Week 6 Games of the Week: How to Watch, Previews, and Predictions
RELATED ARTICLES: W5 RECAP, G5 TOP 4, CFP TEAMS, GOPHER UPDATE
GAMES OF THE WEEK
LAST WEEK: 3-1
SEASON RECORD: 14-6
OVERALL RECORD: 92-46
It's been a while, but it's good to have TCU back on the national stage. Gary Patterson's team is playing football at a high level, and it all starts on defense once again.
Travin Howard has been a leader so far this year in Gary Patterson's 4-2-5 defense, leading the team in tackles and second in tackles for loss. The last time we saw the Horned Frogs, it was two weeks ago when they pulled away from then #6 Oklahoma State 44-31. Their offensive production is led by their rushing attack. Darius Anderson has been filling in while Kyle Hicks has been nursing a hamstring injury, but Hicks is expected to be back for this game. Quarterback Kenny Hill hasn't been overly impressive, but the Frogs haven't needed him to be.
West Virginia's defense is a concern, and that doesn't bode well against TCU's running game. The Mountaineers are 115th against the run in the nation, and that needs to change for an upset to happen. We all know what the offense can do, but can the defense step up in a big game? Dana Holgorsen shouldn't have to worry about the offense, so he loosen his focus on one of the best offenses in the country. Florida transfer Will Grier is making Moutaineer fans forget about his predecessor, Skyler Howard. Grier is joined in the backfield by returning starter Justin Crawford, who has shown he can put up big numbers when called upon.
My pick: TCU 49 West Virginia 35
Can you believe that Miami is favored in this game? Coming into this season, you would be in the majority if you couldn't believe that. Both teams come into Week 6 with just three games because of the effects of Hurricane Irma. Florida State has been struggling to gain traction, and that all starts at the quarterback position.
Deondre Francois went down with an injury in their opening game against Alabama. In stepped James Blackman, but growing pains have been endured. The offense sputtered the last two weeks, and resulted in a loss to North Carolina State two weeks ago, and a late win over Wake Forest. Even with Jacques Patrick and Cam Akers in the backfield, the offense can't seem to gain any traction. That won't end well against a team that's motivated by the way they lost last year.
A blocked extra point killed any momentum Miami had in last year's game, and that came after a touchdown by Stacy Coley pulled them within a point with 1:38 left in the game. You can guarantee that the Hurricanes still have that bitter taste in their mouth coming into the game on Saturday. Their offense is led by quarterback Malik Rosier and running back Mark Walton. Rosier is going to find Braxton Berrios and Ahmmon Richards downfield, and Walton is in his third year of experience. Defensively, the swag appears to be back, literally. A turnover chain has circulated on that side of the ball, and it has to be one of the coolest sites in college football. Mark Richt might not have the swag back in the program completely, but he's well on his way.
My pick: Miami 28 Florida State 17
Might as well get the Ducks in before they fly south, even if it isn't by choice. Oregon is going to be without quarterback Justin Herbert and maybe star running back Royce Freeman. Freeman is expected to suit up Saturday even after sustaining an injury last week, and Herbert is out four to six weeks with a broken collarbone. It might be difficult for the Ducks to keep up with Washington State. If the defense can step up in a big way, Willie Taggert's team might have a chance.
The Cougars are showing that they are a complete team. An upset win over USC last week got them in the national spotlight, and they appear to be a legitimate threat this year. Mike Leach's team holds a two game winning streak in this series, and there's no reason why they can't outscore the Ducks to make it three. The Cougars offense is facing a Ducks defense that is struggling despite noticeable improvements. Oregon is the 14th best team at stopping the run, but 77th against the pass. Luke Falk likes to see that. The senior has led an offense that loves to throw the ball around the field, and will do so even more against Oregon. Like we discussed last week, the Cougars can also run the ball and play defense. Too many factors are in favor of the Cougars, even if they are on the road.
My pick: Washington State 44 Oregon 29
How is a 3-2 team favored by six against an undefeated ranked team at home? Look at who Utah has played. North Dakota, BYU, San Jose State, and Arizona. Stanford's two losses were to USC and San Diego State. So now you have your answer.
Stanford's offense lost its star player in Christian McCaffrey, which left many fans doubtful that the success could continue. Even with two losses already, the Cardinal might have found a player who is even better than McCaffrey. Bryce Love received valuable experience last year with his predecessor sitting out to preserve his NFL career. That experience is shining through, and was most evident last week against Arizona State. Love finished with 301 yards rushing and three scores, bring his season total to 1,088 yards (564 have come in the last two games alone).
Utah was the benefactor of a valuable transfer at receiver. Darren Carrington left Oregon, wound up with the Utes, and has already shown that he's still one of the best. Stanford might have to rotate coverage towards his side of the field, which could take him out of the game. Troy Williams lost the starting job to Tyler Huntley to open the year, but an injury to Huntley's shoulder last game allowed Williams to come in and lead once again. Even though they are undefeated, we still haven't seen much from Utah that's been impressive. That is a big concern heading into this game.
My pick: Stanford 31 Utah 20
