College football is back in full swing. There are always things to watch every week of the season. Here are 5 things to watch in college football week 6.
Miami has started off the season undefeated and it has been against some decent teams. They have defeated Notre Dame, USF and Florida already. The Hurricanes had a bye in week 5, but now have to prepare for playing their rival Florida State in the biggest game in the rivalry in a while. Florida State lost to Virginia in week 5, but have defeated Alabama this season, making this an intriguing matchup.
The Hurricanes may have taken a slight step back this year offensively, but Carson Beck has found success, specifically targeting wide receiver Malachi Toney. Their defense is much improved this season, which is a big help after the unit struggled last season. Florida State can put up points, as they average 56 points per game. The defense has been an issue, as they just allowed 46 points to Virginia. Miami will be favored, but anything can happen in a rivalry.
Last season, Alabama lost a shocking game to Vanderbilt on the road. Alabama would go on to finish the regular season 9-3 and miss the CFP. That loss to Vanderbilt kept them out. The Commodores would go on to make a bowl game last season and bring back several key players who helped them get there.
These two teams meet up again in week 6, this time in Tuscaloosa. Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia has been great this season, passing for 890 yards, eight touchdowns and two interceptions. He will have his work cut out for him against a team that has allowed just 35 points since week one. Alabama’s offense may have stalled in the second half against Georgia, but has been a lot better overall since the Florida State loss. If Alabama can win this game, the path back to a CFP berth is within sight, but Vandy won’t be easy.
In 2024, Boise State made the CFP as the Group of Five representative. This season, they lost in week 1 to USF, which complicates their path for this season. Since that game, they have won all of their contests, but now they will have a game they might need to win if they wish to make the CFP. The Broncos travel to Notre Dame to take on the Fighting Irish.
Notre Dame started 0-2, then defeated Purdue and dominated Arkansas. The Fighting Irish need to win out to keep a shot of going to the CFP, so they will be focused for Boise State. The Broncos will focus on shutting down Jeremiyah Love who had a huge day against Arkansas in week 5. Notre Dame’s defense has been vulnerable at times. Boise will have an uphill battle, but could give Notre Dame some problems.
While the game has lost a lot of its luster, Bill Belichick will be going up against Dabo Swinney in week 6. Belichick has started 2-2 at UNC, with the two wins coming over Charlotte and Richmond. Things have not looked pretty against decent competition and there have been plenty of off-field distractions. The Tar Heels are desperate for a win.
Clemson is also desperate for a win, as they have started the season at 1-3. Their lone win was over Troy and they have losses to LSU, Georgia Tech and Syracuse. The team returned a lot of talent, but looks like they will struggle to live up to the lofty standards of past years at Clemson. The Tigers have more talent and should win more games, but two legendary coaches are going at it and need a win.
So far this season, the Virginia Tech, UCLA and Oklahoma State head coaching jobs have opened. The coaching carousel started early, but it looks like it is far from over. This week’s games could provide some interesting results to the coaching carousel.
If Florida loses to Texas, Billy Napier will be 1-4 to start the season. Kentucky travels to Georgia, which will likely result in a loss and a 2-3 start to the season for Mark Stoops. Sam Pittman’s Arkansas team is on a bye, but after getting blown out by Notre Dame, he could be fired during the bye week. Luke Fickell has started 2-2, but now has to travel to Michigan. These coaches may not all be fired, but their seats could be scorching after this week.
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