Its Week 6 and you know what that means don’t you? Its Red River Shootout week. Texas, Oklahoma is still a great rivalry game despite the fact that neither team will be making a championship run.
Here are my top five match-ups for Week 6.
#3 Clemson Tigers at Boston College Eagles: Its Friday night football at the Heights. Boston College has given Clemson problems at home in the past but I don’t see that being the case tonight. DeShaun Watson and company had a statement win at home last week against Louisville and they’ll carry that momentum into this game tonight.
I think the Eagles defense will keep them in this game but they can’t score so it won’t be enough. I like Clemson to win by two touchdowns.
Prediction: Clemson 34 B.C 17
Texas Longhorns vs. #20 Oklahoma Sooners: With rumors swirling this week that Charlie Strong could be out at Texas at the end of the season, this game has a weird vibe surrounding it. The Red River Shootout is one of the best rivalries in college football but its even better when something is at stake.
The Sooners are not going to make a return trip to the College Football Playoff this season but they are still in contention for a New Years Day Bowl. They need to win this game in order for them to get one step closer to securing a bowl bid on January 1st.
For Texas, its all about saving Charlie Strong’s job and getting a quality bowl bid. The talent is in place for Texas to turn their season around but they have got to be more consistent.
Texas shocked Oklahoma last season but that’s not happening this season. I like the Sooners in this year’s installment of the R.R.S.
Prediction: Oklahoma 38 Texas 31
#9 Tennessee Volunteers at #8 Texas A&M Aggies: I still don’t buy Tennessee. Sorry! I don’t care who they have beaten. I can’t see them going into Kyle Field and beating the Aggies.
Texas A&M is the second best team in the SEC behind Alabama. Offensively, the Aggies are averaging 39.2 points per game, which is good for 31st in the country. Its the defense however that has been the story thus far. Myles Garrett and company are only giving up 15.4 points per game. That’s impressive in this day in age of high octane offenses.
Tennessee will move the ball offensively and have some success against the Aggies but it won’t be enough. I just think the Aggies have too much talent and it’ll be tough for the Vols to match-up, especially on the road. The 12th man will impact this game.
Prediction: Texas A&M 35 Tennessee 24
#1 Alabama Crimson Tide at #16 Arkansas Razorbacks: The Tide will have their hands full with the Hogs in Fayetteville. Bret Bielema’s boys will pound the football and go downhill at the Tide. Alabama hasn’t played a team this physical yet this season. It’ll be a unique challenge for Nick Saban’s team in terms of run fits.
Offensively, the Tide will stick to the formula. Run the football and take shots vertically. It has worked for Alabama thus far and fits the talent level on this team.
I suspect this will be a tight game but its hard to pick against Alabama. The Tide will have their backs against the wall at some point in this game but they will respond and win a close game.
Prediction: Alabama 20 Arkansas 17
#23 Florida State Seminoles at #10 Miami Hurricanes: Hurricane Matthew isn’t the only hurricane Jimbo Fisher and his Seminoles have to worry about. They should also worry about Brad Kaaya and the Miami Hurricanes.
The Canes are back folks and it is not a surprise. Mark Richt can coach and as a former Hurricane, he has the support of South Florida and big money alumni. He will make the Canes a national title contender in the next three years.
In the short term, there are big time implications in this game for both teams. State bragging rights and recruiting come to mind but Miami is also in the mix for the College Football Playoff.
My heart tells me Miami but I’m picking the Noles. Despite their record, its hard to see the Noles being a .500 team after six weeks. I’m picking the Noles in a close game.
Prediction: Florida State 28 Miami 24