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College football Week 6: Picks and preview
Brianna Paciorka/USA Today Images

College football Week 6: Picks and preview

As we get ready for Week 6 action, the conference races are starting to heat up, with some untraditional football-successful schools making a little noise. Here are our previews and predictions (point spreads courtesy of DraftKings, and current at the time of publication and subject to change) for games featuring teams in The Associated Press Top 25, along with some other intriguing matchups.

All times Eastern. Statistics in parentheses are from 2022 unless otherwise noted.

 
1 of 25

No. 4 Michigan (5-0, 2-0 in Big Ten) at Indiana (3-2, 1-1 in Big Ten), Noon, Saturday, Fox

No. 4 Michigan (5-0, 2-0 in Big Ten) at Indiana (3-2, 1-1 in Big Ten), Noon, Saturday, Fox
Kirthmon F. Dozier/USA TODAY NETWORK

Is it time to take Michigan seriously after a rather decisive win at Iowa? The Wolverines' quarterback situation gets a lot of attention, but their defense ranks seventh in the nation, allowing 252.0 yards per game, and giving up an average of 11.6 points. Michigan did lose at then-No. 13 at Indiana in 2020, but these Hoosiers have totaled just 44 points in their two Big Ten games in edging Illinois and falling by 14 at Nebraska last weekend.

Prediction: Michigan (-22)

 
2 of 25

No. 17 TCU (4-0, 1-0 in Big 12) at No. 19 Kansas (5-0, 2-0 in Big 12), Noon, Saturday, FS1

No. 17 TCU (4-0, 1-0 in Big 12) at No. 19 Kansas (5-0, 2-0 in Big 12), Noon, Saturday, FS1
Raymond Carlin III/USA TODAY Sports

Come on, how many out there thought TCU and Kansas would both be undefeated and ranked for the first full week of October? TCU is tied for second in the country, averaging 48.5 points, while Kansas is tied for 12th at 41.6 per contest. When it comes to quarterback rating, the Horned Frogs' Max Duggan (997 yards, 11 touchdowns, zero touchdowns) is No. 1 in the country at 202.2, with the Jayhawks' Jalon Daniels (983 yards, 11 TDs, one INT; 329 rushing yards, 5 TDs)) sitting seventh at 177.5. TCU has won three straight and nine of the last 10 over Kansas.

Prediction: Kansas (+7)

 
3 of 25

No. 8 Tennessee (4-0, 1-0 in SEC) at No. 25 LSU (4-1, 2-0 in SEC), Noon, Saturday, ESPN

No. 8 Tennessee (4-0, 1-0 in SEC) at No. 25 LSU (4-1, 2-0 in SEC), Noon, Saturday, ESPN
Jake Crandall/ Advertiser/USA TODAY NETWORK

You have to go back to 2016 to find the last time Tennessee opened 5-0. The Volunteers did not play LSU that season and have lost five in a row against the Tigers , whom they have not faced since 2017. Going back further, Tennessee's last victory at Baton Rouge came in 2005. Meanwhile,  the Vols' two wins over ranked teams this season have come by a combined 12 points. LSU, meanwhile, is back in the Top 25 while riding a four-game winning streak following that heartbreaking loss to Florida State. While there are questions on offense, the Tigers have been getting it done with a defense allowing an average of 14.8 points. It will be interesting to see how Tennessee's Hendon Hooker (1,193 yards, eight touchdowns, zero interceptions) fares against the Tigers.

Prediction: Tennessee (-3)

 
4 of 25

Arkansas (3-2, 1-2 in SEC) at No. 23 Mississippi State (4-1, 1-1 in SEC), Noon, Saturday, SEC Network,

Arkansas (3-2, 1-2 in SEC) at No. 23 Mississippi State (4-1, 1-1 in SEC), Noon, Saturday, SEC Network,
Matt Bush/USA TODAY Sports

No longer in the Top 25, Arkansas faces a  ranked team for the third straight week after losing to then-No. 23 Texas A&M and Alabama. The Razorbacks  have won the last two meetings with Mississippi State but by a total of 10 points. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs are eying a third consecutive win after topping the Aggies. They've totaled 87 points in the last two games, thanks to the play of quarterback Will Rogers (72.8 completion percentage, 1,715 yards, 19 touchdowns, three interceptions).

