X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

College Football Betting Picks for Week Six (10/9/2021)

Our college football CFB betting picks for Week Six. Every week, Nick recommends the best CFB bets and top CFB wagers for the college football betting slate.

The 2021 College Football season has been chaotic, to say the least. After five weeks, just 17 teams remain unbeaten out of the 130 that trotted out just over a month ago in the hopes of winning a national championship. The remaining 17 fall into several tiers such as national title contenders (Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma & Cincinnati), aspiring Big Ten champions (Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State & Penn State), Group of Five teams with varying outside chances at making the playoff (Cincinnati, BYU, Coastal Carolina, SMU, San Diego State, UTSA & Wyoming) and upstart Power Five programs that few prognosticators expected to be undefeated at this point in the year (Kentucky, Oklahoma State & Wake Forest). We'll see at least one more of these teams join the ranks of the defeated, as #3 Iowa hosts #4 Penn State in a game that will surely feature a plethora of punts and a constant battle for field position, like so many classic Big Ten matchups.

A few bad breaks caused a 1-2 performance in Week Five. UConn and Vanderbilt sputtered in a back-and-forth game that went over the total thanks to an out-of-the-blue offensive spurt in the second half from the Huskies. In what amounted to a larger miss, Temple's offense had its most impressive passing performance in several years on its way to a shocking upset and over against Memphis. While Michigan State had the game in hand early on, Western Kentucky quarterback Bailey Zappe helped pour on the points in a game that easily cashed the over in the third quarter for our only win of the week. The season-long record is 10-9.

For Week Five of the college football season, here are some expert money-line and over/under betting picks.

Featured Promo: Get any Props Premium Pass for 50% off using code SUMMER. Win more with our two new Props Optimizer tools -- one for PrizePicks Props, and one for Sportsbook Betting Props. Find optimal prop bets and get our recommended picks daily! Go Premium, Win More!

 

Louisiana State (LSU) @ Kentucky (-3.5)

O/U: 50.5

The LSU Tigers are only two seasons removed from their 2019 national championship run, which endeared Coach Ed Orgeron to the national stage as "Coach O." The Tigers have started the 2021 campaign with a 3-2 record, despite being favored in all five games thus far. A 38-27 letdown against UCLA in the opener and a home loss to Auburn last week have put a sour taste in the mouths of the fanbase. Traveling up to Lexington, Kentucky will bring a unique challenge for Coach O and his fighting Tigers. Sophomore quarterback Max Johnson, whose father Brad was the starting quarterback on Jon Gruden's 2002 Super Bowl-winning Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has thrown 16 touchdowns and four interceptions through the first five games, but is only completing 56.5% of his passes (identical 26-for-46 performances) in his two losses. Dynamic fellow sophomore receiver Kayshon Boutte is among the best in the nation at his position, and will be suiting up on Sundays soon enough. The defense, helmed by coordinator Daronte Jones, has been stout, having held all opponents under 30 points since the opener.

After their fans rushed the field once again, the SEC levied a fine against coach Mark Stoops' Kentucky Wildcats football program for their third infraction last week. The field rushing might have been justified, as the team knocked off previously 10th ranked Florida in a dominant defensive performance. Quarterback Will Levis, a transfer from Penn State, has played poorly (only 7 completions for 87 yards last week, and at least one interception thrown in all five games) but the team continues to find ways to win in spite of him. The 5-foot-10, 225 pound human bowling ball named Christopher Rodriguez Jr. has made a name for himself in the early going, taking over the lead back role and averaging 6.0 yards per carry with six touchdowns thus far. Fellow running back Kavosiey Smoke and Nebraska transfer receiver Wan'Dale Robinson offer speedy options for coach Stoops to utilize in space to get the team's points.

Both teams sport strong defenses, and it will be fascinating to see LSU's run defense try to stop Kentucky. Kentucky's defense, helmed by safety Yusuf Corker and others, stymied Florida quarterback Emory Jones last week as they have allowed less than 300 total yards of offense per game on average this year. If Kentucky's defense continues at this elite level, people might need to take them seriously as an SEC East division contender alongside Georgia.

Pick: Under 50.5

 

Want some more CFB DFS tools? If you like what you see here, don't forget to sign up for your RotoBaller CFB DFS Premium Pass. Use code BALLER and receive 10% off your purchase! You'll love the College Football DFS Lineup Optimizer, DFS Cheat Sheets Premium Slack Chatrooms to help you out in real-time.

