some heavy favorites around the country. Among those escaping with victories after some early trouble were No. 1 Alabama, No. 5 Clemson and No. 6 USC with all three teams remaining undefeated ahead of big conference games next week.

Clemson found itself locked in a 3-3 tie with struggling Boston College for nearly the entire second quarter before the Tigers finally scored the game's first touchdown in the final minute of the first half en route to a 31-3 win. Though the Tigers dominated defensively, it was clear even in a 28-point victory that the offense remains a work in progress; Clemson totaled just 364 yards and punted seven times. The Tigers travel to Florida State next week.

Similarly, USC held off Washington State for a 30-14 home win largely because of its defense. The Trojans initally squandered an early 10-0 lead by allowing back-to-back touchdown drives in the second quarter. From there, they buckled down, holding Washington State scoreless on its next eight possessions to close the game. Travis Dye led the way offensively with 149 yards rushing and a touchdown on 28 carries for the Trojans, which travel to face No. 11 Utah next week. The Utes lost 42-32 at UCLA on Saturday but may still present USC with its toughest test yet.

Outside the top 10, NC State overcame the loss of quarterback Devin Leary to edge a feisty Florida State team 19-17. The Wolfpack outscored the Seminoles 16-0 in the second half with Leary on the sideline with his arm in a sling. 

College football scores, schedule: Week 6

No. 4 Michigan 31, Indiana 10 -- Recap
No. 8 Tennessee 40, No. 25 LSU 13 -- Takeaways, recap
No. 17 TCU 38, No. 19 Kansas 31 -- Recap
No. 23 Mississippi State 40, Arkansas 17 -- Recap
Texas 49, Oklahoma 0 -- Takeaways, recap
No. 2 Georgia 42, Auburn 10  -- Takeaways, recap
No. 7 Oklahoma State 41, Texas Tech 31 -- Recap
No. 18 UCLA 42, No. 11 Utah  32 --  Recap
No. 3 Ohio State 49, Michigan State 20 -- Takeaways, recap
No. 5 Clemson 31, Boston College 3 -- Recap
No. 6 USC 30, Washington State 14  -- Recap
Notre Dame 28, No. 16 BYU 20 --  Recap
No. 1 Alabama 24, Texas A&M 20 -- Takeaways, recap
Check out the entire Week 6 scoreboard 

Check these out ...

• TT25T: Clemson poised to jump Michigan
• Overreactions: Tennessee poised to stun Alabama
• Coach beef: Deion Sanders, Eddie Robinson Jr. in post-game altercation
• Record-breaker: Pitt RB surpasses Tony Dorsett's single-game rushing record
• Honeymoon over: Sooners seeking answers after RRS shutout
• KD chimes in: Nets star, former Longhorn roasts Brent Venables 
• TCU, Kansas trade haymakers: Teams combine for 56 second-half points
• Mike Hart collapses: Michigan RB coach stable after carted off field

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[Oct 8, 2022 at 11:46 pm ET · David Cobb]

NC State finds a way

Final: NC State 19, Florida State 17

Crushing loss for Florida State, which led 17-3 before going scoreless in the second half. Jordan Travis was picked off on Florida State's final two possessions as the Wolfpack somehow found a way after losing quarterback Devin Leary to an apparent shoulder injury. Walk-on grad transfer Jack Chambers came in and played a ball-control style at QB, letting the Wolfpack defense do the rest. Lotta miscues in this one that will haunt FSU.

[Oct 8, 2022 at 11:33 pm ET · David Cobb]

Alabama survives

Final: Alabama 24, Texas A&M 20

Alabama tried to give it away at home vs. Texas A&M, but the Aggies couldn't quite take it in the end. A&M had a chance to win it on the 2-yard line with three seconds left, but Haynes King threw incomplete, and the Crimson Tide escaped. Alabama committed four turnovers for a -3 turnover margin as Bryce Young missed the game due to a shoulder injury. Remarkable effort from A&M as a 24-point underdog.

[Oct 8, 2022 at 11:00 pm ET · David Cobb]

Clemson cruises

Final: Clemson 31, Boston College 3

DJ Uiagalelei struggled through a 1 for 7 stretch that included an interception in the first half as the Tigers looked disturbingly uninterested for a stretch. But the mercurial quarterback got things back on track nicely to finish 18 of 32 for 220 yards, three touchdowns and just the one interception. Uiagalelei also finishes as Clemson's leading rusher with 69 yards on the ground, thanks to a 40-yard scamper in the fourth quarter.

