Week 6 - The Season Has Finally Arrived

Standings

1) Draper               15-6    (3-2 upset)

1) Schweinfurth     15-6    (2-3 upset)

1) Seeberg              15-6    (0-5 upset)

4) Hoying               14-7    (2-3 upset)

Following the most boring week ever at Let's Go Bucks!, in which each of us picked the favorite in every game and they all won, Week 6 finally provides a terrific slate of ranked and undefeated matchups, including 3 from the seemingly untouchable SEC West. Since there are so many, the write-ups will each be a bit shorter this week, but the "quantity over quality" mentality has never failed us before.

Arizona Wildcats @ Oregon Ducks
Draper: RichRod has the offense rolling in Zona and capped it off with a Hail Mary win over Cal, but the Ducks are not the Bears.  The Ducks have looked great all year and they get another stage vs. an undefeated Cats squad (although they are a bit overrated).  Mariota grabs hold of the Heisman frontrunner position with another big game as the Autzen crowd is too much for RichRod and company.  High scoring, but not particularly close.  Zona: 34--Ore: 52

Hoying: If you (like me) don't get the Pac-12 Network or (unlike me) don't stay up until 2 AM ET to watch college football, you may have missed Arizona's ridiculous comeback against Cal to push the 'Cats to 4-0, the best game of the year so far. Arizona hasn't beaten anyone of note, and they haven't looked impressive doing it. Speed bump against Washington State aside, Oregon has. Could this be a week Brady Hoke picks up a win on DickRod? Zona: 27--Ore: 48

Schweinfurth: Rich Rod has the Wildcats at 4-0!?! I guess TTUN should have given that non-Michigan Man more time (at least he doesn't play concussed QBs).  But I digress.  This game is going to be a straight up shoot-out.  Both teams have very potent offenses and pretty much meh defenses.  I fully expect this to come down to the last possession but this game is in Eugene.  The Ducks do not lose in Eugene. Zona: 42--Ore: 49

Seeberg:  This one should be an enjoyable watch.  Michigan State scored nearly 30 against Oregon at their place and their offense is not nearly as prolific as the one the Wildcats possess.  However, MSU's D is far superior to Arizona's, and it is likely that Oregon will be scoring at will.  Needing a 36-point fourth quarter against Cal?  Doesn't sound like a team capable of springing the upset.  Quack on.  Zona: 31--Ore: 55

Texas A&M Aggies @ Mississippi State Bulldogs

Draper: Texas A&M has captured the nation's eye with wins over South Carolina (overrated) and Arkansas (eh...) but MSU went into Death Valley and took down the Bayou Bengals.  Dak Prescott has Dan Mullen's team churning and I expect more of the same against an overrated A&M defense.  The Aggies showed some vulnerability to the run vs. the Razorbacks.  Let's not forget that Starkville used to be one of the toughest places to play with those cowbells.  Kenny Hill still runs a nice offense under Kevin Sumlin, but they came a little bit back down to earth last week.  I'm going with CLANGA! TAMU: 20--MSU: 27

Hoying: Bert "Karma" Bielema's Razorbacks put a scare into A&M last week, while Mississippi State was still at home celebrating a rare road win at LSU. The Bulldogs can run the ball almost as well as Arkansas, and MSU QB Dak Prescott is coming along nicely as a sleeper Heisman pick in this young season. I said last week that a one-dimensional team wasn't going to beat the Aggies, but Mississippi State has just the right offensive formula, along with a D that punished LSU for three quarters until they realized they weren't supposed to win. Hey Bulldog! TAMU: 24--MSU: 27

Schweinfurth: Is there a more overrated team than Mississippi State?  I really don't think so.  That win over LSU was nice but the hype the Dogs are getting is a bit much (SEC bias much).  As far as A&M goes, I don't trust their defense but that offense is some kind of machine.  Look for Kenny Hill to keep up this tear he is on.  This one may be close for a half but A&M will just flat outscore the Bulldogs.  TAMU: 42--MSU: 31

