Week 6 Predictions – 2023
Last Week: Hopefully the Buckeyes enjoyed their week off, we will find out on Saturday if they used their time wisely and what the extra week did for the healing process for Marvin Harrison Jr. It was not an off week for our predictions, Vaughn was the only one to go 3-0 last week, however Dave remains atop the staff standings.
This Week’s Games: The Buckeyes return to the gridiron and for the 7th game in a row, they are playing an unbeaten team. Maryland has had a great start to 2023 but do they have enough juice to get a huge upset win on the road? …. The biggest game of the weekend will be Texas vs Oklahoma as they come together in this annual rivalry. Regardless of the outcome, will they have a repeat game in the Big 12 championship? …. In yet another game matching up unbeatens, Kentucky will be traveling to Athens to take on Georgia. Can the Wildcats pull off the upset and end the nation’s longest winning streak? …. We will look at the Irish for the third straight week as they are still on the road, this time facing Louisville. Can they get a second straight win over an unbeaten ACC team?
Buckeye Greats: As in the past, we will continue to include former Buckeye players in our prediction fun and we are thrilled to have Vaughn Broadnax back with us as a regular participant for the ninth straight year.
Here we go with our Week 6 Picks – Good Luck to All – Gregg
(26)Maryland @ (4)Ohio State
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU 1980-83): Maryland comes into Ohio Stadium with the most complete offensive team the Buckeyes have faced all year. OSU’s defenders will have to be disciplined to ensure the QB does not escape contain. Hopefully, OSU learns from their past. Ohio State 45-20 over Maryland.
Coach Rick: Congrats to Maryland for being undefeated at this time. I see this as a closer game then most, but still have OSU winning by 17.
Cory: It’s a good thing Ohio State had a week off after the Notre Dame game, because Maryland is no joke. Ohio State’s improved defense will certainly be put to the test in this game as the Terrapins can move the ball, and they can do it fast. They are led by quarterback Tualia Tagovailoa, who’s thrown for over 1,400 yards with 13 touchdowns this season, and he is complemented by a very strong running game. The big knock on Maryland so far this season is that they have not played anybody – their toughest opponent so far would either be Indiana or Michigan State. Ohio State has shown improvement on offense but the Buckeyes still need to be more consistent. Let’s hope that fourth-quarter comeback against Notre Dame gave the Buckeyes a big boost of confidence. Ohio State 35, Maryland 24
Dave: Ohio State 32 Maryland 14
Gregg: At the beginning of the season, if you said going into October there would be four unbeaten teams in the conference, would you have had Maryland on the list? But that is what we have as the Big Ten East Division boasts 4 teams with perfect records. Maryland did play the Hoosiers a bit better than the Buckeyes did as their only common opponent but I am of the opinion that they have not faced a team like Notre Dame. I am looking forward to seeing if they made any adjustments in the past two weeks, as well as the health of Marvin Harrison Jr. Maryland may keep it close in the first quarter but I expect the Buckeyes to outscore them the rest of the game and end the day still unbeaten. Ohio State 41 Maryland 10
Joe-S-U: Ohio State
John: Coming off a bye week, you never really know what you are going to get. Under Ryan Day, historically in the week after a bye the Bucks have played well. Personally, I think the bye week came at a good time this year. OSU just beat a top 10 team on the road, but they still have a lot to work on and a lot of room for improvement. It will be interesting to see what, if any, adjustments the offense makes on the short yardage package. If the Bucks struggle in 3rd or 4th and short against the Terps it could be a long second half of the season. This week, I think Maryland scores some points, but Ohio State has too much of a talent gap and should pull away and in the end win comfortably. Ohio State 38 Maryland 17
Josh: Ohio State enters the game coming off a bye week, and even though Marvin Harrison Jr downplayed his ankle injury, there is some concern for the Buckeye passing offense which was supposed to be the strongest unit going into the season. However, Egbuka, Stover, and the depth ate receiver can help Kyle McCord continue to grow as they have the next two games to get ready for Penn State. Maryland enters this game undefeated, with their last loss being against Ohio State last season, and are hoping to defeat the Buckeyes on the road behind the arm of Tualia Tagovailoa. I think the Silver Bullet defense gets tested, but will be the difference and prove why Ohio State is the better team. Ohio State 35 – Maryland 7
