Games to Watch: Week 6

Last week was a great start to our conference season, but this week should be even better.

There are a grand total of 6 games where ranked opponents face each other.  Many other matchups could also mix up the current standings.  Bottom line, it's a GREAT week for football (although, when isn't it a good week?)

So grab your favorite BEvERage of choice and some gameday chow, cause we've got some college football to watch!

Thursday 10/2

Arizona @ #2 Oregon ~ 9:30pm CT (ESPN)

This one is going to be a shootout, and I mean a shootout.  It's safe to say that the final score of this game is going to look like a basketball score as both offenses are averaging more than 40 points of offense and neither defense has proven to be successful yet this season.  In a strong PAC-12 conference this season, a night game like this could be a disaster for the Ducks (just like last year).  However, it seems like Heisman hopeful Marcus Mariota is capable of controlling a game no matter what.  At least we know who Corso is going to pick...

Friday 10/3

Louisville @ Syracuse ~ 6:00pm CT (ESPN)

The Louisville Cardinals are looking to get back into the national rankings after being upset by Virginia a few weeks ago.  While Syracuse might not be the greatest game for them to get back into the rankings, it is a step in the right direction as the Orange fell by only 16 to the Irish last weekend.  If the Cardinals can beat a good Syracuse team this week, it will set them up for a fun in the ACC against some good competition (and a later showdown with Florida State AND Notre Dame).

Saturday 10/4

#6 Texas A&M @ #12 Mississippi St ~ 11:00am CT (ESPN)

After a near miss last week with the Fighting Bielema's of Arkansas, Texas A&M roll into Davis Wade stadium poised to prove they are the best in the West (SEC that is).  State has a solid program this season, but a #12 ranking is a little high considering they weren't ranked last week.  As much as I'd like to see an upset here, A&M's defense is going to be the X-Factor in another close game for the Aggies.

#20 Ohio State @ Maryland ~ 11:00am CT (ABC)

UPSET ALERT!!!  Due to the time of the Illini game, I'll be scoreboard watching this one from Memorial Stadium this weekend.  However those of you that are riding your La-Z-Boys this weekend should have this channel saved.  Ohio State heads into College Park to take on a Terrapin team that is poised to upset a ranked opponent.  Maryland has played well against ranked opponents and this week is their chance to get over the hump.  Look out for a Terrapin defense that could contain J.T. Barrett and the Buckeye offense.  Crabcakes and football baby...

#3 Alabama @ #11 Ole Miss ~ 2:30pm CT (CBS)

CBS always seems to provide fans with a GREAT game every week, and this week's Tide/Rebel matchup is no exception.  Ole Miss is a little overrated in my honest opinion, but that doesn't mean that they have a chance to make some noise in the SEC this week.  Playing at home against 'Bama is always a benefit to you, but the main question will be at the quarterback position for the Rebels.  How fast will it take for Bo Wallace to get his offense fired up and rolling?  If it takes too long, the Tide will surely roll in Ole Miss.

#4 Oklahoma @ #25 TCU ~ 2:30pm CT (FOX)

UPSET ALERT!!!  Last week, I had the Sooners on upset alert against a solid West Virginia team and they were able to squeak out a victory.  This week, they roll into Ft. Worth where a really good TCU team awaits them.  Trevone Boykin and the Horned Frogs only have Minnesota as their best win of the year (so far) and would LOVE to beat the Sooners and take a poll position in the Big 12.

#14 Stanford @ #9 Notre Dame ~ 2:30pm CT (NBC)

The Stanford Cardinal football team is living proof that a team with an outstanding defense will ALWAYS have a chance in a ballgame, no matter what.  They currently are averaging the least amount of points given up per game and roll into South Bend looking to keep that trend consistent.  The Irish have played well in their first 4 games of the year, but can their offense break through and prove that they are one of the best teams in the country?  Either way, it'll be fun to watch Brian Kelly.

#15 LSU @ #5 Auburn ~ 6:00pm CT (ESPN)

Could have been the game of the week if these two teams were the only ones fighting for a conference championship.  The Tigers really would like to win this game and make some noise in the division, but the Tigers think they can knock off the rest of their opponents and make it to Atlanta.  I'm not one to make bets, but I'd be my life savings (all $7 dollars of it) that the Tigers will come away from this game victorious.  If you're smart, you'll root for the Tigers too.

Michigan @ Rutgers ~ 6:00pm CT (BTN)

At this point, the athletic program in Ann Arbor is one big tire fire (heard that one before on this site?)  The only comment that needs to be made about this game is that if Rutgers can win, Michigan may not make 5-7 this season.  How much fun would it be to see the Wolverines crash on the road and lose yet another game?

Arizona State @ #16 USC ~ 6:30pm CT (FOX)

UPSET ALERT!!!  Last week, Sparky and the Arizona State defense couldn't even hit water if they fell out of a boat as the UCLA Bruins put up 62 points on the Sun Devils.  This week, look for a rejuvenated AZ State defense to play the Trojans tough in a close battle in LA.  That, and it's always healthy to root against USC.

#19 Nebraska @ #10 Michigan State ~ 7:00pm CT (ABC)

The game of the week is going to be one heck of a matchup between the two front runners in the Big Ten.  Chances are that we will see this game happen again in Indy come December, but for right now it's a GREAT opportunity for Nebraska and Ameer Abdullah to prove that they are not the underdogs in the conference.  On the other hand, Michigan State needs a GREAT showing and a victory to put their playoff hopes back on track.  Should be a REALLY fun game to watch and overall a great night for the Big Ten conference.