[Oct 8, 2022 at 10:48 pm ET · David Cobb]

Kentucky loses two straight

Final: South Carolina 24, Kentucky 14

No. 13 Kentucky struggled mightily tonight without injured quarterback Will Levis. Kaiya Sheron got the start at QB and finished 15 of 27 for 178 yards and two TDs and an INT. UK finished with just 299 total yards, in part because the Wildcats surrendered six sacks totaling -54 yards. MarShawn Lloyd led the way for South Carolina with 22 rushes for 110 yards and a TD. Nice win for Shane Beamer's squad on the road.

[Oct 8, 2022 at 10:47 pm ET · Ben Kercheval]

Kansas State wins ugly in Farmageddon 

No. 20 Kansas State 10, Iowa State 9

Sometimes, you have to win ugly, and that's exactly what Kansas State did in a low-scoring in Ames. Wildcats quarterback Adrian Martinez put up some good numbers (323 yards of total offense and a touchdown) but K-State couldn't sustain drives; neither could Iowa State, though, and the Cyclones had less than 300 yards of offense. It's a survive-and-advance moment for K-State, but the Cyclones, despite some spirited efforts, are careening toward a disappointing season that has Big 12 basement written all over it. 

[Oct 8, 2022 at 10:43 pm ET · David Cobb]

Devin Leary injured

Late 3Q: Florida State 17, NC State 10

Devin Leary just exited NC State's game with Florida State due to what appears to be a shoulder injury. He was spotted immediately going to the locker room. The preseason ACC Player of the Year has had his struggles this season, but you hate to see that if you're a Wolfpack fan. Roughing the passer was called, and the Wolfpack are still in this game against Florida State.

[Oct 8, 2022 at 10:42 pm ET · Ben Kercheval]

Notre Dame getting back on track

Final: Notre Dame 28, No. 16 BYU 20

The 2022 season got off to a nightmarish start for Notre Dame, but the Fighting Irish have now won three straight to get back over .500 in coach Marcus Freeman's first year. The switch to quarterback Drew Pyne following the injury to Tyler Buchner has had its growing pains, but Pyne was effective against the Cougars in Las Vegas with 262 yards passing and three touchdowns to one pick. Star tight end Michael Mayer showed what his future could be like on Sundays with 11 catches for 118 yards and a pair of scores. Notre Dame's ability to keep drive's going -- it went 11 of 16 on third downs -- led to nearly 500 yards of offense. If Notre Dame is trying to forget its horrific start to the season, it's doing a good job. 

[Oct 8, 2022 at 10:40 pm ET · David Cobb]

Trojans in good shape

Early 4Q: USC 24, Washington State 14

It hasn't been pretty, and the Trojans are not out of the woods yet, but USC is in good shape starting the fourth quarter. Washington State has seen two drives stall out in USC territory as the Trojans continue to prove the critics wrong by showing they can actually play defense. The offense, on the other hand, it's been OK tonight but nothing overly impressive. Caleb Williams winds up scrambling more than is ideal considering how important he is to what they do.

[Oct 8, 2022 at 10:34 pm ET · David Cobb]

Wake Forest rolls

Final: Wake Forest 45, Army 10

It was reasonable to wonder whether Wake Forest's defense would struggle with Army's rushing attack, but the Demon Deacons just waltzed to a 45-10 win over the visiting Black Knights. Sam Hartman completed 13 of 19 passes for 246 yards and a TD and Justice Ellison ran for 96 yards on just 11 carries. Nice stress-free win for Wake after last year's 70-56 barnburner against Army.

[Oct 8, 2022 at 10:19 pm ET · David Cobb]

Clemson getting it done

Start 4Q: Clemson 17, Boston College 3

It wasn't a dominant third quarter by any stretch, but Clemson showed some offensive life on a 73-yard touchdown drive to open the third quarter and is driving to begin the fourth. This performance will do little to win over the doubters who are skeptical of Clemson's bona fides for national title contention. But sometimes you've just got to plod your way through it on the road, and that's what we're seeing here.

[Oct 8, 2022 at 10:06 pm ET · David Cobb]

Oregon dominating

Late 2Q: Oregon 21, Arizona 3

No drama so far in Tuscon, where Bo Nix has started 10 of 11 for 141 yards to lead the Ducks to an early 21-3 edge. Ducks have scored touchdowns on three straight possessions after starting with a punt, and their defense has forced consecutive punts. Noah Whittington has also broken off a pair of huge runs for Oregon, which will have a big showdown with unbeaten UCLA next week if it survives here.

