College football Week 6 Top 25 Betting Guide

---

Top 25 Betting Previews

Tennessee Volunteers at LSU Tigers
Spread: Tennessee -3
Total: 64.5

Tennessee was off last week so they got pushed up the rankings by some other losses. They certainly look like a "real" team this season and have been able to win close games. Quarterback Hendon Hooker is even getting some Heisman pub. LSU lost their opener by a point and has looked competent ever since. Nothing really stands out with the Tigers under Brian Kelly at this point. They have passed all of their SEC tests for far though. 

These teams are in different divisions so they don't have the same history as other SEC programs - they don't meet every year. LSU has won the past 5 matchups but the most recent was in 2017 and so much has changed since then. With such a small number here, whoever wins is going to cover the spread. Winning at LSU is going to be a challenge. 

Score Prediction: Tennessee 31 - LSU 23

I think this game is going to be close throughout. LSU might have better overall talent but they are behind in their implementation. 

---

Arkansas Razorbacks at Mississippi State Bulldogs
Spread: Mississippi State -9.5
Total: 59.5

Even though the Razorbacks were able to knock Bryce Young out of the game against Alabama they came up short. That is back-to-back losses and in the SEC West and it doesn't get any easier. Quarterback KJ Jefferson is questionable at the moment. Mississippi State has a lethal passing offense that is 7th in the nation. Their only blemish on the season is a loss at LSU. This game will be interesting in terms of setting their level but they are definitely catching the Hogs at the right time. 

Arkansas has won the last two in the series, both upset wins. Getting another one on Saturday is a tall ask, especially if Jefferson is not at 100%. I just don't see them being able to generate enough offense to keep up, even though the spread is larger than I would like. 

Score Prediction: Mississippi State 38 - Arkansas 24

I might look at a first-half play on the home side just to avoid a garbage time score costing us the money.

---

Michigan Wolverines at Indiana Hoosiers
Spread: Michigan -22.5
Total: 58.5

Michigan has looked good all season, most recently winning at Iowa by 13 (and covering). That was a much stiffer test than this trip to Indiana will be because at least the Hawkeyes know how to play defense. Somehow the Hoosiers beat Illinois in the first game of the season but since then they have not been impressive, especially in losing to Nebraska last week. They are alright throwing the ball around and they are going to need to be as they play catchup. 

Michigan should roll in this one. They do have Penn State at home next week, which is a big game, so they might be sleepy early or take their foot off the pedal late. Even if both happen they should be in command throughout.

Score Prediction: Michigan 45 - Indiana 13

Michigan is loaded and they have good depth. Late in the game, they can keep the Hoosiers from making it look respectable. 

---

TCU Horned Frogs at Kansas Jayhawks
Spread: TCU -7
Total: 68.5

Both teams are undefeated coming into this one. TCU had a big win over Oklahoma last week and they looked great doing it too. TCU QB Max Duggan might still be running. There is no doubt that the Horned Frogs are going to be overvalued heading into this one but they are also the more talented team. Kansas is the best story in the sport, and I want it to keep going as long as possible. Their quarterback and their coach just keep finding ways to win. 

This line makes sense. At some point, the Jayhawks bubble is going to burst and it is probably not going to be with a 27-24 victory. Losing to another team that is also exceeding expectations just seems to make some sense. 

Score Prediction: TCU 38 - Kansas 20

I just don't think the Jayhawks are going to keep up, even though we all want them to. You gotta bet with your head, not your heart. 

---

Texas Tech Red Raiders at Oklahoma State Cowboys
Spread: Oklahoma State -9.5
Total: 69.5

Texas Tech throws the ball around, they mastered that a long time ago under Mike Leach. Unfortunately, they also have mastered inconsistency. You never know what kind of effort you are going to get from the Red Raiders, especially on defense. On the flip side, Oklahoma State has become one of the most consistent teams in the Big 12. They might not be elite but when there is carnage in the conference they can definitely move to the head of the class.

We would have got more value with Ok State if this game was last week, after TTU's win over Texas. That costs us a few points but I think the home side should be able to get it done. They can play good complimentary football. 

Score Prediction: Oklahoma State 38 - Texas Tech 24

As long as this one stays at -10 or under, I like the home side a lot.

---

Auburn Tigers at Georgia Bulldogs
Spread: Georgia -29.5
Total: 49.5

This definitely feels like a death march for Harsin this week. This is one of the oldest rivalries in the sport though Georgia has dominated it of late, winning five in a row and eight of the last nine. Auburn is not a talentless team but you never know what you are going to get. That has also been the case with Dawgs this season, but when they are right they can beat almost anybody by a lot. Just ask Oregon. The fact that they have been off of last is not a good sign for the Tigers.

This is a massive line, especially given what we have seen from UGA over the last couple of weeks. They are more than capable though and perhaps a game against a rival is just what they need to get hungry again. 

Score Prediction: Georgia 49 - Auburn 7

Is that enough of an embarrassment to get the coach fired?

