WINNING PICKS FOR WEEK SIX

We're entering Week Six and we're right in the middle of conference play along with some compelling non-conference match ups.

Despite the interruptions brought by Hurricane Matthew, college football moves on with minor difficulties.

The Georgia-South Carolina game has moved to a Sunday kickoff and the LSU-Florida game has been postponed until the SEC mediates an acceptable game date. Both teams play cupcakes (South Alabama and Presbyterian) on November 19 so it makes sense to play on that date. But LSU doesn't want to end its season with three straight road games so it's going to come down to a mandate from the SEC offices.

Let's hope this game gets played because it may very well have SEC East ramifications. Meanwhile, the big FSU-Miami game is still on for Saturday. Nothing seems to phase the 'Canes, not even Matthew.

The Great Eight™ for Week Six...

DobbNail Boot gets a hug

#9 Tennessee @ #8 Texas A&M...the challenge for undefeated Tennessee is maintaining its Rocky Top high after two consecutive dramatic come-from-behind wins over Florida and Georgia. The Vols have started slow in every game this season, something they can't afford to have happen when they face the Aggies (also undefeated) in College Station. Texas A&M leads the SEC in offensive yardage of 521 yards per game. To compound matters for the Vols, they will again be without their two starting linebackers, Reeves-Maybin and Kirkland. They were greatly missed in defending the run at Georgia, and the Aggies average over 258 yards rushing per game. Uh oh. Also, Tennessee's Jalen Hurd will not play due to an undisclosed injury. So it could be a long afternoon on Kyle Field for the Tennessee as they once again lose their way when they travel west. Take the Aggies in a close one.

#1 Alabama @ #16 Arkansas...this could be a big time trap game for the Tide which averages 44 points per game while yielding just 13. The Razorback qb Austin Allen has been a steady performer as well as rb Rawleigh Williams. But they'll be facing one of the best defenses in the country, led by de Jonathan Allen, safety Eddie Jackson, and lb Reuben Foster. It will be close but take Arkansas and the points (14) in an UPSET SPECIAL.

#23 Florida State @ #10 Miami...the Noles are still stinging from a 2 point loss to UNC last Saturday on a final play field goal. FSU has plenty of firepower especially with qb Deondre Francois who has the ability to to make plays with both his arm and his legs. Undefeated Miami is led by Brad Kaaya and is the key to Mark Richt's offense which we're sure has been eyeing FSU's school record of giving up 177 points thru five games. Hurricanes storm the Noles. Miami wins this one.

Good doggie

#5 Washington @ Oregon...undefeated Washington is looking to snap a 12 game losing streak to the Ducks when they visit Oregon tomorrow. The Huskies are ranked 8th nationally in scoring defense allowing just 12.8 points per game and racked up 8 sacks and held Stanford's McCaffrey to just 79 yards of offense last Saturday. We think this is the year that the Huskies dine on the Ducks. Take Washington for the win.

Georgia @ South Carolina...thanks to Hurricane Matthew this game is moving from Saturday to Sunday. The leg humpers are still reeling from their gut wrenching loss to Tennessee last weekend and hope to rebound over the GameCocks. We expect Georgia to rely on its ground game to give freshman qb Eason some relief. Nick Chubbs should be back and we expect him and Sony Michel to pound the rock in what will be a very soggy Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia. Take the Dawgs in this one.

From Blazing Saddles to Hot Seat

Texas @ #20 Oklahoma...a lot is riding on this game not only for both schools but also both head coaches when old rivals meet for the 111th time in the Red River rivalry at the Cotton Bowl in Texas. Both coaches are on the hot seat, especially Stoops after upset losses by Houston and Ohio State. The Longhorn defense is shaky at best after being pulverized for 96 points in back to back losses to Cal and Oklahoma State. It ain't gonna get any better for Charlie Strong as the Sooners win big in Dallas.

#25 Virginia Tech @ #17 North Carolina...Tar Heel qb Mitch Trubinsky is starting to get Heisman buzz after three straight 400+ yard passing performances. But the Hokies have a fairly potent offense led by qb Jerod Evans to go along with a stout defense. This should be a close and entertaining game. Take the Tar Heels over the Hokies.

Shell Shock a coming

Maryland @ Penn State...it's been ages since we featured the Terps in our Great Eight slate but Maryland is undefeated (4-0) and Penn State is rebounding under the direction of James Franklin. The Terps are seeking their second straight win at Beaver Stadium and its first 5-0 start since 2001. Maryland relies on the rush, averaging 300 yards per game (7th in the FBS) and 6.5 yards per carry. This could be the year that "Fear the Turtle" actually means something. Terps snap the Lions.

Let's check in next week to compare our winnings. Have a winning weekend.

MAKE MO' MONEY with MARK™