Preview and Picks for NCAA Football Week 6 

The college football Week 6 schedule includes just one Top 25 matchup before the big Week 7 schedule that includes four Top 25 matchups on Sat., Oct. 12, headlined by Texas (-14.5) vs. Oklahoma in Dallas and Ohio State (-2.5) at Oregon. Last week's huge watch and wager Top 5 matchup between Georgia and Alabama went the Crimson Tide's way in a 41-34 win and wild finish. The victory moved Alabama to the top of the AP Top 25 rankings to kick off college football in October. 

A best bet Week 5 winner on Kansas State was not enough as our Georgia/Alabama picks dropped our Top 25 matchup picks to 1-2. We chipped-in an Opinion winner on big 'Dog Illinois in defeat. 

The Top 25 matchup Picks are 2-3 this season and added Picks 1-2. While I bet many more games and totals, we'll continue to chip in some Picks and Opinions on Top 25 matchups and other select games and evaluate the contests generating more betting interest. 

Last year we went 11-7 on Top 25 Picks posted at OSGA, and added additional picks and bonus picks went 6-0 ATS. So follow along and as we dig deeper as the season moves along, I'll chip-in additional Picks on these pages at OSGA including this week below. 

The major line moves and totals continue this week, and you can check out the updates from last Sunday's openers here, along with the top teams odds to win the NCAA Championship in new 12-team College Football Playoff.   

Also, tune into FS1 Friday night from Las Vegas where UNLV tackles Syracuse. The UNLV Rebels entered the AP Top 25 for the first time in program history this week. I can't make the game Friday, but will be attending other games soon and reporting from press row at Allegiant Stadium. 

AP Top-10 & Odds to win-it-all

1. Alabama +350
2. Texas +425
3. Ohio St +375
4. Tennessee +1000
5. Georgia +650
6. Oregon +1100
7. Penn St +1800
8. Miami +1200
9. Missouri +5000
10. Michigan +12500

Odds> https://t.co/Twr0tROIoz

— Dave Mason (@DaveMasonBOL) October 1, 2024

Week 6 Top 25 Picks And Matchups

College football odds from leading online sportsbooks refresh periodically and are subject to change, including on props and live betting. All times Eastern and betting favorites (-) listed. For bettors interested in reduced juice sportsbook options, checkout BetAnySports and Heritage Sports, which also offers cash back bonuses getting the 'most squeeze for your juice."  Odds and spreads below from BetOnline. 

Friday, Oct. 4 

No. 6 Oregon (-23.5) vs. Michigan State | 9 p.m. | FOX
No. 25 UNLV (-6.5) vs. Syracuse at | 9 p.m. | FS1 

Saturday, Oct. 5 

No. 1 Alabama (-23) at Vanderbilt | 4:15 | SEC Network
No. 2 Texas | Bye
No. 3 Ohio State (-18.5) vs. Iowa | 3:30 p.m. | CBS - Bet Iowa
No. 4 Tennessee (-13.5) at Arkansas | 7:30 p.m. | ABC
No. 5 Georgia (-21.5) vs. Auburn | 3:30 p.m. | ABC/ESPN+
No. 7 Penn State (-27.5) vs. UCLA | 12 p.m. | FOX
No. 8 Miami (-10.5) at California | 10:30 p.m. | ESPN
No. 9 Missouri at No. 25 Texas A&M (-2) | 12 p.m. | ABC/ESPN+
No. 10 Michigan at Washington (-1.5) | 7:30 p.m. | NBC
No. 11 Southern California (-8) at Minnesota | 7:30 p.m. | BTN
No. 12 Ole Miss (-7.5) at South Carolina | 3:30 p.m. | ESPN
No. 13 LSU | Bye
No. 14 Notre Dame | Bye
No. 15 Clemson (-14.5) at Florida State | 7 p.m. | ESPN
No. 16 Iowa State (-12.5) vs. Baylor | 7:30 p.m. | FOX
No. 17 BYU | Bye
No. 18 Utah | Bye
No. 19 Oklahoma | Bye
No. 20 Kansas State | Bye
No. 21 Boise State (-26.5) vs. Utah State | 7 p.m. | FOX
No. 22 Louisville (-6.5) vs. SMU| 12 p.m. | ESPN
No. 23 Indiana (-13.5) at Northwestern | 3:30 p.m. | BTN
No. 24 Illinois | Bye

Other receiving votes: Arizona 106, Pittsburgh 42, Nebraska 30, Boston College 18, Iowa 17, James Madison 13, Oklahoma State 8, South Carolina 8, Rutgers 7, Kentucky 6, Navy 6, SMU 4, Army 2, Colorado 1.

