Week 6 is here, and college football fans and bettors are buzzing. A wild mix of big-name showdowns and sneaky-good games is on the slate, so there’s no shortage of things to argue about or predict.
Johnny McGonigal’s back with his picks against the spread for the weekend’s most interesting matchups. If you’re looking for a little direction (or just want to see what the experts are thinking), here’s his take.
Top Picks of the Weekend
This week, Johnny’s got his eye on a handful of games he thinks are worth your attention. There’s everything from heavyweight battles to spots where an upset could be brewing.
Wisconsin at No. 20 Michigan (-16.5)
Saturday at noon on FOX, it’s Wisconsin’s top-ranked run defense against Michigan’s powerful ground game. But Wisconsin hasn’t really seen a rushing attack quite like Michigan’s yet.
With Bryce Underwood and Justice Haynes leading the way, Michigan looks ready to handle the spread. The pick: Michigan -16.5
No. 22 Illinois at Purdue (+9.5)
This Big Ten matchup kicks off Saturday at noon on BTN. Last year’s game went to overtime, and Illinois barely squeaked by.
But after Illinois’ strong showing against USC, there’s more faith in them this time around. The pick: Illinois -9.5
No. 16 Vanderbilt at No. 10 Alabama (-10.5)
Saturday at 3:30 p.m. on ABC, expect fireworks. Last season, the teams combined for a pile of points.
Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia and Eli Stowers should keep things interesting against Alabama’s Ty Simpson and Ryan Williams. This one feels closer than the spread. The pick: Vanderbilt +10.5
No. 7 Penn State at UCLA (+25.5)
Catch it Saturday at 3:30 p.m. on CBS. Penn State’s coming off a rough loss to Oregon and needs a statement win.
UCLA’s been getting blown out all season, so Penn State seems set up for a big bounce-back. The pick: Penn State -25.5
Tulsa at Memphis (-19.5)
Saturday at 8 p.m. on ESPNU, Memphis brings a high-powered offense. Tulsa’s defense has been leaky, especially against big plays.
Memphis should have enough firepower to cover. The pick: Memphis -19.5
Key Factors and Analysis
There’s a lot to weigh when you’re making picks. Here are a few things Johnny’s looking at this week:
Strength of Schedule
Wisconsin’s run defense looks great on paper, but who have they really played? Michigan’s run game has already faced some tough competition, so there’s more trust there.
Recent Performances
Illinois beating USC is a confidence booster. Penn State, after losing to Oregon, should be hungry to prove something.
Injuries and Player Impact
Injuries can flip a game on its head. Vanderbilt needs both Diego Pavia and Eli Stowers healthy if they want to keep up with Alabama.
Always check those late injury reports before locking in your picks.
Explosive Plays
Memphis lives and dies by the big play, and Tulsa’s defense has been giving those up all year. That’s a tough combo if you’re hoping for a Tulsa cover.
Conclusion
Week 6 in college football is shaping up to be pretty wild. There’s bound to be some drama and unexpected moments on the field.
Johnny McGonigal’s picks and analysis might just give you the edge you need. If you’re eyeing those high-profile games or maybe even a few of the sleepers, it pays to keep an eye on recent performances.
Want more detail or betting predictions? Check out the full article by Johnny McGonigal on PennLive. More updates and analysis are on the way as the season rolls on.
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