Week 6 Preview

This week features a terrific slate of games. Conference races will begin to get sorted out this week and there are more than a couple of teams that need wins to keep their dreams alive. I had a hard time narrowing down my list of intriguing games to five. This is probably the best week yet and there were a lot of games to choose from.

5. (24) Wisconsin at (9) Ohio State (3:30 on ABC)
Is Wisconsin for real? After the first few weeks of this season, I thought the Badgers were destined for a finish in the bottom half of the Big Ten. They were not impressive against their first few opponents and were lucky to be undefeated. However, they have handled Michigan State and Minnesota in the past two weeks. The running game has been very good (ranked 14th in the nation) and the passing game has been surprisingly good. Wisconsin is better than I expected them to be but they will struggle in Columbus. Their defense will not be up to the challenge of stopping the Buckeyes. OSU wins, 27-17.

4. (17) Auburn at Arkansas (Noon on ESPN)
Is Auburn for real (are you seeing a trend here)? They are surprisingly unbeaten under new head coach Gene Chizik. Offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn has figured out a way to rev up Chris Todd and the Auburn offense and the defense has been pretty good. The Arkansas Razorbacks were impressive against Texas A&M last week but they have not been able to get over the hump against a quality SEC opponent yet. Fayetteville is a difficult place to play and I would not be surprised to see both offenses put up a lot of points. I still love Ryan Mallett but the Hogs defense is woeful. I think the Tigers stay unbeaten, 38-35.

3. (22) Georgia Tech at Florida State (8 on ESPN2)
The Florida State Seminoles football program is in disarray. The athletic department is split about what they should do with Bobby Bowden, the team looks asleep and lackadaisical on the field and they have struggled against teams that run the triple option. Florida State's defense is known for athletic defenders that fly around but don't necessarily play with discipline. The number one rule of playing against the triple option is that you must stay in your gap and be disciplined. This game seems tailor made for the Yellow Jackets. However, we know FSU is capable of playing a great game (see BYU three weeks ago). If this turmoil has galvanized the Noles for a week, they will be able to beat Georgia Tech. Another loss would continue FSU's slide, a win might stem the criticism surrounding Bowden. I could see anything happening here but I will take Tech by double digits.

2. Georgia at Tennessee (12:20)
The natives are getting restless in Athens. People are not happy about the apparent lack of fire the Georgia Bulldogs have been playing with for the past couple of seasons. Fans seem to think the team has taken on the laid back attitude of Mark Richt and they are not happy about it. The Bulldogs were dominated in the first half of the LSU game last week but they hung in and almost pulled out the win. I have not been impressed by UGA's defense or their defensive coordinator Willy Martinez. Tennessee was beaten soundly by Auburn to drop to 2-3 on the year. I am not surprised by their lackluster start, this is a horrible offensive team. If Georgia's defense gives up a lot of points to the Volunteers, the Martinez era could come to an abrupt end. If Georgia manages to lose at Rocky Top, Mark Richt will begin to feel the heat. I think Georgia shows up and beat the Vols.

1. (1) Florida at (4) LSU (8 on CBS)
Is Tim Tebow going to play? We won't know until game time. Will he be 100%? I don't see anyway he will be completely ready to go. Tebow might go two weeks without taking a hit before the game, it will be tough to play well. If Tebow doesn't play, can John Brantley win at LSU? Brantley is very talented but this would be a brutal game to make your first start. Death Valley is a crazy place, especially at night. The Tigers did not impress me at Georgia. They really dominated the first half but managed to only score six points. Some of the coaching decisions were rather bizarre. There is no question LSU has the talent to compete with Florida and give them some problems with or without Tebow. I think Tebow plays, the Gators respond to the challenge and Urban Meyer out-coaches the Mad Hatter. Florida wins 34-21. Gator Bait!

I will preview the IU at UVA game tomorrow. A quick note, Hoosier Hysteria is coming. That's right, basketball is right around the corner and Hoosier Hysteria is October 16. I cannot wait for the upcoming IU basketball season and I will begin previewing the season in mid to late October. Football will remain the primary focus until basketball starts. At that point, I will split the coverage 50/50 between IU football and IU basketball. Hopefully, the Hoosiers will remain relevant on the gridiron well into November. Until next time, stay vigilant and God Bless America.