Steven: OSU 42-21
Trout: I think this game will be close, but Ohio State should come out on top. Maryland is a decent team. Even last year, they gave Ohio State a game. I think we are going to see that again. Both teams have the ability to score a lot of points quickly. So we may be in store for a bit of a shootout. I think the main difference in the game will be Ohio State’s defense. Through four games, they have played tremendously better. Granted, three of those games were lesser-than opponents. I think the game will go back and forth for a while, but Ohio State will be able to pull away in the fourth quarter. Ohio State wins, and remains undefeated at the midpoint of this season. (Ohio State, 42-30)
Final Score: Ohio State 37 Maryland 17
(12)Oklahoma vs (3)Texas
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU 1980-83): Texas over Oklahoma 49-35
Andy: This is the game of the week by far. This is one of the best rivalries in all of sports and this game is special as it is played mid season on a neutral site between two of the best programs in college football. This year both team have been elite, Oklahoma is top 10 in both scoring offense and scoring defense and Texas is top in both. The big difference between the two programs so far is their strength of schedule. Oklahoma’s toughest opponent so far has been unranked Cincinnati, while Texas has played and beat two top 25 teams in Alabama and Kansas. I’ve struggled with this pick because both teams are playing at a championship level and both teams have great defenses and great quarterback play. I believe the Longhorns are up for the challenge and get the win. Texas 34 Oklahoma 31
Cory: Oklahoma is 5-0 entering the Red River Rivalry this season, and the game might be an entertaining one, but ultimately Texas will win out. The Sooners have had an easy schedule so far, with their toughest opponent being Cincinnati on the road. Texas already has wins over ranked teams in Alabama and Kansas, showing that they have been much more tested this season. I also like Texas’ offense a lot better than Oklahoma’s. The Longhorns can score, but they are a well-balanced team. Expect some fireworks, but another good win for Texas. Texas 42, Oklahoma 31
Dave: Texas 28 Oklahoma 14
Gregg: Every year this is one of the most anticipated games of the college football season, and it seldom disappoints. Usually the team that gets the most yards on the ground wins this one. Buckeye fans may once again see a player that leaves Ohio State and gets his team to the playoffs. Qwinn Ewers is playing at a high level and leads the Longhorns to the win. Texas 42 Oklahoma 35
Joe-S-U: Texas
John: For the first casualty from the recent conference realignment craziness, I present to you the last Red River Shootout (I’m old school and not PC – shoot me). This is one of the few non Ohio State rivalry games I always looked forward to every year. Similar to Florida/Georgia you get a regular season rivalry game played off campus at a “neutral” site with a 50/50 fan mix. Hopefully the two schools can find a way to periodically renew this rivalry going forward. The fan in me is looking for an Oklahoma win on Saturday, but I think Texas is just too good this year. Texas 31 Oklahoma 28
Josh: Through the first 5 weeks of the season, Texas has been one of the most impressive teams in the country, and Quinn Ewers is living up jto his recruiting ranking. Oklahoma though has one of the top offense and defenses in the country, and Dylan Gabriel has been solid leading thre Sooners to an undefeated season so far. I think this one will be closer thsn last years blowout, but Oklahoma still does not have the depth to compete with Texas at this time. There is a good chance though that this will be the first of to meetings for the two teams in their last season in the Big 12. Texas 31 – Oklahoma 21
Steven: Texas 38 Oklahoma 35
Trout: Texas should win this game. The Sooners are better than they were last year, but Texas seems to be the team to beat in the Big 12. The game will be close. Even when one or both teams are down, the game always seems to be close. I could see the lead change several times throughout the game. And then I see Texas pulling ahead right at the end of the game, leaving Oklahoma unable to respond. Texas wins the Red River Shootout and remains in the driver seat to win the Big 12. (Texas, 38-34)
Final Score: Oklahoma 34 Texas 30
(20)Kentucky @ (1)Georgia
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU 1980-83): Kentucky scares Georgia late into the 4th quarter, but the Dawgs score late to pull it out 31-28.
Coach Rick: I see this as a close game until half way through the 3rd quarter and then Georgia builds a 14 point lead that they keep until the end of the game.
