The College Football slate for week 6 is one of the best we have had in recent memory. Let’s take a look at the big matchups, and my picks for the weekend. I am picking against the spread with 54% accuracy with a total of 35-30 and currently up 4 Units.
Oklahoma-3 vs Texas
The Sooners have taken a lot of criticism for not being able to put away lesser teams and win convincingly. However, the important aspect is that they are finding ways to win. Spencer Rattler (who was booed in their game against West Virginia) has a 76% completion percentage and is making plays in crunch time. The Oklahoma defense has taken a step forward and has improved greatly at stopping the run. Their front seven will have to play well to shut down Texas running back Bijan Robinson. The Longhorns have shown to have major success when they can run the ball, but I don’t believe they will be consistent on the ground against Oklahoma. In addition, Texas’s defense has shown signs of weakness. Even though Oklahoma’s offense isn’t as good as people thought coming into the season, it will be enough to beat Texas.
Oklahoma 33 – Texas 27
Arkansas at Ole Miss-5.5
Sam Pittman’s team had two huge victories back to back against Texas and Texas A&M. Unfortunately last week they ran into a buzzsaw that was the Georgia Bulldogs. They return this week to get back in the win column against Ole Miss. The Rebel’s also faced one of the best teams in the country in Alabama last week. The key to this game is going to be the Arkansas offense against Ole Miss’s defense, both teams’ weaker side of the ball. Arkansas’s offense looked stagnant since halftime of the Texas A&M game. Even though Ole Miss’s defense gave up 42 to Alabama, they showed signs of resistance, just couldn’t get that extra stop. The Razorbacks have K.J. Jefferson who is great, but he will need more help if this offense expects to outscore Matt Corrall and Dontario Drummond.
Ole Miss 36 – Arkansas 24
Georgia at Auburn+15.5
There is no denying that Georgia is one of, if not the, best team in the country. The defensive line is crazy good, and they help their offense in the short field. It looks likes JT Daniels will play which will help the Bulldogs, but I don’t see this team scoring a lot of points. Auburn’s defense isn’t bad. The Tigers also love to run the football shortening the game. Auburn will have a difficult time running the football though turning to their “x-factor” in Bo Nix. Nix CANNOT turn the ball over. If he continues to take care of the ball and just move the chains, the Tigers have a chance to cover. Bulldogs win, but it’s closer than you think in Jordan-Hare.
Georgia 28 – Auburn 17
Penn State at Iowa (Under 41)
The game of the week takes place in Iowa City. #3 vs #4 with the winner being the favorite to win the Big Ten. Both of these teams have great defenses, but the questions for both are on offense. Sean Clifford has done a great job of taking care of the football this season, he will have to continue to do that this week for the Nittany Lions to have a chance. Iowa thrives on turnovers and a short field for their offense that has issues throwing the football. Spencer Petras has been good for the Hawkeyes, but it is clear that he struggles in the passing game. Look for Tyler Goodson to have a few big runs for Iowa, he is the guy that needs to have a big night for the Hawkeyes. Looking at both of these teams, it’s hard to get a read of who will come out on top. The safe bet is to take the under.
Final: 21-17
Michigan at Nebraska+3.5
Both head coaches have something to prove this week. If the Huskers win Scott Frost might actually save his job (again), and Nebraska’s football program gets an extra boost of confidence. If the Wolverines win they continue to have an impressive turnaround from last year. Michigan’s new coordinator Mike Macdonald looks to be a breath of fresh air for Michigan fans. The defense has looked good and seems to be playing loose. The weakness for Michigan is in their passing game. Cade McNamera hasn’t been great through the air and could be the downfall Nebraska can exploit. The Huskers have a good defensive line, that will limit the Wolverine run game. This will force McNamera to throw which plays right into Nebraska’s hand. Look for Adrian Martinez to elude the Michigan pressure, and try to hit big plays. That is the make or break of this game. Martinez will connect a few times to keep it close, but a late turnover seals it for Michigan.
Michigan 23 – Nebraska 20