By Skeeter Smith
As we dive deeper into the season, the line between pretenders and contenders becomes clearer for college football teams. Week 6 presents a slate of games with significant implications for conference standings nationwide. Let’s dissect the most crucial matchups of the week.
23 LSU vs. 21 Missouri
Brady Cook & Luther Burden vs. LSU’s Secondary
LSU has one of the nation’s most potent offenses in the country, but their Achilles’ heel has been a defense that concedes as many points as their offense scores. Their upcoming road clash with Missouri, a team that has shown marked improvement in offensive production since last season, promises fireworks. The connection between Brady Cook and Luther Burden has been terrorizing secondaries in the first five games, and they’ll have a chance on Saturday to exploit an LSU secondary that has struggled so far.
12 Oklahoma vs. 3 Texas
The Sooners’ Aerial Assault vs. The Longhorns’ Secondary
Oklahoma enters this matchup with an offense leading the Big 12 in passing yards while averaging an impressive 47 points per game. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel excels at spreading the ball around involving all his receivers in the pass game. However, they face a stout Longhorns secondary, led by Jahdae Barron, allowing less than 200 passing yards per game. Anticipation is building for this showdown, promising an intense battle on the field.
13 Washington State vs. UCLA
Cougars Offense vs. The Bruin Defense
Cameron Ward’s impressive start to the 2023 season has thrust him into Heisman discussions as he ranks third in the nation for passing yards per game, leading this high-powered Cougar offense to an impressive start to the season. This week though, they face a tough challenge against a Bruins team that holds a top-10 total defense ranking and leads the country in yards per play allowed. Look for the Bruins to be aggressive early to disrupt the Cougars’ rhythm.
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11 Alabama vs. Texas A&M
Dallas Turner vs. A&M’s O-Line
Dallas Turner has been a force of nature this season, leading the SEC in sacks with six in five games. He’s set to challenge an A&M offensive line that has done a solid job at protecting their quarterbacks to start the season. Turner’s talent has the potential to single-handedly impact the outcome, making it crucial for the Aggies’ front line to be aware of where he’s lined up every snap.
20 Kentucky vs. 1 Georgia
Ray Davis vs. The Dawgs’ Front Seven
Kentucky’s starting running back, Ray Davis, erupted in the first half against Florida, accumulating over 200 yards before halftime and finished with 280 yards and three touchdowns. However, he faces a Georgia defense known for its dominance against the run. Despite a recent lackluster performance against Auburn, you can expect Kirby Smart will have his team ready and determined to contain Davis to ensure he doesn’t have a repeat performance.
10 Notre Dame vs. 25 Louisville
Jack Plummer vs. The Irish Defense
It seems like every week Notre Dame is prepping for another test against a ranked opponent with their gauntlet of a schedule. This week they host undefeated Louisville led by Jack Plummer, the ACC leader in yards per completion this season. After two interceptions on the road against NC State, Plummer needs a bounce-back performance if Louisville hopes to compete against the Irish in this one.
