Top 5 Games Week 6 Breakdown
#11 Texas vs. #2 Oklahoma (Dallas)
The Red River Rivalry has regained much of its luster after a one-year drop in its national relevance. Both squads are undefeated heading to the Cotton Bowl, although Texas has rung up its perfect mark against less-than-formidable opposition. Still, after a sluggish start to the season the Longhorns have been clicking behind the two-headed quarterback combo of David Ash and Case McCoy. Oklahoma, of course, has just one dude doing its gunslinging – Landry Jones – and he could probably teach the young “McAsh” duo a thing or two. The Horns program is back on the upswing, but it still is not at Oklahoma’s level. Score: Oklahoma 34, Texas 13
Missouri at Kansas State
It might be flying well below the national radar, but this matchup has a lot to offer. Missouri comes in with a ho-hum 2-2 record, but its defeats both came on the road to ranked teams Arizona State (in overtime) and Oklahoma by a total of 17 points. Sophomore quarterback James Franklin has settled in nicely as Blaine Gabbert’s replacement. He has thrown for at least 246 yards in the Tigers’ last three games with six touchdowns and no interceptions. He also ran for 103 yards and two scores against the Sooners. Even more impressive has been the play of running back Henry Josey, who has already gained 533 yards with a mindboggling 12.4 yards per carry average. Can undefeated Kansas State keep pace? The Wildcats upset Baylor last week on the strength of their powerful rushing attack and with the help of some key turnovers. Unfortunately for K-State, Mizzou has one of the top rushing defenses in the land. The Tigers should prevail in an entertaining game. Score: Missouri 38, Kansas State 27
#14 Florida at #3 LSU
The odds already were heavily against Florida in this game before starting quarterback John Brantley was ruled out with a leg injury suffered during the loss to Alabama last week. Freshman Jeff Driskel gets the unenviable task of starting in the deafening din of Death Valley against the No. 9 defense in the FBS. Brantley’s injury might not seem to be a huge deal in light of the fact that the Gators’ offense is centered around its explosive running back corps. But Chris Rainey, Jeff Demps and Co. do not figure to run wild against a fast and fierce Tigers D that ranks third in the nation in stopping the run. Meanwhile, the question for LSU is how many snaps will controversial quarterback Jordan Jefferson get. He played a little in last week’s win over Kentucky and even scored a touchdown after being reinstated following a four-game ban for his alleged involvement in a bar fight. Jarrett Lee has done an excellent job filling in for Jefferson, but he lacks the overall skill set that Jefferson brings to the field. Head Coach Les Miles should be able to use this game as a measuring stick for how ready Jefferson is to reclaim his starting spot. Score: LSU 24, Florida 10
#22 Auburn at #12 Arkansas
Last year’s meeting – a 65-43 Auburn win – was one of the most exciting games of 2010. This one could be just as wild. Auburn’s defense, which is last in the SEC against the pass, must try to contain an Arkansas aerial force that is the best in the conference. The last time the Tigers faced a quality passer (Clemson’s Tajh Boyd) they were lit up for 386 yards, and starting cornerback Chris Davis still might be out with an ankle injury. Auburn is feeling good about its D after last week’s stifling of South Carolina, but unfortunately for the Tigers Stephen Garcia will not be suiting up for the Razorbacks. Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson is coming off of a school-record 510-yard day against Texas A&M and he and his gifted corps of receivers should find the yards equally easy to come by this week. Score: Arkansas 41, Auburn 30
Ohio State at #10 Nebraska
This was supposed to be the game when Ohio State started to become whole again. But then the suspensions of wide receiver DeVier Posey and running back Dan Herron were extended at least another week and second-leading receiver Verlon Reed was lost for the year with torn knee ligaments and suddenly it looks like the beleaguered Buckeyes are a shoe-in for their third loss in the last four weeks. Making matters even worse for Ohio State is the likelihood that Nebraska has an appetite for destruction after the Cornhuskers laid an egg on national television in their Big Ten debut last week at Wisconsin. Is there any hope for OSU? Only if Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez continues his Tony Romo impression and repeatedly chucks the ball to the Buckeyes, much like he did at Wisconsin. But it is a good bet that he has learned his lesson. Score: Nebraska 27, Ohio State 7
