Week 6 College Football Picks and Results

Predictions
Tuesday
Marshall at Memphis: They have one win between the two of them heading into this contest. With the game being at home and the fact Memphis beat their I-AA opponent (Jacksonville State) as opposed to Marshall, who lost to theirs (New Hampshire), I'm giving the edge to the Tigers.
Memphis 38 Marshall 28
Memphis 24 Marshall 21 (1-0)

Wednesday
Rice at Southern Mississippi: If Rice wins this game, that'd come as more of a shock than Colorado beating Oklahoma. With that in mind, I'm going with the Eagles.
Southern Mississippi 31 Rice 6
Rice 31 Southern Mississippi 29 (1-1)

Thursday
Kentucky at South Carolina: One of the most anticipated games of this loaded weekend appears on Thursday night. South Carolina has won one of two big SEC battles thus far, defeating Georgia and falling to LSU. Even though it'd be extremely difficult to go on the road and beat Spurrier in this one, Kentucky appears to be improving on a weekly basis. Andre Woodson has another big game for the Wildcats.
Kentucky 27 South Carolina 20
South Carolina 38 Kentucky 23 (1-2)

Friday
Utah at Louisville: Two of the more inconsistent teams of the early season square off in this one. In the past three weeks, Utah has defeated UCLA by 38 points, fallen to UNLV by 27, and then defeated in-state rival Utah State by 16. Louisville lost a close one to Kentucky, got upset by 37-point underdog Syracuse and then held NC State to 10 points this past week in their 29-10 victory over the Wolfpack. With the game at home and seeing more consistency on offense from they than the Utes, I'm taking the Cardinals.
Louisville 38 Utah 17
Utah 44 Louisville 35 (1-3)

Saturday
Minnesota at Indiana: As little as I know about Indiana at this point in the season, I like what I haven't seen from them much more than I have seen from the Gophers. Hoosiers improve to 5-1, while Minnesota drops to 1-5 on the season.
Indiana 45 Minnesota 28
Indiana 40 Minnesota 20 (2-3)

Bowling Green at Boston College: BC looked anything but impressive in their 24-14 win over I-AA Massachusetts this past week. The 3-1 Falcons come into town with an upset on their mind. Unfortunately for them, I don't see that happening.
Boston College 34 Bowling Green 17
Boston College 55 Bowling Green 24 (3-3)

Georgia Tech at Maryland: Both clubs have been close to identical this year. They both started the season 2-0, lost two consecutive, a couple in close, dramatic fashion, to fall to an even 2-2. Then, this past weekend, both were the cause of an upset, as Georgia Tech beat then unbeaten Clemson 13-3 and Maryland beat then unbeaten Rutgers of the Big East 34-24. With how their defense has been able to stifle teams at times this year and Mr. Choice in the backfield, I give the slight edge to the Jackets. Georgia Tech 24 Maryland 17
Maryland 28 Georgia Tech 26 (3-4)

Northwestern at Michigan State: This may not seem like much of a game for the Spartans, but let's not forget how their previous 2-3 years have transpired. They started each year very well, 4-0 or even 5-0 and due to one dramatic loss, they weren't able to regain that focus for the rest of the season that brought them to a 4-0 or 5-0 record in the first place. But, with a new and more disciplinary coaching staff in East Lansing, I'm going to bet that it doesn't happen again this season.
Michigan State 38 Northwestern 14
Northwestern 48 Michigan State 41 OT (3-5)

Eastern Michigan at Michigan: The Wolverines didn't play very well last weekend, in their 28-16 win over Northworstern. The Wolves' were actually down 16-14 in the 4th quarter before two touchdowns in the final quarter vaulted them to their third consecutive win. Don't expect as many problems in this game. U of M, led by Mike Hart, should stomp all over Eastern Michigan.
Michigan 45 Eastern Michigan 7
Michigan 33 Eastern Michigan 22 (4-5)

Miami (Florida) at North Carolina: Even though Miami was anything but impressive in their 24-14 win over Duke this past Saturday, I have to give them the edge over UNC. If they lack the focus they did this past Saturday though, they'll be going back home with a loss.
Miami (Florida) 28 North Carolina 10
North Carolina 33 Miami (Florida) 27 (4-6)

