Kirk Herbstreit reveals Week 6 watchlist of seven college football games

ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit released his list of seven games to watch during Week 6 of the college football slate. One of the hosts of College GameDay, Herbstreit certainly takes in more than his fair share of football each season, so it’s safe to say he is among the most knowledgeable of the spot.

There are several big time games on tap, including a bout between top-five opponents and a classic rivalry game. If you’re watching college football this weekend (which, if you’re reading this article you probably are), make sure to tune in to these games.

Kirk Herbstreit: Week 6 watchlist

No. 4 Penn State at No. 3 Iowa: There are four unbeaten teams left in the Big Ten, and that number will be reduced to at least three after this week. The Hawkeyes’ top-10 defense hosts the Nittany Lions and top receiver Jahan Dotson, who leads the conference in receptions and receiving touchdowns. Neither Michigan nor Michigan State — the other two unbeatens in the East — have to face Iowa this year, so this is a pivotal game for Penn State.

No. 6 Oklahoma vs. No. 21 Texas: Anything can happen in the Red River Rivalry, and this year’s version brings just as much hype as always. First-year Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian leads an offense that goes as running back Bijan Robinson does. Meanwhile, quarterback Spencer Rattler hopes to improve to 2-0 against Texas after leading OU to a win in a four-overtime thriller last year.

No. 13 Arkansas at No. 17 Ole Miss: Both the Razorbacks and Rebels were brought back to reality following blowout losses in Week 5. That means both teams should come motivated to prove themselves to the res of the SEC. The offenses struggled to put up points last week, but look for them to get back on track in Week 6.

No. 9 Michigan at Nebraska: Jim Harbaugh has the Wolverines back in the top 10 and firmly in the race for a conference title. Michigan’s rushing attack ranks seventh in the nation averaging 255 yards per contest. Nebraska, on the other hand, is in danger of yet another losing season under coach Scott Frost.

No. 2 Georgia at No. 18 Auburn: The nation’s top defense has pitched two straight shutouts, and is eyeing another one on the road. Auburn managed to win its SEC opener against LSU this past week, but the Bulldogs are on a different level. All eyes will be on quarterback Bo Nix after his performance led his team to a comeback victory in Week 5.

LSU at No. 16 Kentucky: This game is a case of two teams trending in opposite directions. The Wildcats are on top of the world following an upset of Florida this past week. In Baton Rouge, LSU’s loss to Auburn has led some to question coach Ed Orgeron’s job security. The teams meet at 7:30 p.m. ET in Lexington with each looking to make a statement to the rest of the country.

Oregon State at Washington State: Here’s your Pac-12 game of the week, according to Herbstreit. Oregon State is one of three teams left unscathed in conference play, but faces a difficult test on the road. The Beavers need not to get caught looking ahead to a big game against Utah on Oct. 23 to stay in the race for the conference title.