College soccer Week 6: Picks and preview

Is it time to take Michigan significantly after a relatively decisive win at Iowa? The Wolverines’ quarterback state of affairs will get a whole lot of consideration, however their protection ranks seventh within the nation, permitting 252.0 yards per recreation, and giving up a mean of 11.6 factors. Michigan did lose at then-No. 13 at Indiana in 2020, however these Hoosiers have totaled simply 44 factors of their two Big Ten video games in edging Illinois and falling by 14 at Nebraska final weekend.

Prediction: Michigan (-22)

Come on, what number of on the market thought TCU and Kansas would each be undefeated and ranked for the primary full week of October? TCU is tied for second within the nation, averaging 48.5 factors, whereas Kansas is tied for twelfth at 41.6 per contest. When it involves quarterback score, the Horned Frogs’ Max Duggan (997 yards, 11 touchdowns, zero touchdowns) is No. 1 within the nation at 202.2, with the Jayhawks’ Jalon Daniels (983 yards, 11 TDs, one INT; 329 dashing yards, 5 TDs)) sitting seventh at 177.5. TCU has gained three straight and 9 of the final 10 over Kansas.

Prediction: Kansas (+7)

You have to return to 2016 to seek out the final time Tennessee opened 5-0. The Volunteers didn’t play LSU that season and have misplaced 5 in a row towards the Tigers , whom they haven’t confronted since 2017. Going again additional, Tennessee’s final victory at Baton Rouge got here in 2005. Meanwhile,  the Vols’ two wins over ranked groups this season have come by a mixed 12 factors. LSU, in the meantime, is again within the Top 25 whereas using a four-game profitable streak following that heartbreaking loss to Florida State. While there are questions on offense, the Tigers have been getting it accomplished with a protection permitting a mean of 14.8 factors. It can be fascinating to see how Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker (1,193 yards, eight touchdowns, zero interceptions) fares towards the Tigers.

Prediction: Tennessee (-3)

No longer within the Top 25, Arkansas faces a  ranked group for the third straight week after shedding to then-No. 23 Texas A&M and Alabama. The Razorbacks  have gained the final two conferences with Mississippi State however by a complete of 10 factors. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs are eying a 3rd consecutive win after topping the Aggies. They’ve totaled 87 factors within the final two video games, due to the play of quarterback Will Rogers (72.8 completion proportion, 1,715 yards, 19 touchdowns, three interceptions).

Prediction: Arkansas (+8)

Cincinnati returns to the Top 25 for the primary time since shedding 31-24 at then-No. 19 Arkansas. The Bearcats have outscored their opponents 177-72 in the course of the four-game profitable streak that is adopted. Quarterback Ben Bryant (1,383 yards, 13 touchdowns, 4 interceptions) is beginning to really feel extra snug, thanks partly to receivers Tyler Scott and Tre Tucker, who’ve mixed for 51 receptions and 823 yards. The Bearcats have gained 4 straight over South Florida, which has dropped 14 consecutive street contests since profitable at East Carolina on Oct. 26, 2019.

Prediction: Cincinnati (-27 1/2)

Georgia gained its first three video games by 120 mixed factors. But within the final two video games versus Kent State and Missouri, they gained by 21 whole. Is there purpose to be involved about Georgia’s standing? The Bulldogs, who rallied to outlive a critical scare towards the Tigers final weekend, have dedicated 5 turnovers within the final two after not turning the ball over within the first three contests. Georgia has gained 5 in a row over Auburn, which, relationship to final season, has misplaced 4 straight towards ranked opponents.

Prediction: Auburn (+30)

At roughly the midway level of the season, Oklahoma State needs to be thought of the favourite to win the Big 12’s regular-season title. Especially after beating then-No. 16 Baylor on the street final weekend. When it involves versatile threats, the Cowboys’ Spencer Sanders (1,097 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, two interceptions, 185 dashing yards, 4 TDs) is among the many greatest within the nation. He’s thrown for 461 yards with two touchdowns, one interception, and run for 126 and two scores, whereas Oklahoma State has gained every of the final two conferences with Texas Tech.

Prediction: Oklahoma (-9)

Yes, it is UCLA, not Utah, that enters this matchup undefeated. The Bruins have not gone 6-0 since 2005. But, undertaking that feat once more doubtless will not be straightforward towards the Utes, who’ve gained 5 straight on this sequence — and the final three conferences at Pasadena. Since that opening 29-26 at Florida, Utah has outscored its subsequent 4 opponents 184-43. Meanwhile, UCLA, which simply knocked off then-No. 15 Washington 40-32, is averaging 41.4 factors and is paced by veteran quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (1,211 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, one interception; 223 dashing yards, three dashing TDs).

