Raiola leads Oregon past Northwestern

Dylan Raiola completed 22 of 31 passes for 336 yards and three touchdowns as Oregon defeated No. 20 Northwestern on Saturday. The win improved the Ducks' record and capped a week in which five AP Top 25 teams lost in the early and midday games. For Oregon, the victory came after a 10-0 early deficit that threatened to derail the season. New offensive coordinator Jay Johnson structured the attack to allow Oregon's receivers to operate in space, a change that produced one of Raiola's most effective performances since transferring from Nebraska.

The success in Eugene stands in stark contrast to the performance in Madison. No. 25 Wisconsin lost 30-0 to Iowa, a result that snapped a positive momentum streak under coach Luke Fickell. The Badgers were outmatched on both sides of the ball, managing only 52 rushing yards. Iowa quarterback Hank Brown completed 20 of 24 passes for 222 yards and two touchdowns, delivering a dominant display that ended Wisconsin's recent run of impressive play. The loss leaves the Badgers with four unranked opponents remaining on their schedule, a path to nine wins that now feels distant given the level of competition they faced.

Other upsets defined the day. No. 19 SMU fell 30-27 to Syracuse, surrendering a passing touchdown with 17 seconds left. The loss extends a streak of near-misses for the Mustangs, who have been within striking distance of the College Football Playoff but lack the final push to secure it. In Oklahoma, the Sooners suffered a 42-25 home loss to South Carolina. The defense allowed 28 points in the first half, including an 84-yard touchdown run by LaNorris Sellers. Coach Brent Venables heads toward his third losing season in five years, and the performance suggests offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle may not remain in his role.

Texas Tech and Baylor also capitalized on their rosters. Texas Tech beat No. 22 Arizona and No. 22 Houston, moving backup quarterback Thomas Castellanos into the starter role after a loss to Cincinnati. The Red Raiders now hold a position in the Big 12 title conversation. At Baylor, quarterback DJ Lagway threw for 319 yards and four touchdowns without an interception against UCF. The 41-9 win came under interim coach Joe Klanderman, marking the second season in a row Lagway has played for a new head coach after his predecessor was fired.

Indiana needed a late hero to stay alive. No. 4 Indiana allowed a 60-yard field goal by Minnesota in the final seconds of regulation. The Hoosiers responded with a game-tying 60-yard kick and then won the opening drive of overtime to take the game 23-16. Coach Curt Cignetti faced questions about clock management, but the result kept his team in the thick of the conference race. Sacramento State also recorded its first FBS victory, beating Kent State 31-10. Running back Isaiah Ene rushed for 107 yards and two touchdowns in the win.

The night slate begins with USC hosting No. 2 Ohio State. North Carolina will travel to face No. 1 Miami. Oregon plays No. 2 Ohio State in Columbus next week, a matchup that will test Raiola's progress against a top-tier defense. Wisconsin and SMU return to action against unranked opponents, while Texas Tech prepares for road games at No. 24 Oklahoma State and Baylor.