Last week was a week that shaped the landscape for the College Football Playoffs. This week we have some big conference games with title implications. Without further ado, here are the five college football games to watch during Week 6.
1. No. 9 Tennessee v. No. 8 Texas A&M
This is certainly one of the most intriguing match-ups this Saturday as the Tennessee Volunteers travel to College Station to take on the Texas A&M Aggies. They both boast 5-0 records, but it’s tough to see if either squad is talented enough to contend for a national title, so this is a “measuring stick” game. The Aggies are probably the better team, with wins against Auburn and Arkansas already in SEC play, and with the next two games against Top 10 opponents, this could set the tone for the rest of the season. Tennessee continues to find ways to win, with an amazing comeback against Florida and the “Hail Mary” against Georgia. This should be a fun game to watch.
2. No. 25 Virginia Tech v. No. 17 North Carolina
This is one of the more underrated games of the weekend. The North Carolina Tar Heels are coming off an emotional last-minute victory, while the Virginia Tech Hokies had a bye week to develop a game plan.
It will be a battle of a strong offense versus a strong defense, with North Carolina having that pass offense that cane give teams fits, while Virginia Tech has one of the better pass defenses in the nation. This just seems like the type of game that will come down to a final drive. One of the best college football games on TV this weekend? Count on it.
3. No. 5 Washington v. Oregon
Now, you may be wondering why I am choosing this game. The Oregon Ducks have fallen in its last three games, while the Washington Huskies have morphed into one of the biggest stories in college football after unexpectedly thrashing Stanford last Friday. Well, here is why.
While the Huskies looked invincible last week, they MUST handle the Ducks with ease. However, they have had issues playing in Autzen, and you know Oregon will be hyped for this game to turn the tide. Washington has been one of those fun story lines to follow. Will the hype continue on Saturday?
4. No. 23 Florida State v. No. 10 Miami
At one time, this game looked like one of the premiere matchups, but with the Florida State Seminoles out of the College Football Playoff discussion, most think this game lost a bit of luster. Well, it hasn’t, as this game may show us if the Miami Hurricanes are a contender or pretender.
Miami’s schedule has been pretty easy for the first five games, so this will be their stiffest test. Mark Richt must have his team fired on all cylinders for four quarters. The stakes are simple for each squad. For Florida State, a victory over its biggest rival would obviously serve as a step in the right direction. For Miami, a win keeps college football playoff hopes alive.
5. No. 1 Alabama v. No. 16 Arkansas
The Alabama Crimson Tide have dominated the college football landscape for quite some time, and people are saying that this year will be the same. Well, with Cinderella stories from Louisville, Washington, and Houston in the story lines, that has changed. Even though they are the top ranked team, the schedule has not been that tough, sans Week 3’s comeback win against Mississippi, but it changes now with their match-up against the Arkansas Razorbacks in Fayetteville.
The Razorbacks are a dangerous team, with their only loss to Texas A&M. Arkansas ranks middle of the SEC pack in most statistical categories, but the Razorbacks should put up a nice fight against the top team in the country.