College football power rankings by odds: Ohio State claims top spot in Week 6

Every game of the season could be the deciding factor for a team's College Football Playoff journey. Last week is a perfect illustration of this, as numerous programs are looking to bounce back and make their case for a playoff berth, even as early as Week 6 of the season.

Following a week of surprising upsets — including the Alabama Crimson Tide dealing the Georgia Bulldogs their first loss of the season after a thrilling 41-34 win — the power rankings by odds have seen a significant shift for the first time this season.

Ohio State now leads the rankings, with Alabama following closely behind in the second spot.

The expanded playoff field this year has revolutionized the college football landscape, bringing a multitude of new teams into the fray. The competition has intensified, with the College Football Playoff now accommodating 12 teams , a stark contrast to the previous four-team format. This means a larger pool of teams now have a shot at the national championship.

Let's take a closer look at the top contenders as we head into Week 6:

More: SEC showdowns highlight college football Week 6 expert predictions for every Top 25 game

College football power rankings: CFP championship odds after Week 5

All numbers from BetMGM college football odds as of Thursday, Oct. 3.

10. Clemson (3-1) (+5000)

• Last week: 10 (+4000)

Clemson has maintained its ranking for the second consecutive week. Quarterback Cade Klubnik played a key role in the team's success, throwing for 255 yards and four touchdowns with one interception vs. Stanford. He also contributed 48 rushing yards and scored one touchdown against the Cardinal. This win was especially significant, as it marked head coach Dabo Swinney's 173rd win, tying him with Bobby Bowden for the most coaching victories in ACC history. Now the Tigers will travel to Florida State in Week 6.

9. Penn State (4-0) (+2000)

• Last week: 9 (+2000)

Penn State continued its win streak with a 21-7 victory over Illinois, thanks to a strong rushing game. Nick Singleton led the way with 102 yards and a touchdown, while Kaytron Allen contributed 94 yards and a touchdown. However, quarterback Drew Allar struggled to find his rhythm, completing 15 of 21 attempts for 135 yards. Now, Penn State will aim to keep their undefeated streak going as it prepares to face UCLA in Week 6.

8. Ole Miss (4-1) (+2000)

• Last week: 7 (+1300)

Ole Miss ' win streak ended after a close 20-17 loss to Kentucky in Week 5. Quarterback Jaxson Dart had a tough game, completing 18 of 27 pass attempts for 261 yards and one touchdown. The team faces a tough challenge as it travels to South Carolina, and will be looking for a win to keep its College Football Playoff dreams alive.

7. Miami (5-0) (+1800)

• Last week: 8 (+1800)

Miami survived a nail-biter in their Atlantic Coast Conference opener, securing a 38-34 win over Virginia Tech. Officials ruled an incomplete pass by Virginia Tech that would have been the game-winning touchdown for the Hokies . Quarterback Cam Ward continues to lead the Hurricanes and threw for 343 yards and four touchdowns in what was the toughest test yet for Miami. The Hurricanes narrowly escaped in Week 5 and will seek to make a statement win as they visit Cal.

6. Tennessee (4-0) (+1100)

• Last week: 6 (+1200)

Tennessee is coming off a bye week following a 25-15 win over the Oklahoma Sooners in Week 4. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava led the Vols, completing 13 of 21 attempts for 194 yards and a touchdown against the Sooners. Now, the Vols are turning their focus to the Razorbacks in Week 6 after having the opportunity to rest and recover in a Week 5 bye.

5. Oregon (4-0) (+1000)

• Last week: 5 (+1100)

Oregon secured a 34-13 victory over the UCLA Bruins in their first conference matchup in Week 5. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel showed his versatility by throwing for 278 yards and three touchdowns to one interception against the Bruins. Oregon will host Michigan State in their first Big Ten home game in Week 6.

4. Georgia (3-1) (+650)

• Last week: 1 (+350)

In an exciting Week 5 game, the Bulldogs suffered their first loss of the season, falling 41-34 to Alabama . Despite the outcome, quarterback Carson Beck had an impressive performance, throwing for 439 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions. Beck and the Bulldogs will look to bounce back from the tough loss in Week 6 against Auburn.

3. Texas (5-0) (+500)

• Last week: 3 (+500)

Texas, currently led by quarterback Arch Manning in lieu of Quinn Ewers, started slow against Mississippi State. The Longhorns figured out their issues early and ultimately defeated the Bulldogs 35-15. Manning had an 83.9% completion rate for 325 yards with two touchdowns, added 33 rushing yards and one touchdown. The Longhorns are now 5-0 as they head into a bye week.

2. Alabama (4-0) (+375)

• Last week: 4 (+800)

Alabama handed the Bulldogs their first loss of the season in Week 5, with the winning play came from freshman cornerback Zabien Brown, who intercepted a throw by Beck in the end zone to seal the 41-34 victory. The Tide will now face Vanderbilt in Week 6, carrying the momentum from this vital win.

1. Ohio State (4-0) (+375)

• Last week: 2 (+350)

Ohio State secured the top spot with a commanding 38-7 victory over Michigan State. Freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith stood out with two impressive one-handed catches, including one on a 19-yard touchdown in the second quarter. Smith finished the game with five catches for 83 yards, establishing himself as a reliable target for quarterback Will Howard. Now, the Buckeyes will look to keep their winning streak alive as they face Iowa in Week 6.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: College football power rankings by odds: Ohio State claims top spot in Week 6