College Football Week 6 Predictions: Geo/Ala, Oreg/UCLA, Tex/Okl and much more

Week 5 saw big wins by Alabama, Missouri, and Minnesota, along with several drama-filled scraps like USC/Washington and Kentucky/South Carolina. Week 6 features important tilts in the SEC, Big Ten, and Big-12. The conference races are heating up so buckle up for another fun week in College Football.

Marquee Matchups

#2 Georgia vs. #6 Alabama: The Crimson Tide host Georgia fresh off an impressive victory over Mississippi State in Starkville. The Bulldogs pulled away from Vanderbilt in the second half, setting up an early battle of the unbeatens. Alabama has played better competition, combining that with home field advantage gives them a slight edge over the Bulldogs. Georgia is the toughest test on paper for Alabama so we can expect this one to be close well into the 4th quarter. Prior the Georgia’s win in the SEC title game, Alabama had won their 3 previous meetings.

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Alabama -1.5

• Keelon Russell to go off
• Alabama more tested
• Bama at home

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The Pick: Alabama –1.5

#13 Oregon vs. #21 UCLA: The Ducks seemed to have recovered from their loss to Oklahoma State with a win over USC in Los Angeles. UCLA has improved and looking strong with a 4-0 start to the season. Oregon’s defense will have to attempt to contain the Bruins ground attack. It’s still a bit early, but 281 rushing yards per game is nothing to sneeze at. The Ducks defense has been leaky thus far, so this College Football podcaster is calling for an over 58.5-point total. QB Dante Moore is once again out, although he was seen on the practice field this week.

FanDuel

4.6/5

Tip: UCLA +11.5

• UCLA Much Improved
• Bruins to run the ball
• Take Oregon S/U

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The Pick: Oregon wins, but UCLA +11.5 is the pick.

Under The Radar

#1 Texas vs. Oklahoma: The Red River Rivalry returns to the Texas State Fair at the Cotton Bowl. We know the Sooners have a high-level defense, but can they finish enough drives on offense is the real concern for Oklahoma? Turnovers and redzone play on both sides of the ball will be the key to victory, especially for the Sooners. Texas is the more talented team, and the Longhorns have proven they can close in the 4th quarter. Texas has a better offense and is likely just as good as Oklahoma on defense. Can John Mateer deliver under the pressure Texas will bring from the opening whistle? On paper Texas should win but let us not forget it’s a rivalry that can produce tighter than expected contests.

The Pick: Texas –7.5

#20 Iowa vs. Washington: The Huskies are in a rut that will be hard to climb out of with Iowa coming into town. The Hawkeyes were undefeated with wins over Michigan and Iowa State until falling to Ohio State last week. Washington was beaten by Minnesota in Seattle and allowed USC to come back in Week 5. At some point the Huskies will end this losing streak, and playing Husky Stadium will only help. That said the Hawkeyes are no pushover and will be hungry looking to bounce back.

The Pick: Iowa +3.5 

Saturday Upset Special

Tulsa travels to Annapolis as a slight +2.5 road dog upsetting Navy.

Hardcore Barnburners

#23 Houston vs. Kansas State: Houston rallied last week to defeat UCF by scoring 24 points in the second half. The Wildcats took their first loss to a still unbeaten Cincy. Kansas State relies on their QB Avery Johnson probably too much; he threw 50 passes last week and leads the team in rushing. This toss up Big 12 matchup is important for both teams to stay alive in the conference race.

The Pick: Houston +2.5

#19 USC vs. Penn State: USC managed to beat Washington even with the student section calling for the firing of the head coach. Penn State was destroyed by Northwestern’s rush attack, and the week before allowed a 17-point comeback from Wisconsin. The Trojans have struggled when going east to the point USC couldn’t pull away from Rutgers.

The Pick: USC +1.5

Against The Spread

UCF +9.5 versus Oklahoma State

Syracuse +9.5 versus Virginia

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Quick Hits Recap

-Alabama QB Keelon Russell threw for 3 touchdowns in a decisive 56-23 victory at Mississippi State.

-Although the Bulldogs fought back after getting down 14-0 early, Alabama outgained Mississippi State 483 to 302 in total yards.

-All world Ohio State WR Jermiah Smith caught 11 balls for 206 yards and two touchdowns as the Buckeyes defeated Iowa 31-14.

-Missouri RB Jamal Roberts rushed for 211 yards and 3 touchdowns as the Tigers shocked Florida 45-17.

-USC was down 21-10 early in the 3rd quarter versus Washington. The Trojans put up 15 unanswered points to win 25-21.

-Northwestern ran the ball 55 times for 413 yards in an absolute shellacking of Penn State 34-13.

-Minnesota defeated Michigan for the first time at home since 1977 in a 20-14 outcome.

Written by Chris Carlson Host of The College Ball Show available under  The Rope A Dope Radio Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker, I-Heart Radio, Amazon Podcasts, Tunein, Deezer, Podchaser, Castbox  & More! Follow on Twitter @RopeADopeRadio