Farrell Forecast: Predicting Week 6 games

The Farrell Forecast isn’t only about predicting where high school football players will end up in college. It’s also about picking the winners and losers from each college football weekend.

Last week I was 11-2 overall, highlighted by calling for a Clemson upset at home and for Washington and Michigan to win in front of their fans as well.

Here’s my take on the Saturday games that interest me the most…

All times Eastern. All games Saturday, Oct. 8.

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The rundown: I think this is where the Vols' luck runs out. You can’t start slow against this A&M offense and expect to come back, and the slow starts by Tennessee have me worried. A&M’s defense is also up for the task at home, and I think the Aggies win by double digits.

Prediction: Texas A&M 34, Tennessee 24

The rundown: FSU is down and Miami is surging, and this all comes down to whether the Florida State defense can stop Brad Kaaya and company. I haven’t seen much at all from the ‘Noles defense to make me think they can.

Prediction: Miami 38, FSU 30

The rundown: Arkansas is a tough out at home, but its offense plays into the hands of the Alabama defense. I think this will be a tough, physical and hard-fought game but Alabama’s defense scores a couple of times and leads the way.

Prediction: Alabama 30, Arkansas 14

The rundown: Not the intrigue of old for this matchup except for the Charlie Strong watch. The Longhorns upset and embarrassed OU last year, and I think revenge will be on the mind of Baker Mayfield and company. I can’t see the Texas defense stopping this OU offense, but of course I said the same thing last year.

Prediction: Oklahoma 44, Texas 24

The rundown: This is a great matchup of two of the most efficient quarterbacks not only in the ACC but in the country. UNC is on a high after beating FSU and that could lead to a slow start, but in the end I like their chances in a close game in the fourth quarter.

Prediction: North Carolina 33, Virginia Tech 30

The rundown: The Terps want to make this a rivalry and Penn State wants to beat them back to their home state while continuing to steal recruits. The Penn State rushing attack is awful despite having such a talented back in Saquon Barkley, but I think it gets on track this weekend and the Nittany Lions win a squeaker.

Prediction: Penn State, 27 Maryland 24

The rundown: Can the Buffs pull the upset and keep this amazing season going, or will their run end badly at USC, a team that found its confidence last week, at least offensively? I think the Trojans have too much talent.

Prediction: USC 37, Colorado 17

The rundown: Notre Dame’s offense is fun to watch and the defense is simply horrible. N.C. State isn’t a bad team and is fairly balanced, but in the end I think DeShone Kizer and company outscore the Wolfpack.

Prediction: Notre Dame 38, NC State 28