Seeberg:  Mississippi State looked shot out of a cannon last week, jumping out to a big lead before NOT pulling a Wisconsin and hanging on to beat LSU.  The Bulldogs run it well, and A&M is a leaky sieve when it comes to run D.  All signs point to another big MSU win and a top 10 ranking...which is exactly why I'm picking the Aggies.  It's been a long time since Miss St. has played a game of this magnitude, and they're just not quite ready.  A&M scores just enough to outlast Mullen's crew.  TAMU: 38--MSU: 35

Nebraska Cornhuskers @ Michigan State Spartans

Draper: This may the second biggest game in the B1G this year.  Ameer Abdullah has been fantastic this year, but that's about the only plus in Lincoln.  Time for a wakeup call as the Spartans provide some real competition.  Connor Cook and Sparty have been rolling after the loss in Autzen.  I don't think the Huskers have the horses to keep up with MSU in East Lansing.  The Spartans keep it going before the big game vs. the Buckeyes. Neb: 17--MSU: 31

Hoying: This will probably be the meeting of the two highest-ranked teams in the B1G, but it matters so little in the conference scheme. The OSU/MSU winner should take the East, and the Nebraska/Wisconsin winner should represent the West, regardless of the outcome of this game. But I still need to pick a winner, so here we go: Michigan State is still riding the hype from last year's Rose Bowl win. They've blown out their slate of nobodies, but they lost to Oregon by multiple scores. Nebraska is quietly putting together a nice season after the McNeese near-disaster, led by the B1G's best rusher, Ameer Abdullah. AA has 2 100-yard games against Nebraska, and I see no reason why he won't do it again. We've seen what an elite RB can do to the Spartan defense; Husker fans had better hope that Herman-style play calling doesn't take them from sure victory to Bo Pelini Land. Neb: 31--MSU: 27

Schweinfurth: This is a benchmark game for Nebraska.  A win by the Huskers could show that they are one of the top teams in the B1G.  A loss says they are still a second tier team.  Michigan State is going to force Tommy Armstrong to throw the ball, as well they should.  Armstrong can be erratic and only complets just over 50% of his passes.  Connor Cook has done a good job of managing the Spartan offense this year and should continue that trend.  Nebraska keeps it close but Sparty YES! Neb: 17--MSU: 21

Seeberg:  I know this is a "big game", two top 20 teams, potential conference supremacy at stake...but I just don't see it.  Michigan State is better in every phase with the exception of Abdullah trouncing tacklers to save a game against an FCS opponent while MSU hung 73 on a MAC squad.  This one will not be closer than the experts think.  Neb: 13--MSU: 34

Oklahoma Sooners @ Texas Christian Horned Frogs

Draper: TCU has turned into a perennial 'pretty good', but OU looks like a juggernaut this year.  The Sooners are mowing teams down and I don't expect anything different here.  No one has been paying attention to Trevor Knight and company because, you know, SEC, SEC, SEC, but after they 'hung on' to beat UT 34-10 (lolESPN) it's time to keep an eye on the boys from Norman.  OU: 31--TCU: 17
Hoying: How about that TCU win over...Minnesota... The Horned Frogs have been thoroughly mediocre since joining the Big 12 (mod 12) and until they come up with a big win, there's a heavy presumption against believing that they can. Plus, Oklahoma has a win over an SEC team!!!!!!!1!! OU: 41--TCU: 20

Schweinfurth: TCU has played well so far this year, but here comes Big Game Bob and the Sooners.  Trevor Knight is one heck of a QB and has kind of gotten lost in the shuffle.  I'm not sure why we aren't hearing more about this Oklahoma team because they are GOOD.  I'll take that Oklahoma offense all day. OU: 38--TCU: 14

Seeberg:  TCU is undefeated and ranked and, therefore, the best team OU will have played to date, at least in theory.  Tennessee has arguably more talent, though inexperienced talent, and OU coasted to a win over the Volunteers.  TCU, meanwhile, has played nobody (Minnesota), nobody jr. (SMU) and even-nobodys-don't-know-this-guy (Samford).  Not exactly good preparation for Oklahoma.  Sooners roll again.  OU: 31--TCU: 13