 

Utah at Southern California (USC) (-3)

O/U: 52.5

The start of this season could have gone quite a bit better for the Utah Utes. Back-to-back losses in the Holy War at BYU and at San Diego State, alongside an 0-4 record against-the-spread, have weighed heavily in bettors' evaluation of this team. Luckily, coach Kyle Whittingham's team got the much-needed off-week last week. Former starting quarterback Charlie Brewer, who transferred in this spring after starting parts of four seasons at Baylor, struggled and left the program over the off-week. This departure gives way for sophomore Cameron Rising, a former four-star recruit who began his career at Texas, to take the helm as the lead signal caller. In limited playing time, Rising has offered a dual-threat option (7.8 yards per carry) and has been efficient with the football (4 touchdown passes, 0 interceptions). Expect Rising to lean on junior tight end Brant Kuithe and Cole Fotheringham, who sport a combined 47 career starts between the two stars.

Since former coach Clay Helton's dismissal following an embarrassing September 11 home loss to Stanford, the Trojans are 2-1, with the sole loss against "better-than-we-all-expected" Oregon State. In last week's trouncing of Colorado, the running game finally caught wind with Texas transfer Keontay Ingram becoming the first Trojan to eclipse 100 yards in a game. Junior quarterback Kedon Slovis threw for three touchdowns, and has utilized receiver Drake London early and often (second in the nation for receptions and receiving yards). The defense, while sporting big-time recruits all over the field, has been terribly inconsistent. Edge rusher Drake Jackson had a pair of sacks last week, but he and his teammates have given up over 40 points twice this season already, and the team has yet to enter the expected "meat" of their schedule.

USC interim coach Donte Williams was dealt a difficult hand, and he should be commended for the work that's been done to keep this team together. Both Utah and USC are littered with talented and highly-rated recruits who have great individual performances but the team results leave much to be desired. NFL scouts will keep a close eye on USC receiver Drake London, Utah linebacker Devin Lloyd, and others, but bettors should keep a closer eye on the scoreboard which I expect to be lighting up quickly.

Pick: Over 52.5

 

Boise State at Brigham Young (BYU) (-5.5)

O/U: 56.5

The Boise State Broncos enter Week Six with a 2-3 record and losses to UCF, Oklahoma State and Nevada. This week's trip to Provo, Utah, will not be an easy one for quarterback Hank Bachmeier and his team. Receiver Khalil Shakir is averaging 103.6 yards per game, and running back George Holani looks to be back and healthy, but the overall results have not been there for the Broncos. Some of the fault lies with the senior-laden offensive line, which needs to do a better job of protection, but the real culprit of the shaky start is the lack of depth at skill positions. The defensive has been solid, at times, including an impressive 27-3 victory over Utah State on national television (CBS).

Coach Kalani Sitake, a former BYU fullback, has finally built a stalwart national program to be reckoned with. Sitake's nearly undefeated campaign last year was brushed off in 2021 projections, with many pointing to the wealth of talent being lost on both sides of the ball due to graduations and the NFL. However, the Cougars are reloading and still running, rather than rebuilding this year. New quarterback Jarren Hall, who had the unenviable job of replacing #2 overall pick Zach Wilson of the New York Jets, has starred thus far with his legs and his arm. Running back Tyler Allgeier, who was converted from linebacker before his breakout 2020 season, is proving last year was no fluke, and pass-catchers Gunner Romney, Neil Pau'u, Puka Nacua, and Isaac Rex give Hall plenty of options for who he might want to sling the ball to. Operating as an independent, every game is important for BYU as they seek out another dominant season.

While Boise State's start might appear disappointing on the surface, none of the three losses appears to be a bad loss and the Broncos were competitive in all three. For the Cougars, the key will be neutralizing Khalil Shakir. If BYU can shut down the Broncos' star receiver, Bachmeier will be forced to look elsewhere - something that might bring back his propensity for ill-advised turnovers.

Pick: Under 56.5



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!

More Weekly DFS Analysis

POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Terrance Ferguson

Could Benefit from Rams Scheme Changes
Jacob Cowing

Could Handle Gadget Role in San Francisco
Jayden Higgins

to Start for Texans Right Away?
Sauce Gardner

Agrees to $120.4 Million Contract Extension
Marvin Mims Jr.

