College football’s week six is on the weaker side. After five previous weeks of hard-fought, thrilling games, this week is on the down. Many top teams are in action. However, they are all expected to win.
Here’s a look at some of the interesting matchups of the week:
No. 10 Oklahoma vs. Texas
The Red River Rivalry used to be one of college football’s more marquee games. Texas and Oklahoma have been at the top of college football’s elite programs for many years.
However, the Longhorns and the Sooners have experienced down years recently, especially Texas. The Longhorns come into this contest 1-4 and struggling for answers. Oklahoma on the other hand have been on a resurgence this season, with new quarterback Baker Mayfield exploding in the Sooner offense.
While hope is somewhat on the horizon for Texas in the form of freshmen linebacker Malik Jefferson and quarterback Jerrod Heard, the season is sadly already lost for the Longhorns. Expect Mayfield and running back Samaje Perine to destroy the Longhorns.
Oklahoma 42, Texas 10
No. 13 Northwestern at No. 18 Michigan
When Northwestern defeated Stanford the opening week of the season, nobody saw the Wildcats running all the way to the 13th spot in the polls. Meanwhile, hopes were high in Ann Arbor and Michigan has not disappointed in Jim Harbaugh’s first season at the helm.
Michigan is coming in as the 18th ranked team and with talent across the board, the Wolverines look primed to challenge Ohio State yet again. As for this week, both squads look equally matched in terms of statistics.
Northwestern fields the nation’s 79th offense and 5th ranked defense in terms of yards gained and allowed per game. Michigan has the 77th offense and 2nd defense in the same statistic.
Expect a good, old-fashioned Big Ten football game, controlled by good running games and hard-hitting defenses.
Northwestern 14, Michigan 21
No. 23 California at No. 5 Utah
The Utes are riding high in the polls after absolutely demolishing Oregon 62-20 a couple of weeks ago. Utah is a hard-nosed team, hitting hard in both trenches.
California is exactly the opposite, a spread team that chunks the ball around the field in hopes of out scoring opponents. The Utes have one of the nation’s most underrated defensive units.
While Utah only ranks 62nd in terms of yards given up per game, they have only given up 75 total points thus far. The bend but don’t break Utes are noticeably stingy as well, as they forced the Ducks to commit 3 turnovers.
Offensively, running back Devontae Booker and quarterback Travis Wilson lead a hard working and efficient Utah unit. Coming back from injury in the Oregon game, Wilson tossed 4 scores, while also throwing no interceptions. On the other side, the Cal Golden Bears have one of the nation’s best at the helm in Jared Goff.
Goff has thrown 1,630 yards and 15 touchdowns against only 4 picks. Goff is the key to the Golden Bears’ success through the air as Cal implements a committee system at running back.
Defensively, Cal ranks in the middle of the pack in terms of yards given up per game, yet have managed to step up when it most counts. The last three games, Cal’s defense has stepped up late to stop opponents with Cal only winning their last three by 13 combined points.
I expect Goff to perform well in this game, although I believe that Utah is the real deal. Expect the Utes to get their second win against a ranked opponent.
California 24, Utah 30