Prediction: Arkansas (+8)

 
5 of 25

South Florida (1-4, 0-1 in AAC) at No. 24 Cincinnati (4-1, 1-0 in AAC), 2:30 p.m., Saturday, ESPN+

South Florida (1-4, 0-1 in AAC) at No. 24 Cincinnati (4-1, 1-0 in AAC), 2:30 p.m., Saturday, ESPN+
Katie Stratman/USA TODAY Sports

Cincinnati returns to the Top 25 for the first time since losing 31-24 at then-No. 19 Arkansas. The Bearcats have outscored their opponents 177-72 during the four-game winning streak that's followed. Quarterback Ben Bryant (1,383 yards, 13 touchdowns, four interceptions) is starting to feel more comfortable, thanks in part to receivers Tyler Scott and Tre Tucker, who have combined for 51 receptions and 823 yards. The Bearcats have won four straight over South Florida, which has dropped 14 consecutive road contests since winning at East Carolina on Oct. 26, 2019.

Prediction: Cincinnati (-27 1/2)

 
6 of 25

Auburn (3-2, 1-1 in SEC) at No. 2 Georgia (5-0, 2-0 in SEC), 3:30 p.m., Saturday, CBS

Auburn (3-2, 1-1 in SEC) at No. 2 Georgia (5-0, 2-0 in SEC), 3:30 p.m., Saturday, CBS
Dale Zanine/USA TODAY Sports

Georgia won its first three games by 120 combined points. But in the last two games versus Kent State and Missouri, they won by 21 total. Is there reason to be concerned about Georgia's status? The Bulldogs, who rallied to survive a serious scare against the Tigers last weekend, have committed five turnovers in the last two after not turning the ball over in the first three contests. Georgia has won five in a row over Auburn, which, dating to last season, has lost four straight against ranked opponents.

Prediction: Auburn (+30)

 
7 of 25

Texas Tech (3-2, 1-1 in Big 12) at No. 7 Oklahoma State (4-0, 1-0 in Big 12), 3:30 p.m., Saturday, FS1

Texas Tech (3-2, 1-1 in Big 12) at No. 7 Oklahoma State (4-0, 1-0 in Big 12), 3:30 p.m., Saturday, FS1
Michael C. Johnson/USA TODAY Sports

At roughly the halfway point of the season, Oklahoma State should be considered the favorite to win the Big 12's regular-season title. Especially after beating then-No. 16 Baylor on the road last weekend. When it comes to versatile threats, the Cowboys' Spencer Sanders (1,097 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, two interceptions, 185 rushing yards, four TDs) is among the best in the nation. He's thrown for 461 yards with two touchdowns, one interception, and run for 126 and two scores, while Oklahoma State has won each of the last two meetings with Texas Tech.

Prediction: Oklahoma (-9)

 
8 of 25

No. 11 Utah (4-1, 2-0 in Pac-12) at No. 18 UCLA (5-0, 2-0 in Pac-12), 3:30 p.m., Saturday, Fox

No. 11 Utah (4-1, 2-0 in Pac-12) at No. 18 UCLA (5-0, 2-0 in Pac-12), 3:30 p.m., Saturday, Fox
Melissa Majchrzak/USA TODAY Sports

Yes, it's UCLA, not Utah, that enters this matchup undefeated. The Bruins haven't gone 6-0 since 2005. But, accomplishing that feat again likely won't be easy against the Utes, who have won five straight in this series -- and the last three meetings at Pasadena. Since that opening 29-26 at Florida, Utah has outscored its next four opponents 184-43. Meanwhile, UCLA, which just knocked off then-No. 15 Washington 40-32, is averaging 41.4 points and is paced by veteran quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (1,211 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, one interception; 223 rushing yards, three rushing TDs).

