As we are nearing the halfway mark of the college football regular season, a few things are becoming clear. Alabama and Clemson are playing at a much higher level than the rest of the country. LSU and Tennessee don’t look like power 5 conference teams. And hey, maybe Wazzu can make some noise in the West this year after an impressive upset of fifth-ranked USC at home last week. Let’s preview the top matchups and odds for Week 6.
Michigan State Spartans @ (7) Michigan Wolverines
Favourite: Michigan -10.5
After a dreadful 2016 season, this year’s Mark Dantonio team is off to a respectable 3-1 start, though their schedule is about to get much tougher. It begins this weekend as Michigan State travels to Ann Arbor for a rivalry showdown with the seventh-ranked Wolverines in the hopes of reclaiming the Paul Bunyan trophy.
The Spartans are a running team that will look to put Michigan to sleep with their slow-developing rushing offense. The bad news for State, however, is that the Wolverines are giving up a miniscule 2.2 yards per rush. Attacking Michigan through the air won’t be much easier, as Jim Harbaugh’s squad is fifth in the nation in opponent yards per pass attempt at 5.1. Michigan State has also been great on defense, but not quite as elite as their in-state counterparts.
The saving grace for the Spartans is that the 10.5-point favourites have been unremarkable on the offensive side of the ball and their starting quarterback, Wilton Speight, has been injured. With that being said, his replacement, John O’Korn, has played just as well if not better when he’s filled in. Look for a low-scoring defensive battle in Ann Arbor. The total is 46.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons @ (2) Clemson Tigers
Favourite: Clemson –22.5
Speaking of great defenses, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more talented front seven unit than Clemson’s. Hosting Wake Forest as 22.5-point favourites on Saturday, the Tigers look to continue their outstanding run. Despite having faced a tough slate of opponents in the early stages of the season, Dabo Swinney’s group has been unstoppable, outscoring opponents by a whopping of 25.6 points per game on average.
The feisty Demon Deacons suffered their only loss of the season in a close 26-19 contest last week against a hungry Florida State squad and are seeking to spoil Clemson’s party in this all-ACC tilt.
(13) Miami Hurricanes @ Florida State Seminoles
Favourite: Miami -3.5
Yet to be tested this season, the undefeated Hurricanes will travel to Tallahassee for another Week 6 in-state rivalry game as 3.5-point favourites. Florida State has had a rough start to the season after losing their quarterback, Deondre Francois, in Week 1 against Alabama for the season. Look for a motivated Miami club, as they seek revenge on this road trip and try to put a stop to a seven-year losing streak against the ‘Noles.
*Odds as of October 6, 2017