It’s hard to believe we are already to week six of the college football season, nearing the halfway point. This week is filled with games in which top teams hit the road to face dangerous challengers. Will we see a lot of upsets this week, or will most everything go according to plan?

25. Maryland at 8. Florida State (11 – ESPN)

Last week, Florida State struggled on the road. Winning games in conference can be difficult, even for talented teams like the Seminoles. Maryland has gotten off to a very nice start so far this year, winning a game over West Virginia and one at Connecticut. I don’t think the Terps will be able to knock off Jimbo Fisher’s team in Tallahassee, but it could get interesting. I am a believer that the early morning kickoffs favor the road team.

Prediction: Florida State 38 Maryland 27

10. LSU at Mississippi State (6 – ESPN)

The Tigers are coming off of a tough loss in an epic game against Georgia. Understandably, they will probably not be overly focused on Mississippi State. The Bulldogs, on the other hand, are coming off of an off week, before which they throttled Troy. Dan Mullen needs something positive to happen, and I think his team has an excellent shot at pulling the upset. I’m taking LSU in a close one.

Prediction: LSU 20 Mississippi State 18

24. Ole Miss at Auburn (6 – ESPNU)

Ole Miss quarterback Bo Wallace is not making any predictions this week about the amount of points his offense will score. He did so last week and was shutout by Alabama. Auburn is on the rise this year, and after an off week, you can bet Gus Malzahn will have his troops ready to go for this one. I think both teams will score quite a few points, and I’m taking Ole Miss in a close one.

Prediction: Ole Miss 31 Auburn 24

4. Ohio State at 16. Northwestern (7 – ABC)

Northwestern has put its program at the center of college football this week. This recognition is due to the dedication of head coach Pat Fitzgerald and others who have worked hard to elevate that program. The Buckeyes are looking to spoil the party. Let’s also not forget this is a crucial matchup within the Big Ten. Both teams would like to represent their divisions in the conference championship game. With College Gameday in town for the first time since 1995, I think the distractions will be too much for the Wildcats. The defensive production has not been great enough this year to convince me that they can slow down Braxton Miller. I’ll take Ohio State in a very competitive game.

Prediction: Ohio State 24 Northwestern 20

15. Washington at 5. Stanford (9:30 – ESPN)

Stanford blasted the other Pac 12 team from the state of Washington last weekend when the Cardinal beat Washington State 55-17. Stanford quarterback Kevin Hogan has been solid as he navigates his team toward a Pac 12 Championship and possibly higher aspirations. I think those high hopes will take a hit this weekend, though, when Washington pulls the upset. Look for a fairly defensive game with field position at a premium,

Prediction: Washington 28 Stanford 26