College football Week 6 picks: Four underdogs and two totals to target - ESPN

After a 4-0-1 performance last week, Week 6 of the 2024 college football season offers a slate of intriguing matchups that might not immediately catch the eye but that hold hidden value. From Missouri's visit to Texas A&M and Rutgers facing Nebraska to UMass taking on Northern Illinois, there's potential for upsets brewing. I'm spotlighting underdogs who aren't just poised to cover the spread, but who could potentially pull off stunning victories.

Additionally, we'll dive into the Cal-Miami showdown, examining both the spread and the total, and analyze the service academy clash between Navy and Air Force. While this week's games might seem less glamorous at first glance, savvy bettors know that's often where the real opportunities lie.

All lines current as of publication time, courtesy of ESPN BET.

When choosing between teams, I typically favor the one with a more balanced attack and superior defense, especially as an underdog. Missouri fits this profile perfectly.

The Tigers' rushing attack, spearheaded by Nate Noel, is a formidable strength. Ranked 27th in attempts per game, the Tigers are committed to establishing the run. Noel brings consistency (100-plus yards in each of the past two games) and efficiency (6.9 yards per carry in those games) and exceptional productivity.

The ground game could prove crucial against Texas A&M's rush defense, which ranks 57th in defensive success rate. The Aggies have shown vulnerability, allowing 198 rushing yards to Notre Dame (5.8 per carry) in a 23-13 loss, though they did limit Arkansas to 3.3 yards per rush. Missouri's rushing offense, while less efficient, is comparable to Notre Dame's in terms of total production.

The Tigers' high-volume approach (fifth nationally in time of