Stanford Cardinal @ Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Draper: Notre Dame has looked really good with Everett Golson back under center, and the Cardinal are nearly impossible to figure out.  Stanford should have crushed USC based on the stats, but they couldn't finish.  Under the gaze of Touchdown Jesus, the Irish keep it rolling over a questionable Stanford squad.  It will be ugly, because that's how Stanford wants it, but the Irish will do just enough. Stan: 17--ND: 20
Hoying: Notre Dame has looked impressive so far, but all of their wins are over total bottom-feeders. Meanwhile, the Cardinal stupided a game away against USC and needed everything in the bag to get by Washington last week. Since Stanford's resurgence, Notre Dame has gone 1-4 in this matchup, but that win featured Everett Golson behind center. In Notre Dame's undefeated 2012 regular season, Golson tossed 11 TDs. This year, he has 11 in the first 4 games. Onward to victory. Stan: 13--ND: 14

Schweinfurth: Notre Dame is undefeated and in the top 10!!! Let's take a look shall we?  Notre Dame's best win is against a historically bad Michigan team that puts the fun in dysfunction.  Hmm, sounds like a quality win? Last week, the Domers struggled against Syracuse giving up 5(!) turnovers.  Sanford has the nation's best defense their only loss is a flukey one against USC.  Seems to me that Stanford is better.  They are and they win a low scoring, close one.  Stan: 17--ND: 10

Seeberg:  Another game that, in theory, is a big one.  Notre Dame is still undefeated and in the top 10 despite a schedule that rivals TCU's thus far (see above) with Rice and the decrepit Michigan among their foes.  Stanford, however, struggled at Washington after leading 10-0.  I'd like to think I trust Stanford more, but it will be a nailbiter.  Stan: 27--ND: 20 (OT)

Alabama Crimson Tide @ Ole Miss Rebels

Draper:   Dr. Bo has kept the Rebels valid, but Bama is another monster all together.  The Tide defense has remained an immovable object, but Lane Kiffin has a relevant Bama offense with Blake Sims.  Yes, they enter the Grove which can be a tough place to play, but it's not one of the premier locations.  Tide rolls to remain the big dog in the big bad SEC West. Bama: 31--Miss: 20
Hoying: Didn't we see this movie last year? Undefeated Mississippi plays undefeated Alabama, gets blasted, has a good-but-not-great season. Ole Miss has scooped up the garbage they've been dealt so far, but as long as the Tide can avoid the turnovers that let Florida hang around for a half, this one shouldn't be in question. Bama: 27--Miss: 14

Schweinfurth: Ole Miss had done a good job bringing in talent on both sides of the ball.  No whether or not that talent can hang with Bama or not is yet to be seen.  There is a big part of me that likes the Rebles in this game.  Right now it seems that, if you can shut down Amari Cooper and Yeldon, you can shut down the Tide offense.  I think both stay contained and we get more *narrative* on how deep the SEC is.  Bama: 28--Miss: 31

Seeberg:  This one is terrifying to pick.  Both Mississippi schools have top 6, undefeated, divisional foes coming into town.  The odds of both failing is remote.  I truly believe 'Bama will lose at least three games this season, much like their 2010 campaign.  No time like the present to turn the Tide (see what I did there??).  The Grove will be partying into the wee hours Bama: 17--Miss: 27