Prediction: Utah (-4 1/2)

Speaking of Washington, the bloom is lastly off the Huskies’ rose following the aforementioned loss at UCLA. Now, Washington stays on the street to face a Sun Devils squad that is been outscored 140-76 throughout a four-game shedding streak. That mentioned, Arizona State has gained seven straight dwelling conferences on this sequence relationship to a 33-31 loss on Oct. 27, 2001. Considering the state of each packages in the meanwhile, that prolonged run for the Sun Devils appears in jeopardy of continuous.

Prediction: Arizona State (+14)

When trying forward in the course of the early days of the 2022 season, this was a considerably intriguing matchup. Now, it simply looks as if one other alternative for Ohio State to roll. The Buckeyes are the nation’s highest scoring group (48.8 factors per recreation), due to maybe the most effective receiving corps within the nation — Emeka Egbuka, Marvin Harrison Jr., Julian Fleming — even with out Jaxon Smith-Njigba as an element. Meanwhile, Michigan State was outscored 61-20 towards league foes Minnesota and Maryland. The Spartans have additionally dropped six straight to the Buckeyes, and eight in a row to them at dwelling.

Prediction: Ohio State (-26 1/2)

Ole Miss final began 6-0 and didn’t should vacate any of these wins, in 1962. Considering Vandy has not gained an SEC recreation since Oct. 19, 2019, one would assume this stellar Rebels’ begin would proceed. Mississippi has gained the final three conferences with the Commodores by a mean margin of 24 factors. Rebels freshman Quinshon Judkins (535 dashing yards, six touchdowns) is off and working, which could not bode nicely for a Vanderbilt protection that allowed 228 yards on the bottom within the 55-3 loss at Alabama throughout their most up-to-date contest on Sept. 24.

Prediction: Mississippi (-17 1/2)

Perhaps probably the most spectacular factor about Clemson’s early success is its potential to stay calm and centered. The Tigers have been the higher group in each contest so far, and are taking part in with a ton of confidence, even when star defensive sort out Bryan Breese will miss a second consecutive recreation with a kidney an infection. Following back-to-back wins over ranked groups in Wake Forest and North Carolina State, Clemson tries for a twelfth consecutive victory over Boston College. The Golden Eagles simply edged Louisville at dwelling, however have additionally allowed 77 factors of their final two contests.

Prediction: Clemson (- 20 1/2)

Kansas State has misplaced two in a row and three of the final 4 conferences with Iowa State. However, Adrian Martinez (654 passing yards, three touchdowns, 469 dashing yards, 9 TDs) has discovered a pleasant, however momentary, dwelling with the Wildcats. So, he could possibly be a problem for the Cyclones’ protection, which continues to be fairly stingy whereas permitting a mean of 14.4 factors. Iowa State’s subject has been an offense that is been held to 11 or fewer factors twice in 2022.

Prediction: Iowa State (+2)

The return of Chris Rodriguez did not actually assist Kentucky, which averaged 2,9 yards per rush throughout final weekend’s 22-19 loss to then-No. 14 Mississippi. The Gamecocks, in the meantime, are permitting 185.4 dashing yards per recreation and 4.4 per carry. Whether that helps the Wildcats’ run recreation get away stays to be seen. Still, Kentucky’s protection, permitting 14.8 factors per recreation, needs to be stout sufficient to stymie a South Carolina program that is misplaced eight straight SEC street contests. The Gamecocks have dropped 4 straight at Kentucky.

Prediction: Kentucky (-10 1/2)

Las Vegas would be the stage for maybe the weekend’s most unheralded matchup. BYU is the one ranked group of the 2, however the Irish are the early favourite. Notre Dame has gained the final three conferences on this sequence, however the groups have not met since 2013. The Irish have additionally discovered their kind following that 0-2 begin however nonetheless weren’t dominant in beating Cal and North Carolina. Notre Dame quarterback Drew Pyne has thrown 5 touchdowns and no interceptions in beginning the final two video games, nevertheless it may have higher success working the ball towards a Cougars protection that is permitting 162.6 dashing yards per contest.

Prediction: Notre Dame (-3 1/2)

It’s considerably laborious to consider that USC final began 6-0 in 2006. Fast ahead 16 years, and the Trojans seem in good condition to lastly do it once more. The preseason hype of Lincoln Riley’s first USC group is actual, and it is perhaps time to begin associating the group with a College Football Playoff berth. Yes, it is nonetheless early, and the Trojans ought to win a fourth straight contest from Washington State. Especially with Caleb Williams (1,402 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, one interception, three dashing TDs) and Jordan Addison (29 receptions, 442 yards, six TDs) taking part in at a excessive degree.

