Friday, October 30, 2015

College Football Week 9 Picks/Predictions

This week of college football has some interesting matchups, there are a good bit of games that have could shake up the college football playoff race, so this week is crucial in many ways.  Here are my week 9 picks/predictions.

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Georgia (5-2) vs #11 Florida (6-1) (3:30 PM ET, on CBS, in Jacksonville, Florida)

My pick: #11 Florida defeats Georgia 24-16

What to watch for: Florida's defense.  Florida's defense has played pretty well so far this season, and it'll be important for them to keep it up in this one.  Florida's offense played decent on the road vs LSU, but I think they'll need to win this one with defense, and I think they will.  Georgia is coming off of a much needed bye week, but so is Florida, and I think with that bye week, Florida will play to their full potential in this one to get the victory.

My thoughts/reasons: Georgia's offense, and pretty much their whole team has taken a fall after losing to now #7 Alabama, and I think that they'll keep this game close throughout.  But I think that in the end, Florida will make the plays needed to pull out the victory over Georgia in a pretty close game.

Photo credit: Gerald Herbert - AP
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#3 Clemson (7-0) at North Carolina State (5-2) (3:30 PM ET, on ABC/ESPN2, in Raleigh, North Carolina) UPSET

My pick: North Carolina State defeats #3 Clemson 27-24                                                      

What to watch for: NC State's defense.  NC State's defense has played decently the whole season, not exceptionally, but not badly.  But in this matchup, they'll need to at the least, limit Clemson's offense to a sub par game. Clemson has one of the best offenses, if not the best offense in the ACC, and if NC State's defense doesn't limit them in anyway, they could be in for a long day.  With that being said, I think NC State will be able to force Clemson to play a sloppy enough game on the offensive side of the ball to get a big upset victory over #3 Clemson.

My thoughts/reasons: It's hard to pick against Clemson again, I picked against them two times in a row, and this is the third.  But, I think that NC State will be able to keep it close the whole way through, and then come up big when it matters the most in a game where Clemson could be looking ahead a little bit to their game vs #17 Florida State.

Photo credit: Peter Casey - USA Today Sports
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#9 Notre Dame (6-1) at #21 Temple (7-0) (8:00 PM ET, on ABC, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania UPSET

My pick: #21 Temple defeats #9 Notre Dame 24-20                                                              

What to watch for: Temple's defense.  Temple's defense has played very well in the games they have played this season, but in this game, they'll face the best or at least one of the best offenses they'll face this season.  Temple will have a tough task at hand trying to stop Notre Dame's offense, but if they can limit Notre Dame enough to take the pressure of their offense, I think they'll pull off the upset, and although Notre Dame is coming off the bye week, I see Temple doing just that to get the big victory over a top-10 opponent to stay unbeaten.

My thoughts/reasons: Notre Dame is a very good football team, but I think that they'll struggle to play to their full potential in this game, and being on the road doesn't help.  So I think that Temple will play a sound game, while Notre Dame plays sloppy, and I think that will be one of the main reasons the Irish fall in another close game.

Photo credit: Mitchell Leff - Getty Images
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#8 Stanford (6-1) at Washington State (5-2) (10:30 PM ET, on ESPN, in Pullman, Washington)

My pick: #8 Stanford defeats Washington State 34-28                                                           

What to watch for: Stanford's running game.  Stanford has one of the best running games in college football, and that rushing attack is led by possible Heisman candidate Christian McCaffery.  In this game, I think Stanford's ability to run the ball will be very important.  Yes, passing will be a big part as well in a game I think will be close, but if Stanford can't run the ball, I don't think they'll be able to pass it.  So the key to the game for Stanford, in my opinion, is running the football, and although Washington State's defense has improved as the season has gone on, I think the Stanford running game will be too much for the Cougars to handle.

My thoughts/reasons: Ever since Stanford lost to Northwestern in week one, they've been on fire.  They've beaten teams by a combined 138 points, so Washington State will have their hands full in this one.  But I think that Washington State will play well, and keep it close, but I think that Stanford will hold on to improve to 7-1 on the season.

Photo credit: Marcio Jose Sanchez - AP
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My Sneaky Good Game Of The Week
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#19 Ole Miss (6-2) at Auburn (4-3) (12:00 PM ET, on SECN, in Auburn, Alabama) UPSET

My pick: Auburn defeats #19 Ole Miss 34-31                                                                   

What to watch for: Auburn's passing game.  Auburn has relied mostly on their running game this season, and that's fine, but you'll have to be able to pass the ball at some point, and just like if you're a passing team, you'll have to be able to run the ball at some point.  Not that it won't be important for Auburn to run the ball, but in a game that I think could have multiple lead changes, and that could go down to the wire, Auburn's ability to pass could be the difference.  I think that although Ole Miss has a talented defense, and they're getting back Robert Nkemdiche who can rush the passer, I think that Auburn will be able to pass the ball effectively enough to pull off the upset over Ole Miss at home.

My thoughts/reasons: This game is quietly one of the most important games of the whole week.  An Auburn win pretty much knocks Ole Miss out of the SEC West race, and pretty much secures Auburn a bowl appearance, and an Ole Miss win keeps the Rebels alive in the SEC West race.  So this game is very important for both teams, and the SEC west race.  In terms of the game, I think it'll be close pretty much the whole way through, but I think that Auburn will be able to make the plays late to get the victory.

Photo credit: Chris Brashers - Icon Sportswire

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In the last week of October in college football, there are games that have the potential to be really entertaining, and these are just a few of many.

You can follow me on twitter: @Footballfile

Friday, October 23, 2015

College Football Week 8 Picks/Predictions

There aren't as many big games in week 8 as there were last week, but knowing how college football goes, there can still be come exciting games.  Here are my week 8 picks/predictions.


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#6 Clemson (6-0) at Miami (FL) (4-2) (12:00 PM ET, on ABC, in Miami Gardens, Florida) UPSET

My pick: Miami (FL) defeats #6 Clemson 34-28

What to watch for: Miami (FL)'s passing game.  Miami comes into this game desperate to stay alive in the ACC Coastal race, they are currently 1-1 in conference play, and a loss could be the dagger in any ACC championship game hopes.  If the Canes want to pull out this victory over Clemson, they'll likely need to be able to pass the ball effectively, not that running the ball won't be important.  But it'll be big if Miami passes the ball effectively, and I think that although Clemson has played very well defensively this season, they haven't really faced a QB like Brad Kaaya.  So I think that in the end, Miami will pull out this victory over #6 Clemson behind sophomore QB Brad Kaaya.

My thoughts/reasons: Clemson is one of the best teams in the nation, and maybe the best team in the ACC.  But I think that this game will be one of those games where the higher ranked team plays a sloppy game, while their opponent plays a solid one.  I see this game being close throughout, but I think that Brad Kaaya and Miami will get it done late at home.

Photo credit: Joe Skipper - AP
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Tennessee (3-3) at #8 Alabama (6-1) (3:30 PM ET, on CBS, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama)

My pick: #8 Alabama defeats Tennessee 42-13

What to watch for: Alabama's secondary.  Bama's secondary has exceeded expectations so far this season, they have forced 12 interceptions so far this season, including four pick sixes in the last three games.  In this game they'll face a pretty good passing team in Tennessee, so Bama will be tested.  But, I think that with the way their secondary has played lately, I don't see them stopping any time soon.

My thoughts/reasons: Tennessee is coming into this game off of a bye week, but so was Texas A&M.  I think that although the Vols have that added rest, they'll struggle to play to their full potential in this one.  In the end, I see Bama jumping out to an early lead, and I don't see Tennessee responding.  So I think that Bama will roll to another big win, this time at home.

Photo credit: Vasha Hunt - AL.com
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#15 Texas A&M (5-1) at #24 Ole Miss (5-2) (7:00 PM ET, on ESPN, in Oxford, Mississippi)

My pick: #15 Texas A&M defeats #24 Ole Miss 38-24                                                     

What to watch for: Texas A&M's passing game.  One of Ole Miss' strong points on defense is their secondary, but Memphis found a way to pass the ball effectively vs that secondary of Ole Miss.  Ole Miss' secondary's task won't be any easier in this game, because they're facing one of the best passing attacks in the nation.  Texas A&M did struggle to pass the ball vs Bama, but I see them bouncing back and passing the ball effectively enough to help keep their SEC championship hopes alive.

My thoughts/reasons: Ole Miss beat Alabama, but got complacent and ended up losing four games in all last season.  Unfortunately for Ole Miss fans, this season could be even worse.  They are coming off of a 37-24 loss on the road to Memphis, and I don't see it getting any better vs Texas A&M.  I think that although Ole Miss is at home, I think that Texas A&M will be too much for Ole Miss to overcome in the end.

Photo credit: Matthew Emmons - USA Today Sports
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#3 Utah (6-0) at USC (3-3) (7:30 PM ET, on FOX, in Los Angeles, California) UPSET

My pick: USC defeats #3 Utah 34-27                                                                          

What to watch for: USC's rushing defense.  USC comes into this game after two straight losses, and they are looking for their first victory of October, and if they want to get it this week, they'll have to stop one of the best rushing attacks in the PAC-12, and in the nation.  That rushing attack is led by potential Heisman candidate Devontae Booker who has had a sensational season so far.  So the Trojans obviously have a tough task at hand, but I think if they can limit Booker and force Utah QB Travis Wilson to pass the ball more than the Utes would like, I think it'll put Utah in a tough position, and I think USC will be able to do just that to pull off the upset over #3 Utah.

My thoughts/reasons: Utah has been one of the most impressive teams in the nation this season, and they have been the most impressive in the PAC-12, in my opinion.  While USC has been one of the most disappointing teams in the PAC-12, and in the nation.  But, I think that USC will play well enough to get the upset win at home in a pretty tight game.

Photo credit: Kirby Lee - USA Today Sports
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Washington (3-3) at #10 Stanford (5-1) (10:30 PM ET, on ESPN, in Stanford, California)

My pick: Stanford defeats Washington 49-24                                                                

What to watch for: Stanford's running game.  Stanford has one of the best running games in the nation, largely because of star RB Christian McCaffery who could be a Heisman finalist this season.  The Cardinal face a Washington defense who has played pretty well so far this season.  But, I think that McCaffery will be able to keep up his great play, and I think that Stanford as a team will be able to continue to play well on their way to another victory. 

My thoughts/reasons: Stanford has played great since their loss to Northwestern in the season opener, while Washington has been mostly inconsistent.  I think that Washington will be able to hang around early in the game, but I see Stanford pulling away later in large part because of their depth, talent, and momentum, plus being at home doesn't hurt.  I see Stanford getting yet another victory to extend their winning streak to six.  

Photo credit: Thearon W. Henderson - Getty Images
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My Sneaky Good Game Of The Week
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Texas Tech (5-2) at #17 Oklahoma (5-1) (3:30 PM ET, on ABC/ESPN2, in Norman, Oklahoma)

My pick: #17 Oklahoma defeats Texas Tech 41-37                                                           

What to watch for: Oklahoma's QB play.  Baker Mayfield has played great so far this season, and they'll need him to continue to vs Texas Tech who can score with the best of them.  I think QB play will be important in this game for the Sooners, because this game is likely to be a shootout, so having good QB play is pretty important in those type of games.  I see Mayfield playing a good game for the Sooners on their way to a pretty big BIG-12 over Texas Tech.

My thoughts/reasons: This game would've been bigger if Texas Tech defeated TCU, and if Oklahoma didn't lay an egg vs Texas.  But, it's still a matchup of two pretty quality teams.  For the game itself, I think it'll be a pretty down-to-the-wire type game, and I see Oklahoma pulling it out in the end to 
improve to 6-1 on the season. 

Photo credit: Mark D. Smith - USA Today Sports
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Although this week may not be full with great matchups on paper, there could still be some excitement.  Here are my week 8 picks/predictions.  Enjoy!

You can follow me on twitter: @Footballfile

Thursday, October 15, 2015

College Football Week 7 Picks/Predictions

After a week that didn't have as many ranked-vs-ranked matchups, but was still really exciting.  We head into week 7 of the college football season that could go down as one of the best weeks of the season.  Here are my week 7 picks/predictions.


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#18 UCLA (4-1) at #15 Stanford (4-1) (10:30 PM ET, on ESPN, in Stanford, California) THURSDAY NIGHT

My pick: #15 Stanford defeats #18 UCLA 27-20

What to watch for: Stanford's running game.  Stanford rushed for 314 yards and 4 touchdowns total in their win vs then #15 Arizona in week 5, and if they can keep that up in this one, they'll be in good hands.  But, if they can't run the ball very successfully, they might be in trouble since they aren't a passing team.  So, running the ball will be very important in this game, and I think the Cardinal will be able to run the ball effectively enough to get a big PAC-12 victory to improve to 5-1 (4-0).

My thoughts/reasons: UCLA looked like one of the most likely CFP contenders in the PAC-12 before losing to struggling Arizona State at home, but even though they are coming off of a bye week, and they are still talented, and have a very good coach in Jim Mora.  I see them falling in this one, I think Stanford has more momentum, plus they're at home.

Photo credit: Marcio Jose Sanchez - AP
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    #17 Iowa (6-0) at #20 Northwestern (5-1) (12:00 PM ET, on ABC/ESPN2, in Evanston, Illinois)

   My pick: #17 Iowa defeats #20 Northwestern 31-21

  What to watch for: Iowa's running game.  Iowa, like Stanford, has had the success they've had so far this season in large part because of their ability to run the football.  Iowa beat Illinois 29-20 last week, and mainly because of their running attack led by starter Jordan Canzeri who rushed for 256 yards, and 1 touchdown.  In this game it'll be very important for him and the Hawkeyes to keep on running the football with that same success, and Northwestern's defense has played well for much of this season, but I think they Iowa will get enough production on the ground to get the victory over Northwestern.

My thoughts/reasons: After Northwestern's blowout loss vs now-#12 Michigan, I don't see them coming out with the same sense of urgency.  Their back is up against the wall, but a loss like that is very deflating to a team.  Iowa on the other hand, has all the momentum.  They're 6-0 on the season, and with a win here, they have a good shot to go unbeaten because this is really their last tough road test, all the rest of their remaining games after this are very winnable.  In the end, I see Iowa pulling out the victory on the road in a decently close game.

Photo credit: David Scrivner - Iowa City Press-Citizen
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#10 Alabama (5-1) at #9 Texas A&M (5-0) (3:30 PM ET, on CBS, in College Station, Texas) UPSET

My pick: #10 Alabama defeats #9 Texas A&M 24-13

What to watch for: Alabama's defense.  Bama's defense has been a big part of their success, and I think it'll be in this game as well.  Texas A&M's offense is pretty explosive, they have all type of weapons that can, and have given defenses trouble.  Although Bama's defensive strength is stopping the run, and Texas A&M's main offensive strength is passing, I think Bama's defense will be able to limit A&M's offensive production, and limit or even stop A&M's big play ability enough in this game to get the Tide a huge victory on the road over yet another ranked opponent.

My thoughts/reasons: This game is one of the biggest of the weekend, and rightfully so.  Texas A&M is coming off of a bye week, while Bama is coming off of two straight victories.  I see Texas A&M being fresh and motivated to get this win, but I think that since Bama has dropped in the polls two spots after moving up five the week before, and since this is pretty much a do-or-die game for them.  I think Alabama will come out in this game with something to prove once again.  Yes, this could be a "revenge" game for Texas A&M after losing 49-42 in 2013, and 59-0 in 2014, but I think Bama will come out looking like a team on a mission.  So I think that Bama will be able to take care of business on the road vs a very talented team.


Photo credit: Marvin Gentry - USA Today Sports
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   #7 Michigan State (6-0) at #12 Michigan (5-1) (3:30 PM ET, on ESPN, in Ann Arbor, Michigan) UPSET

   My pick: #12 Michigan defeats #7 Michigan State 27-10

  What to watch for: Michigan's defense.  Michigan's defense has played sensational so far this season, they have only given up 38 points this whole season.  They have forced three straight shut outs, and they have only given up 14 points in their last five games.  In this game, it'll be important for them to keep that up vs Connor Cook and Michigan State.  I think that Michigan State has a lot of talent on offense, but I don't see them having much success facing Michigan's stout defense, especially on the road.

My thoughts/reasons: Michigan has been very, very impressive so far this season, and with the way they've played lately, I don't see them stopping now, especially at home vs a top 10 opponent who happens to be one of their rivals.  Michigan State has talent, and they're well coached, but on the road vs a team playing like Michigan, it'll be hard for the Spartans to overcome Michigan on the road.  I see Michigan getting the win at home.

Photo credit: Gregory Shamus - Getty Images
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   #8 Florida (6-0) at #6 LSU (5-0) (7:00 PM ET, on ESPN, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana)

   My pick: #6 LSU defeats #8 Florida 24-17

  What to watch for: LSU's running game.  LSU, as everyone who follows college football knows, has one of the best running backs, if not the best running back in college football.  That running back is Leonard Fournette, and he's had a terrific start to the season that has helped LSU get off to their 5-0 (3-0) start.  In this one, he'll need to keep playing the way he's played, if not better vs #8 Florida.  LSU is a run first offense, and they haven't had to rely on Brandon Harris much this season at all, but if Leonard Fournette can't get things going they'll be in big trouble.  So, LSU will definitely need Fournette to play well, or at least have some decent amount of success in this one if they want to get the win vs a very talented opponent.  I think that LSU's running game, led by Leonard Fournette, will have enough success to come away with a win in this game.

My thoughts/reasons: Florida starting QB Will Grier got suspended for an automatic full year after using a banned substance, so that could effect the Gators in this game.  But, I think that Florida will be able to keep themselves in this game on the road vs #6 LSU, but I think that the Gators will fall short on the road in this one vs a top 10 opponent.

Photo credit: Derick E. Hingle - USA Today Sports
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Penn State (5-1) at #1 Ohio State (6-0) (8:00 PM ET, on ABC, in Columbus, Ohio) UPSET

My pick: Penn State defeats #1 Ohio State 31-28


What to watch for: Penn State's passing game.  Penn State hasn't lived up to their ability to pass the ball this season, they've struggled for the most part.  But in this one, I see Penn State passing the ball to their full potential, and being productive at it.  Ohio State has a very talented defense, but I think that Penn State will open up the running game, that allows them to pass the ball effectively.  The passing game is very important for the Nittany Lions in this one, not that their running game won't be important, but they'll likely need to be able to make big plays in the pass game if they want to pull off the upset, and I see them passing the ball effectively enough to pull off the shocking upset over #1 Ohio State.

My thoughts/reasons: I know Ohio State is one of the most talented teams in college football, but they haven't played like it lately.  Maybe that will motivate them, but I think that Penn State (even though they have played poorly in some of their games this season) is one of their strongest opponents, if not their strongest opponent so far this season.  I see Penn State playing one of their most fundamentally sound, and best games of the season, while Ohio State continues their under-whelming play.

Photo credit: Matthew O'Haren - USA Today Sports
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My Sneaky Good Game Of The Week
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Boston College (3-3) at #5 Clemson (5-0) (7:00 PM ET, on ESPNU, in Clemson, South Carolina) UPSET

My pick: Boston College defeats #5 Clemson 17-13

What to watch for: Boston College's defense.  Boston College has played great on defense so far this season, and in all three of their losses combined they only gave up 26 points.  I think that their defense will be very, very important once again.  I don't think Boston College can win this game in a shootout, or it'd at least be a lot harder to.  So they'll need their defense to play big and make Clemson's talented offense uncomfortable in this game.  I think that in the end, Boston College's defense will come up big in this game to help pull off a big upset on the road.

My thoughts/reasons: This game, especially since there are so many good games this week, isn't getting very much spotlight, and you can say rightfully so when you look at it.  But, it could definitely be one of those sneaky games that become big afterwards.  In terms of the actual game, Clemson is one of the best teams, if not the best team in the ACC.  But after five straight wins, I think this game will turn out to be a trap game for them vs Boston College who has managed to pull out only one victory in their last four games.  But I think that Boston College will be able to play a sound game of football, and avoid making to many mistakes in this game, and that will be big for them in a game I see them pulling out on the road over a top 5 opponent.

Photo credit: Winslow Townson - USA Today Sports
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These are only some of many games this weekend of college football.  Enjoy week 7 of the college football season!

You can follow me on twitter: @Footballfile


Friday, October 9, 2015

College Football Week 6 Picks/Predictions

After a week with a lot of exciting games.  This week has the potential to also be very exciting as college football heads into the mid-way point of this season.  Here are my week 6 picks/predictions:

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#19 Georgia at Tennessee (3:30 PM ET, on CBS, in Knoxville, Tennessee)

My pick: #19 Georgia defeats Tennessee 31-20

What to watch for: Georgia's running game.  Georgia struggled a lot last week vs Alabama, and you can point to a lot of reasons why they got beat like they did, and yes, they will need Greyson Lambert (who Mark Richt said will start in this game) to play well, but Georgia's offense is centered around RBs Nick Chubb, Sony Michel, and even Keith Marshall.  If you look at the rushing stats of Georgia's last game, it doesn't look that bad at all.  But with the exception of a few runs, they couldn't move the ball very well at all last week, and when they got their only rushing touchdown of the game, it was too little too late.  So the Bulldogs will need to run the ball effectively to get a bounce-back win on the road, which I think they'll get.

My thoughts/reasons: Tennessee and Georgia are both coming off of losses, so a win here will help tremendously.  I think that Georgia will come into this game more motivated than the Vols, simply because they are still in the SEC East race, and maybe CFP race, and Georgia isn't coming off of three losses of 7 points or less in three of the last four weeks.  So I think Georgia has more to play for right now.  With that being said, I think that although Tennessee is at home, and very talented, it'll be hard for them to bounce back after such deflating losses that most likely took them out of the SEC East race.  I have Georgia bouncing back with a win on the road that can get them back on track.

Photo credit: Joshua L. Jones - Flagpole.com
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#13 Northwestern at #18 Michigan (3:30 PM ET, on BTN/BTN2, in Ann Arbor, Michigan) UPSET

My pick: #18 Michigan defeats #13 Northwestern 24-20

What to watch for: Defense.  Usually I put down a particular team's area of play to watch out for, but in this game it'll be both teams defenses.  Both of these teams have had a lot of success so far this season, and one of the main reasons for that success is these teams defenses.  This game could very well come down to who's defense preforms better in a game with big BIG-10 implications, and as talented as Northwestern's defense is, I think at home, Michigan and their defense will get it done.

My thoughts/reasons: I think that both teams are very deserving of credit for the way they've played this season.  But, one of these teams is obviously gonna fall this weekend, and I think that it'll be Northwestern.  I think that being at home helps Michigan a lot, because although Northwestern has beaten Duke on the road, freshman QB Clayton Thorson has not been in a road environment vs a defense as stout as Michigan's yet this season.  So in the end, I think Michigan will be able to get a huge BIG-10 victory at home vs an up and coming Northwestern team.

Photo credit: Mitch Stringer - USA Today Sports
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     Navy at #15 Notre Dame (3:30 PM ET, on NBC, in South Bend, Indiana) UPSET                                                 

My pick: Navy defeats Notre Dame 31-28                                                                             

What to watch for: Navy's rushing attack.  I know it's kinda the obvious thing to watch out for, but like every season in this game, the rushing attack of Navy will be important in this game.  In the past, this is usually a game that gives Notre Dame trouble, and I think it will again this season.  Notre Dame could bounce back with motivation, but this is one of those trap games after a very emotional game the week before, that can get higher ranked teams in trouble.  So, I think that Navy will be able to get the best of the Fighting Irish in this one, mainly because of their high potent rushing attack.

My thoughts/reasons: Notre Dame has already played a triple-option offense this season in Georgia Tech, but since Notre Dame is coming off of such a tough game on the road vs Clemson, and Navy is coming into this game after a bye week.  I think that Navy will come in better prepared in a game that I think the Midshipmen will hold onto late to get a big road victory over a top-15 opponent.

Photo credit: Stew Milne - AP
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#11 Florida at Missouri (7:30 PM ET, on the SEC Network, in Columbia, Missouri)              

My pick: #11 Florida defeats Missouri 28-10                                                                      

What to watch for: Missouri's QB play.  Missouri has suspended QB Maty Mauk indefinitely, which means backup QB Drew Lock (who stepped in, and played a pretty solid game vs South Carolina last week) will start, and he'll need to play even better vs a tough Florida defense, who is one of the nation's best.  I think that Florida's defense would be too hard to overcome even with starting QB Maty Mauk playing.  So, if it'd be too hard for Mauk to play successfully enough to beat the Gators, I think it will be with Drew Lock.  I think that Drew Lock is a talented and rising QB in the SEC, but in this one, I got the Gators' defense playing up to their high potential once again.

My thoughts/reasons: Florida comes into this game with all the momentum, they are 5-0 and they are coming off of a thrashing of then #3 Ole Miss 38-10.  As for Mizzou, they are 4-1 coming off of a 24-10 victory over South Carolina.  But, I think that Florida will take that momentum into this one, and play a very solid game on all sides of the football to improve to 6-0 on the season.