Could be on Track for First 1,000-Yard Season
Jaylen Johnson

Chargers Place Jaylen Johnson on PUP List
Dereck Lively II

Undergoes Right-Foot Surgery Tuesday
Kendrick Bourne

Kayshon Boutte Fighting for Final Spots
Isaiah Collier

Logs a Double-Double in Summer League Action on Monday
DeMario Douglas

Kyle Williams "Locks" for Receiving Corps
Trey Smith

Chiefs, Trey Smith Finalizing Massive Extension
Anthony Richardson Sr.

Colts Expected to Ease Anthony Richardson Sr. Back in
Devin Carter

Posts 17 Points Versus Suns
Bronny James Jr.

Scores 17 Points in Summer League Loss
Terry McLaurin

Undecided on Whether he Will Report to Training Camp
Colston Loveland

Says his Shoulder is 100 Percent
Harrison Ingram

has Impressive Outing Against Jazz
Sam Williams

has Potential to be Elite Edge Rusher
Shemar Stewart

Considering Going Back to College?
Jahmyr Gibbs

Lions Want Jahmyr Gibbs "More Involved" in Passing Game
Jordan Addison

Could be Facing Three-Game Suspension
PGA

Chris Gotterup Punches Ticket to Royal Portrush With Win at Scottish Open
Bryson DeChambeau

Hopes to Reverse Links Golf Struggle at the 153rd Open
Keegan Bradley

Needs to Find The Weekend at Royal Portrush for Ryder Cup Hopes
Kyle Filipowski

Records 35-Point Double-Double Against Spurs
Kel'el Ware

Dominates Against Celtics
Kon Knueppel

Gets Going Monday
Matas Buzelis

Puts Up 28 Points in Win Over Pacers
Reed Sheppard

Shut Down for Rest of Summer League
Paul George

Undergoes Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
Oneil Cruz

Ties Home Run Derby Distance Record
Cal Raleigh

Wins 2025 Home Run Derby
Najee Harris

Likely to Miss Time at Start of Training Camp
Justin Thomas

Finishes Tied For 22nd at Genesis Scottish Open
Scottie Scheffler

Finishes Tied For Eighth at Genesis Scottish Open
Jon Rahm

Finishes in Second at LIV Andalucia
Collin Morikawa

Misses The Cut at Genesis Scottish Open
Hideki Matsuyama

Finishes Tied For 13th at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Brooks Koepka

Finishes Tied For 32nd at LIV Andalucia
Tommy Fleetwood

Finishes Tied For 34th at Genesis Scottish Open
Jason Day

Misses The Cut at John Deere Classic
Ludvig Aberg

Finishes Tied For Eighth at Genesis Scottish Open
Cam Taylor-Britt

has Benefited From Addition of Al Golden
Rome Odunze

Could Take Off in Year 2
RJ Harvey

to Get "Significant" Work in Broncos' Passing Game
Jackson Powers-Johnson

More Comfortable Heading into Year 2
Joel Embiid

Participating in Partial Basketball Activities
Victor Wembanyama

Officially Cleared to Return After Blood-Clot Recovery
Tallison Teixeira

Suffers First-Round TKO
Derrick Lewis

Scores First-Round TKO
Michael Lorenzen

Royals Put Michael Lorenzen on Injured List With Oblique Strain
Stephen Thompson

Loses Controversial Split Decision
Gabriel Bonfim

Wins Controversial Split Decision
Calvin Kattar

Gets Outclassed At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Extends His Win Streak
Nate Landwehr

Gets Knocked Out
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere Scores Third-Round Knockout
Kel'el Ware

Collects 21 Points in Summer League Loss on Sunday
Austen Lane

Suffers Submission Loss
Vitor Petrino

Scores First-Round Submission In Heavyweight Debut
Cam Spencer

Contract Being Restructured
Drew Timme

Scores 30 Points in Summer League Loss to Wizards
Tuco Tokkos

Earns His First UFC Win
Alexandre Sarr

Logs Impressive Outing in Summer League Action on Sunday
Junior Tafa

Unsuccessful in his Light-Heavyweight Debut
Kyle Filipowski

Scores 21 Points in Summer League Loss to Warriors
Cody Williams

Collects 22 Points in Summer League Loss on Sunday
Chase Elliott

Charges to A Finish of Third At Sonoma
Chase Briscoe

Finishes Second With his First Career Road-Course Top-Five at Sonoma
Christopher Bell

