Week 6 college football picks ATS

Here we go with the Chicago Kid's week 6 college football picks against the spread. After a rough start to the season, 12-3 the last three weeks is pretty solid - hoping to keep it up this week. Big week as I am currently tied with Joker and need another big week.

Nebraska -3 @ Missouri. I'll start by saying that I am a Tigers fan and so this is a tough pick, but do believe it is a good investment and so I can't pass it up (and, unless NU wins by 2 or less I'll be pleased at the end of the night). The Huskers are a solid overall team as it hasn't taken Coach Pelini to turn things around. Both teams have played some soft competition so far, but NU does have experience on the road against a very good Va Tech team - a game they dominated and should have won. MU's offense can be dynamic and is certainly fun to cheer for, but they lack a consistent running game which will hurt them against better teams. MU's defense is also less than impressive (as usual unfortunately) and I expect the Huskers to be able to move the ball both on the ground and through the air. With Columbia expected to get tons of rain tomorrow, the weather should also favor the team that can run the ball consistently. I wish I would have jumped on this line earlier as it opened at 2.5, but I still really like it at NU -3. 3.5 units. Wow this game was ugly, but a W none the less.

Oregon St -1 vs Stanford. The Beavers always play well at home in Corvallis. They have a solid team with an explosive running back in J. Rogers (and his brother isn't bad either). Stanford is playing well and has been somewhat of a surprise (at least for me). They have been able to run the ball consistently all year on their way to a 4-1 start. However, I struggle to believe that Stanford has progressed enough to beat a solid Beavers team on their home field - especially after failing to beat an average at best Wake Forest team on the road (beating Wash St doesn't count). I've been burned this year backing teams 2 weeks in a row, but after winning with Oregon St. last week, I'm going back to the well again as I expect them to play well at home and knock off the Cardinal. 2 units. Win.

LSU +8 vs Florida. Alright, how many times will you have the opportunity to back LSU at home, at night, and GET 8 points? Not many, so take advantage. Well, here I am again, backing LSU again after winning with them last week. Honestly, I did not expect to like LSU in this game, but with Tebow uncertain I do not think Florida has been able to fully utilize their bye week to prepare and LSU coming off a big road win will no doubt be as fired up as possible for this prime time match-up. Neither of these teams throw the ball extremely well and so as is typical for a Florida vs LSU game, I expect a lot of defense and a low score. If Tebow is not 100% (I'm convinced he'll at least try to play) it will obviously severely disadvantage Florida, asking a kid to step into Tiger Stadium for his first real meaningful action and lead your team to a commanding victory (or any victory) is asking a lot. Even if Tebow plays well, I do not expect Florida to easily move the ball on LSU. The only good defense Florida has faced this year is Tenn and they struggled to consistently move the ball. So, as hard as it is to bet against the Gators and watch the game (which I will do), I can not pass up LSU +8. 2.5 units. Tough one, 3 points at home huh?

Alabama -4.5 @ Ole Miss. I'm a big fan of Bama this year. They are very good in every aspect of the game, and it is great to back a Nick Saban team. Ole Miss had lofty expectations this year because of their run late last year and the returning players, including Snead, but they have not looked good yet (I'm my opinion). They will certainly be ready to go this week as the Tide roll into town, but that won't matter, Bama is too talented across the board. Bama's offense is extremely balanced and they have proven they can beat good teams as they handled Va Tech in Week 1. Even though this is a true road game, I expect Bama to be ready to play and take care of business. Lines like -4.5 usually scare me, but I really like this Bama team on both sides of the ball and think they take care of business and dominate Ole Miss. 2 units. Win.

Minnesota -3.5 vs Purdue. Purdue is really struggling, they have lost 4 in a row, the last of which at home. How do they get excited to travel to Minnesota to play a very average Gopher team? I don't think they do; and even if they do show max effort, they are not very good. Don't get me wrong, I do not thin Minnie is good either, but they are a solid football team and should be ready to go at home. They lost a tough one last week to Wisconsin at home, but Purdue is not at the level of Wisconsin and I think Minnie will control this game, especially if Purdue continues to turn the ball over like they did last week (allowing the Smarties to beat them). While I am wowed by Minnesota in this spot, I think this presents a good opportunity to take advantage of a bad Purdue team on the road after a tough home loss last week. 2 units. Win, it is fun betting against Purdue, they make it easy.

So there are my 5 picks to challenge Walter and Joker, but check back on Friday and Saturday for further thoughts and predictions for college football Saturday. Good luck!