College football has returned for a few weeks. There are always things to watch every week of the season. Here are 5 things to watch in college football week 6.
1. Alabama’s Quarterback Situation
In week 5, Alabama starting quarterback Bryce Young went down with a shoulder injury. They were able to win without him, as Jalen Milroe filled in well. It is now announced that Young has a sprained shoulder. Nick Saban doesn’t seem to think it is too serious, but he could miss a game or two. If he does play through it he could be in some pain.
Week 6 presents the opportunity for Alabama to get revenge on Texas A&M, who they lost to last season. While the Aggies have been struggling to meet their standards this season, they do have plenty of talent. If Young can’t go in this game, it makes things difficult for Milroe. The quarterback situation could have a huge impact on the game, although Alabama will be favored either way.
2. NC State Bounce Back Game
NC State lost a tough game to Clemson in week 5. They were ranked in the top 10 and the loss will drop them in the rankings, but there is still plenty of time left in the season to be successful. Unfortunately, they won’t have too much time to recover, as they host Florida State in week 6.
Florida State is also coming off of a loss. They dropped a game to Wake Forest in week 5 after they started the year undefeated. The Wolfpack’s defense will have to chase around Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis, who can extend plays with his arm and legs. Both teams will be hungry for a win. NC State getting a win could help them bounce back in the polls and be in contention for a New Year’s Six Bowl by the end of the season.
3. Red River Rivalry
While Oklahoma and Texas both already have two losses on the season so far, the Red River Rivalry is always worth watching. Oklahoma has lost two straight games, to Kansas State and TCU. Their defense has been exploited and they may also be without quarterback Dillon Gabriel who was knocked out of the TCU game with a head injury. Dropping to 3-3 would be a rough start to the Brent Venables era.
Texas lost one game to Alabama and then another to Texas Tech. A third loss is something that will hit the program hard, as they are trying to get back to bowl eligibility. Starting quarterback Quinn Ewers being hurt has hindered them and he may return for this game. With two desperate teams squaring off in a rivalry, a fun game should come out of it.
4. Can Kansas Get Bowl Eligible?
Kansas has been the story of the young college football season. They have gone undefeated through five games with wins over Houston, Duke, West Virginia and Iowa State. Lance Leipold is getting plenty of credit for already exceeding expectations, but if the Jayhawks win in week 6, they will be bowl eligible for the first time in over a decade.
The Jayhawks match up with the undefeated TCU Horned Frogs in week 6. TCU destroyed Oklahoma in week 5 to extend their record to 4-0. Kansas is hosting TCU and will likely want to control the clock and limit TCU’s opportunities offensively. There is a lot on the line for the Jayhawks and whoever wins the game will stay atop the Big 12 standings (likely with Oklahoma State and Kansas State).
5. BYU vs. Notre Dame
BYU really scheduled tough this season and have been good enough to suffer just one loss so far this season. They have defeated Baylor in a tough game, but dropped one to Oregon. The Cougars are led by quarterback Jaren Hall, who has thrown for 12 touchdowns and just one interception. A win this week over Notre Dame could really put the Cougars on a good path to make a New Year’s Six Bowl.
Notre Dame started off the season sluggishly, losing two games. They have since won two straight games then had a bye last week. With two weeks to prepare for BYU, the Fighting Irish are looking for the first big win of the Marcus Freeman era. Backup quarterback Drew Pyne is getting more comfortable filling in for the starter, Tyler Buchner, who is out for the year with an injury. If Notre Dame’s defense can limit the big plays, they can win this neutral-site game in Las Vegas.
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