College Football Week 6 Best Sports Betting Picks & Predictions

With the 2024 college football season now a month away, some teams' championship aspirations have been dashed, while others have reason for optimism each week. It's your individual season that's closer to what the latter team does on the field.

Whether you're looking to continue your winning streak in October or turn things around when the conference season begins, consider the following Week 6 games.

Clemson-14.5 Florida State

Since a lopsided loss to Georgia in Week 1, Clemson has defeated Appalachian State, North Carolina State and Stanford by 46, 24 and 26 points. The Tigers' offense has averaged 53 points in those three wins, thanks to running back Phil Mafah breaking up huge rushing scores and quarterback Cole Krubnick Cole Klubnik had perhaps the best three games of his career.

Statistically, Florida's defense is the best Clemson has faced since Georgia, and arguably the most talented. The Seminoles had held opponents to 21.8 points per game through their first four games and had not allowed more than 28 points in any game until last week's visit to SMU.

But more on that crushing loss to the Broncos later.

First, defense hasn't been the obvious primary responsibility for the Seminoles' disappointing start to the 2024 season; FSU's inability to score has been its Achilles' heel. The Seminoles are averaging just 15.2 points per game, ranking third from the bottom among strong teams. Only UCLA and the University of Houston are poorer. The defense gave Florida State chances to beat Georgia Tech and Memphis, and helped the Seminoles to their lone win over Cal, 14-9.

Florida State's defense kept the Seminoles within striking distance throughout Southern Methodist's half. But an interception early in the second half and a quick punt on Florida State's next possession quickly turned the score from 14-9 to 28-9.

SMU was by far the most comprehensive offense Florida State had faced — until this week. Brock Glenn starts in place of injured DJ Uiagaleleiwill need to complete the drive that Uiagalelei was unable to complete. Otherwise, Clemson will similarly overpower Florida State as the game goes on.

Florida ML +114 vs. UCF (DraftKings)

Florida enters its Week 5 bye on a positive note, having allowed the most points against SEC opponents during Billy Napier's tenure as head coach. Although the Gators defeated a struggling Mississippi State team in 2024 45-28, there is still momentum for UCF's visit on Saturday, in part because the Knights have their own woes.

UCF managed to get out of trouble at TCU in Week 4, winning 35-34, but defensive deficiencies held the Horned Frogs to just 6.6 yards per carry, costing the Knights last week against Colorado cost.

UCF gave up 6.5 yards per carry and forced just seven pass breakups on 35 pass attempts in a 48-21 loss to Colorado. Since quarterback Graham Mertz got off to a rocky start to the season against Miami, Florida State has had some results with its methodical passing game.

Mertz has completed 31 of his last 36 pass attempts and thrown four touchdowns with just one interception. With UCF's pass defense showing vulnerability in recent weeks, Mertz just needs to be consistent and not have to look for long shots to keep the Gators' offense going.

As a home-underdog coming off a bye and with a favorable opponent, Florida State looked like a favorite to win outright in Week 6.

Ashton Jeanty +260 4+ touchdowns (FanDuel)

Pairing a fast-rising Heisman Trophy contender and the nation's leading rusher against a defense that's allowing nearly 200 yards per game has the potential for a spark.

Utah State allowed 196.8 yards per game against Boise State and over 5 yards per carry — and that was before the Aggies took on Ashton Jeanty. The Broncos' back will make strides in this Mountain West Conference matchup; he has scored at least 192 in 3 of 4 games.

The question is whether Boise State needs him enough to get into the end zone four times. He's reached that milestone twice, but the game has been competitive long enough with wins over Georgia Southern and Washington State.

Boise State shouldn't have much trouble beating Utah State early, so we should find out if Gente can score four touchdowns for the third time this season shortly after the third quarter. +260, worth a look if Jeanty can do it.