West Virginia at Syracuse: This pick looks so easy, but so did that game two weeks ago between Louisville and these same Syracuse Orange. Louisville was coming off a heart-breaking loss to in-state rival Kentucky and Syracuse appeared to be nothing more (or less) than Syracuse. A similar predicament is unfolding for this battle, as West Virginia's hope for an undefeated regular season was ended last Friday night in Tampa and following Syracuse's 17-14 loss to Miami (Ohio) this past weekend, they again appear to be nothing more (or less) than Syracuse. Will the Mountaineers feel a similar hangover to that of Louisville? I'm not thinking so.
West Virginia 41 Syracuse 13
West Virginia 55 Syracuse 14 (5-6)

Wisconsin at Illinois: I got tired of them last season and am still tired of these Badgers. I have to give them credit for finding ways to win most every game they play and yet, at the end of the day, I still have to ask myself, are they truly a legitimate top 5 or 10 team? Four out of five wins have come by 14 points or less: a 7-point win over UNLV (two wins from a year ago), 14-point win over I-AA Citadel, 4-point win over 2-3 Iowa, and a 3-point win this past weekend against Michigan State. Meanwhile, Illinois has an opportunity to start the year 3-0 in the Big Ten and 5-1 overall, following big wins the past couple weekends against the likes of 4-1 Indiana and 3-2 Penn State. With the game in Champaign and for the very fact I was too chicken to pull the final trigger on the potential upset bid last weekend against the Nittany Lions, I'm going to fire away with this game. Juice Williams gives the Badgers fits as Ron Zook appears to be taking his Illini to a bowl game.
Illinois 27 Wisconsin 24
Illinois 31 Wisconsin 26 (6-6)

Central Michigan at Ball State: Even though the Chippewas looked great this past weekend against Northern Illinois, Ball State has been putting up points in the bunches of late. In their past three games, they've scored 120 points (31 on Navy, 40 on Nebraska, and 49 on Buffalo) on teams with a combined 8-7 record. I see them continuing the trend in a MAC victory.
Ball State 45 Central Michigan 31
Central Michigan 58 Ball State 38 (6-7)

Kansas at Kansas State: This is an extremely difficult game for me to pick. Why? There are so many potentially influential factors to take into consideration. First off, Kansas has played one of the weakest non-conference schedules of any of the unbeatens currently left, yet they've been so offensively dominant in each of those games, it has to make one wonder if they can get into that same kind of rhythm against almost anyone. They're also coming off a bye week, so Mark Mangino and company have had two weeks to prepare for this big game. K-State, meanwhile, has played the tougher schedule thus far. They outplayed Auburn for three to three and a half quarters, before falling in the end. This past Saturday, they went to Austin and trounced the Longhorns 41-21. But, because of that, they may fall victim to the let-down. However, in saying all that and weighing all the factors, I give the slight edge to the Wildcats, because the game is in Manhattan and from a competition standpoint, they're much better prepared for the Jayhawks than Kansas is for them.
Kansas State 27 Kansas 24
Kansas 30 Kansas State 24 (6-8)

Vanderbilt at Auburn: This is another tough game to call. Like I mentioned in the previous game, Auburn, after doing what many felt to be the impossible and beat Florida in the Swamp at night, they are due for a let-down. Even with that most impressive victory, the only dominant performance Auburn has put forth all year was their 55-20 win against New Mexico State and they only led the Aggies by a 21-20 score at halftime. In the other four games, they beat Kansas State by 10, lost to South Florida by 3 in overtime, fell to Mississippi State by 5, and beat Florida by 3. They're +5 in those four other games, in which they've gone an even 2-2. Vanderbilt, while young and exciting, have lost to their only tough opponent this year, falling to Alabama by a couple touchdowns. While I don't want to jinx the guy any, it seems as if quarterback Brandon Cox may have found his touch this past weekend and in thinking that'll continue this weekend, I don't see Auburn hung-over much on Saturday. Auburn 24 Vanderbilt 13
Auburn 35 Vanderbilt 7 (7-8)

Wake Forest at Duke: Duke doesn't appear to be as much of a doormat as in years past, but even if that is the case, Wake is coming off two big wins and a bye week, and I don't see Wake's good string end with a loss to the Blue Devils.
Wake Forest 31 Duke 10
Wake Forest 41 Duke 36 (8-8)