Cory: Is Kentucky legit? Is Georgia struggling after winning consecutive national titles? The SEC is looking a bit odd this year, that is for sure. The Wildcats have had a mostly easy schedule so far, but they are coming off an impressive 33-14 upset over Florida last week. Georgia has escaped some close games so far, and the Bulldogs just don’t quite look the same as they did the last two years. Still, there is a level of trust in Georgia that they have earned from their play, and from having played a tougher schedule, and from playing at home this week. It might be close, but it will be Georgia. Georgia 28, Kentucky 21
Dave: Georgia 28 Kentucky 18
Gregg: I don’t think Georgia is as good as last year but I am not yet buying the Wildcats. The Bulldogs have strugged almost every week this season in the first half, and pulling out the win in the second half. I think this is the week Georgia starts playing like the two time defending champs that they are. Georgia 34 Kentucky 17
Joe-S-U: Dawgs
John: If this game was in Lexington I think the Wildcats could give the Dawgs a scare. Alas, this one is in Athens and after a lackluster game on The Plains last week I thing Georgia comes out focused and takes care of business. If they don’t then Georgia’s last four games (Florida, Missouri, Ole Miss and Tennessee) get a lot more interesting. Georgia 38 Kentucky 21
Josh: Kentucky surprised some people beating Florida the way they did, and it wasnt even as close as the box score would suggest. Georgia needed to wake up in the 4th quarter with the help of Brock Bowers to beat Auburn in their first road game of the season, and the Bulldogs have not looked like the best team in the country, but will remain there until they are defeated. I dont think this is the week it happens, but watch out for Missouri if you are Georgia. Kentucky keeps it close for the first half, but does not have enough of a threat running to keep Georgia’s offense off the field. Georgia 28 – Kentucky 17
Steven: Georgia 28 Kentucky 21
Trout: The Bulldogs win this game, but it’ll be close. For whatever reason, Georgia has just been off this year. They have been able to still win their games, but they are letting less talented teams stick around way longer than they should. This may come back to bite them later in the season, but not against Kentucky. The Wildcats have the ability to be a thorn in the side of better teams, but I don’t see them being a consistent team in contention for the SEC championship. I can see the game being lower scoring and very close heading into the fourth quarter. Then finally Georgia sneaks ahead and wins by the skin of their teeth. (Georgia, 24-20)
Final Score: Georgia 51 Kentucky 13
(10)Notre Dame @ (25)Louisville
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU 1980-83): Notre Dame beats Louisville 31-20
Andy: Notre Dame has been on a tough 3 game stretch. First they played Ohio State in a close grueling game which resulted in a loss at home during prime time. The next week Notre Dame played a tough Duke team and was able to get the win on the road in prime time. For the third week Notre Dame will face a ranked opponent in prime time on the road against Lousiville. I would say this wearing on this Notre Dame team, but I think this team is built different than past Notre Dame teams. Louisville is no joke, quarterback Jack Plummer is quietly putting together a good season and the Cardinals are not just a good passing team, they’re averaging over 5 yards per carry as a team and have 12 rushing touchdowns. They have outscored their opponents 185 – 86 through 5 games this season. I still think Louisville will be forced into a phone booth during this game and Notre Dame will use Audric Estime to grind this 33rd ranked rushing defense into submission. Notre Dame 27 Louisville 24
Cory: The fun does not stop for Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish rebounded from their last-second loss to Ohio State with a close win at previously undefeated Duke last week. It was not always pretty but a win is a win, and it’s just what Notre Dame needed. Now, the Fighting Irish go on the road again to face a scrappy Louisville team. The Cardinals are undefeated, but three of those were one-score games and so far their toughest game has been North Carolina State. Notre Dame did not have much trouble beating that same Wolfpack team. Expect the Irish to come away with another win this week. Notre Dame 30, Louisville 17
Dave: Notre Dame 21 Louisville 14
Gregg: For the third straight week, the Irish will face a ranked, unbeaten team. And for the second week in a row, it is on the road. Like Maryland, Louisville is a surpise upbeaten team for this late in the season but they are playing very well. Coach Freeman has had to get hist team up for three straight weeks and that is tough for anyone to pull off. I believe the Irish find a way to get it done once more. They may rely on the running game a bit more but Sam Harman will make plays when he needs too. Notre Dame 24 Louisville 21
Joe-S-U: Domers
John: The Irish survived last week. It didn’t surprise me that Duke kept it close. Afterall, the Irish were coming off a heartbreaking loss to Ohio State and this was the biggest home football game at Duke in forever. Louisville is decent, but I think Duke beats them in two weeks, assuming their QB can go. Therefore I think ND goes on the road and takes care of business this week. Notre Dame 27 Louisville 10
Josh: This will be the third night game for Notre Dame, and one week before they have their showdown against USC at home. Against Duke last week, they needed to pull off what Ohio State did against them, and win it with the last drive. Jeff Brohm has made Louisville and interesting team this season, but I don’t think he will be good enough to score against Notre Dame’s defense. Notre Dame wins one more and not overlook the Cardinals. Notre Dame 42 – Louisville 28
Steven: Notre Dame 21 Louisville 12
Trout: Much like the other games I have picked this week, I see this one being very close. I am picking the Irish, but I do see Louisville making it a game. They aren’t a great team, but they have been able to win all their games so far, so they do have some talent. I think Hartman will be able to lead the Irish down the field a few times, and score some points at key moments to get past the Cardinals. It won’t be pretty, but the Irish pull off the victory and keep their slim playoff hopes alive. (Notre Dame, 28-21)