Week 6 might look like a light week of games, but those are always the weeks that lead to the most chaos.

Maryland at Michigan

Analysis:

Both of these teams come into this game with one loss on the season. Maryland has look solid in their games with the exception of a loss to Temple. Maryland tends to focus on the run game as last week they had two 100 yards rushers in Ty Johnson and Anthony McFarland. If Maryland wants to compete in this game, they will need to run effectively against a depleted Michigan defensive line. Tre Watson came up big on defense with 11 total tackles, a sack and an interception. Their defense will also need to stop Michigan’s run game. In this game, Michigan faces their toughest opponent since their opener against Notre Dame. Shea Patterson has been solid at quarterback, but definitely not as good as advertised. Karan Higdon has been a weapon at running back, but the backfield will be helped out if Chris Evans (yes the guy who played Captain America) will play. Evans and Rashan Gary are listed as questionable for the game. If Gary is out on top of the already injured Aubrey Solomon, the defensive line will be quite depleted. Chase Winovich (who has the second best hair in college football besides Breckyn Hager) will need to be a force on the defensive line. This game should be an easy win for Michigan, but Maryland can not be overlooked (I should know as a Texas fan).

Prediction:

Michigan wins 31-16. They eventually force Maryland’s offense to just totally stall out and become too much to handle.

Texas vs Oklahoma

Analysis:

Now we get to the game that will make or break my weekend. Oklahoma May have the best offense in the country with Kyler Murray at quarterback. Their rushing attack is led by Murray and Trey Sermon. Hollywood Brown (I hate how much I love the nickname Hollywood) and CeeDee Lamb. This offense will face the best defense they have gone against this year. The matchup of Oklahoma’s offense and Texas’s defense will be the featured matchup of this game. Specifically Oklahoma’s receivers against Texas’s corners. Defensively, Oklahoma will need big games from Kenneth Murray and Curtis Bolton as they have had the last two weeks. They will also need to force Sam Ehlinger into making bad throws (typing that sentence gave me PTSD of the USC and Oklahoma State game last year for Texas). Kyler Murray needs to make plays and be a threat both through the air and on the ground. Texas has looked very good this season after their opening loss. The biggest thing to point to has been Sam Ehlinger minimizing his bad throws. Ehlinger has not thrown an interception since the Maryland game. Texas will need to run the ball effectively as other teams have done this successfully against Oklahoma (now Tim Beck if you’re reading this, I do not mean make the quarterback run a draw play three times in a row, I mean hand the ball off to a running back I know this is complicated for you). Keaontay Ingram and Tre Watson will be given some carries and they need to produce. Texas needs a big game from their secondary. PJ Locke, Kris Boyd, and true freshman breakout Caden Sterns will have a big ask slowing down Oklahoma’s receivers, but if they can do this successfully, Texas can definitely win this game. This game will be a close game and come down to the wire just as every Red River Shootout (I absolutely refuse to call it the Red River Rivalry or Showdown). This game will come down to who better executed their game plan.

Prediction:

My brain says Oklahoma probably wins by a score of 31-27. My heart says Texas pulls off the upset. You can choose which one to believe.

Boston College at North Carolina State

Analysis:

This game features two good teams that have flown under the radar this year. Boston College comes into this game with just one loss on their record. The bad news for the Eagles is that AJ Dillon playing is a game time decision with an ankle injury. Anthony Brown has been very inconsistent at quarterback. Ben Glines will have to step up into the starting running back role if Dillon is out. Thankfully for Boston College, Glines put up 120 yards for them on the ground last week. Zach Allen will be a key player defensively, and should hopefully force Ryan Finley to act quick. This game for Boston College will come down to how much AJ Dillon can go, and how much Ben Glines can be a factor running the ball in Dillon’s absence. Anthony Brown also needs a good day throwing the ball. North Carolina State is 4-0 on the season. They have not played anyone of note with their scheduled game against West Virginia getting cancelled. Ryan Finley is very efficient at quarterback and can always be relied upon to get the job done (this dude will be a career backup quarterback, I have nothing to back this up but I just sense it). Ricky Person Jr. put up 108 yards on just fourteen carries running the ball. Defensively, Latrell Murchison had three sacks on the day last week. North Carolina State will need Finley to be solid, and to be ready to slow down Boston College’s rushing attack.

Prediction:

North Carolina State wins 28-20. The uncertainty with AJ Dillon makes it hard to pick Boston College.