Prediction: Utah (-4 1/2)

 
9 of 25

No. 21 Washington (4-1, 1-1 in Pac-12) at Arizona State (1-4, 0-2 in Pac-12), 4 p.m., Saturday, Pac-12 Network

No. 21 Washington (4-1, 1-1 in Pac-12) at Arizona State (1-4, 0-2 in Pac-12), 4 p.m., Saturday, Pac-12 Network
Jayne Kamin-Oncea/USA TODAY Sports

Speaking of Washington, the bloom is finally off the Huskies' rose following the aforementioned loss at UCLA. Now, Washington stays on the road to face a Sun Devils squad that's been outscored 140-76 during a four-game losing streak. That said, Arizona State has won seven straight home meetings in this series dating to a 33-31 loss on Oct. 27, 2001. Considering the state of both programs at the moment, that lengthy run for the Sun Devils seems in jeopardy of continuing.

Prediction: Arizona State (+14)

 
10 of 25

No. 3 Ohio State (5-0, 2-0 in Big Ten) at Michigan State (2-3, 0-2 in Big Ten), 4 p.m., Saturday, ABC

No. 3 Ohio State (5-0, 2-0 in Big Ten) at Michigan State (2-3, 0-2 in Big Ten), 4 p.m., Saturday, ABC
Joseph Scheller/Columbus Dispatch/USA TODAY NETWORK

When looking ahead during the early days of the 2022 season, this was a somewhat intriguing matchup. Now, it just seems like another opportunity for Ohio State to roll. The Buckeyes are the nation's highest scoring team (48.8 points per game), thanks to perhaps the best receiving corps in the country -- Emeka Egbuka, Marvin Harrison Jr., Julian Fleming -- even without Jaxon Smith-Njigba as a factor. Meanwhile, Michigan State was outscored 61-20 against league foes Minnesota and Maryland. The Spartans have also dropped six straight to the Buckeyes, and eight in a row to them at home.

Prediction: Ohio State (-26 1/2)

 
11 of 25

No. 9 Mississippi (5-0, 1-0 in SEC) at Vanderbilt (3-2, 0-1 in SEC), 4 p.m., Saturday, SEC Network

No. 9 Mississippi (5-0, 1-0 in SEC) at Vanderbilt (3-2, 0-1 in SEC), 4 p.m., Saturday, SEC Network
Petre Thomas/USA TODAY Sports

Ole Miss last started 6-0 and did not have to vacate any of those wins, in 1962. Considering Vandy has not won an SEC game since Oct. 19, 2019, one would think this stellar Rebels' start would continue. Mississippi has won the last three meetings with the Commodores by an average margin of 24 points. Rebels freshman Quinshon Judkins (535 rushing yards, six touchdowns) is off and running, which might not bode well for a Vanderbilt defense that allowed 228 yards on the ground in the 55-3 loss at Alabama during their most recent contest on Sept. 24.

Prediction: Mississippi (-17 1/2)

 
12 of 25

No. 5 Clemson (5-0, 3-0 in ACC) at Boston College (2-3, 1-2 in ACC), 7:30 p.m., Saturday, ABC

No. 5 Clemson (5-0, 3-0 in ACC) at Boston College (2-3, 1-2 in ACC), 7:30 p.m., Saturday, ABC
Ken Ruinard/staff/USA TODAY NETWORK

Perhaps the most impressive thing about Clemson's early success is its ability to remain calm and focused. The Tigers have been the better team in every contest to date, and are playing with a ton of confidence, even if star defensive tackle Bryan Breese will miss a second consecutive game with a kidney infection. Following back-to-back wins over ranked teams in Wake Forest and North Carolina State, Clemson tries for a 12th consecutive victory over Boston College. The Golden Eagles just edged Louisville at home, but have also allowed 77 points in their last two contests.

