Week 6 College Football Picks Against the Spread

• Check out our Week 6 college football picks against the spread for Saturday (Oct. 5)
• We’re on a remarkable 15-3 run on CFB ATS picks
• Below, see my best Week 6 college football picks against the spread

We’re diving into another exciting week of college football action with our Week 6 CFB picks against the spread. This week’s slate features some compelling matchups, including a Big Ten showdown and a couple of potential upset scenarios.

In my Week 6 college football picks against the spread, I’m targeting two underdogs and one road favorite. Among my top Week 6 CFB picks against the spread is a play on Boston College in their ACC clash with Virginia.

Let’s break down our expert college football picks against the spread for Week 6 (Saturday, October 5th).

Boston College vs Virginia Odds

All odds as of October 2nd at ESPN BET. Browse the best football betting apps for college football against the spread betting.

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ATS Picks #1: Boston College +1.5 (vs Virginia)

Kicking off my Week 6 college football picks against the spread is a play on the Boston College Eagles against the Virginia Hokies. This line opened at Virginia -3.5 but is shifting towards Boston College. I like grabbing points with the Eagles before they potentially become favored.

BC’s running game is a prime reason I’m confident backing them in this spot. They are averaging 175.4 yards per game on the ground. QB Thomas Castellanos’ return from injury provides a boost, as he has already thrown for 729 yards, 10 TDs, and just 2 INTs this season.

BC back to work this morning and everyone’s fears can be put to rest.

Thomas Castellanos is here and participating @newftbj @BCEagleAction @Rivals pic.twitter.com/fs2yJIwLyc

— Kevin J. Stone (@kstone06) October 1, 2024

The Eagles’ defense has been stout, allowing only 15.8 points and 318.2 yards per game, good for 24th nationally in scoring defense. They should be able to come up with some big plays against young VA pivot Anthony Colandrea, who has tossed four picks already this season.

While Virginia looks solid at 3-1 overall, they have shown vulnerabilities that the Eagles can exploit. I’m particularly looking at their vulnerable run defense, which grades 108th in the country, per PFF. Their tackling grades are also well below average.

Boston College has covered in five of its last six road games, while the Hokies have lost eight of their last nine home games against conference opponents. Grab the +1.5 points with BC while you can.

• Pick: Boston College +1.5 (-110)

Iowa vs Ohio State Odds

ATS Picks #2: Iowa +20 (vs Ohio State)

Another addition to my Week 6 college football picks against the spread is the Iowa Hawkeyes +20 against the Ohio State Buckeyes. The line has already moved slightly toward the Hawkeyes, indicating some sharp money coming in on Iowa to keep this Big Ten battle closer than expected.

The Hawkeyes boast one of the nation’s best defenses, ranking 15th in points allowed per game at just 13.86. Iowa’s elite run defense, which sits 15th in EPA/Rush Allowed and 2nd in rushing explosiveness allowed, should contain Ohio State’s dynamic rushing attack and force QB Will Howard to air it out.

Chip Kelly had high praise for Iowa's defense. The Hawkeyes are SECOND nationally in rushing defense and SIXTH in scoring defense.

"I think it'll be the best-coached defense that I think we'll face all season long." pic.twitter.com/7099I1sLoA

— Lantern Sports (@LanternSports) October 1, 2024

I’m predicting Iowa to slow the pace and limit the Buckeyes’ possessions with long, methodical drives. The game’s low total of 44.5 points also indicates fewer expected possessions and scoring opportunities for the explosive Ohio State offense to pull away.

While Ohio State has dominated the all-time series, Iowa has proven capable of pulling off the upset or keeping things competitive in recent meetings. The Hawkeyes stunned the Buckeyes 55-24 as 20.5-point underdogs in 2017, and they lost by just three points as 16.5-point dogs in 2009.

In a rivalry game with major implications for both teams, Iowa will be highly motivated to elevate its play as a big home underdog. I love fading the heavy public favorites when it makes sense, and all signs point to Iowa being the right side here.

• Pick: Iowa +20 (-110)

Alabama vs Vanderbilt Odds

ATS Picks #3: Vanderbilt +23 (vs Alabama)

While the public is high on Alabama following their big win over Georgia, I’m looking to fade the Crimson Tide as large road favorites against Vanderbilt. This line opened at Bama -24.5 and has already come down to -23. This indicates the Commodores are being undervalued.

The Tide are in a classic “letdown spot” in Week 5 after the emotional high of beating a top-ranked rival. It can be difficult for even the best teams to maintain that same level of intensity and focus the following week.

The game will be played at Vanderbilt’s FirstBank Stadium, where the Commodores are averaging an impressive 44.5 points per game this season. Quarterback Diego Pavia has thrown for 721 yards and six touchdowns with no interceptions while rushing for 279 yards and two scores.

Vandy are also only allowing 13.5 points per contest on their home field. Yes, they gave up over 400 yards of offense on the road against Missouri in an overtime loss last weekend. However, their secondary limited talented QB Brady Cook to 226 pass yards and a 62% completion rate.

While Alabama’s defense ranks 19th in points allowed (15.0 per game), they showed some vulnerabilities against Georgia. The Bulldogs rallied from a 28-0 deficit and took a late lead before Alabama pulled out the victory.

Alabama is just 2-5 against the spread in their last seven games dating back to last season. I like them to win on Saturday, but I think Pavia and the Commodores’ passing attack will be able to exploit Bama’s secondary to provide a bit of a scare.

• Pick: Vanderbilt +23 (-110)

Brady’s 2024 CFB ATS Picks Record: 15-3