Missouri at Texas A&M

Highly ranked and regarded Missouri is off a bye and plays their first road game of the season. The Tigers are a slight road 'Dog, and they've struggled away from home under head coach Drinkwitz going 6-13 SU with two of those wins at league-worst Vanderbilt. Mizzou struggled mightily at home last week in a 30-27 OT win over Vandy, and the Tigers cupcake strength of schedule ranks outside the top 125 while A&M checks in top-25 in SOS with four wins since an opening week close loss to Notre Dame on this field. Opinion Texas A&M.  

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Other Top 25 Opinions and Picks

Auburn (+21.5) at Georgia - With Friday post we're late to the party for this to be a Pick, with the line dropping sharply, but still stronger Opinion on Auburn, and added Opinion Under the game total of 51.5, which is also down. Auburn has been favored in their first five games and now is a big 'Dog with trend bettors noting that Auburn is on a 0-8 SU/ATS run on the road at Georgia. Auburn lost their last two games at home in close losses to SEC opponents in which the Tigers outgained both Oklahoma and Arkansas but suffered five turnovers vs. the Hogs. Last week Auburn blew a 21-10 fourth quarter lead to lose 27-21 to the Sooners with a late 63-yard INT Pick-6. That despite a 482-291 yards edge, 26-11 first downs and the Tigers running 18 more plays than the Sooners. Georgia laid it all on the line in a huge comeback effort but came up short vs. Alabama. There has to be a letdown coming by the Dawgs, and sharp bettors agree driving this line down 3 points from -24.5.

Iowa (+18.5) at Ohio State - Same situation with line dropping sharply and Opinion on Iowa. The game total is up 3 points to 45.5 with Hawkeyes games 4-0 Over the total this season. Iowa is rushing for 253 yards per game to rank No. 6 in the country and top-3 of Power 4 schools led by RB Kaleb Johnson, who ranks No. 2 in the country with 685 rushing yards. The Buckeyes have embarrassingly played a strength of schedule outside the top 125, but have blown out four opponents including 38-7 at Michigan State last week. Strongest test this week for both teams. 

California (+10.5) vs. Miami - Opinion on the Golden Bears, who have covered 65% ATS as 'Dogs under 8th year head coach Justin Wilcox including 12-5 ATS as home 'Dog. Another letdown likely for Miami off their emotional last-second win and overturned Hail Mary TD by VT. Long travel for the 'Canes and Heisman hopeful QB Cam Ward, who you can watch on ESPN GameDay. 

Arkansas (+13.5) vs. Tennessee - Pick on the Hogs, but few are willing to get in front of the Volunteers and their 4-0 SU/ATS victory run with an explosive offense. Except Tennessee was slowed last week by Oklahoma in their first test of the season gaining less than 360 yards offense in a 25-15 win. But these Hogs can hang within 2 TD's if they hold onto the football, which they didn't do last week with 3 TO's in a 21-17 loss to Texas A&M despite outgaining the Aggies by 80 yards. Pigs can play and could easily be 5-0, and the Hogs won at Auburn 24-14 with a run-heavy attack and big time of possession edge. Similar approach but tougher to execute vs. Tennessee, but still plenty of value at home and room to come in under this big impost.

Washington (-1.5) hosts No. 10 Michigan in a national championship game rematch from last season. The Huskies lost at Rutgers last week 21-18 despite a 521-299 yards advantage, 207 yards rushing at 7.1 YPR with no turnovers. Strange but four missed field goals was the difference in defeat. Coaching mismatch and the Huskies will come to play with a stronger defense allowing just 250 yards per game and riding a 17-game home winning streak. Pick on Washington. Updated offensive stats factoring opponents faced (Dr. Bob Sports): Huskies are averaging 474 yards per game at 7.4 yards per play and rate at 1.4 yards per play better than average after accounting for the defensive units they’ve faced. The Wolverines are averaging 320 yards at 5.4 yppl and have been just average offensively. 

Boise State (-26.5) vs. Utah State. If you're looking for a big blowout, then hit the App for this late Saturday night Broncos beatdown of the Aggies, who are even worst then the market perceives. Opinion winner on the Boise State Broncos, who are leaving the Mountain West Conference with USU to join the new Pac 12 in two years. Bitches. 

Off the Top 25 board

Texas Tech was a best bet winner in Week 4 on these pages, and the explosive Red Raiders (+6.5) are worth a Pick and Bet as 'Dog at Arizona with the TTRR win over Arizona State and their stronger defense looking better. 

Check back for more analysis and additional College Football Picks Saturday morning beyond the Top 25. 

You can bet on it. 

FairwayJay is a proven sports handicapper and loves college football. He's been handicapping and betting college football for more than two decades and is recognized as one of the sports industry's most insightful analysts. FairwayJay chips in additional sports betting coverage and reporting on industry news and events. Follow FairwayJay here at OSGA.com and on X @FairwayJay for more sports and betting insights.