Photo credit: Phelan M. Ebenhack - AP
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    #2 TCU at Kansas State (7:30 PM ET, on FOX Sports, in Manhattan, Kansas) UPSET

    My pick: Kansas State defeats #2 TCU 34-31

    What to watch for: Kansas State's style of play.  When TCU faced Texas Tech a couple of weeks ago, both those teams styles were very much alike, up-tempo scoring offenses, and some people may think that dueling TCU's up-tempo play with up-tempo play is the best way to play them, but I don't think it is.   What Texas Tech likes to do, is up-tempo offense.  But TCU is currently better at it.  So basically, Texas Tech tried to beat TCU at something TCU is better at.  But Kansas State isn't likely to try that, they'll likely try to rough TCU up, and that is a bad matchup for TCU, in my opinion.  So, if Kansas State plays the style of football they're best at, then I think they will win, and that's what I think they'll do.

My thoughts/reasons: I already picked against TCU once this season, and this is the second time.  It's not that I think TCU is mediocre team or anything, but I see some trap games on their schedule, that I could see them getting upset in, and these are one of those games.  I think that Kansas State is a tough matchup for the Horned Frogs.  I see this one being close the whole way through, but Kansas State coming out on top late, to get a huge BIG-12 victory.

Photo credit: Orlin Wagner - AP
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    Miami (FL) at #12 Florida State (8:00 PM ET, on ABC, in Tallahassee, Florida) UPSET WATCH

   My pick: #12 Florida State defeats Miami (FL) 31-24

   What to watch for: Florida State's running game.  If Florida State doesn't run the ball well in this game, they could be in trouble.  Their star RB Dalvin Cook is questionable for this game vs Miami (FL), and although they maybe without him, I think that RB Nate Andrews can carry the load in this one vs the Canes.  QB Everett Golson can also run the ball, so I think that the Seminoles will be able to run the ball just successfully enough to get the win at home.

My thoughts/reasons: Florida State comes into this one with some momentum, they did struggle with Wake Forest in their last one, but I think they'll be able to up their play in this one vs a higher-quality opponent in Miami (FL) to get a win.  I do think that Miami (FL) is getting better as a football program, but I see the Noles being too much for them on the road.

Photo credit: Nell Redmond - AP
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#23 California at #5 Utah (10:00 PM ET, on ESPN, in Salt Lake City, Utah) UPSET           

My pick: #23 California defeats #5 Utah 41-38                                                                   

What to watch for: California's offense.  I think in this game it'll be really who's offense is more productive, I do think that California's defense has improved from last season, but in this one, I think it'll be a shootout.  California has QB Jared Goff at the helm, while Utah has QB Travis Wilson.  In this type of a game, I'm more confident in Jared Goff and Cal's offense.  Utah does have star RB Devontae Booker, but I think Cal's offense will be able to come up big late in this one to get a big road upset win.

My thoughts/reasons: I believe that Utah is a very talented team, but like UCLA, I think they'll have a letdown game.  I think that Cal will come in with more to prove in this one, and I think they'll prove their worth.  I see Cal jumping out to an early lead that will make Utah play from behind, and since Utah hasn't played from behind much this season, I think it will put Utah in a uncomfortable position that Cal will take advantage of in the end.

Photo credit: Jason O. Watson - Getty Images
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Sneaky Good Game Of The Week
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#23 Oklahoma State at West Virginia (7:00 PM ET, on ESPN2, in Morgantown, West Virginia)  UPSET
My pick: West Virginia defeats #23 Oklahoma State 38-35                                                      

What to watch for: West Virginia's QB play.  West Virginia QB Skyler Howard had his first true test last week vs now #10 Oklahoma.  In that game, he struggled a lot, but look for him to bounce back pretty strong in this one.  Oklahoma State's defense isn't bad, but I think that Skyler Howard and his teammates will have a overall solid game to get the big victory at home.

My thoughts/reasons: This game is pretty under-the-radar.  Not many people are talking about this game, but since both of these teams are still in the BIG-12 hunt, they probably should.  I see this game (like others) being close, I think that both teams will play a good enough game to win, but I think that since WVU is at home, and this is kinda a do-or-die game in the BIG-12, I think WVU will bounce back strongly in this one to get a important BIG-12 victory over a top-25 opponent in Oklahoma State.

Photo credit: Raymond Thompson - AP
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These are just some of many games that have the potential to be very exciting this week.  Enjoy week 6 of the college football season!

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