Prediction: USC (+13)

We understand how good Sam Hartman (1,196 yards, 15 touchdowns, two interceptions) is, however anticipate Wake to pound the soccer on this non-conference contest. Demon Deacons Justice Ellison and Christian Turner have mixed for 540 dashing yards and 5 touchdowns. And, Army is giving up a mean of 222.0 yards on the bottom. Ellison, Turner, and Hartman every had a dashing rating throughout Wake’s wild 70-56 win at Army final season.

Prediction: Wake Forest (-17)

Prior to the season, this was anticipated to be one in all 2022’s premier regular-season contests. Well, the Aggies, trying to beat Alabama for a second straight season, had been simply blown out by 18 factors towards Mississippi State of their first true street recreation final week. However, this 12 months’s matchup just isn’t with out intrigue after the Tide’s reigning Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young (1,202 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, three interceptions) injured his shoulder final weekend . Should his freshman alternative, 6-foot-2, 212-pound Jalen Milroe, who amassed 156 whole yards with a dashing and passing landing within the win at Arkansas, get a begin Saturday, one other star is perhaps born in Tuscaloosa.

Prediction: Texas A&M (+24)

This ACC matchup options two groups attempting to rebound from their first losses of the season. N.C. State hung round for 3 quarters at Clemson, however managed simply 279 whole yards of offense. Meanwhile, Florida State’s protection wasn’t actually as much as the duty throughout its 31-21 loss versus then-No. 22 Wake Forest final weekend. The Wolfpack have gained two in a row and 4 of the final 5 towards Seminoles, who’ve allowed 85 factors in dropping their final two at Raleigh.

Prediction: North Carolina State (-3)

With 4 straight wins, the Ducks have hit their stride. And, the offense is beginning to gel behind Bo Nix (1,261 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, three interceptions, 261 dashing yards, 5 dashing TDs) and a supporting forged that is seen 13 totally different gamers rating touchdowns this season. Arizona, nonetheless, has gained the final two dwelling conferences on this sequence, with the newest coming in 2018. Yet, the Wildcats have misplaced 5 in a row towards ranked opponents.

Prediction: Oregon (-13)

A couple of weeks again, the Red River Showdown appeared to be appointment viewing that includes two ranked groups. However, Texas nonetheless has not gained back-to-back video games this season, whereas the Sooners are attempting to keep away from shedding three in a row for the primary time since a five-game skid in 1998. That mentioned, this rivalry tends to be extremely entertaining every season, with protection often at a premium, Oklahoma has gained the final three regular-season rivalry conferences — by a mixed whole of twenty-two factors.

Prediction: Texas (-7)

After profitable 20-10 then-No. 21 Minnesota, Purdue is attempting to win back-to-back Big Ten street video games in consecutive weeks for the primary time since 2012. The Boilermakers misplaced their solely league matchup at Maryland, 50-7, in 2016. The Terrapins have gained seven straight dwelling video games towards unranked opponents, and Taulia Tagovailoa is finishing 75.5 p.c of his passes whereas throwing for 1,416 yards. Meanwhile, six Maryland receivers have a minimum of 12 receptions. The Terps, nonetheless, are giving up a mean of 252.4 passing yards, which may imply a giant day for Purdue quarterback Aidan O.Connell (1,199 yards, eight touchdowns, three interceptions).

Prediction: Purdue (+3)

Wisconsin opened the season as the favourite to win the Big Ten West Division. Now, in peril of beginning 0-3 in league play for the primary time since 2008, and after firing coach Paul Chryst, the Badgers are at considerably of crossroads. Wisconsin’s usually stingy protection allowed 86 factors to Ohio State and Illinois, whereas the upstart Illini held the Badgers’ offense to 2 dashing yards throughout final weekend’s 24-point dwelling defeat. Northwestern has totaled 68 factors throughout its four-game skid that adopted a 31-28 win over Nebraska however has gained two straight and 6 of the final seven dwelling conferences with Wisconsin.

Prediction: Northwestern (+8)

Expected to be an ACC title contender underneath Mario Cristobal, Miami nonetheless is perhaps, however has to finish a three-game shedding streak after falling at then-No. 24 Texas A&M and, stunningly, versus Middle Tennessee. The Hurricanes allowed 45 factors within the latter, and now face a Tar Heels squad that’s tied for sixth within the nation averaging 45.4 factors. North Carolina has additionally averaged 45.0 factors throughout its present three-game profitable streak towards Miami.

Prediction: North Carolina (+3 1/2)

Armed with the nation’s main rusher in Chase Brown (733 yards) and a protection that is tied for the fewest common factors allowed (8.4), shocking Illinois tries to construct on its 34-10 street rout of Wisconsin from final weekend. Thus, placing the onus on Iowa, which has solely allowed 50 factors via 5 video games however has already been held to 14 or fewer factors 3 times. The Hawkeyes have gained eight straight over the Illini, relationship to a 27-24 loss at Champaign in 2008.

Prediction: Illinois (-3 1/2)