Northern Illinois at Temple: It's going to be difficult for me to ever go with the Owls in a football game, even at home, and yes, even against the 1-4 Northern Illinois Huskies.
Northern Illinois 28 Temple 17
Temple 16 Northern Illinois 15 (8-9)

Ohio at Buffalo: Frank Solich vs. Turner Gill! Let the games begin! But, in all seriousness (sort of), both coaches are in desperate need of a win. Both teams are in the midst of three-game losing skids. The MAC runners-up from a season ago, Ohio is 0-1 this season in conference and Buffalo is 1-1 in the MAC, with a second week win over Temple. Just like I mentioned with Temple, it's difficult for me to pick Buffalo (unless it's against Temple), so I'm going with the Bobcats.
Ohio 31 Buffalo 17
Buffalo 31 Ohio 10 (8-10)

Louisiana Tech at Mississippi: Louisiana Tech is at a tough 1-3 right now, losers by a single point to undefeated Hawaii and this past weekend by eleven points to the always tough Fresno State Bulldogs. Ole Miss, after winning their opener against Memphis, have dropped four straight, but have been pesky at times, just ask Florida. With the game at home, I look for the Rebels to end that losing streak and improve to 2-4 on the season. Mississippi 24 Louisiana Tech 10
Mississippi 24 Louisiana Tech 0 (9-10)

Oklahoma State at Texas A&M: The battle of two mystery teams from the Big XII. Oklahoma State got dismantled by Georgia and Troy this season, won a shoot-out against Texas Tech, and defeated a couple of two-man teams from villages in Pakistan and Sierra Leone. That doesn't even include head coach Mike Gundy's tirade following their 49-45 victory over Texas Tech two Saturdays ago. A&M is 4-1, but that one loss was a butt-whooping if I ever saw one, at the hands of Miami (the good Miami). It also took them three overtimes to defeat Fresno State. They did beat Baylor rather handily this past weekend, so that's just superb. Both clubs are mysteries with lots of talent and lots to prove. But, even with the supposed 12th man in College Station, I'm thinking that "tirade" by Gundy has his players fired up and ready to pull out the victory. Oklahoma State 31 Texas A&M 24
Texas A&M 24 Oklahoma State 23 (9-11)

TCU at Wyoming: Laugh all you want, but this is a difficult game for me to pick. Wyoming is 3-1 on the season, including a 23-3 win over 4-1 Virginia, a victory two weekends ago over MAC's runner-up from a year ago, Ohio, and are coming off a bye week. TCU has won ugly when they have won. Many "experts" picked them to be this year's Boise State, but following losses to Texas and Air Force, the chances of that occurring are between none and none. But, they make me nervous offensively. TCU may be 3-2, but they've eclipsed the 21-point mark in just three of those five games (all victories), with their high point total being 27 against Baylor. In taking all that into consideration, I'm taking the home team in what may be seen as an upset to some.
Wyoming 24 TCU 17
Wyoming 24 TCU 21 (10-11)

UAB at Mississippi State: While Mississippi State has faced anything but a stellar non-conference schedule, with a win here in Starkville, Slyvester Croom's Bulldogs have a great opportunity to start the season 4-2, needing just two more wins (one of those being very possible against Mississippi in the Egg Bowl) to become bowl eligible. UAB won't be a gimme, but I do see MSU winning this one at home.
Mississippi State 31 UAB 17
Mississippi State 30 UAB 13 (11-11)

Miami (Ohio) at Kent State: Even in coming off their 17-14 win over Syracuse a week ago, I think Kent State should be able to win this one at home to improve to 4-2 on the season.
Kent State 31 Miami (Ohio) 17
Miami (Ohio) 27 Kent State 20 (11-12)

Houston at Alabama: Alabama better not sleepwalk in this one, because as anybody knows, while Houston has issues in stopping opposing offenses, they have no issues in scoring a few points of their own. But, with the game in Tuscaloosa, and Nick Saban being the coach he is, while I can see Houston creating some tension in the Tide fans, I can't see them doing enough to pull off the upset.
Alabama 45 Houston 24
Alabama 30 Houston 24 (12-12)

