As the dust settles from a wild weekend in college football, Week 6 is shaping up to be another rollercoaster. There are several Top 25 matchups and a bunch of big conference games coming up.
The outcomes this week could really shake up the season. Let’s break down the most anticipated games, spotlight a few key players, and toss out some predictions. (If you want the full scoop, the Bleacher Report article has everything.)
Top 25 Matchups to Watch
Week 6 brings some high-stakes games that could mess with the rankings and playoff hopes. Here are the matchups I’m most interested in:
No. 14 Iowa State at Cincinnati
Iowa State is undefeated at 5-0 and heads to Cincinnati, who’s sitting at 3-1. The Cyclones aren’t huge favorites, but they’re hoping to keep their record perfect.
Cincinnati’s QB Brendan Sorsby is a real threat on the ground and through the air. Still, Iowa State’s balance gives them a slight advantage.
Prediction: Iowa State 23, Cincinnati 19
No. 9 Texas at Florida
The Longhorns, 3-1, travel to face a Florida team that’s been struggling at 1-3. Texas has a defense that’s tough as nails, and honestly, Florida’s defense is the only thing keeping them in games.
Feels like a low-scoring slugfest, but Texas should pull it out.
Prediction: Texas 24, Florida 10
No. 16 Vanderbilt at No. 10 Alabama
Alabama just beat Georgia and now hosts undefeated Vanderbilt. Vandy’s QB Diego Pavia has been fun to watch, but Alabama at home is a different animal.
Coach Kalen DeBoer’s squad just doesn’t lose in Tuscaloosa.
Prediction: Alabama 41, Vanderbilt 27
No. 3 Miami at No. 18 Florida State
Miami’s lines on both sides are relentless, while Florida State’s defense is always looking to force mistakes. If the Seminoles can rattle Miami QB Carson Beck, maybe there’s a chance for an upset.
Miami just feels a bit too physical, though.
Prediction: Miami 27, Florida State 20
Mississippi State at No. 6 Texas A&M
Mississippi State loves playing spoiler, but Texas A&M is unbeaten and playing at home. QB Marcel Reed has been solid for the Aggies.
That crowd at Kyle Field? It’s a tough place to pull off an upset.
Prediction: Texas A&M 38, Mississippi State 24
Friday Night Lights
Friday night brings a few matchups I’m curious about, including both ranked and unranked squads:
West Virginia at No. 23 BYU
BYU’s QB Bear Bachmeier has been lights out, and the Cougars are 4-0. West Virginia’s defense has been a mess lately.
BYU looks like the clear favorite here.
Prediction: BYU 37, West Virginia 14
Sam Houston at New Mexico State
Two teams having a rough go of it. New Mexico State should squeak by in a close one.
Prediction: NMSU 23, Sam Houston 20
Charlotte at South Florida
South Florida’s offense can put up points fast. Charlotte’s defense just isn’t up for it this year.
Prediction: USF 42, Charlotte 14
Saturday Showdowns
Saturday’s schedule is stacked. Conference games, some out-of-conference drama—plenty to watch:
Wisconsin at No. 20 Michigan
Wisconsin’s offense has been sputtering, and now QB Billy Edwards Jr. is banged up. Michigan at home is a pretty easy pick.
Prediction: Michigan 27, Wisconsin 10
No. 22 Illinois at Purdue
Illinois is coming off an emotional, last-second win over USC. Purdue’s defense isn’t great, but Illinois needs to avoid a letdown here.
Prediction: Illinois 31, Purdue 24
No. 7 Penn State at UCLA
Penn State is heading cross-country to play a winless UCLA team. The Nittany Lions should handle business, even with the travel.
Prediction: Penn State 37, UCLA 17
No. 24 Virginia at Louisville
Virginia just shocked Florida State, but Louisville’s got a balanced offense and a defense that loves to force turnovers. Virginia’s defense could be in trouble again.
Prediction: Louisville 38, Virginia 27
No. 11 Texas Tech at Houston
Texas Tech’s QB Behren Morton will need to be sharp against Houston’s tough defense. Houston’s offense is a bit of a question mark, so I’m leaning Red Raiders here.
Prediction: Texas Tech 27, Houston 20
Other Notable Games
Here are a few others that might be worth flipping to during commercials:
- Kentucky at No. 12 Georgia: Georgia’s defense should handle Kentucky’s struggling offense.
- Boise State at No. 21 Notre Dame: Notre Dame’s offense has been clicking lately.
- Coastal Carolina at Old Dominion: Old Dominion should win this one pretty comfortably.
- Colorado at TCU: TCU’s offense is just too much for Colorado to keep up with.
- Kansas at UCF: Kansas is the favorite on the road, but you never know in the Big 12.
Conclusion
Week 6 of the college football season is shaping up to be wild. There are some seriously intriguing matchups on the slate.
Several Top 25 teams are hitting the road, and honestly, a few upsets wouldn’t shock me. Conference games could really shake up the standings, too.
If you want every prediction and all the nitty-gritty analysis, the full article on Bleacher Report is worth a look.
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