NCAA betting: Week 6

The following article contains information that is not representative of the opinions of CommRadio. It solely expresses the opinions of Joseph Granton.

Week 5 of the college football season has come to a close. Time to dial up the heat and absolutely cook the books in Week 6.

Syracuse +6.5 @ No. 25 UNLV

UNLV is ranked No. 25 and is a perfect 4-0 against the spread to start the season. Featuring a top-10 rushing attack among all FBS schools, paired with the 15th-best rushing defense, UNLV has emerged as an unstoppable force on both sides of the ball.

Syracuse has a strong passing attack, with the ability to put up points in an extremely quick fashion.

Quarterback Kyle McCord, an Ohio State transfer, has been unbelievable throughout the Orange’s first four games, ranking ninth in the nation in passing yards and tied for fifth in touchdowns, with 14.

UNLV is currently dealing with some locker room issues, as their former starting quarterback, Matthew Sluka has decided to sit out for the rest of the season due to NIL-related issues. It did not affect the team in their 59-14 victory over Fresno State last week.

However, this matchup feels like a perfect storm for a Syracuse cover, and possibly even an outright win. Take Syracuse to cover the 6.5-point spread, and consider taking the Orange moneyline at +185 for added value.

No. 3 Ohio State -18.5 vs Iowa

A classic Big Ten showdown between Ohio State and Iowa is set to take place inside “The Horseshoe” at 3:30 p.m. this Saturday. As the No. 3-ranked Buckeyes prepare to host the 3-1 Hawkeyes, all eyes are on Ohio State’s explosive offense matched up with Iowa’s gritty defense.

Favored by more than 18 points, Ohio State is one of the most dangerous teams in the country, relying on an arsenal of offensive firepower. Averaging over 530 total yards and nearly 49 points per game, the Buckeyes have solidified themselves as a top-five offense in college football.

With standout receivers Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka stretching the field, and running back Quinshon Judkins anchoring the ground game, the Buckeyes’ ability to create explosive plays rivals any team in college football.

Iowa’s linebacker Jay Higgins, who leads the team with 34 tackles, will be key in trying to stop Ohio State’s explosive attack. But with quarterback Will Howard settling in, having thrown for over 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns, the Buckeyes’ aerial game might be too much for Iowa’s 69th-ranked pass defense.

This game serves as the Buckeyes' last opportunity to fine-tune and toughen up before heading to No. 6 Oregon next week, likely their toughest regular-season matchup. Expect a fully functioning, well-oiled machine on both sides of the ball for the Buckeyes this weekend, lay the 18.5, and don’t think about touching a total.

No. 10 Michigan @ Washington U 41.5

Big Ten play comes to an end at 7:30 p.m. Saturday night, with a No. 10 Michigan heading West to Seattle to face the Huskies.

The rematch of the 2023 National Championship will look drastically different this year, with both schools undergoing major changes. Each team has replaced head coaches, who moved on to higher-profile jobs, and both had to find new signal-callers after losing their first-round quarterbacks to the NFL draft.

That being said, there is a strong sense of an absolute stinker in this one. It is clear that Michigan struggles to even complete a pass, as they sit dead last in Big Ten passing yards with just 577. For comparison, Washington’s Will Rogers has passed for over 1,300 yards and 10 touchdowns to this point.

However, none of that will matter, as Michigan once again hosts one of the best defenses in the nation. Which will perfectly stack up against how Washington likes to run their offense. Expect a low-scoring, run-focused, possession battle between two new Big Ten rivals. Take the under 41.5, and expect a game with a score closer to 20-17, than 34-13.

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Joseph Granton is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism, to contact him please email jlg6619@psu.edu.