College Football Week 6
College football season is heating up. If you need further proof, last week, we saw six upsets against teams in the top 25. Week 6 doesn't have very many overly intriguing games, but here are a few big ones.
#4 Florida @ #21 Texas A&M
This game seems like it will be similar to A&M's brutal loss to Alabama last week: sort of close at some points, but a far better team coming out with a blowout victory. A&M is supposed to have a good defense, but that didn't show up last week. Florida's 13th-ranked offense has been on a roll behind Kyle Trask, Kyle Pitts, and Kadarius Toney. They should be able to continue that. The Aggies' offense may not have enough to keep up and will likely find themselves unranked in the next poll.
#19 Virginia Tech @ #8 North Carolina
This is an intriguing game. Not only are both teams ranked, but they've quietly built good programs. RB Khalil Herbert has been great for the Hokies, averaging 12 yards per carry with three touchdowns. Quarterback play has been sporadic for Virginia Tech. They are definitely more of a running based team right now. The big key so far has been the defense-- which has 13 sacks in two games. That will be a lot to handle for the North Carolina offense. The Tar Heels have a nicely balanced attack that can hurt defenses multiple ways. They have two running backs with over 100 yards in two games, and QB Sam Howell has 520 passing yards already. The key for UNC will be not turning the ball over against an opportunistic VA Tech defense. UNC has a turnover margin of -3 so far this season, while VA Tech's margin is +4. The Hokies will need to get great field position against North Carolina's 10th ranked defense.
#22 Texas @ Oklahoma
The Red River Rivalry always provides an entertaining game and will always be one to watch. This year's matchup isn't as high-profile as usual, since only one team is ranked. Both teams have fallen fast after both being ranked in the top 15 to start the season. Texas started the season with an easy win over UTEP but struggled against Texas Tech before losing to TCU. Oklahoma started off looking like the offensive juggernaut we were used to seeing, but two straight regular season losses for the first time since 1999 have put the Sooners at 1-2 through three games. They've blown leads in the second half in back-to-back weeks, including 31 second half points to Kansas State. QB Spencer Rattler has shown some growing pains but has been alright overall. With both defenses struggling and both offenses ranking in the top 8 in the nation, this should be a shootout that comes down to a late possession.
#7 Miami @ #1 Clemson
Miami has continues to impress during a stellar season. The Hurricanes offense has been clicking behind D'Eriq King and Brevin Jordan--averaging 43.33 points per game through three games. That includes putting 47 up on a ranked Louisville team. The Hurricanes have the nation's 12th best offense and 28th defense, while Clemson has the 17th offense and 14th defense. Those numbers alone should be enough to pique your interest. Expect a good game filled with NFL talent on each side. A win for Miami will put them firmly back on the map. A win for Clemson will further solidify them as the top dog in the ACC.