Week 6 of the college football season could be renamed the “Eye Test” Saturday because several top teams will face matchups against teams that are looking to make some noise this year. It’s also another weekend that features only four ranked matchups. Let’s take a look at five matchups that you need to look out for this Saturday.
No. 3 Texas Longhorns vs No.12 Oklahoma Sooners–Kickoff @ 11am CT on ABC
The Red River Showdown returns to the Old Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas this weekend. This game is one of the traditional games on the college football schedule. The Longhorns are hoping to make it two straight wins over their bitter rival after taking last year’s game 49-0. Oklahoma has looked much better in year two of the Brent Venables era. That’s thanks to quarterback Dillion Gabriel, who has tossed over 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Texas on the other hand, has looked like the more impressive team, with ranked wins against Alabama and Kansas. The Longhorns look like the best team in the country right now and I see them proving it yet again on Saturday, but this will be a close game!
Texas 38, Oklahoma 35
No. 10 Notre Dame Fighting Irish at No. 25 Louisville Cardinals–Kickoff at 6:30pm CT on ABC
If anyone has had a tough few weeks, it’s been the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. They had a heartbreaking loss to Ohio State at home two weeks ago, then went on the road and won in the final minutes against Duke, and now face a challenge at Louisville. The Irish should be able to move the ball, going up against Cardinal defense that’s giving up over 300 yards a game.
The Cardinal offense has been fantastic, averging over 400 yards a game. Quarterback Jack Plummer will be a big factor. He’s thrown for over 1,400 yards in his first four games, but dies have six interceptions. I think Notre Dame’s Sam Hartman uses his veteran experience and the Irish get out of this game alive. It feels like one of those games that Notre Dame will just find a way to win.
Notre Dame 31, Louisville 28
No.13 Washington State at UCLA Bruins –Kickoff @ 2pm CT on PAC12 Network
A stingy UCLA defense faces its biggest challenge of the season when the Washington State Cougars come to the Rose Bowl. This Cougars offense is dangerous, averaging over 500 yards of total offense a game and 400 yards passing per game. UCLA though has allowed less than 100 yards rushing and less than 200 yards passing per game. UCLA come into this game as a six point favorite, but I think Wazzu has enough offense to get them the victory on the road in a lower scoring contest.
Washington State 24, UCLA 17
Syracuse Orange at No.14 North Carolina Tar Heels–Kickoff at 2:30pm CT on ESPN
A big matchup in the ACC as the North Carolina Tar Heels look to improve to 5-0 and remain in contention for a conference championship. Syracuse might have been ranked this week if they had not been blown out at home by unranked Clemson. The Orange are still 4-1 this year and a win on Saturday would be massive for their hopes. I expect lots of points from both teams, but I think North Carolina is able to pull away in the second half.
North Carolina 42, Syracuse 31
No. 24 Fresno State at Wyoming Cowboys
The unbeaten Fresno State Bulldogs travel to the 1-loss Wyoming Cowboys. On paper, Fresno State should win this game, but it’s never easy when you travel to Wyoming. Altitude and the road absolutely play a factor in every game there. We’ve already seen the Texas Tech Red Raiders go down in a week one overtime thriller and I think Fresno State is on upset alert this week. I’m going with the Wyoming Cowboys to knock off the Bulldogs at home.
Wyoming 34, Fresno State 31
If you’re looking for SEC action, check Blogle’s predictions for the week.
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Braves 7
Phils 6