LSU Tigers @ Auburn Tigers

Draper: Auburn is undefeated, but they simply don't look like the freakish offensive juggernaut from last year.  That being said, LSU has also appeared to take a step back.  Nick Marshall is keeping the offense solid, but the loss of Tre Mason is rearing its head.  The main difference in Auburn is a defense that doesn't have the playmakers from the SEC champion squad of 2013.  Jordan Hare makes the difference as Auburn wins a close one to stay the top Tigers in the SEC. LSU: 24--Aub: 34
Hoying: Y'all is Tiger bait. Auburn's rushing attack continues to roll on behind RB Curtis Artis-Payne and QB Nick Marshall, while LSU is suffering a bit of an offensive identity crisis without Zach Ermahgerd taking snaps. Sure, they crushed New Mexico State, but that doesn't erase an ugly home loss to Mississippi State that a furious comeback can't obscure. Auburn will be looking for revenge after their only SEC blemish of a magical 2013 season, and they'll get it. LSU: 24--Aub: 28

Schweinfurth: It's time for the real Auburn to stand up.  I never looked at Auburn as a great team last year and they got lucky in a few big games.  The nation has had time to see this rushing attack for a few years and it's about time someone figures out how to stop it.  As crazy as Les Miles is, I think he's the guy that cracks the code.  LSU: 24--Aub: 21

Seeberg:  MAN there are a lot of great games this week.  About time!  Except, of course, they're tough to pick.  LSU is angry even after destroying New Mexico State, and Auburn looked pretty pedestrian against their lone opponent of consequence, squeaking out a 20-14 win at Kansas State.  Quite frankly, and superstitiously, I think Jordan Hare has exhausted its magic for this decade.  Time for the SEC West to beat the living daylights out of each other until everyone is tied at 6-2.  LSU: 31--Aub: 23

THE Ohio State University Buckeyes @ Maryland Terrapins

Draper: Welcome to the B1G Maryland.  We'll get you started with the big dog.  The Bucks roll into College Park on a high note after having their way with the Bearcats defense.  The Terps have looked pretty good thus far, but OSU is a different animal.  The pass defense of the Bullets can't give up the big play as they did repeatedly against Gunner Kiel, but I don't think the QB in Maryland (whoever ends up playing) has the chops to make the big throws.  That being said, look out for Stefon Diggs who was targeted by Urban but fell through the cracks to the Terps.  He has some big time talent, but it's not enough.  Barrett continues some stellar QB play and Zeke moves the chains. Bucks win. OSU: 38--Maryland: 20
Hoying: Everyone laughed when the B1G decided to add Maryland and Rutgers, but these two teams are each a late score away from being undefeated atop the B1G East standings. The Terps have been getting it done with great QB play from C.J. Brown, but he sprained is wrist against Indiana and may be limited against Ohio State. Maryland is also missing one of their starting corners, Alvin Hill, so the Buckeyes may enjoy a significant pass game advantage this Saturday. Couple that with EzE's coming out party against Cincinnati and Maryland's over-reliance on the injured Brown's running ability, and you have the ingredients of a solid, though close, Buckeye victory. OSU: 38--Maryland: 27

Schweinfurth: This is another big test for the Ohio State secondary.  Everyone wants to criticize the Buckeye secondary, and I understand that.  Those three plays were BAD.  The good news is that those mistakes are now on film and the coaches can make some adjustments. As for Maryland, Stefon Diggs is the real deal.  The two QBs the Terps are gonna toss out there could cause a bit of confusion.  This Buckeye offense is looking very potent and has put up 50+ the last two games.  Welcome to the B1G Maryland.  This one is close for a quarter. OSU: 42--Maryland: 21

Seeberg:  Hmmm, why are the Bucks playing another out-of-conf...oh yeah, nevermind.  Gonna take some getting used to.  In any event, all appeared to be as expected last week in our dismantling of Cincinnati.  The pass D was suspect, but the Terrapins do not have the same skill level across the board.  Dontre, to his credit, asked politely for more touches in the offense.  Give that man the ball Urban!  Lots of short to intermediate passes, Dontre touches it 17 times, scores twice, and the Bucks roll again.  OSU: 45--Maryland: 17

Upset Special

Draper: Texas Tech over Kansas State

Hoying: Northwestern over Wisconsin

Schweinfurth: Utah over UCLA

Seeberg:  Michigan over Rutgers (no seriously, Rutgers is favored, look it up)