College Football Week 6 Preview

Intense conference rivalry games highlight the docket last week. Two top ten teams fell out of the top ten largely based on the fact that they were facing a top ten team. Another powerhouse in recent years, Texas, took another tough hit with the loss and eliminated their chances of going back to the national title game barring a crazy two months ahead.

Looking at the top 5 games I highlighted, I went 4-1 and now am at 20-5 on the year after five weeks. Iowa had little trouble at home with Penn State as costly mistakes only contributed to the ease for the Hawkeyes. While in another Big Ten battle, the Michigan State Spartans outlasted the Wisconsin Badgers. It was everything the Iowa-Penn State battle was not. Michigan State looks to be a surprise team this year and both Wisconsin, who just lost to them, and Ohio State, a perennial Big Ten conference winner, know their capabilities. It creates a three team race with Iowa potentially as fourth dark horse in that conference.

And speaking of conference races, for much of the last decade Oklahoma and Texas have jockeyed for the right to be crowned Big 12 conference champions. The winner of the annual Red River Shootout has normally gone onto represent the South division in the conference in the conference title game and most times tends to go a BCS bowl game. Despite Texas' loss before the game, the hype was still high and the game tightened up at multiple occasions before Oklahoma's talent advantage and experience came through when it counted.

Another recent heated rivalry was about as much as a dud as Penn State-Iowa. Florida and Alabama are the last two national champions. Alabama did not have to deal with Florida QB Tim Tebow this year and it showed as they had little trouble moving the ball and dominating the Gators as they take a big step to potentially defending their title.

Finally, Stanford and Oregon was a tale of two halves. The first half looked like a Stanford rout, but their advantage quickly disappeared and Oregon was the team doing the destruction. The Ducks found ways to solve Stanford QB Andrew Luck's hot start and showed why they could find themselves as one half of the national title game. Despite the loss, Stanford could still find themselves in that same picture or least run the table.


Now on to Week 6 with a bunch of big games.

Games featuring top 25 teams/some that might be interesting:

Saturday, October 9
No. 11 Arkansas v Texas A&M: Arkansas is looking to rebound after a tough loss to Alabama and A&M has shown much improvement. Arkansas QB Ryan Mallet might be the difference in this one, but a mistake or two again could spring a big win for the Aggies.

Pittsburgh at Notre Dame: Their records are not flashy, but they have had some heated battles in the past. They both come in desperate for a win and it will likely bring out some very good football.

Oregon State at No. 9 Arizona: Arizona has an attack defense and a very good quarterback with QB Nick Foles. Oregon State entered the year with some promise. The fact that it is a conference matchup will make this matchup one to watch as it should come down to the wire.


And of course, the top 5 games to watch this week.

Top 5:

5) USC at No. 16 Stanford: USC has taken a bit of a step back the last couple years after dominating the Pac-10 for much of the decade. The Trojans are playing for pride this year after NCAA violations. QB Andrew Luck and Stanford are looking to recover after a tough blowout to Oregon. USC would love to play spoiler to Stanford especially considering Stanford cost USC a shot a national title a few years ago. Stanford has a bit more talent and the better quarterback. PREDICTION: STANFORD

4) No. 17 Michigan State at No. 18 Michigan: This battle for Michigan usually involves Michigan trying to challenge for a Big Ten crown with Michigan State trying to spoil their season. The two squads are very close in talent and skill now with Michigan State possibly having the edge. Michigan QB Denard Robinson will need to utilize all his abilities if they are to put the Spartans away. The Spartans defense against Robinson could be the key point of the matchup. After last week, Michigan State looks like a tough-minded team to beat. PREDICTION: MICHIGAN STATE

3) No. 23 Florida State at No. 13 Miami (FL): This has been a prime battle in the state of Florida for years. The kicker has often factored in these games in the past. Florida State looks to be on the way back as does Miami (FL), which adds to this game. QB Christian Ponder of Florida State vs QB Jacory Harris of Miami (FL) might be the ultimate x-factor in this one. Harris has had flashes of greatest, but comes up short in big games. The Hurricanes are at home, but something tells me the Seminoles will have a few surprises under new head coach Jimbo Fisher. PREDICTION: FLORIDA STATE

2) No. 12 LSU at No. 14 Florida: The Tigers and Gators are the winners of three of the last four BCS title games. The Swamp will be hyped up as these top SEC squads have a lot at stake. A loss by LSU would put them behind Alabama for a shot at SEC West while Florida would suffer its second loss and virtually be fighting for a top bowl game. The Tigers and especially their head coach Les Miles seem to play scrappy and do just enough. The lack of experience like last week will rear its ugly head again and the Tigers edge out a big road victory. PREDICTION: LSU

1) No.1 Alabama at No. 19 South Carolina: Alabama does not catch a break after surviving big SEC battles with Arkansas and Florida as they now go on the road to face South Carolina. South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier has turned around the Gamecocks and led by freshman HB Marcus Lattimore this team could trip up Alabama. The Tide is road tested and road tough. They somehow got past Arkansas on the road and they will need to be resourceful, but a late score and big defensive effort will allow them to survive again. PREDICTION: ALABAMA

As the season continues forward, the SEC has a couple big matchups that could shape the title game.