Week 6 College Betting Lines
It took over a month, but the 2014 college football schedule has finally entered must-see territory. Six matchups between Top 25 teams, including three involving SEC rivals. Notre Dame’s first legit test of the season. A Big Ten brouhaha. A battle in the Big 12. A Thursday night showdown between Pac-12 unbeatens. Navy at Air Force. Week 6 has something for everyone. Leaving the couch will prove difficult with several playoff contenders on full display for all to watch. Here’s an early peek at the Week 6 college football betting lines.
Arizona at Oregon -22.5 – The Marcus Mariota Heisman wagon train circles back to Autzen Stadium on Thursday night to face undefeated Arizona. The Wildcats haven’t played a quality opponent, unless you think Cal is good. The Ducks struggled to dispose of Washington State on the road last Saturday, but Mariota bailed his boys out with 5 passing touchdowns. This is a ton of points, especially on a short week.
Texas A&M at Mississippi State +1 – A pick ’em. Based on the Aggies’ shaky effort against Arkansas, there’s reason to believe this could be a tough spot for them on the road. The Bulldogs have had an extra week to prepare after bouncing LSU on September 20th, and they host Auburn next week. Junior tailback Josh Robinson racked 197 yards versus LSU and Texas A&M was just gashed for 285 yards on the ground. This one could come down to the last minute.
Alabama at Mississippi +4.5 – The Tide are rolling and rested. Blake Sims to Amari Cooper has been an unstoppable connection thus far. Nick Saban’s defense has stiffened since struggling against West Virginia in Week 1. The Rebels have allowed 34 points through four games versus extremely weak competition. Senior quarterback Bo Wallace doesn’t win on style points, but he finds a way to make plays. ‘Bama has won the last six meetings while not allowing more than 10 points.
Oklahoma at TCU +5 – The Horned Frogs boast the nation’s number two scoring defense. The Sooners rank 9th in points scored. Something has to give. Oklahoma signal-caller Trevor Knight has been erratic under center. If not for freshman running back Samaje Perine, the Sooners would’ve lost to West Virginia; the kid is a punishing inside runner with deceptive speed. If TCU doesn’t contain him, this one could get ugly.
Stanford at Notre Dame EVEN – Oddmakers aren’t buying the Golden Domers. Beating the likes of Rice and Michigan isn’t impressive, no matter the final score. No team plays defense harder or smarter than Stanford. If Everett Golson can lead touchdown drives and avoid mistakes, the Irish will gain actual respect, not the fake kind offered in the polls.
Nebraska at Michigan State -8 – The Huskers are averaging 354 rushing yards per game, led by senior Ameer Abdullah. Unlike their first five opponents, the Spartans play defense. Shut down the run game and Nebraska will have few answers. Michigan State can ill afford another loss in the Top 25 after being hammered at Oregon.