North Carolina State at Florida State: If Chuck Amato were still around in Raleigh, I'd have to think about taking the Wolfpack, but with newbie Tom O'Brien in town, still looking for his first win at NC State over a Division I-A opponent, I can't see that happening, especially in Tallahassee.
Florida State 28 North Carolina State 10
Florida State 27 North Carolina State 10 (13-12)

Iowa at Penn State: These two clubs have amassed five consecutive losses between the two of them. Iowa fell by 2 at the last second to Iowa State, by 4 to Wisconsin, and by 18 to Indiana, while Penn State lost by 5 to Michigan and 7 to Illinois. With the game in Happy Valley and not seeing any life from the Hawkeyes' offense, I'm going to have to pick Penn State. Penn State 20 Iowa 13
Penn State 27 Iowa 7 (14-12)

Oklahoma at Texas: Look ahead much? Well, I'll say that for Oklahoma, as they were up 24-7 at one point on Colorado this past weekend, but wound up losing 27-24 on a last second field goal by the Buffaloes. Texas has been playing with fire all season long and they were finally burnt by it this past Saturday in their 41-21 loss to Kansas State. Regardless of how OU may have been looking ahead last week, they're here now and won't need to look ahead any further. Texas has been too inconsistent this year for me to believe they'll win this game.
Oklahoma 31 Texas 20
Oklahoma 28 Texas 21 (15-12)

South Florida at Florida Atlantic: This is not a game for South Florida to relax after coming off a huge 21-13 Friday night home victory against then #5 ranked West Virginia. But, for some reason, I can't see Jim Leavitt cooling off any this week. That man is intense and passionate and the play of his team reflects that week in and week out. Expect the same this weekend, as the Bulls start the year 5-0.
South Florida 38 Florida Atlantic 10
South Florida 35 Florida Atlantic 23 (16-12)

Georgia at Tennessee: The Vols are coming off a bye week, where head coach Phil Fulmer attempted to improve the defense. Tennessee has had no problems scoring points this year, led by quarterback Erik Ainge, but the defense has been atrocious, to be kind. I was already burned this year when I took Tennessee over Florida, but for some reason, I'm going to take the chance in picking them again. With a week off and the game at home, playing against an inexperienced and inconsistent quarterback in Matt Stafford, I believe the Vols' offensive power will outweigh their defensive faults, at least for one week.
Tennessee 31 Georgia 24
Tennessee 35 Georgia 14 (17-12)

Idaho at San Jose State: After starting the season 0-3, Dick Tomey's San Jose State Spartans have a golden opportunity to even their record with a home victory against the 1-4 Vandals. While it's no gimme, I see just that occurring on Saturday.
San Jose State 27 Idaho 24
San Jose State 28 Idaho 20 (18-12)

Arizona State at Washington State: This could be a tricky game for Dennis Erickson's crew, in Pullman. I'm contemplating putting this one on upset alert, but even in pondering that possibility, I'm not going to pick against Rudy Carpenter and the high-powered Sundevils' offense. 6-0!
Arizona State 31 Washington State 21
Arizona State 23 Washington State 20 (19-12)

Arizona at Oregon State: Oregon State's in big need of a victory after losing two straight, one to Arizona State and the other to UCLA. What better way than to face 1-4 Arizona in Corvallis? The Beavers improve to 3-3.
Oregon State 27 Arizona 17
Oregon State 31 Arizona 16 (20-12)

Fresno State at Nevada: Nevada has a total of 66 freshmen and sophomores on their team. That lack of experience showed in their opening two losses, but the Pistol Offense has improved in their prior two games, as they're now an even 2-2. With this game at home, I look for them to improve to 3-2.
Nevada 24 Fresno State 17
Fresno State 49 Nevada 41 (20-13)

San Diego State at Colorado State: This could be it! Sonny Lubbick's first win of the '07-'08 season with his Rams! They fell 31-28 in overtime to Colorado, then 34-28 to California, 38-27 to Houston, and 24-12 to TCU. In Fort Collins, Colorado this Saturday, look for the Rams to finally attain that first victory. It's about time.
Colorado State 31 San Diego State 14
San Diego State 24 Colorado State 20 (20-14)