Prediction: Clemson (- 20 1/2)

 
13 of 25

No. 20 Kansas State (4-1, 2-0 in Big 12) at Iowa State (3-2, 0-2 in Big 12), 7:30 p.m., Saturday, ESPNU

No. 20 Kansas State (4-1, 2-0 in Big 12) at Iowa State (3-2, 0-2 in Big 12), 7:30 p.m., Saturday,  ESPNU
Scott Sewell/USA TODAY Sports

Kansas State has lost two in a row and three of the last four meetings with Iowa State. However, Adrian Martinez (654 passing yards, three touchdowns, 469 rushing yards, nine TDs) has found a nice, but temporary, home with the Wildcats. So, he could be a challenge for the Cyclones' defense, which is still pretty stingy while allowing an average of 14.4 points. Iowa State's issue has been an offense that's been held to 11 or fewer points twice in 2022.

Prediction: Iowa State (+2)

 
14 of 25

South Carolina (3-2, 0-2 in SEC) at No. 13 Kentucky (4-1, 1-1 in SEC), 7:30 p.m., Saturday, SEC Network

South Carolina (3-2, 0-2 in SEC) at No. 13 Kentucky (4-1, 1-1 in SEC), 7:30 p.m., Saturday, SEC Network
Petre Thomas/USA TODAY Sports

The return of Chris Rodriguez didn't really help Kentucky, which averaged 2,9 yards per rush during last weekend's 22-19 loss to then-No. 14 Mississippi. The Gamecocks, meanwhile, are allowing 185.4 rushing yards per game and 4.4 per carry. Whether that helps the Wildcats' run game break out remains to be seen. Still, Kentucky's defense, allowing 14.8 points per game, should be stout enough to stymie a South Carolina program that's lost eight straight SEC road contests. The Gamecocks have dropped four straight at Kentucky.

Prediction: Kentucky (-10 1/2)

 
15 of 25

No. 16 BYU (4-1) vs. Notre Dame (2-2), at Las Vegas, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, NBC/Peacock

No. 16 BYU (4-1) vs. Notre Dame (2-2), at Las Vegas, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, NBC/Peacock
Bob Donnan/USA TODAY Sports

Las Vegas will be the stage for perhaps the weekend's most unheralded matchup. BYU is the only ranked team of the two, but the Irish are the early favorite. Notre Dame has won the last three meetings in this series, but the teams haven't met since 2013. The Irish have also found their form following that 0-2 start but still weren't dominant in beating Cal and North Carolina. Notre Dame quarterback Drew Pyne has thrown five touchdowns and no interceptions in starting the last two games, but it could have better success running the ball against a Cougars defense that's allowing 162.6 rushing yards per contest.

Prediction: Notre Dame (-3 1/2)

 
16 of 25

Washington State (4-1, 1-1 in Pac-12) at No. 6 USC (5-0, 3-0 in Pac-12), 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Fox

Washington State (4-1, 1-1 in Pac-12) at No. 6 USC (5-0, 3-0 in Pac-12), 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Fox
Jayne Kamin-Oncea/USA TODAY Sports

It's somewhat hard to believe that USC last started 6-0 in 2006. Fast forward 16 years, and the Trojans appear in good shape to finally do it again. The preseason hype of Lincoln Riley's first USC team is real, and it might be time to start associating the team with a College Football Playoff berth. Yes, it's still early, and the Trojans should win a fourth straight contest from Washington State. Especially with Caleb Williams (1,402 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, one interception, three rushing TDs) and Jordan Addison (29 receptions, 442 yards, six TDs) playing at a high level.

