Anything can happen in college football conference play. This past weekend was a perfect example as No. 6 Ole Miss fell at home to Kentucky for the first time since 1979. Despite Nick Saban no longer coaching Alabama, No. 2 Georgia still couldn’t figure out a way to beat the fourth-ranked Tide, losing a 34-33 thriller. No. 7 Miami narrowly avoided a miracle finish Friday night to defeat Virginia Tech.
What may look like chalk rarely is. It’s time to see what surprises Week 6 holds. Here are the five best games of the weekend ranked in inverse order.
5. Iowa at No. 3 Ohio State | Saturday | 3:30 p.m. ET | CBS
Does Iowa have a chance? Ohio State has been rolling, winning its first four games by an average margin of 42 points per game. The Buckeyes can win on the ground or through the air and Iowa’s defense, though ranked 15th in the nation, will be challenged like it hasn’t been this year. And Iowa’s offense? Good luck against Ohio State’s defense. The Buckeyes have the nation’s best D, allowing only 6.8 points per game.
Prediction: Iowa can muddy a game with ball possession and stout defense, but it isn’t going to matter Saturday. Buckeyes roll, 38-7.
4.
No. 8 Miami at California | Saturday | 10:30 p.m. ET | ESPN
College Gameday is headed to Berkeley for the first time ever and there’s good reason. Cal, in its inaugural season in the ACC, is 3-1, while Miami looks every bit of a College Football Playoff team. The Golden Bears are coming off a loss to Florida State, but have had a bye week to prepare for the Hurricanes. A cross-country flight and kickoff at 10:30 p.m. ET isn’t easy for Miami, but with Cam Ward (1,782 yards, 18 touchdowns) at quarterback anything is possible. He’s worth staying up late for.
Prediction: Ward works his magic once again and the ‘Canes remain undefeated, winning 37-17.
3. No. 12 Ole Miss at South Carolina | Saturday | 3:30 p.m. ET | ESPN
Ole Miss must respond to its first loss of the season, but it won’t be easy at South Carolina. The Gamecocks have been close, but are still searching for a marquee win. Games against No. 1 Alabama, No. 19 Oklahoma and No. 25 Texas A&M are next on the schedule, so it is crucial South Carolina finds a win somewhere in this stretch. Perhaps Lane Kiffin’s bunch is ripe for the picking after an upset loss last week.
Prediction: Not to worry, Ole Miss fans. The Rebels respond and knock off a tough South Carolina effort, 28-21.
2. No. 4 Tennessee at Arkansas | Saturday | 7:30 p.m. ET | ABC
The Vols have vaulted into the top four, but Saturday night under the lights at Arkansas is a tough test. The Hogs are 3-2, but are so close to breaking through. An eight-point loss to then-No. 16 Oklahoma State and a four-point loss to then-No. 24 Texas A&M separates them from an undefeated record. Saturday’s tilt with Tennessee is Arkansas’ first big game at home. The crowd will be ready to go, but will Arkansas’ defense? Stopping Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava (892 yards, seven touchdowns) is something no team has been able to do this season.
Prediction: A bold pick: Arkansas scores a massive upset win, downing Tennessee 33-30.
1. No. 9 Missouri at No. 25 Texas A&M | Saturday | 12 p.m. ET | ABC
Mizzou is 4-0, but hasn’t been very convincing the last two games. The Tigers escaped against Boston College and needed double overtime to defeat Vanderbilt. Traveling to Texas A&M is tougher than either of those matchups. Mizzou had a bye week to prepare, but to win it will need its offense to find its groove. The Tigers are moving the ball, but have been unable to score touchdowns once they’re in the red zone. Mizzou has settled for field goals more than it would like, and has already missed five field goals attempts through this year. Mistakes like that won’t be escapable Saturday at Kyle Field.
Prediction: The Tigers used the bye week wisely, will jumpstart their offense and will win a big one, 27-17.