Rollercoaster Day Ends With Top-5 Finish at Sonoma
William Byron

Maintains the Regular-Season Points Lead
Kyle Busch

Earns A Hard-Fought Top-10 Finish At Sonoma
Alex Ovechkin

Not Thinking About Retirement
PIT

Penguins Acquire Arturs Silovs
NHL

Nikolai Kovalenko Returns to Russia
Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Tosses Gem Against Giants
Shota Imanaga

Shuts Down Yankees on Sunday
Nathan Eovaldi

Dominant Again in Seventh Win
Tyler Reddick

Evades Near Upset to Remain Alive in In-Season Challenge
Ty Gibbs

One of Three Tylers to Make In-Season Challenge Semifinals
Kyle Larson

Curiously Mediocre at Sonoma Before Late-Race Crash
NASCAR

John H. Nemechek Edges Out Teammate to Make In-Season Challenge Semifinal
Alex Bowman

Ty Dillon Bumps Alex Bowman to Advance to In-Season Challenge Semifinal
Chicago White Sox

Billy Carlson Goes 10th Overall to White Sox
Cincinnati Reds

Steele Hall Selected Ninth by Cincinnati
Toronto Blue Jays

Blue Jays Select JoJo Parker with Eighth Overall Pick
Boston Celtics

Damian Lillard Drawing Interest from the Celtics
Miami Marlins

Marlins Select Aiva Arquette With Seventh Overall Pick
Pittsburgh Pirates

Pirates Select Seth Hernandez with Sixth Overall Pick
Kyle Stowers

Punishes Former Team with Three-Homer Game
St. Louis Cardinals

Cardinals Select Liam Doyle with Fifth Overall Pick
Daniel Gafford

Agrees to Contract Extension with Dallas
Colorado Rockies

Rockies Select Ethan Holliday Fourth Overall
Seattle Mariners

Kade Anderson Selected Third Overall by Seattle
Ha-Seong Kim

X-rays on Ha-Seong Kim's Foot Come Back Negative
Los Angeles Angels

Tyler Bremner Selected Second Overall by Angels in 2025 MLB Draft
Washington Nationals

Nationals Select Eli Willits First Overall
Jake Meyers

to Miss More Than Three Weeks With Calf Injury
Edward Cabrera

Hopeful to Avoid Injured List
Oneil Cruz

Absent on Sunday
Shane Van Gisbergen

Can Anyone Beat Shane van Gisbergen at Sonoma?
Tyler Reddick

Better at Sonoma Than Record Shows
Chase Elliott

a Prime DFS Option at Sonoma
Michael McDowell

Struggling a Bit at Sonoma
NASCAR

Christopher Bell Has Never Finished Better Than Ninth at Sonoma
Ryan Blaney

Has Top-10 Upside at Sonoma
NASCAR

Sunday at Sonoma Will Likely Be a Long Race for Bubba Wallace
Kyle Larson

Is A Likely Top-Five Contender for Sonoma
Ryan Preece

Points Position Could Affect Race at Sonoma
Todd Gilliland

Struggling to Find Speed at Sonoma
Ty Gibbs

May be an Underrated Favorite to Compete for the Win at Sonoma
Erik Karlsson

Open to Move Away From Pittsburgh
Zach Hyman

Hopes to be Ready for Start of Next Season
SJ

Jeff Skinner Joins Sharks on One-Year Contract
Ryan Reaves

Traded to Sharks
Vladislav Kolyachonok

Moves to Dallas
Matt Dumba

Lands in Pittsburgh
Mackie Samoskevich

Re-Signs with Panthers on One-Year Deal
Josh Manson

Inks Two-Year Extension with Avalanche
EDM

Isaac Howard Signs Three-Year, Entry-Level Contract With Oilers
Tallison Teixeira

Set For His First UFC Main Event
Derrick Lewis

Set To Headline UFC Nashville
Gabriel Bonfim

Looks For His Third UFC Win
Stephen Thompson

Returns At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Calvin Kattar

In Dire Need Of Victory
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere A Favorite At UFC Nashville
Nate Landwehr

Aims To Bounce Back
MMA

Austen Lane Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF