It’s safe to say that week five of college football lived up to the hype. Georgia versus Alabama, Penn State versus Oregon, Ole Miss versus LSU, Virginia versus Florida State, Mississippi State versus Tennessee, and Illinois versus USC provided us with one possession showdowns. As usual, we were spoiled with upsets and overtime thrillers. Have no fear, week six will be entertaining as well. Let’s take a look at some big matchups to watch in college football in week six.
Alabama vs. Vanderbilt
Location: Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Spread: Alabama (-10.5)
Over/Under: 55.5
ML: Alabama (-425), Vanderbilt (+320)
Vanderbilt Run Game versus Alabama Run Defense
Contrary to popular opinion, Vanderbilt didn’t dominate Alabama on the ground in their matchup last season. The Commodores averaged only three yards per carry on 54 carries. However, Vanderbilt’s run offense is better this season, and Alabama’s run defense appears to be worse. Vanderbilt’s veer system will give Alabama fits on Saturday, and Alabama DC Kane Wommack will need to find ways to get Vanderbilt’s offense off the field.
Vanderbilt’s rushing attack currently ranks #3 in college football in yards per carry. However, that ranking must be caveated by Vanderbilt’s 88th ranked strength of schedule. Now, despite Alabama’s standing in the national rankings, its rush defense ranks 71st in yards per carry allowed. This will be the key battle for Vanderbilt throughout the game. Vanderbilt will need to sustain drives in order to keep Alabama’s offense off the field. While Vanderbilt might not see the explosive plays that Georgia did against Alabama, the goal for the Vanderbilt offense will be to chew clock via sustained drives.
Alabama Pass Offense versus Vanderbilt Pass Defense
Alabama’s passing attack will be of utmost importance on Saturday. Vanderbilt will limit Alabama’s possessions, so the passing offense will need to be efficient in order to maximize limited opportunities. The Crimson Tide passing game currently ranks 18th in yards per attempt and 8th in yards per game. Meanwhile, the Vanderbilt pass defense currently ranks 24th in yards per attempt allowed and 69th in yards per game allowed.
In its most recent game, Vanderbilt’s defense allowed 274 passing yards and 5 TDs against Utah State. The Commodores have also struggled to create turnovers in the passing game, as Vanderbilt defenders have only intercepted 3 passes. Meanwhile, Ty Simpson has yet to throw an interception this season. Maintaining possession will be the name of the game for Simpson. He cannot afford to give extra possessions to an offense that will chew up game clock.
Florida State vs. Miami
Location: Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida
Spread: Miami (-4.5)
Over/Under: 54.5
ML: Miami (-185), Florida State (+155)
Miami Run Defense versus FSU Run Offense
Miami’s defensive transformation has been quite the story so far this season. But the defense will have its hands full with Gus Malzahn’s multiple rushing attack. Miami currently ranks 10th in yards per carry allowed and 5th in rushing yards per game allowed. The Hurricanes’ defense has totaled 26 tackles for loss, and the defensive line virtually lives in the opposing backfield. Led by two potential first round draft picks in Rueben Bain Jr and Akheem Mesidor, the Miami DL has been a nightmare for opposing run games. Miami’s LBs have shown the ability to scrape across the box and fill gaps in the line.
However, Miami’s front seven will have its discipline tested on Saturday. Gus Malzahn and Thomas Castellanos lead a FSU rush attack that features misdirection, read option, and trickery. They will test the eyes and instincts on Miami’s defense. The Seminoles currently rank 4th in yards per carry and 1st in rushing yards per game. FSU also averages 50 carries per game, so the run game is relentless for four quarters. Even in its most recent loss, FSU ran for 256 yards and 3 TDs on 5.3 yards per carry. FSU’s offensive line consists of 5 redshirt seniors, and they will not be intimidated by Miami’s DL.
Carson Beck versus FSU Pass Defense
Miami currently ranks 70th in yards per carry at 4.2. FSU ranks 26th in yards per carry allowed at 3.2. This game could easily rest on the performance of Carson Beck. Beck struggled against a great Florida defense, and he’s been given two weeks to prepare for this game. If FSU’s run game is able to sustain drives, Beck will need to generate points on limited possessions. Will he be able to return to a Heisman caliber version of himself? The answer to that question could be the determining factor in this game.
Other Games to Monitor
Yes, I know that Florida is 1-3. The Gators’ defense is legit, and the Florida offense will eventually play good football. Arch Manning is traveling to play in front of 90,000 Florida fans. Both teams are coming off bye weeks, so we can expect their best game plans. With games remaining against Oklahoma, Vanderbilt, Georgia, and Texas A&M, the Longhorns cannot afford to lose this game if they desire a college football playoff appearance.
Louisville vs. Virginia
While not a college football name brand matchup, this is a massive game for determining the foundation of the ACC standings. With a win, Virginia can move to 3-0 in conference play while possessing the biggest conference win against FSU. Louisville could jump into the top three in the conference standings with only one ranked matchup left on the schedule. This matchup will play a major role in ACC Championship predictions.
