Week 6 - The Call Sheet

Missouri's first test, an Ole Miss bounce-back and Coke vs. Woke.

5-Wide

The 5 games you’re not gonna wanna miss this weekend.

*Disclaimer: This is sort of a weird week, so expect the analysis to be lighter than usual.

No. 9 Missouri vs. No. 25 Texas A&M

Entering Saturday, Missouri will have largely underperformed according to expectations. At the same token, I would argue Texas A&M has largely outperformed expectations through five games. This makes for a fun contrast.

Here’s where my head goes entering the game:

• Can Missouri score enough points and create enough explosive plays against a good Texas A&M defense?

• Can the Aggies’ defense muddy the waters and limit the Tigers’ offense? I can’t wait to find out.

Subscribers should know by now that I’m a huge Brady Cook guy. But even as the baton carrier for the Cook Fan Club, I have to admit this offense has been stuck in first gear. The Tigers haven’t hit top speed through four games. Perhaps the Tigers are saving some things for the SEC stretch run? Or maybe something is broken. We might find out on Saturday.

I’ve largely been impressed with A&M. Funny enough, its success has come without starting quarterback Conner Weigman. Backup quarterback Marcel Reed has done an admirable job of leading the offense and has shown some bright flashes. I’m quite curious to see how this offense holds up against a pretty stout Tigers defense.

I’m leaning toward Missouri here, but if things get wonky and it’s a muddy game, A&M could definitely steal this one.

No. 12 Ole Miss vs. South Carolina

Last week, the Ole Miss offensive line got ransacked by the Kentucky defensive line. The Wildcats pinned their ears back and made life hard for quarterback Jaxson Dart. Bad news, Ole Miss fans. South Carolina has a more suped-up version of Kentucky’s defensive line.

Traditional wisdom suggests that Ole Miss bounces back in a big way this week. But I am not discounting South Carolina. The Gamecocks would’ve likely defeated LSU had it not been for a quarterback injury to LaNorris Sellers. He was electric against LSU’s defense and I suspect he can pose some problems for the Rebels on Saturday.

I think I like Ole Miss here, but I suspect it’ll be closer than originally expected.

No. 8 Miami vs. Cal

Coke vs. Woke

I’m really curious to see how Miami bounces back after a near-disaster class at home against Virginia Tech last Friday night. Wacky ending aside, as fun as quarterback Cam Ward is, he needs to cut down on the turnovers. That was almost the Hurricanes undoing last week.

Can Cal force some turnovers and control the clock with running back Jadyn Ott? This feels like the recipe for a victory for the Golden Bears.

Cal will understandably be hyped about hosting College Gameday for the first time. Can Miami weather the storm? (I can’t believe I just wrote that.)

Let’s not overthink this. This feels like a Miami win. But keep an eye on the turnovers. If Ward is reckless with the ball again, Miami will be ripe for an upset.

Games I’m Keeping An Eye On 👀

Miami (OH) vs. Toledo - Fun MACtion! I like Toledo here.

JMU vs. ULM - This is a fun story all around. ULM has three wins, could the Warhawks spring an upset for a fourth win?

Rutgers vs. Nebraska - Kyle Monangai alert! We’re going to find out really quickly how well Nebraska can stop the run.

The Brent Musburger Gambling Guide

My official locks of the week. (Lines are locked in at the time of writing)

+1 units on the year

Miami (OH) vs. -6.5 Toledo - Fy rockets fly!

Navy vs. Air Force OVER 36.5 - This might be really dumb, but let’s have it!

-16.5 JMU vs. ULM - ULM has a bad offense. I like the Dukes all the damn way here.

What I’m Reading This Season

SID Sports - Don’t forget to subscribe to Griffin Olah’s SID Sports newsletter. As a former Divison I sports information director, Olah has a great grasp of the sport and I really enjoy his work.

2201 Kimball Ave | Cameron Morgan - 2201 Kimball Ave is essential reading for all followers of Kansas State football. As a lifelong K-State fan and former player, Cameron brings a unique and thoughtful approach to the analysis of the Wildcats' football team. His newsletters are rational and insightful and I genuinely learn something new with every newsletter.

Split Zone Duo | Alex Kirshner, Richard Johnson and Steven Godfrey - SZD is essential reading and following for CFB ball knowers. Godfrey, Richard and Alex are the Holy Trinity for college football analysis and insight. Each member brings a unique flavor to the conversation, which makes for insightful and downright hilarious banter about the sport we all love. If I had someone ask me where to start for smarter college football coverage, this SZD is where I'd send them.