On a Saturday night in Baton Rouge, the roar of Tiger Stadium didn’t just fade—it vanished. By halftime, the LSU Tigers were down 35-7. By the final whistle, they were out of the Top 25. The Texas A&M Aggies, led by quarterback Marcel Reed, had just delivered the most dominant performance of the 2025 season: a 49-25 thrashing that wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. With the victory, Texas A&M improved to 8-0, their best start since 1994, and thrust head coach Mike Elko squarely into the College Football Playoff conversation.
Aggies’ Defense Shuts Down LSU After Halftime
They didn’t just win. They erased. Texas A&M’s defense held LSU to just 14 total yards after halftime—until a meaningless 48-yard touchdown with 1:12 left. Marcel Reed, a transfer from Oklahoma State, was surgical: 21-of-27 passing for 242 yards, 68 rushing, and four total touchdowns. His 310-yard night wasn’t just efficient—it was punishing. The Aggies’ offense didn’t punt once. They didn’t turn the ball over. They didn’t need to. Meanwhile, LSU’s offense, once feared as one of the nation’s most explosive, looked lost. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier threw two interceptions and was sacked four times. The Tigers’ running game, which averaged 210 yards per game, managed just 41. After the game, ESPN’s sideline reporter noted, "You could hear the silence in the stands. It wasn’t just disappointment—it was disbelief."North Dakota State Ends Historic Home Streak
In Brookings, South Dakota, another seismic shift occurred. The South Dakota State Jackrabbits, who had won 33 straight games at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium, were stunned 38-7 by the North Dakota State Bison. The streak—longest in FCS history—ended not with a fluke, but with a masterclass in physical football. NDSU’s running back, Trey Lance’s successor, Jalen Cade, rushed for 168 yards and three touchdowns. The Jackrabbits, who hadn’t lost at home since 2021, were outgained 428-192. "This isn’t just about the trophy," said NDSU head coach Matt Entz after claiming the Dakota Marker. "It’s about proving you can go anywhere and take down the best."Top 25 Shakeup: Ole Miss Rises, LSU Falls
The EA Sports College Football 26 Week 9 Top 25 Poll, released October 26, 2025, reflected the chaos. Ohio State Buckeyes held firm at No. 1 for the fourth straight week. Indiana Hoosiers stayed at No. 2, their undefeated record intact. But the real story was movement. The Ole Miss Rebels surged three spots to No. 6 after knocking off No. 12 Oklahoma 34-27 in Oxford. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss threw for 298 yards and ran for another 56, proving his dual-threat game can carry a team in the spotlight. Meanwhile, the LSU Tigers tumbled out of the Top 25 entirely—their first absence since Week 3. The Oklahoma Sooners dropped five spots to No. 18 after the Ole Miss loss. And USF Bulls also fell out, ending their brief return to national relevance.
Vanderbilt, Alabama, and the Quiet Contenders
While the headlines screamed about upsets and dominance, two teams quietly kept rolling. The Vanderbilt Commodores, at 9-2, held steady at No. 12 in the ESPN rankings and No. 9 in EA Sports’ poll—a testament to their consistency. Their defense allowed just 17 points per game in conference play. No flash. No drama. Just wins. The Alabama Crimson Tide, also 9-2, remained at No. 4 in EA Sports and No. 10 in ESPN. They avoided a trap game against Arkansas, winning 28-17. Their schedule gets harder—Texas, Auburn, and the Iron Bowl looming—but they’ve shown they can grind out wins when needed. And then there’s Texas Longhorns. After a shaky start, they’ve won five straight, climbing to No. 22 in the EA Sports poll. Their offense, led by quarterback Quinn Ewers, is clicking at the right time. A win over Oklahoma State next week could push them into the Top 15.What’s Next? The Playoff Picture Tightens
The College Football Playoff Selection Committee will release its fourth rankings on November 25, 2025—the final snapshot before conference championships. Ohio State and Indiana are clear frontrunners. But Texas A&M’s 8-0 record, with wins over LSU and Oklahoma State, now makes them the most dangerous dark horse. Coach Elko knows it. "We’re not thinking about the playoff," he said after the LSU win. "We’re thinking about next Saturday. That’s all we can control." But the truth? The playoff is thinking about them. Selection Day—December 7, 2025—is still weeks away. But the race has changed. The door is open. And the Aggies? They just kicked it down.
Michigan’s Ground Game Seals Rivalry Win
In East Lansing, Michigan, the Michigan Wolverines didn’t need a miracle to beat the Michigan State Spartans. Just two freshman running backs. Justice Haynes and Jordan Marshall combined for 262 rushing yards and three touchdowns, including Marshall’s 56-yard breakaway with 2:45 left to seal the 31-20 win. Michigan’s offense ran 52 times for 276 yards. No passes needed. Just power, patience, and precision. It was the kind of game that defines rivalries—and reminds everyone that sometimes, the best offense is the one you don’t see coming.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Texas A&M’s win over LSU impact their College Football Playoff chances?
Texas A&M’s 49-25 win over LSU was the most convincing victory by a non-top-two team this season. With an 8-0 record and a win over a former Top 20 team, the Aggies leapfrogged several one-loss contenders. The Selection Committee now views them as a legitimate playoff candidate, especially with their defense holding LSU to 14 yards after halftime. Their remaining schedule—Texas Tech, LSU, and Texas—could seal their spot if they stay undefeated.
Why did LSU drop out of the Top 25 after losing to Texas A&M?
LSU’s loss wasn’t just a defeat—it was a collapse. They were ranked No. 20 but were outplayed in every phase: offense (14 yards after halftime), defense (49 points allowed), and special teams (two blocked punts). Their strength of schedule, while solid, didn’t offset the magnitude of the loss. With only one win over a Top 25 team (Ole Miss), and now a loss to a Top 3 team, the committee saw no justification to keep them ranked.
What does North Dakota State’s win over South Dakota State mean for FCS football?
Ending a 33-game home winning streak is historic in any sport. For FCS, it signals that even the most dominant programs can be beaten with discipline and physicality. NDSU’s win proves depth and preparation matter more than home-field advantage. It also boosts the FCS’s national profile—something the NCAA has long sought to promote ahead of the FCS Championship in January.
Why is Vanderbilt ranked so high despite having two losses?
Vanderbilt’s two losses came to top-10 teams (Alabama and Georgia) by a combined 10 points. They’ve beaten three Top 25 opponents this season, including a 24-17 win over Tennessee. Their defense ranks 12th nationally in yards allowed, and their schedule is the toughest in the SEC East. The rankings reward consistency, not just wins—and Vanderbilt has been the most reliable team in the conference outside the top tier.
What’s the significance of Ohio State holding No. 1 for four straight weeks?
Ohio State’s dominance at No. 1 since Week 6 signals they’re the clear favorite for the playoff. They’ve beaten every opponent by at least 17 points, including a 41-10 win over Michigan. With 62 first-place votes in the Coaches Poll, they’re the only team with a true margin of separation. If they win out, they’ll likely face Indiana in the Big Ten Championship—and the winner will almost certainly be the No. 1 seed.
Who are the biggest threats to Ohio State and Indiana in the final stretch?
Texas A&M (8-0) is the only undefeated team outside the top two. Alabama (9-2) could be a factor if they win the SEC and beat LSU in the title game. But the real sleeper is Indiana. They face Ohio State on November 30 in Columbus, and if they win, they’ll likely leapfrog the Buckeyes in the final rankings. Their offense, led by QB Kurtis Rourke, is the most balanced in the country—and they’ve shown they can win on the road.