Clemson at Wake Forest

Analysis:

Clemson survived a scare last week against Syracuse where they trailed through the whole game. Thankfully for Clemson, Trevor Lawrence is expected to return to action this week after leaving last week’s game with a sprained neck. While Lawrence has done very well in his time at quarterback, Travis Etienne has been a reliable runner and a go to player in this offense as he had 203 yards on the ground against Syracuse. A nod also needs to given to Mitch Hyatt and Clemson’s offensive line for their run blocking. Clemson’s defensive line is still the scariest unit in college football (even though it’s an unspoken rule you can hold them as much as you please). Clemson should completely overwhelm this Wake Forest team. Wake Forest, while clearly overmatched, is still no slouch. Luke Masterson is a player to watch at defensive back as he had eight total tackles and an interception last week. He will need to make more plays at defensive back this week and try to shut down Tee Higgins. Sam Hartman had an efficient game last week at quarterback throwing for four touchdowns. Greg Dortch was his number one target who had 163 yards receiving and caught all four touchdowns. For Wake Forest to win, they will need a lot of things to break right.

Prediction:

Clemson is too much to handle as they win 38-13.

Florida State at Miami

VS.

Analysis:

While it is clear that Miami is the better team, rivalry games always bring out the best in both teams (it is also impossible for this game to be less competitive than the battle between the turnover chain be turnover backpack). Florida State has finally found some footing as they come into this game with two straight wins. While the wins are against poor competition, Florida State should be thankful for any win they get. Florida State has a very weak offensive line, so Deondre Francois will need to make quick decisions. Cam Akers will also need to be able to absorb some hits from Miami’s swarming (I could not think of a good adjective at all but you catch my drift) defense. The Seminole need to make the most out of their skill position talent and spread the ball around as the have playmakers at receiver. Defensively, Florida State needs to rattle N’Kosi Perry and keep the ball out of the hands of Miami’s receivers. Miami will completely collapse Florida State’s offense if they can apply pressure to the quarterback and run game. Cam Akers is Florida State’s most reliable offensive threat and neutralizing him will be huge. If their defense can put up points or put the offense in good field position, it will be a huge plus for the Hurricanes. Miami needs to try and establish the run game like they did last week against North Carolina. This game should be easy for Miami as all of their strengths play into Florida State’s weaknesses.

Prediction:

Miami wins 27-6 as Florida State’s offense completely stalls out. Miami has at least one defensive touchdown.

LSU at Florida

Analysis:

LSU comes into this game as a team on the rise. They are undefeated and have multiple impressive wins. This team is also just like every good LSU teams. Nick Brossette has stepped in as their workhorse running back. Justin Jefferson, Terrace Marshall Jr, and Jonathan Giles make up their strong receiving corp. They have the same nasty defense all LSU teams have, and will grind teams down (all they need is an Australian punter who taunts opposing teams). Joe Burrow has been the difference maker at quarterback. While he may not fill out a stat sheet, but he makes big throws when they matter. Greedy Williams may be the best corner in the country and he will need to slow down Florida’s receivers with the help of Grant Delpit. Florida is a team that has looked better as the season goes on. Their loss to Kentucky looks way better than it did at the time. Florida will need to try and slow down LSU’s run game and force Burrow to make the throws necessary to beat them. Jachai Polite will be a key player for the Gators as the defensive end was the teams leading tackler last week and had two sacks. This game will probably be ugly, and it will likely come down to who can make a big play.

Prediction:

LSU wins 16-13. There will be a lot of long drawn out drives that end up in field goals.

Arizona State at Colorado

Analysis:

I never did think at the beginning of the season that this game would have big implications on the Pac 12 South Title. Colorado is undefeated but has yet to really face a quality team (their opponents are a combined 1-16). Steven Montez has been a reliable quarterback that can get the ball in the hands of his playmaking receivers while also making plays with his legs. Laviska Shenault is one of the best receivers in the country. Travon McMillan is a solid back who will get the yardage necessary. Davion Taylor has stepped up defensively as he converted to linebacker and immediately started making plays along with fellow linebackers Drew Lewis and Nate Landman. Trey Udoffia will have the tough task of covering N’Keal Harry. Slowing down Harry while scoring a good amount on offense is the key to success for Colorado. Arizona State’s offense is starting to show more and more weapons as the season progresses. Eno Benjamin exploded for 312 rushing yards and four total touchdowns last week. N’Keal Harry is one of the best receivers in the country, and Manny Wilkins can get the job done at quarterback. Whoever gets the job of covering Shenault will be the biggest key to the game for the Sun Devils.

Prediction:

Colorado comes out on top 38-35.

Kentucky at Texas A&M

Analysis:

Kentucky has come out of nowhere this year achieving a 5-0 record on the season so far. Benny Snell is emerging as one of the top running backs in the country behind a stellar offensive line. Terry Wilson makes up for his shortcomings throwing the ball by being dynamic on the ground. Josh Allen has become a force on the defensive line. This team has had many players step up this season. Against Texas A&M, they will need to focus on pass defense as Kellen Mond has been effective throwing the ball against strong opponents. Snell will need to establish the ground game with the help of their offensive line as well. Kentucky has the tools to win this game, they just need to execute. Texas A&M comes into this game with two losses, but they were against two of the best teams in the country. What is concerning for the Aggies is the poor and sloppy performance they had against Arkansas last week that they were lucky to come out of victorious. Kellen Mond had a rough day throwing the ball, and they were thankfully (not thankfully for me obviously but I’m sure to some Aggie fans) bailed them out. Their defensive line doing well would be huge, as it was last week when they had six sacks. Texas A&M also has the benefit of this game being played at Kyle Field.

