NCAAF Week 6 Preview

By Owen Pannell | KZA Sports

Not necessarily crazy headliner games, but this weekend should be a great college football weekend. Plus, next Saturday is about to be NUTS.

Biggest Games

1. Vanderbilt at Alabama (-11.5) - 3:30 pm ET

Never thought Vandy would get a game of the week, but here we are. The undefeated Commodores go down to Tuscaloosa to try and take down the Crimson Tide for the 2nd year in a row. College Gameday will be present, and the guest picker will be none other than Theo Von (Diego Pavia’s possible lover). It’ll be very tough for Vandy to pull this one off, but if they do, it’s time we have legit discussions about them being a playoff team.

2. Miami (-4.5) at Florida State - 7:30 pm ET

A rivalry game that has major ACC and playoff implications. It could have been a top 10 matchup if FSU didn’t get upset by Virginia last week, but it’s still a very intriguing game. Miami has been one of the best teams in the country, but going on the road in Tallahassee is no easy task.

3. Texas (-5.5) at Florida - 3:30 pm ET

Both teams had extremely hyped up QBs that have been disappointing, but the Gators have an abysmal 1-3 record. Yes, they’re schedule is much better than the Longhorns’, but this is definitely a disappointment so far. Both teams really want this win, but Texas has to be sure not to look ahead to Red River.

4. Mississippi State at Texas A&M (-16.5) - 7:30 pm ET

Mississippi State almost pulled off a huge upset over Tennessee last week, and now they go down to Kyle Field to take on the 6th ranked Aggies. A&M might actually be good for once, and coming off a close win vs Auburn, they’re ready for more. Favored by 16.5, they are a heavy favorite, but the Bulldogs have been underdogs all year.

5. Virginia at Louisville (-6.5) - 3:30 pm ET

Virginia just upset Florida State which earned them the 24th spot in the AP poll, but Louisville is a very talented squad that looks to remain undefeated. Whoever wins should definitely be a top 20 team in my opinion, and they could be ACC contenders.

Upset Alert

1. Boise State at Notre Dame (-20.5) - 3:30 pm ET

I would be very careful in this one if I was the Irish. Maddux Madsen and Boise State have been playing great ball since their week 1 loss, and with a 20.5 point spread, ND might be taking this one too lightly. I don’t know if I’m going to pick the Broncos, but it’s definitely on my mind.

2. Texas Tech (-11.5) at Houston - 7:00 pm ET

I’ve got the Red Raiders as a top 5 team, but missing their starting QB on the road vs an undefeated Houston team could be trouble. The Cougars are coming off a very tight win over Oregon State, and they think they can be contenders in the conference this year.

3. Minnesota at Ohio State (-23.5) - 7:30 pm ET

This doesn’t seem too likely, but Minnesota is definitely a solid team, and if the cards fall in their favor, there could be a massive upset in Columbus. 

Biggest Storylines

- Diego Pavia

This man just bleeds headlines. First, Johnny Manziel announces he’ll be on the Vandy sideline, and then his boy Theo Von is announced to be the guest picker. If he somehow upsets Bama for the 2nd time, he’ll be an absolute LEGEND in college football.

- Mike Hawkins Jr

Another QB that will be in the news this week, Oklahoma backup Michael Hawkins Jr will be filling in for former Heisman favorite John Mateer. Sooner nation needs him to preform well in case they need him next week vs Texas.

- Top team in the ACC

Whoever wins this Florida State vs Miami game will easily be the top team in the ACC. Florida State could make it back into the top 10 with a win, but the Hurricanes have a case for number 1 if they win. 

Friday Night Football

1. West Virginia at BYU (-19.5) - 10:30 pm ET

The Friday night headliner this week is a late one, a Big 12 matchup between the Mountaineers and the Cougars. WVU has been disappointing for me this year, and BYU has exceeded expectations after losing Jake Retzlaff. West Virginia is 19.5 point dogs, but I can see a world where they get this dub.

2. Western Kentucky at Delaware (-2.5) - 7:00 pm ET

College Football sickos love this matchup. Both teams look like contenders in CUSA, and that’s very impressive for Delaware considering this is their first year in the FBS. 

Predictions

- Western Kentucky at Delaware (-2.5): Western Kentucky

I love the Hilltoppers offense, and I think the Delaware hype may be a little too much.

- West Virginia at BYU (-19.5): BYU

West Virginia has not been great this year, I think the Cougs will get it done.

- Kentucky at Georgia (-19.5): Georgia

Georgia wants revenge after last week, they’ll win and cover.

- Iowa State at Cincinnati (-1.5): Iowa State

Iowa State is a top big 12 contender, and I’ve got them getting a nice road win.

- Wisconsin at Michigan (-17.5): Michigan

I don’t think they’ll cover, but I do think the Wolverines get it done.

- Illinois (-8.5) at Purdue: Illinois

Purdue is solid, but Illinois outmatches them.

- Boston College at Pittsburgh (-6.5): Pittsburgh

Both are mid ACC teams, but I like Pitt a bit more, especially at home.

- Clemson (-14.5) at North Carolina: Clemson

Nobody in their right mind will watch this game, but I think Clemson will pull it together a bit after a bye week.

- Kansas State at Baylor (-5.5): Baylor

Sawyer Robertson is one of the nation’s most underrated QB’s, and I think he leads the Bears to a dub.

- Texas (-5.5) at Florida: Texas

Florida’s offense won’t “pop” against this good Texas defense.

- Vanderbilt at Alabama (-11.5): Vanderbilt

The stars are aligned for Vandy to pull off another insane upset. I think Pavia makes it happen.

- Boise State at Notre Dame (-20.5): Boise State

Notre Dame could be taking this game too lightly, I think the Broncos pull off a massive upset.

- Virginia at Louisville (-6.5): Louisville

Louisville is more talented than Virginia, and in a let down spot for the Cavaliers, I think they get it done.

- Washington (-5.5) at Maryland: Washington

Washington didn’t look too bad against Ohio State, and Maryland is far lower comp.

- Syracuse at SMU (-17.5): SMU

It’ll be closer than 17.5, but the Mustangs will win.

- Michigan State at Nebraska (-12.5): Nebraska

This will be a good game, but Nebraska at home gives them the edge.

- Texas Tech (-11.5) at Houston: Texas Tech

Despite not having their starting QB, I think the Red Raiders will take care of business in Houston.

- UNLV (-3.5) at Wyoming: UNLV

The Rebels are quietly in the CFP race, and they will pick up a quality road win over Wyoming.

- Minnesota at Ohio State (-23.5): Ohio State

Although on upset alert, I think Ohio State will win this handedly.

- Miami (-4.5) at Florida State: Florida State

Coming off a crushing loss, Florida State has a chance to get right back into the top 10 in a huge rivalry game. I’ve got the Seminoles in an upset.

- Mississippi State at Texas A&M (-16.5): Texas A&M

I really like the Bulldogs, but I don’t think they’re good enough to win on the road vs A&M.

- Colorado at TCU (-13.5): TCU

Coming off of a tough loss, TCU will get it done with a nice bounce back win.

- Kansas (-3.5) at UCF: Kansas

Kansas will get a solid win on the road over a decent UCF team.

- Duke (-2.5) at California: Duke

Duke’s been very up and down this year, but vs Cal, I think they’ll be up.

- Oregon State at App State (-1.5): Oregon State

Better late than never, right? Oregon State will finally get their first win on the road vs App State.

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