Bold predictions for Week 6 in college football
Shocking disappointments and better-than-expected performances are anticipated each weekend in the wild world of college football. Even if everyone knows they are coming, guessing when and where they will happen is difficult.
The Paste BN Sports college football staff — Jace Evans, Paul Myerberg, George Schroeder, Erick Smith, Eddie Timanus and Dan Wolken — weigh in with some bold predictions for Week 6 of the college football season:
Jace Evans
When Georgia last came to Neyland Stadium two seasons ago, Tennessee suffered its worst home loss since 1905, falling 41-0. The bad news for Vols fans: This weekend has the potential to be even worse. Tennessee sits at just 1-3 and is coming off a 34-3 loss to Florida – the Gators have been forced to turn to backup QB Kyle Trask – that marked one of UT’s three most-lopsided defeats in that series. Starting with third-year starter Jake Fromm, Georgia is a better team than that Florida squad and has had two weeks to prepare. That doesn’t bode well for Tennessee and embattled coach Jeremy Pruitt.
Paul Myerberg
Michigan carries over last week’s solid play against Rutgers (I know, Rutgers) into a key game against Iowa and pulls off a win that breathes new life into the Wolverines’ season. Iowa has shown enough so far, notably in beating Iowa State, to make a win on Saturday a potential turning point in how Michigan is perceived on a national level and perhaps a moment that lifts Jim Harbaugh’s team back into contention for the College Football Playoff.
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George Schroeder
It is hard to overestimate just how bad things must be in Blacksburg, Virginia, these days. Virginia Tech losing to Duke – that’s one thing. Losing by 35 – at home – is quite another. And while it’s probably correctly illustrative of how much the program has slipped, it’s not quite a free fall. Not quite. Or at least, not yet.
The Hokies have big issues. They might not be easily fixable. And Justin Fuente’s seat could get much hotter in a hurry.
But Miami isn’t exactly a juggernaut. The Hurricanes struggled to get past Central Michigan. Their offensive line has been porous. Virginia Tech’s defense hasn’t been good, but the Hokies will pull off a mild upset and at least postpone the slide.
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Erick Smith
The biggest game of the year - the one you've been pointing to all offseason - is just one week away. The problem? You have to play on the road the Saturday before. Such is the situation for Oklahoma and Texas. For the Sooners, the challenge of getting up this week isn't an issue because Kansas is the opponent. Expect them to be lackluster and dispatch the Jayhawks later than you might anticipate.
The circumstances are different for the Longhorns, who travel to face West Virginia. The Mountaineers have quietly been building themselves up after a slow start to Neal Brown's tenure. Austin Kendall is more comfortable at quarterback, and the offense played better in defeats of North Carolina State and Kansas. If Texas is at all assuming this is going to be an easy day at the office, it won't end well.
Eddie Timanus
Iowa is going to beat Michigan.
This prediction might not seem terribly bold on its face since the Hawkeyes are actually ranked higher, but quality wins away from Iowa City haven’t always come easily. This one won’t be easy either by any means. The Wolverines might have figured some things out last week against Rutgers, and Iowa’s resume to date is still quite thin.
But the Hawkeyes have two major advantages. The first is veteran quarterback Nate Stanley. His offense isn’t the flashiest around, but he hasn’t been intercepted this season and he knows how to keep his cool in hostile environs.
Iowa’s other edge is its run defense. The Hawkeyes are giving up just 77 yards a game on the ground and have yet to surrender a rushing TD this season.
Yes, I remember what I said about that soft early Iowa schedule. But if the Hawkeyes can keep the Wolverines’ running backs in check, Shea Patterson is going to have to take some chances. In short, he’s going to make a mistake or two, and Stanley won’t. Then that Big House crowd might get a little less friendly toward the home team.
Dan Wolken
As impressed as I’ve been with Auburn, I wonder if the tank may be a bit empty after a pretty tough start to the season and with a bye week on the horizon. I don’t think Florida is the eighth best team in the country because they’re still a bit dysfunctional and sloppy on offense, but this is a good time to catch Auburn. I’m going to bank on the Swamp playing a factor in disrupting the Auburn offense and Florida keeping it close enough that a turnover or two will make the difference for the Gators.