[Oct 8, 2022 at 9:58 pm ET · David Cobb]

BYU shows life

Early 4Q: Notre Dame 25, BYU 20

After trailing 18-6 at halftime, BYU has come to life in the second half behind a couple of big-play touchdowns. Jaren Hall found Kody Epps for a 53-yard score, and Chris Brooks ran for a 28-yard TD. The Irish are driving again with a chance to go back ahead by two scores. They'll need more points given how much better the Cougars have been so far in this half. 

[Oct 8, 2022 at 9:44 pm ET · David Cobb]

Seminoles up

Half: Florida State 17, NC State 3

Florida State is playing some stellar defense as a road underdog at NC State and Jordan Travis is doing his thing. A 71-yard run from Travis set up FSU's first touchdown, and an interception set up the Seminoles' second score. Rough first half for ACC Preseason Player of the Year Devin Leary, who is just 5 of 14 through the air. Confusing as to why the Wolfpack have struggled so much offensively this year.

[Oct 8, 2022 at 9:28 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

USC challenged at half

Half: USC 17, Washington State 14

The Trojans are in a fight with Washington State at the half. Cougars quarterback Cameron Ward has been brilliant with 123 yards passing and 2 touchdowns on just 16 attempts. Ward has managed the offense masterfully to cause issues on the last two drives. USC quarterback Caleb Williams had 125 yards passing and a score, but penalties helped keep USC drives alive in the second quarter. This one will be a photo finish. 

[Oct 8, 2022 at 9:17 pm ET · David Cobb]

Clemson crawls ahead

Half: Clemson 10, Boston College 3

Clemson punted on four consecutive possessions — three of them being three-and-outs — at one point in the first half before the Tigers finally punched a TD in. Even then, it was a  big punt return from Antonio Williams that set up the score. Just 131 total yards for the Clemson offense in the first half vs. 168 for Boston College. Neither team can run the ball.

[Oct 8, 2022 at 9:06 pm ET · David Cobb]

Notre Dame dominating

Half: Notre Dame 18, BYU 6

Notre Dame is outgaining BYU 259-67 at halftime behind a 13 of 17 effort from Drew Pyne. He's thrown for 163 yards and two touchdowns as the Fighting Irish have apparently figured things out offensively. BYU's only touchdown came largely because of a big punt return. Cougars are healthier offensively than they have been in a while, but you wouldn't know it from this effort.

[Oct 8, 2022 at 8:57 pm ET · Austin Nivison]

Slugfest in Lexington

Halftime: Kentucky 7, South Carolina 7

It was an ugly first half between the Wildcats and Gamecocks, and it ended in a deadlock. South Carolina benefitted from an early Kentucky fumble and hasn't been able to move the ball much after that. Spencer Rattler has really struggled, and he has turned the ball over twice already. Kentucky quarterback Kaiya Sheron, who is filling in for an injured Will Levis, has a touchdown pass under his belt, but the Wildcats' offense has been unable to sustain drives to this point.

[Oct 8, 2022 at 8:56 pm ET · David Cobb]

Washington State ahead

Mid 2Q: Washington State 14, USC 10

USC joins the ranks of top-10 teams who have found themselves trailing today after Washington State piles up 14 quick points in the second quarter on a pair of long drives. Cam Ward has found a rhythm after starting slow, and Caleb Williams has missed on his last three for USC as the Trojans retake possession at their own 37 and look to reclaim the momentum.

[Oct 8, 2022 at 8:46 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

K-State bad break

Late 2Q: Kansas State 7, Iowa State 6

Iowa State's defense just saved seven points with one of the wackiest defensive plays you'll ever see. Kansas State quarterback Adrian Martinez completed a pass that was moments away from being a 68-yard touchdown, but it was punched out of the hands of WR Malik Knowles by Iowa State defensive back Anthony Johnson Jr. The heads-up play was recovered in the end zone for a touchback. 

[Oct 8, 2022 at 8:35 pm ET · David Cobb]

Clemson starts slow

Early 2Q: Clemson 3, Boston College 3

Clemson started with a field goal and has gone interception, punt, punt on its three possessions since. BC's offense has shown signs of life, which is progress for a team that has seen its share of struggles on that side of the ball this season.

[Oct 8, 2022 at 8:24 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Wildcats up early

2Q: Kansas State 7, Iowa State 6

Wildcats quarterback Adrian Martinez only has two completions. One of them is an 81-yard bomb to Phillip Brooks to give Kansas State a 7-6 lead over Iowa State in the first quarter. The Cyclones have run 28 plays to Kansas State's 10, but has not converted either of its scoring drives into a touchdown through one quarter. 