Prediction: USC (+13)

 
17 of 25

Army (1-3) at No. 15 Wake Forest (4-1), 7:30 p.m., Saturday, ESPN3

Army (1-3) at No. 15 Wake Forest (4-1), 7:30 p.m., Saturday, ESPN3
Danny Wild/USA TODAY Sports

We know how good Sam Hartman (1,196 yards, 15 touchdowns, two interceptions) is, but expect Wake to pound the football in this non-conference contest. Demon Deacons Justice Ellison and Christian Turner have combined for 540 rushing yards and five touchdowns. And, Army is giving up an average of 222.0 yards on the ground. Ellison, Turner, and Hartman each had a rushing score during Wake's wild 70-56 win at Army last season.

Prediction: Wake Forest (-17)

 
18 of 25

Texas A&M (3-2, 1-1 in SEC) at No. 1 Alabama (5-0, 2-0 in SEC), 8 p.m., Saturday, CBS

Texas A&M (3-2, 1-1 in SEC) at No. 1 Alabama (5-0, 2-0 in SEC), 8 p.m., Saturday, CBS
Thomas Shea/USA TODAY Sports

Prior to the season, this was expected to be one of 2022's premier regular-season contests. Well, the Aggies, looking to beat Alabama for a second straight season, were just blown out by 18 points against Mississippi State in their first true road game last week. However, this year's matchup is not without intrigue after the Tide's reigning Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young (1,202 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, three interceptions) injured his shoulder last weekend . Should his freshman replacement, 6-foot-2, 212-pound Jalen Milroe, who amassed 156 total yards with a rushing and passing touchdown in the win at Arkansas, get a start Saturday, another star might be born in Tuscaloosa.

Prediction: Texas A&M (+24)

 
19 of 25

Florida State (4-1, 2-1 in ACC) at No. 14 North Carolina State (4-1, 0-1 in ACC), 8 p.m., Saturday, ACC Network

Florida State (4-1, 2-1 in ACC) at No. 14 North Carolina State (4-1, 0-1 in ACC), 8 p.m., Saturday, ACC Network
Melina Myers/USA TODAY Sports

This ACC matchup features two teams trying to rebound from their first losses of the season. N.C. State hung around for three quarters at Clemson, but managed just 279 total yards of offense. Meanwhile, Florida State's defense wasn't really up to the task during its 31-21 loss versus then-No. 22 Wake Forest last weekend. The Wolfpack have won two in a row and four of the last five against Seminoles, who have allowed 85 points in dropping their last two at Raleigh.

Prediction: North Carolina State (-3)

 
20 of 25

No. 12 Oregon (4-1, 2-0 in Pac-12) at Arizona (3-2, 1-1 in Pac-12), 9 p.m., Saturday, Pac-12 Network

No. 12 Oregon (4-1, 2-0 in Pac-12) at Arizona (3-2, 1-1 in Pac-12), 9 p.m., Saturday, Pac-12 Network
Troy Wayrynen/USA TODAY Sports

With four straight wins, the Ducks have hit their stride. And, the offense is starting to gel behind Bo Nix (1,261 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, three interceptions, 261 rushing yards, five rushing TDs) and a supporting cast that's seen 13 different players score touchdowns this season. Arizona, however, has won the last two home meetings in this series, with the most recent coming in 2018. Yet, the Wildcats have lost five in a row against ranked opponents.

Prediction: Oregon (-13)

 
21 of 25

Texas (3-2, 1-1 in Big 12) at Oklahoma (3-2, 0-2 in Big 12), at Dallas, Noon. Saturday, ABC

Texas (3-2, 1-1 in Big 12) at Oklahoma (3-2, 0-2 in Big 12), at Dallas, Noon. Saturday, ABC
Kevin Jairaj/USA TODAY Sports

A few weeks back, the Red River Showdown looked to be appointment viewing featuring two ranked teams. However, Texas still has not won back-to-back games this season, while the Sooners are trying to avoid losing three in a row for the first time since a five-game skid in 1998. That said, this rivalry tends to be highly entertaining each season, with defense usually at a premium, Oklahoma has won the last three regular-season rivalry meetings -- by a combined total of 22 points.