Prediction:

Kentucky wins 28-24. Benny Snell runs wild again and people convince themselves it’s basketball season and that is why Kentucky is succeeding.

Auburn at Mississippi State

Analysis:

Mississippi State has been quite disappointing offensively the last couple weeks. Their offense has put up 13 combined points in their last two outings. Nick Fitzgerald has thrown a combined 27/62 with zero touchdowns and one interception. The most anyone has rushed for in a game was 41 yards. Those numbers will not cut it in the SEC. The one thing I can say is that they need to fix their offense in order to win this game. It may be time to let Keytaon Thompson get some reps at quarterback. Their defense has done well especially their defensive line. Auburn comes off a win, but a disappointing one against Southern Miss by a score of 24-13. Auburn will need their offensive line to give Jarrett Stidham time to throw, and block for their group of running backs. This may be a tough ask, but their offensive line falling flat is the one way I can see Auburn losing. It is possible this game could end up at a 3-2 final score like it did 10 years ago.

Prediction:

Auburn wins 20-10. This game will be ugly.

Notre Dame at Virginia Tech

Analysis:

Virginia Tech bounced back from an embarrassing loss to Old Dominion by beating up on Duke 31-14 last week. It does seem like their defensive performance against Old Dominion was just an outlier. Josh Jackson is still out, but Ryan Willis is definitely a serviceable backup as he threw for three touchdowns last week. They need to be able to run on Notre Dame’s defensive line to take some pressure off of Willis. Their defense needs to be ready for this revitalized Notre Dame offense. The recent change in quarterback for Notre Dame makes it harder for teams to prepare. Virginia Tech needs to try and rattle Ian Book as this is his first away game in a truly hostile environment. Notre Dame has seemingly found a gem in quarterback Ian Book. Book has thrown for over 600 yards and six touchdowns in his first two starts this season. Dexter Williams also returned to the lineup and had 161 yards rushing. Williams will be relied upon more this week as his backups Tony Jones Jr and Jafar Armstrong could both be out. Notre Dame will need to put pressure on Ryan Willis and rattle him in his first big game. The environment at Virginia Tech will also sway this game some.

Prediction:

Notre Dame wins 31-24.

G5 Football, or Group of Five meaning non Power Five Conference if you did not know, is something that I think is under appreciated. There are a lot of good teams, and players at the G5 level. Not only that, but there are some teams that are very fun to watch. In this list, I will give you the G5 teams that are the most exciting to watch in my opinion.

Top 5 G5 Teams to Watch

5. Army

Due to their restrictions with recruiting, Army has to find a way to be competitive. Army has done this by running the triple option and dominating the run game. Any team that commits to a unique style of play will instantly gain my respect. The triple option is difficult to prepare for and can give opposing defenses fits. When the triple option works, it is very interesting to watch.

4. Houston

Houston has emerged as one of the G5 superpowers recently. They have a high powered offense led by dual threat quarterback D’Eriq King that will always put up points. Ed Oliver is an absolute monster at defensive tackle. The amount of talent on this team is very evident.

3. North Texas

North Texas has had a recent resurgence under head coach Seth Littrell. Their offense has put up 44 points per game. Mason Fine is one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the country both as a passer and runner. They have an extremely talented group of receivers led by Jaelon Darden, Rico Bussey Jr, and Jalen Guyton. Khairi Muhammad is a great safety who is not afraid to come crashing down on a blitz. This team is just flat out exciting and they also have some pretty great uniforms as pictured below.

2. Hawaii

Hawaii is another team that has a high powered offense. Cole McDonald already sits at 2,000 passing yards on the season throwing 24 touchdowns to just 2 interceptions. John Ursua is the nation’s leading receiver with 50 receptions for 771 yards and 12 touchdowns. Hawaii is just flat out fun to watch, and head coach Nick Rolovich seems to have a good thing going there. They also have some nice uniforms, but definitely need to regularly incorporate the rainbow themed one.

1. UCF

So UCF won the National Championship last year (the more they play into this claim, the better as I know Alabama must hate it) and I honestly think this team might be better. They are undefeated and have won every game by double digits. McKenzie Milton is an outstanding quarterback who can make big plays through the air and on the ground. Adrian Killins is also a very talented receiver. I think it is nearly impossible not to cheer for this team after the turnaround they had and their continued success after Scott Frost left.

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