[Oct 8, 2022 at 8:20 pm ET · David Cobb]

Trojans up

End 1Q: USC 10, Washington State 0

Washington State is driving as the first quarter ends, but the Trojans should feel good about their first quarter. Opened with an 82-yard touchdown drive an then forced consecutive WSU punts before the Cougars finally got it rolling here on their third possession. Caleb Williams is dialed in early and Jordan Addison already has three grabs totaling 37 yards.

[Oct 8, 2022 at 8:18 pm ET · Austin Nivison]

Kentucky struggling early

End 1Q: South Carolina 7, Kentucky 0

With no Will Levis at quarterback, Kentucky is off to a sluggish start against South Carolina. A fumble on the first play of the game led to an easy touchdown for the Gamecocks, and the Wildcats have also missed a field goal. The good news for Kentucky is that running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. is off to a hot start, despite the fumble, with 58 yards in the first frame.

[Oct 8, 2022 at 8:16 pm ET · David Cobb]

Wake Forest up early

Start 2Q: Wake Forest 14, Army 0

Wake Forest forced a fumble on a promising Army possession to start the game and then drove 91 yards for a TD. Black Knights have the football in Wake territory to start the second quarter but are already facing a two-touchdown deficit. Army throws it more this season than it has in the past, but coming back from a big deficit isn't going to be easy for such a run-oriented team.

[Oct 8, 2022 at 8:10 pm ET · Ben Kercheval]

NC State and Florida State delayed

A lighting issue at Carter-Finley Stadium has delayed the start of No. 14 NC State and Florida State. The Wolfpack are coming off a tough loss to Clemson and could use a get-right game. But Florida State has been a pleasant surprise this season. This game should be a lot of fun and provide some clarity on the ACC's pecking order -- whenever it gets underway. 

[Oct 8, 2022 at 7:52 pm ET · David Cobb]

Arizona State survives

Final: Arizona State 45, Washington 38

The Sun Devils were two touchdown underdogs at home against No. 21 Washington and lost starting quarterback Emory Jones to injury in the first half, but they nonetheless find a way to hold on for interim coach Shaun Aguano's first victory. Backup QB Trenton Bourquet went 15 of 21 for 182 yards and three TDs. Xazavian Valladay added 111 yards and a TD on the ground.

[Oct 8, 2022 at 7:28 pm ET · David Cobb]

Cowboys stay unbeaten

Final: Oklahoma State 41, Texas Tech 31

It was a gutty effort from Texas Tech, but Oklahoma State survives and stays unbeaten even while allowing 527 total yards. The defense played so much better in the second half after an abysmal first half. The Red Raiders scored on their opening possession of the third quarter but did not score again from there. Great day for Oklahoma State fans.

[Oct 8, 2022 at 7:27 pm ET · Austin Nivison]

Ole Miss offense explodes in Nashville

FINAL: Ole Miss 52, Vanderbilt 28

Things looked hairy for No. 9 Ole Miss at halftime, with Vanderbilt leading 20-17. However, the Rebels found their stride in the second half and totaled 35 points in the final two quarters. Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart shook off an early interception and threw for 448 yards and three touchdowns. Rebels wideout Jonathan Mingo torched the Commodores to the tune of nine receptions for 247 yards and two scores.

[Oct 8, 2022 at 7:17 pm ET · David Cobb]

What a drive

Late 4Q: Oklahoma State 41, Texas Tech 31

Really impressive 11-play, 57-yard drive from Oklahoma State capped by a 7-yard touchdown run from Dominic Richardson with 2:27 left. That series ate 3:50 and gives the Pokes their first two-possession lead since it was 17-7 in the first quarter. Texas Tech has battled its tail off in this game, but the Cowboys have had answers at every turn.

[Oct 8, 2022 at 7:06 pm ET · David Cobb]

Statement victory

Final: UCLA 42, Utah 32

UCLA struggled to gain respect during a 4-0 start, and rightfully so. The opponents were Bowling Green, Alabama State, South Alabama and Colorado — and the Bruins barely snuck past South Alabama. They were unranked for last week's game against then-No. 15 Washington and looked impressive in a 40-32 win. Now, for the second week in a row, they've handled a ranked opponent. This sets up a monster game at No. 12 Oregon next week. Will likely be a top-15 matchup if the Ducks beat Arizona tonight.