An epic Alabama/Georgia scrap and big upsets from Kentucky, Arizona, and Colorado highlighted Week 5.
Week 6 didn’t have a ranked versus ranked matchup until an apparent error of sorts with the AP polls regarding Texas A&M. Regardless, that doesn’t mean we won’t have plenty of interesting or unexpected things occur. After all, this is College Football, baby. Teams that haven’t looked all that confident inside the Top-25 rankings could get kicked out or massively drop in the coming days.
#9 Missouri vs. #25 Texas A&M: So I guess the Aggies are ranked after all and also find themselves the favorite hosting the Tigers at Kyle Field. Missouri has yet to impress, considering its offensive talent and the fact that the players returned from an 11-2 season a year ago. Both of these programs thrive at running the ball. This comes down to which defense can contain the run and offense efficiency in the red zone. Missouri QB Brady Cook needs to get the ball in the hands of his biggest playmakers. Aggies dual-threat freshman QB Marcel Reed has helped the Texas A&M offense show some life.
The Pick: Missouri +2
#10 Michigan vs. Washington: The rematch from last year’s national championship game takes place at Husky Stadium. This primetime matchup isn’t quite what we envisioned but it’s should be pretty damn close. Both teams have new coaches and neither looks anywhere close to their 2023-24 form for obvious reasons. Michigan decided to dive head first into the ground and pound attack. The Wolverines change at quarterback threw out any plans on having decent passing yards. Yardage wise Washington is producing yet the Huskies are scoring just 25 points a game. UW came up short in competitive losses to Rutgers and Washington State in the Apple Cup. If you don’t mind buying some points UM +3 or +3.5 is a great bet.
The Pick: Michigan +1.5
#12 Ole Miss vs. South Carolina: The triangle theory of Ole Miss losing to Kentucky while the Gamecocks dominated the Wildcats is a bit misleading. A major key to keep an eye will be the health of SC’s QB LaNorris Sellers and RB Raheim Sanders. The good news is those two important players are practicing this week. South Carolina almost beat a very good but not great LSU squad and the previous mentioned stomping of Kentucky. Ole Miss’s offense was on fire facing underwhelming opposition but managed only 17 last week in the loss. Can Ole Miss protect Jason Dart and pave the way RB Henry Parrish Jr.? My gut says the Rebels will pull this one out.
The Pick: Ole Miss win but South Carolina +9 is the bet.
Nebraska vs. Rutgers: The winner will likely be ranked next week or very soon especially if Rutgers wins. The Scarlett Knights are averaging 238 rushing yards per contest. The flip side is Rutgers giving up 173 rushing yards on defense. As long as the Cornhuskers take care of the ball this College Football podcaster doesn’t see back to back home losses. The point spread is the item that is difficult to call.
The Pick: Nebraska -6.5
Boston College in a slight upsets as a +1 road dog vs. Virginia.
Syracuse pulls the upset at a +7 road dog vs. #25 UNLV.
#22 Louisville vs. SMU: The Cardinals can’t afford to lose here as they still have a chance at a good season. SMU has yet to live up to expectations heading into the ACC. The real question is whether or not SMU has improved since a razor-close loss to BYU? This one will be an entertaining high-scoring affair.
The Pick: Louisville -6.5 and over the 56 point total.
Arizona vs. Texas Tech: Texas Tech outlasted Cincy last week and Zona won on the road in Utah. One would think the Wildcats offense should be putting up more points. However the Wildcats shouldn’t struggle to light up the scoreboard this week against the Red Raiders horrible defense. A good ole fashion Big-12 shootout seems highly likely making the perfect ingredients for a barnburner.
The Pick: Arizona -6.5 and the over 62.5 point total.
Minnesota +8.5 versus #11 USC.
Boston College +1 versus Virginia.
Honorable Mentions
Duke +9.5 versus Georgia Tech.
Iowa +20 versus #3 Ohio State
Stanford +8.5 versus Virginia Tech
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Quick Hits Recap
-Alabama QB Jalen Milroe threw for 374 yards and 2 TD’s along with 117 yards on the ground adding two more rushing touchdowns in the Crimson Tides dramatic 41-34 victory over Georgia.
-17-year old Crimson Tide receiver Ryan Williams had 6 catches, 177 yards, and put that icing on the cake with a spectacular 75-yard game clinching touchdown.
-Since 2021 the Georgia Bulldogs are 45-3, all 3 off losses came by the hands of Alabama.
-The Texas Longhorns are now 5-0 in two straight seasons for just the second time dating back 50 years.
-Kentucky takes down #6 Ole Miss with a late touchdown as a 15-point underdog on the road.
-Penn State’s backfield of Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton carried the bulk for the Nittany Lions rushing for 241 yards on 5.6 a clip and 3 touchdowns in a 21-7 win over Illinois.
-Heisman hopeful RB Ashton Jeanty dazzled once again rushing for 259 yards and 4 TD’s in Boise State’s victory over Washington State 45-24.
-The Indiana Hoosiers are 5-0 for the first time since the Nixon Administration.
Written by Chris Carlson Host of The College Ball Show Podcast available at blogtalkradio.com/ropeadoperadio & Follow on Twitter @RopeADopeRadio
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