---

Utah Utes at UCLA Bruins
Spread: Utah -3.5
Total: 64.5

The Utes' season is going to be determined over the next couple of weeks. The opening loss to Florida means they can't really afford another slip and they are playing an undefeated UCLA this week (and likely undefeated USC the next). When they are firing on all cylinders they are very tough to beat, which is why they are favored on the road. UCLA is still a question mark for me. I give them full marks for beating Washington last week and this game being at home might give them a real shot. The quarterback is the key, as always. DTR has been enigmatic throughout his career. 

That hook is there for a reason but I am still siding with the visitors. Utah can make the UCLA offense have to beat it through the aid and I am not confident we can get good DTR two weeks in a row. Prove me wrong, man.

Score Prediction: Utah 31 - UCLA 20

UCLA gets caught when they have to play from behind for the second week in a row. 

---

Ole Miss Rebels at Vanderbilt Commodores
Spread: Ole Miss -16.5
Total: 61.5

Ole Miss won last week, so now they, and Alabama and Georgia, are the only undefeated teams in the SEC. They definitely have the easiest path of that group this week even though they are on the road. A balanced offense and a stingy defense should be more than enough to keep things going. Vandy lost 55-3 at Alabama two weeks ago. Some extra time to lick your wounds never hurts but it is not going to be enough to prepare for another buzz saw.

This line feels off, I was surprised that it was not over 20 points. Ole Miss should be able to get whatever they want and run all over the Commodores to keep things moving. 

Score Prediction: Ole Miss 48 - Vanderbilt 10

This is one of my favorite plays of the week even though it is super chalky. 

---

Washington Huskies at Arizona State Sun Devils
Spread: Washington -13.5
Total: 57.5

Washington has to be disappointed with last week's loss to UCLA. They can show us something here by laying waste to Arizona State, a team sinking to rock bottom. Otherwise, all of those yards from Michael Pennix are just empty calories. ASU was more competitive than I expected last week against USC. How long can they keep it up though? Washington is good at going for the jugular and the Sun Devils are exposed big time right now. 

These programs are heading in different directions right now. There might still be a buying opportunity on the Huskies off the public loss. They can win each half by a TD on the way to a comfortable win. 

Score Prediction: Washington 41 - Arizona State 19

I like this number but keep it under 14 points for best value (or tease it).

---

Ohio State Buckeyes at Michigan State Spartans
Spread: Ohio State -26.5
Total: 64.5

Ohio State is revving up and this one might get ugly. Last year they completely dominated MSU and that was a really good Spartans team. I say they are revving up because as good as Ohio State has looked I think their best football is still ahead of them. On the flip side, what happened to Sparty? I did not think they were going to be playoff worthy, but to take the brutal losses they have, has been surprising. I wonder how they feel about that Tucker extension now.

Ohio State was always going to be favored in this spot but by 4 TDs. It is a lot but well justified this season with the depth they have. It might feel off but it really shouldn't.

Score Prediction: Ohio State 49 - Michigan State 14

I don't like giving up so many points but other than location MSU has nothing going for it in this one.

---

Washington State Cougars at USC Trojans
Spread: USC -12.5
Total:65.5

Washington State's win in Madison has not aged well but this is still a competent group. Transfer QB Cam Ward was supposed to be this season's Bailey Zappe but that has not developed as expected for the Cougars. USC has one of the best offenses in the nation and if you can't slow them down it is hard to keep up. I thought we would get more out of them against Arizona State but overall I am not concerned. I like the way they can create big plays running and throwing the football. 

So far only one opponent has held USC under 41 points this season. I am not seeing Washington State doing that unless they play their best game of the season. In another road spot that is tough to bank on. 

Score Prediction: USC 48 - Washington State 27

USC should get the easy win this week at home, hopefully, they are not looking ahead to Utah next week. 

---

Clemson Tigers at Boston College Eagles
Spread: Clemson -20.5
Total: 48.5

Clemson just passed its biggest test yet, beating NC State at home last week by 10. I have to admit I thought they might fall and have to admit now that a perfect season now seems more likely than not. This is a letdown spot for the Tigers though. I am not sure Boston College can really take advantage though. It was good to see them get the win over Louisville last week, by a point, but the Cardinals are not the Tigers, on either side of the ball. QB Phil Jurkovec is going to have to be perfect to keep them in the game. 

I am still a little leery about backing Clemson with big numbers to cover. They might not give up more than 3 points in this game but also might not score a ton. I am still leaning toward the favorites though. I am not seeing how the Eagles can match up this season. 

Score Prediction: Clemson 34 - Boston College 3.

This line makes me nervous for a backdoor cover but the most likely outcome is an easy Clemson win.  

---

Kansas State Wildcats at Iowa State Cyclones
Spread: Kansas State -2
Total: 45.5

Farmageddon is about the best name for a rivalry, right? Kansas State is leaning hard on the legs of Adrian Martinez and Deuce Vaughn this season. It is working too, they have just one blemish so far. Meanwhile, Iowa State has really struggled offensively with Brock Purdy moved on. The defense might be the best in the Big-12 but it is hard to win games scoring 11 points like they did in their loss to Kansas last week. 

