Week 6 brings another round of upset opportunities, including two Big Ten matchups capable of changing the conversation well beyond the weekend and the nation's top-ranked team facing a rivalry bout with a cornered rival opponent. UCLA's trip to Oregon is a narrative-setter. The Bruins have a chance to turn growing respect into something more substantial with a win, while the Ducks will turn to Dylan Raiola at quarterback after Dante Moore was ruled out with a concussion.
Matt Rhule has a chance for a signature win at Nebraska against reigning national champion Indiana. The Huskers have spent years waiting for a breakthrough on this stage, but have failed to deliver after every opportunity. Which favorites should be nervous this week?
Here are the games with enough warning signs to demand attention in Week 6. The Sooners could turn the tide on a disappointing start to the season with a win over the hated Longhorns in the Cotton Bowl. For that to happen, Oklahoma needs the best out of John Mateer at quarterback, a player who has underachieved all season so far.
Brent Venables said this week his staff evaluated its options under center during the open date ahead of Texas, but stopped short of providing any additional details. Texas' defense has been rolling since the fourth quarter against Ohio State, including a dominant 10-sack performance in the team's win at Tennessee. After losing four straight to Oklahoma, the Longhorns won three of the last four in the series by an average of 32.3 points per game.
If anyone could conceal a hot mic in UCLA's locker room before this one, we would appreciate it. Bob Chesney's pre-game speech should go something like this: "We're unbeaten, a double-digit underdog, and nobody believes in us." That essentially covers the bases in the Big Ten's game of the weekend at Autzen Stadium. Both squads had ample time to prepare after the open date.
UCLA leads the Big Ten in rushing, and the Ducks are explosive on offense. UCLA leads the all-time series with Oregon, 38-35, but the Ducks have won five straight in the series dating back to the 2018 season and 11 of their last 12 meetings overall. Another example of a ranked team going on the road as an underdog that usually cashes for the home team.
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