2014 Week 6 CFB Game Picks
Finally, one of those weeks in college football arrives that we fans live for. There are H-U-G-E matchups all over the nation in Week 6. Some are in conference (Arizona at Oregon; Nebraska at Michigan State), or in conference division (TAMU at Mississippi State; Alabama at Mississippi; and LSU at Auburn), or intersectional, with CFP implications for both teams (Stanford at Notre Dame). This is going to be a fun weekend.
| Last Week: | 7-3 | (.700) |
| Season: | 34- 16 | (.680) |
Nebraska @ Michigan State (Saturday, October 4th, 8:00 p.m., ABC)
Nebraska comes into this game unbeaten; Michigan State already has the one tough loss at Oregon. So why does it feel like the Huskers need this game more? It may be more that the conference needs Nebraska to win, to preserve a division leader with an unblemished record. Sparty still has a nasty defense, is at home, and has the better quarterback in Connor Cook. Expect a dogfight, but also expect the Spartans to get a big win.
Pick: Michigan State 24, Nebraska 18
Louisiana State @ Auburn (Saturday, October 4th, 7:30 p.m., ESPN)
First guaranteed pick of the season: the Tigers will win this game. Which Tigers, though? We like the ones at home on the plains of East Alabama, not the ones of the Bayou variety. Why? They have Nick Marshall; the Bayou Bengals have a frosh QB who gets his first start on the road. Looks like LSU will be a factor in the SEC West…in 2015.
Pick: Auburn 38, LSU 17
Alabama @ Mississippi (Saturday, October 4th, 3:30 p.m., CBS)
This is the biggest game in Oxford in decades, as the unbeaten Rebels take on the Crimson Tide. Blake Sims has finally secured the starting QB spot, and he has Lane Kiffin’s offense humming. Ole Miss will be game at home, but just doesn’t have the athletes to win this game. Expect Amari Cooper to get loose at least a couple of times on Saturday.
Pick: Alabama 35, Mississippi 21
Stanford @ Notre Dame (Saturday, October 4th, 3:30 p.m., NBC)
This promises to be a bit of a slobber-knocker, featuring two of the best defenses in the country, playing on a wet track in the venerable Notre Dame Stadium. Everett Golson has matured on and off the field, but Stanford’s defense leads the nation in points against, total yardage per game and passing yardage per game. Stanford has been shaky in the red zone, but will get a score from the defense or special teams to squeak by in this one.
Pick: Stanford 17, Notre Dame 13
Texas A&M @ Mississippi State (Saturday, October 4th, 12:00 p.m. ESPN)
Two of the nation’s hottest quarterbacks will be featured in this contest, with Kenny Hill visiting StarkVegas to take on Dak Prescott’s Bulldogs. MSSU should thank Arkansas for tenderizing the Aggies last weekend. Look for Mississippi State’s physicality to wear down TAMU and to earn the win.
Pick: Mississippi State 31, Texas A&M 25
Virginia Tech @ North Carolina (Saturday, October 4th, 12:30 p.m., ESPN)
The Hokies are enigmatic, but the Tarheels are not. UNC can move the ball, but it can’t stop a nosebleed.
Pick: Virginia Tech 42, North Carolina 28
Pittsburgh @ Virginia (Saturday, October 4th, 7:30 p.m., ESPN3)
Both teams have had their ups and downs already this season, but UVa has been the more pleasant surprise. The Cavaliers are at home, and Mike London’s defense has been consistently good, even if his offense has not.
Pick: Virginia 24, Pittsburgh 14
Arizona @ Oregon (Thursday, October 2nd, 10:30 p.m. ESPN)
Revenge game for the Ducks, after the Wildcats derailed their march to the PAC-12 North championship last season. I expect that the real motivation for the Quack Attack will be for this season alone, and Arizona’s defense is suspect. Also, Oregon’s Breast Cancer Awareness uniforms are awesome.
Pick: Oregon 49, Arizona 31
Ohio State @ Maryland (Saturday, October 4th, 12:00 p.m., ABC)
Happy B1G welcome to the Terrapins last week in Bloomington, with a big win over Indiana. Young J.T. Barrett appears to be growing up quickly, which is exactly what the Buckeyes need from him. He’ll be even better in Week 6.
Pick: Ohio State 35, Maryland 21
Utah @ UCLA (Saturday, October 4th, 10:30 p.m., ESPN)
Careful here, Bruins. This is a potential trap game and a potential letdown game, all wrapped up into one. This is a scary proposition for the home team, but Hundley looked healthy last week and friendly confines of Rose Bowl Stadium will be comforting.
Pick: UCLA 38, Utah 31
Thank you for reading. Please take a moment to follow me on Twitter – @dbking65. Please keep up with our College Football Coverage – @LastWordOnCFB. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport and “liking” our Facebook page.
For more on sports injury news, check out our friends at Sports Injury Alert.
Have you tuned into Last Word On Sports Radio? LWOS is pleased to bring you 24/7 sports radio to your PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone. What are you waiting for?