Virginia Tech at Clemson: Many questions arise when talking about Virginia Tech's offense and Clemson's defense. Neither team has faced a very difficult schedule thus far and are out to prove themselves against a reputable ACC opponent. In seeing the level of difficulty the Tigers had in heavy-blitzing Georgia Tech last week, I'm giving the slight edge to the Hokies. So long as they don't turn the ball over on offense, the defense should be able to do the rest.
Virginia Tech 20 Clemson 17
Virginia Tech 41 Clemson 23 (21-14)

Stanford at USC: Pete Carroll is going to lose his voice by the end of the week after his club's dreadful performance against Washington on Saturday. USC almost beat themselves in the truest sense of the cliché'. They turned the ball over three times and accounted for over 160 yards in penalties. Poor Stanford. Look for a very disciplined and near perfect performance by the Trojans in this one.
USC 56 Stanford 0
Stanford 24 USC 23 (21-15)

Colorado at Baylor: While this one may have all the makings of a let-down game for the Buffaloes, with how stingy their defense has been this year, I don't see that happening, especially against Baylor.
Colorado 27 Baylor 6
Colorado 43 Baylor 23 (22-15)

North Texas at Louisiana-Lafayette: The clubs have totaled 0 wins this season. That's right, they're 0-9. The Mean Green comes in at 0-4 and the Rajun' Cajuns at 0-5. While North Texas has been nothing but awful this year, Lafayette has shown some signs of hope and with the game at home, I'm going with the Rajun' Cajuns.
Louisiana-Lafayette 31 North Texas 14
Louisiana-Lafayette 38 North Texas 29 (23-15)

Tulane at Army: With the game in West Point and a hunch that Tulane hasn't faced too many option attacks, I'm picking the Black Knights to even their record at 3-3 with a win over the Green Wave.
Army 27 Tulane 21
Army 20 Tulane 17 OT (24-15)

Troy at Florida International: In seeing that then 0-4 Middle Tennessee pounced on FIU this past weekend 47-6, I can't see this game being any better.
Troy 59 Florida International 3
Troy 34 Florida International 16 (25-15)

Virginia at Middle Tennessee: UVA, after starting the year with a 20-point loss to Wyoming, have won four straight, including a 44-14 win last weekend against Pittsburgh. Look for the Cavaliers to make that five in a row after dismantling the Blue Raiders.
Virginia 41 Middle Tennessee 10
Virginia 23 Middle Tennessee 21 (26-15)

Arkansas State at Louisiana-Monroe: One team I wouldn't want to face is Arkansas State. The Indians are 2-2 on the season, with their only two losses coming to Texas and Tennessee, in games where they fell by just 8 points to the Longhorns and scored 27 against the Vols. They'll improve to 3-2 after beating up on 0-4 Louisiana-Monroe.
Arkansas State 24 Louisiana-Monroe 3
Louisiana-Monroe 30 Arkansas State 13 (26-16)

Iowa State at Texas Tech: ISU has a decent defense, but it's not going to matter in Lubbock against Texas Tech. The Red Raiders may not score 75 like they did against I-AA Northwestern State, but they'll score enough for the victory.
Texas Tech 34 Iowa State 17
Texas Tech 42 Iowa State 17 (27-16)

Akron at Western Michigan: Western Michigan, after facing a rather grueling non-conference schedule, now has the opportunity to settle into MAC play and do what they typically do, contend for the conference title. Western Michigan 31 Akron 21
Akron 39 Western Michigan 38 (27-17)

Central Florida at East Carolina: UCF is looking strong following their heart-breaking 35-32 loss to Texas. Even with the game being away, the Golden Knights' offensive firepower should be too much for the Pirates to handle.
Central Florida 31 East Carolina 21
East Carolina 52 Central Florida 38 (27-18)

Notre Dame at UCLA: Props to the Irish. They played their best game of the season in their 33-19 loss to Purdue this past weekend. But, Irish fans should also know that Purdue allowed 1-4 Minnesota to score 31 points against them. Best of luck to ND in Los Angeles this weekend. I can all but guarantee we won't see the guys with gold helmets scoring close to three touchdowns on the Bruin defense.
UCLA 31 Notre Dame 6
Notre Dame 20 UCLA 6 (27-19)

