College football Week 6 picks: Iowa vs. Ohio State, Baylor vs. Iowa State, Michigan vs. Washington

The Gazette’s Pick ‘Ems for Week 6 of the 2024 college football season, including Iowa’s trip to Ohio Stadium to face the third-ranked Buckeyes and Iowa State’s Saturday night whiteout game against Baylor.

Iowa (3-1, 1-0 Big Ten) at No. 3 Ohio State (4-0, 1-0)

2:30 p.m. Saturday (CBS)

Line: Ohio State -19.5

Mike Hlas (2-1, 12-3) — If Iowa wins this game, I’m buying ice cream and pizza for all of you readers from noon to 2 p.m. on (continued on Page 17C). Ohio State 24, Iowa 7

John Steppe (3-0, 13-2) — Ohio Stadium’s capacity is 102,780. That’s enough to fit the populations of Iowa City and Coralville combined ... or the number of people I saw in a Culver’s drive-thru while in my home state last weekend. Ohio State 42, Iowa 16

Jeff Johnson (2-1, 12-3) — Unless Marv Cook suddenly shows up, Iowa ain’t winning at the Horseshoe. Ohio State 31, Iowa 10

Rob Gray (2-1, 12-3) — Kaleb Johnson is a cheat code, but the Buckeyes’ array of four- and five-star recruits form a bulwark against him. Both defenses are formidable, but Ohio State features numerous downfield threats in the passing game the Hawkeyes simply do not possess. I expect Iowa to keep it close for a while — and with a takeaway or two, it could get interesting. The Buckeyes eventually win somewhat comfortably, but don’t cover the three-touchdown edge Vegas opened with, Ohio State 34, Iowa 17

Beth Malicki (2-1, 11-4) — Remember last year when I mocked the state of Ohio in these Pick ’Em’s and got canceled? I regret nothing. Ohio State 31, Iowa 13

Todd Brommelkamp (2-1, 10-5) — This game is in Columbus and not Woodshed, Iowa, which presumably has been converted into a Sprit Halloween at this point. Ohio State 37, Iowa 13

Baylor (2-3, 0-2 Big 12) at No. 16 Iowa State (4-0, 1-0)

6:30 p.m. Saturday (FOX)

Line: Iowa State -11.5

Hlas — Since panelists here mention their families, let me tell you about my twins, Brandy and Bruno. We haven’t spoken to each other in years. ISU 35, Baylor 7

Steppe — Dr Pepper was invented in Waco. So I have Baylor to thank for all the ads I skip when rewatching games? ISU 21, Baylor 10

Johnson — Apparently Iowa State is wearing special uniforms for this home night game. Of course, the colors red and gold won’t be included ... ISU 24, Baylor 7

Gray — It’s been a wild and demoralizing two weeks for the Bears, who blew a 14-point lead in an eventual 38-31 overtime loss at Colorado, then fell behind, 21-0, to No. 17 BYU last weekend before mounting a furious rally that fell short in a 34-28 setback. The No. 16 Cyclones, meanwhile, have routinely overcome occasional struggles by making key plays in critical moments to race to their first 4-0 start in 24 years. So what happens Saturday night? More of the same for both teams. ISU’s defense will bow up, as usual, and a balanced offensive effort will keep the beleaguered Bears at bay. ISU 31, Baylor 16

Malicki — Summer weather continues here in Iowa, which means winter will stretch into May. Iowa State 28, Baylor 10

Brommelkamp — From whitewashing Houston a week ago to a whiteout at home against Baylor, the rest of the Big 12 may pale in comparison to the Cyclones this season. ISU 24, Baylor 13

No. 10 Michigan (4-1, 2-0 Big Ten) at Washington (3-2, 1-1)

6:30 p.m. Saturday (NBC)

Line: Washington -2.5

Hlas — I really don’t care do u? Washington 18, Michigan 16

Steppe — I’m getting really creative here after Michigan’s 27-24 win over USC and 27-24 win over Minnesota. Michigan 27, Washington 24

Gray — It’s hard to believe a rematch of last season’s national title game is now simply a compelling regular season Big Ten game, but conference realignment creates mayhem (like me) in myriad ways. This should be a quintessential Big Ten game, featuring stout defenses that force both teams to grind out drives. Give me the underdog Wolverines and their ground attack, as they play clean football and score the mild upset. Michigan 24, Washington 21

Johnson — This one’s for you, my friend Lori!! You’re welcome. Washington 56, Michigan 0

Malicki — Yesterday I turned 48 and the big accomplishment is that I’ve outlived some of my enemies. Michigan 20, Washington 17

Brommelkamp — “The quickest way to double your money is to fold it and put it back in your pocket” — Will Rogers (the late humorist, not the Huskies QB). Don’t bet on underdog Michigan here. Washington 20, Michigan 16