Week 6 College Football Predictions: Alabama vs. Diego Pavia Showdown
We’re heading into Week 6 of college football, and things are getting wild. There are still 20 unbeaten teams out there, but that could change fast with some brutal matchups on tap.
Fans and analysts are buzzing, wondering who’ll finally fall. Let’s dig into the week’s biggest games, key players, and the matchups that could flip the script.
Unbeaten Teams Under the Microscope
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Three FBS teams haven’t trailed in a game yet: Miami, Texas Tech, and Maryland. The pressure’s mounting as they try to keep those perfect records alive.
Miami and Texas Tech actually look like favorites on the road against conference rivals. Maryland, though, is a 6.5-point underdog at home against the Washington Huskies. That’s a tall order.
Miami vs. Florida State
Miami Hurricanes take on Florida State Seminoles in a rivalry that always draws eyes. Miami’s defense, ranked eighth against the run, could be the difference-maker here.
Quarterback Carson Beck has had a few slip-ups lately. Still, it feels like Miami might squeak this one out, maybe with a late defensive play by Rueben Bain.
Texas Tech vs. Houston
Texas Tech’s defense has been rock-solid this season. They should be able to keep Houston’s offense under 300 total yards.
With Behren Morton back at quarterback, the Red Raiders look ready to hit 5-0 for the first time since 2013. Even though Houston has a pretty stingy pass defense, Texas Tech just seems to have more firepower.
Maryland vs. Washington
Maryland Terrapins are up against a serious challenge with the Washington Huskies coming to town. Malik Washington, Maryland’s freshman quarterback, has been electric and could put up 250 total yards and three touchdowns.
This matchup will really show if Maryland can hang with the big dogs.
Key Players to Watch
This week’s games are packed with big names who could tip the scales. Quarterbacks, running backs—there’s no shortage of talent about to hit the field.
Maverick McIvor (Western Kentucky)
Maverick McIvor has been lighting it up for Western Kentucky, steering the Hilltoppers to a 4-1 start. He’s thrown for over 300 yards in three games and has 11 touchdowns so far.
Delaware is favored, but McIvor could easily top 350 passing yards and toss a couple of touchdowns in this one.
Rashod Dubinion (Appalachian State)
Rashod Dubinion, formerly of Arkansas, is set to take on Oregon State. He’s fourth in the country with 128.3 rushing yards per game.
Don’t be surprised if he goes over 200 yards this week. Appalachian State needs him to step up after a tough stretch.
Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State)
Jeremiah Smith is back in the spotlight for Ohio State after a solid outing last week. The Buckeyes face Minnesota, and Smith looks ready to jump back into Heisman chatter with 10 catches, 150-plus yards, and two touchdowns.
Ohio State’s favored by 17, and Smith’s play could be the difference.
Potential Upsets and Predictions
Week 6 is ripe for upsets. Underdogs are hungry, and a few games could really shake things up.
Oregon State vs. Appalachian State
Oregon State’s 0-5 start has been rough, and now they’re on the road against Appalachian State. Even as 1.5-point underdogs, the Beavers might finally notch a win.
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Maalik Murphy and Rashod Dubinion will need to deliver big to get Oregon State over the hump.
Cincinnati vs. Iowa State
Cincinnati hosts Iowa State in what could get tense. Brendan Sorsby, Cincinnati’s quarterback, has been sharp, but Iowa State’s defense isn’t easy to crack.
Look for Iowa State QB Rocco Becht to break a late tie with a touchdown run, keeping the Cyclones perfect.
Louisville vs. Virginia
Virginia’s ranked for the first time since 2019 and wants to keep the good times rolling. Louisville’s Miller Moss and Isaac Brown, though, could spoil the party.
This one could go either way, but Louisville might just edge it out. Both teams have a lot to prove here.
Expert Analysis and Fan Predictions
Expert analysis and fan predictions always bring some extra spark to the college football season. Last week, some predictions landed perfectly, while others missed by a mile.
Here are a few notable hits:
- Haazim: *Cal goes to BC and bounces back with a big win to start ACC play.*
- Blair Cartwright: *Ole Miss wins 10-plus points and Brian Kelly pounds another table.*
- Andy Sills: *Luke Altmyer shreds the USC defense with his arm and his feet, and the Illini bounce back from the Indiana debacle and defeat USC.*
- Alan: *Virginia beats Florida State.*
- Alex Schraeger: *I think Oregon wins (big) outright and James Franklin cries at the press conference postgame.*
And, of course, the misses:
- Hunter S.: *LSU beats Ole Miss 20-14 because of a late turnover forced by Landry Kiffin.*
- Denny Beresford: *Georgia beats Alabama by 14 points or more.*
- Rob O.: *UCLA will not score a touchdown, but will win on all field goals and a safety.*
- Ralph: *Arkansas will play for coach Pittman’s job and shock Notre Dame as the Irish experience a bit of SEC hospitality. A key turnover and special teams play will be central to the upset.*
- Augustus: *Washington gets its 23rd consecutive home win in a 27-24 thrilling victory over Ohio State. Demond Williams has his breakout game, throwing a touchdown to Denzel Boston and running for 35-plus yards and a rushing TD.*
- Trent: *Syracuse rides their high of knocking off Clemson and with a backup QB, demolishes Duke at home.*
If you’re after more detailed predictions and analysis, check out the full article on college football predictions for Week 6.