Florida at LSU: If Tim Tebow thought Auburn's defense was stingy at the Swamp, he'll face a tough evening in Baton Rouge against Beau Pelini's large, quick, and aggressive defense. Florida's defense should keep it close, but LSU should triumph in the end.
LSU 20 Florida 13
LSU 28 Florida 24 (28-19)

Cincinnati at Rutgers: Congratulations to the 5-0 Cincinnati Bearcats for a phenomenal start to their season. Not many expected them to beat up on Oregon State 34-3 earlier this year and in the same breath, start the year at 5-0. But, I'm sorry to say, they picked the wrong week to play Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights were 3-0 before last week's loss to Maryland. With Louisville already having lost two games and West Virginia falling to South Florida on Friday, many were predicting Rutgers to win the Big East. That was until they lost to Maryland 34-24 on Saturday and now many are placing South Florida at the top of the conference. Rutgers is going to play a bit peeved this Saturday, at home, and will be the toughest opponent Cincy has faced all season. That all adds up to a Rutgers victory on Saturday.
Rutgers 38 Cincinnati 28
Cincinnati 28 Rutgers 23 (28-20)

Ohio State at Purdue: While it's great for those in West Lafayette, Indiana that your Boilermakers have started the season 5-0 and it's also fantastic that the offense appears to be clicking in typical Joe Tiller fashion, I'd be very surprised to see the Boilermakers win this one to move to 6-0. In their five wins, Purdue has faced: Toledo (1-4), Eastern Illinois (0-5), Central Michigan (2-3), Minnesota (1-4), and Notre Dame (0-5). While Ohio State's offense still appears to be very young and inconsistent at times, their defense has been solid and in facing Purdue's mediocre (to be nice) defense, OSU should provide enough at the offensive end to move to 6-0.
Ohio State 34 Purdue 24
Ohio State 23 Purdue 7 (29-20)

UNLV at Air Force: I seem to pick almost all of UNLV and Air Force's games wrong. Air Force started the year off at 3-0, so I picked them to beat BYU and then Navy and they lost both games. UNLV won two games all of last season. Utah came off a 44-6 romp of UCLA, so I picked Utah to beat UNLV. The Rebels shut out the Utes 27-0. So, I then decide to pick UNLV over Nevada and the Wolfpack beat the Rebels 27-20. So, regardless of who I pick in this one, bet on the other team! With the game at home, I'm going with the Falcons, so, UNLV will probably win.
Air Force 28 UNLV 24
Air Force 31 UNLV 14 (30-20)

Tulsa at UTEP: Like offense? This is the game for you. While I respect Mike Price a great deal as a coach, I think Tulsa may have a bit too much, even for the Miners to counter on offense.
Tulsa 45 UTEP 31
UTEP 48 Tulsa 47 (30-21)

Nebraska at Missouri: Like a few unbeatens (Kansas, Cincinnati, UConn, etc.), Missouri has a lot to prove as a club. Outside of their opener with Illinois, they have yet to beat a true quality opponent. They're loaded on offense and when they are in a rhythm, they can score against anybody, but they have many unanswered questions on the other side of the ball. The same rings true of Nebraska. They've been able to score some points this season, but allowed 49 points to USC and 40 more to Ball State. With the game in Columbia, I have a difficult time in seeing the "Blackshirts" rising enough to the occasion to limit the Tigers' offense.
Missouri 38 Nebraska 28
Missouri 41 Nebraska 6 (31-21)

Utah State at Hawaii: The 0-5 Aggies versus the 5-0 Warriors. Colt Brennan could throw five more interceptions and I'd still pick Hawaii to win this one.
Hawaii 63 Utah State 14
Hawaii 52 Utah State 37 (32-21)

Sunday
New Mexico State at Boise State: Hal Mumme and Chase Holbrook should provide some moments of excitement for New Mexico State, but not enough for a victory on the Blue Field. Following their loss to Washington, the Broncos have defeated 3-1 Wyoming by 10 and 2-2 Southern Miss by 22. Expect more of the same as BSU improves to 4-1 on the season.
Boise State 45 New Mexico State 17
Boise State 58 New Mexico State 0 (33-21)

Inelligible Games
Chattanooga at Arkansas
Liberty at Toledo

Week 6 Record: 33-21 (.611)
Overall Record: 182-75 (.708)