We have a small line here where the team that wins the game should cover it too. I don't want to count out the Cyclones at home but even though Martinez has been unreliable in the past I like what I am seeing from him this season. 

Score Prediction: Kansas State 27 - Iowa State 19

I never want to get too excited about road favorites in league games but this is a great spot for K-State. ISU has won 3 of the last 4 but they are definitely gettable at home this season. 

---

BYU Cougars vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Spread: Notre Dame -3.5
Total: 50.5

This game is taking place in Las Vegas. BYU has just one loss, to Oregon, but that game wasn't close so how good this team really is, is in question. They definitely have the better quarterback though and that just might be enough. Notre Dame is 2-2 SUATS and with a sputtering offense, it is hard to get excited about this team getting much better as the season progresses. They do have a very good defense though. 

I am leaning toward taking the points with the visitors here, especially while that hook is still in place. It might just take one late drive to get to the end zone to make a difference. Lots of upset potential here for sure. 

Score Prediction: BYU 24 - Notre Dame 20

BYU may not be as talented overall but the QB makes a difference and they can be physical.

---

South Carolina Gamecocks at Kentucky Wildcats
Spread: Kentucky -6
Total: 56.5

There is some concern about whether QB Will Levis plays for Kentucky. The markets believe the Wildcats can win without him though. The only team to get them so far this season was Ole miss on the road last week. It is amazing how far this program has come. Transfer QB Spencer Rattler has seven interceptions this season so he has not provided the bump that Levis did for Kentucky (he started his career at Penn State). That is tough to overcome and South Carolina has really struggled against SEC competition. 

Backing Kentucky is a bit of a risk in this spot because the backup QB is not encouraging, but I think we will see Levis enough to get a home win. The Kentucky coaches are comfortable getting creative too. Remember a couple of years ago when they had a WR at QB the last few weeks.

Score Prediction: Kentucky 27 - South Carolina 13

You can take a pass if you don't like the uncertainty at QB but there is good value with UK who always out efforts opponents.

---

Army Black Knights at Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Spread: Wake Forest -17.5
Total: 66.5

This is an interesting game. Army is second in the nation in rushing but not having much success overall, they are just 1-3. Still, those option teams can make you look silly if you are not prepared for them. Wake Forest rebounded well from their loss to Clemson by beating Florida State last week. When their offense is cooking they are very tough to stop and can score points quickly. This game is a massive contrast in styles. 

I like Wake Forest to win with ease this week but this number has me a little nervous because the Knights can shorten the game and will just keep coming. It might not be in doubt but it could finish closer than it was for most of the game. 

Score Prediction: Wake Forest 35 - Army 20

I have to admit sometimes I am too optimistic about the service academies. You gotta know your blind spots. 

---

Florida State Seminoles at NC State Wolfpack
Spread: NC State-3
Total: 50.5

This is a big game in the ACC. Both teams lost last week and another loss by either likely eliminates them from contention in the ACC. Florida State was humbled at home against Wake last week and it is hard to expect a great rebound on the road against a good opponent. NC State is a good team and even though they lost last week and had some close calls they are the favorite at home. They are much more balanced, especially being able to rely on their defense. 

I love, love this line right now. Had NC State won last week we would probably have to play a -7, maybe even -10, which is also a line I would have liked (not loved). I know FSU is the brand school but NC State is better at most spots this season.

Score Prediction: NC State 31 - Florida State 20

I love this line as it is and will definitely include NC State in some teasers too. 

---

Texas A&M Aggies at Alabama Crimson Tide
Spread: Alabama -23.5
Total: 51.5

Timing is everything. They should have played this one in the summer when the coaches were "hot", Bryce Young was healthy and the Aggies hadn't been exposed. Now it is anyone's guess what the Aggies bring to the table, even though they beat Alabama last year. As for 'Bama, it is not clear how much Young will play this weekend. His potential replacement is very green and more of a running than passing threat right now. They could still win by 30 though. 

I feel like this game has a massive range of possibilities, including 10-0 Alabama. Most likely the Crimson Tide cruise to an easy win. I might pass on this one to avoid feeling silly but they are the side to back at home.

Score Prediction: Alabama 30 - Texas A&M 7

Revenge will be had but it might be of the more methodical variety.

---

Oregon Ducks at Arizona Wildcats
Spread: Oregon -13.5
Total: 70.5

Oregon has some games on the schedule to prove themselves, but this is not looking like one of them. They have had their stumbles in Tucson though, losing in their last 2 trips to the desert. This Ducks team should win with ease on Saturday night though. Arizona has shown some progress this season but the defense is very thin. It will be just a matter of time before they get down against a better team. Baby steps Wildcats fans. 

I thought this number might be more like 10 but the Ducks are still the side to go with. They could definitely shut down the Wildcats offensively, making it easier for an emerging offense to score more than enough. 

Score Prediction: Oregon 38 - Arizona 21

One of the last games of the day and pretty good value so don't forget about it.