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    • Week 6 college football games feature showdowns between the SEC and the Big Ten
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    Week 6 college football games feature showdowns between the SEC and the Big Ten

    Idris Bevan Posted on

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    October is here, but we still have to wait the next few weeks for the most important games that will determine the battle for spots in the expanded College Football Playoff. Don’t worry, though, as Week 6’s slate should still provide plenty of entertaining moments.

    It’ll be hard to top last week’s Alabama-Georgia headliner, but with conference play now in full swing, there’s plenty on offer for your viewing pleasure.

    Here are the seven we would like to highlight, presented as always with the usual caveat that the discerning neutral observer should be prepared to change the channel if unforeseen developments require it.

    No. 9 Missouri at No. 21 Texas A&M

    Time/TV: Noon ET, ABC.

    Why watch: This is the only Top 25 matchup in Week 6, but it’s a big matchup in the crowded SEC race. The Aggies began with a loss to Notre Dame but still have a clean conference record. The Tigers had to work overtime to get past Vanderbilt the last time we saw them, so their fans will have to hope they made good use of their open schedule to iron out some things. Missouri QB Brady Cook and WR Luther Burden III have yet to reach their full potential, and it won’t be easy to do so against disruptive Aggies DE Nic Scourton. But Cook has other weapons like WR Theo Wease Jr. and RB Nate Noel. The A&M offense doesn’t have as much flash potential, but mobile QB Marcel Reed’s turnover-free play was crucial in the squeak against Arkansas last week. Wherever Reed goes, he can expect to see Tigers LB Corey Flagg Jr. around.

    Why it might disappoint: It probably won’t be the fastest played example of the sport. Both are among the most penalized teams in the league, so we should expect frequent stoppages from the flag. If anyone can pull away, it’s more likely to be the Tigers, although they didn’t exactly look dominant against their power conference competition.

    Iowa at No. 3 Ohio State

    Time/TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS.

    Why watch: The Buckeyes easily handled their first Big Ten test of the campaign at Michigan State. They return home to face the Hawkeyes, whose strong defense always makes them a tough opponent. While the level of competition was admittedly not the highest, Ohio State QB Will Howard and his dazzling array of playmakers had been nearly unstoppable up to this point. Veteran LBs Jay Higgins and Nick Jackson lead a disciplined Iowa defense that will look to make the Buckeyes work for their yards. The Hawkeyes have been more proficient on the offensive side of the ball this season with QB Cade McNamara healthy again. He’ll need to provide some level of aerial support to RB Kaleb Johnson to prevent DB Sonny Styles and the Buckeyes’ stellar secondary from crowding the line of scrimmage.

    Why it might disappoint: Quite simply, Iowa cannot allow this to become a track and field meet. If the Buckeyes break a few long scoring plays early, it will be a long day in Columbus.

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    No. 10 Michigan at Washington

    Time/TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBC.

    Why watch: There is surprisingly little fanfare for this rematch of last year’s national title game, although that’s understandable since both programs have undergone extensive changes on the field and on the sideline. These Wolverines won’t overcome everything that comes their way like last year’s championship team did, but they’re doing enough to stay in the Big Ten hunt. They make their first trip to the league’s new West Coast contingent, where the Huskies hope to bounce back from a frustrating loss at Rutgers. Michigan quarterback Alex Orji won’t get regular air, but he’ll need to pass enough to keep lanes open for RBs Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards. Washington LBs Carson Bruener and Alphonzo Tuputala will lead the effort to keep them under control. The Huskies had no problems moving the ball against the Scarlet Knights, but were unable to finish drives. QB Will Rogers and WR Denzel Boston are capable of home run connections at any time, as is RB Jonah Coleman, but DT Rayshaun Benny and the rest of Michigan’s linemen are difficult to move.

    Why it might disappoint: This will not be Alabama-Georgia. Occasionally there can be a breakthrough by a running back, but this seems to be one of those games where yards and points are the priority. That’s fine for Michigan, but Washington could also steal a game like that.

    No. 11 Mississippi at South Carolina

    Time/TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN.

    Why watch: After getting through non-conference play with flying colors, the top-ranked Rebels found themselves in an unexpected slump when they lost their SEC opener to Kentucky. They are now effectively in a must-win situation when they visit the Gamecocks, who destroyed the same Kentucky squad and nearly toppled LSU a few weeks earlier. Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart wasn’t able to generate his usual number of long gainers last week, and Gamecocks DE Kyle Kennard will look to make sure that happens again. After injuring his ankle against LSU, South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers was forced to sit out the team’s preseason win against Akron. He should be ready to return after an open week. He will need his mobility to escape the Rebels DE Princeley Umanmielen.

    Why it might disappoint: This shouldn’t be the case unless a team is careless with the ball. Both offenses are capable of staging a comeback if necessary, so failure either way seems unlikely.

    No. 4 Tennessee at Arkansas

    Time/TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC.

    Why watch: The Razorbacks can still upset the SEC race after falling short to Texas A&M. However, her remaining schedule is a killer, starting with that home date with the volunteers. Tennessee can ill-afford to stumble, too, with its own big tests ahead. The Vols stayed pretty conservative after taking the lead at Oklahoma. QB Nico Iamaleava figures to use more of the game plan early on, although having RB Dylan Sampson on hand to finish drives certainly helps. Arkansas will need a much cleaner game from flashy but turnover-heavy QB Taylen Green, who will again have extensive use of RB Ja’Quinden Jackson. On the defensive side, you’ll probably hear the names of Razorbacks LB Xavian Sorey and Tennessee LB Arion Carter a lot.

    Why it might disappoint: The home team is more than a little heated here. If the Razorbacks fall behind and start pressing, a snowball effect could occur.

    SMU at No. 22 Louisville

    Time/TV: Noon ET, ESPN.

    Why watch: The Mustangs couldn’t have asked for a better ACC debut last week as they dominated a struggling Florida State squad. They now face their first test drive in their new league against the Cardinals, who are no doubt a little upset after missing an opportunity at Notre Dame. The SMU offense has been in overdrive since Kevin Jennings took over as full-time QB. His arsenal includes RB Brashard Smith and TE RJ Maryland Jr., all of which will keep LB Stanquan Clark and the Louisville front line busy. Cardinals quarterback Tyler Shough and his unit will be happy to be home after being upset in South Bend for the first time all season. They’ll have to be wary of active DB Ahmaad Moses, who has three of the Mustangs’ nine picks.

    Why it might disappoint: It will be interesting to see how both teams handle their current situation, the Mustangs’ recent success and the Cardinals’ loss. Neither side will emerge successful, but implementation must be sharp.

    No. 8 Miami in California

    Time/TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN.

    Why watch: #ACCAfterDark? We’ll just move on as the Golden Bears play their first high-profile home game in their new conference. Cal’s strong start was derailed a few weeks ago at Florida State, but last week they were off while the Hurricanes battled for four quarters against Virginia Tech, which was only decided when a somewhat controversial decision from the replay booth came in favor. The Golden Bears struggled to get any mileage as standout RB Jaydn Ott was slowed by an ankle problem. He should be fully operational after the opener and will give QB Fernando Mendoza a huge boost as he tries to solve LB Francisco Mauigoa and the Miami stoppers. Hurricanes fans have seen both sides of QB Cam Ward, whose high-risk, high-reward style never gets old. Fullback Xavier Restrepo’s extensive use typically serves him well, although Cal CB Nohl Williams is also aware of this.

    Why it might disappoint: If we’re honest, it probably will. Unless the Hurricanes help out by giving the ball away, a few quick shots could put the game on ice.

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    Idris Bevan
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