Prediction: Texas (-7)

 
22 of 25

Purdue (3-2, 1-1 in Big Ten) at Maryland (4-1, 1-1 in Big Ten), Noon, Saturday, Big Ten Network

Purdue (3-2, 1-1 in Big Ten) at Maryland (4-1, 1-1 in Big Ten), Noon, Saturday, Big Ten Network
Matt Krohn/USA TODAY Sports

After winning 20-10 then-No. 21 Minnesota, Purdue is trying to win back-to-back Big Ten road games in consecutive weeks for the first time since 2012. The Boilermakers lost their only league matchup at Maryland, 50-7, in 2016. The Terrapins have won seven straight home games against unranked opponents, and Taulia Tagovailoa is completing 75.5 percent of his passes while throwing for 1,416 yards. Meanwhile, six Maryland receivers have at least 12 receptions. The Terps, however, are giving up an average of 252.4 passing yards, which could mean a big day for Purdue quarterback Aidan O.Connell (1,199 yards, eight touchdowns, three interceptions).

Prediction: Purdue (+3)

 
23 of 25

Wisconsin (2-3, 0-2 in Big Ten) at Northwestern (1-4, 1-1 in Big Ten), 3:30 p.m., Saturday, Big Ten Network

Wisconsin (2-3, 0-2 in Big Ten) at Northwestern (1-4, 1-1 in Big Ten), 3:30 p.m., Saturday, Big Ten Network
Jeff Hanisch/USA TODAY Sports

Wisconsin opened the season as the favorite to win the Big Ten West Division. Now, in danger of starting 0-3 in league play for the first time since 2008, and after firing coach Paul Chryst, the Badgers are at somewhat of crossroads. Wisconsin's normally stingy defense allowed 86 points to Ohio State and Illinois, while the upstart Illini held the Badgers' offense to two rushing yards during last weekend's 24-point home defeat. Northwestern has totaled 68 points during its four-game skid that followed a 31-28 win over Nebraska but has won two straight and six of the last seven home meetings with Wisconsin.

Prediction: Northwestern (+8)

 
24 of 25

North Carolina (4-1, 1-0 in ACC) at Miami, Fla. (2-2, 0-0), 4 p.m., Saturday, ESPN2

North Carolina (4-1, 1-0 in ACC) at Miami, Fla. (2-2, 0-0), 4 p.m., Saturday, ESPN2
Bob Donnan/USA TODAY Sports

Expected to be an ACC title contender under Mario Cristobal, Miami still might be, but has to end a three-game losing streak after falling at then-No. 24 Texas A&M and, stunningly, versus Middle Tennessee. The Hurricanes allowed 45 points in the latter, and now face a Tar Heels squad that is tied for sixth in the nation averaging 45.4 points. North Carolina has also averaged 45.0 points during its current three-game winning streak against Miami.

Prediction: North Carolina (+3 1/2)

 
25 of 25

Iowa (3-2, 1-1 in Big Ten) at Illinois (4-1, 1-1 in Big Ten), 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Big Ten Network

Iowa (3-2, 1-1 in Big Ten) at Illinois (4-1, 1-1 in Big Ten), 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Big Ten Network
Jeff Hanisch/USA TODAY Sports

Armed with the nation's leading rusher in Chase Brown (733 yards) and a defense that's tied for the fewest average points allowed (8.4), surprising Illinois tries to build on its 34-10 road rout of Wisconsin from last weekend. Thus, putting the onus on Iowa, which has only allowed 50 points through five games but has already been held to 14 or fewer points three times. The Hawkeyes have won eight straight over the Illini, dating to a 27-24 loss at Champaign in 2008.

Prediction: Illinois (-3 1/2)

A Chicago native, Jeff Mezydlo has professionally written about sports, entertainment and pop culture for nearly 30 years. If he could do it again, he'd attend Degrassi Junior High, Ampipe High and Grand Lakes University.

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