It’s rare in college football to see four high-caliber matchups all deliver, but last week every top-25 game went down to the wire. We saw a mix of outstanding quarterback play alongside some far less impressive performances. This week, things settle down a bit with only two top-25 matchups on the slate. First up, Vanderbilt travels to Tuscaloosa to face the Alabama Crimson Tide at 3:30 PM ET. Later, in the 7:30 PM ET slot, we get a historic rivalry as Miami squares off with Florida State in a game carrying huge ACC implications. While there are only two top-25 games this week, both promise plenty of excitement—and without a crowded schedule, fans can focus more closely on these marquee showdowns. With that in mind, let’s dive into the quarterback matchups for both contests and explore the prop bets available.

(16) Vanderbilt vs. (10) Alabama

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Diego Pavia: 

  • Props
    • Passing Yards: 203.5 (over -114; under -114)
    • Passing TD’s: 1.5 (over +134; under -180)
    • Rushing Yards: 59.5 (over -114; under -114)

Diego Pavia and the Vanderbilt Commodores look to replicate last year’s performance against Alabama, though this time the matchup takes place on the road. Through five games this season, Pavia has averaged 242.2 passing yards, 2.6 passing touchdowns, and 58.8 rushing yards per contest. In last year’s game against the Tide, he went 16-of-20 for 252 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing 20 times for 56 yards. So far this season, Alabama’s defense has effectively neutralized opposing passing attacks, not allowing a single quarterback to surpass 200 yards through the air. Even in their loss to Florida State, they limited Tommy Castellanos to just 152 passing yards, though he did add 78 yards on the ground. For Vanderbilt to stay competitive, they will need to bring the same efficient passing approach they displayed last year. Pavia will also have to make plays with his legs, as his dual-threat ability could be the key factor in keeping the Commodores within striking distance against one of the nation’s top defenses.

Ty Simpson: 

  • Props
    • Passing Yards: 299.5 (over -114; under -114)
    • Passing TD’s: 2.5 (over -106; under -125)
    • Rushing Yards: 15.5 (over -114; under -114)

Following his lackluster performance in Week 1 against Florida State, Alabama’s Ty Simpson has looked like a completely different player. Through four games this season, Simpson has averaged 284.5 passing yards, 2.75 passing touchdowns, and 14.25 rushing yards per contest. The biggest key to his effectiveness has been ball security, as he has yet to throw an interception all year. While Vanderbilt hasn’t faced the toughest competition, their defense has been fairly steady, allowing just 227 passing yards per game while holding opponents to only 87.8 rushing yards per outing. Even with those numbers, Alabama will be at home and hungry for revenge after last season’s result. Given the circumstances, it’s reasonable to expect a heavy passing attack from the Tide. That makes Simpson’s rushing yard props less appealing, as his role on the ground may be limited. However, the passing props—particularly the overs—stand out as far more enticing given both Simpson’s efficiency and the likelihood of Alabama relying on his arm to dictate the tempo.

(3) Miami vs. (18) Florida State

Carson Beck: 

  • Props
    • Passing Yards: 236.5 (over -114; under -114)
    • Passing TD’s: 1.5 (over -158; under +118)

Coming off a bye, Carson Beck and the Miami Hurricanes head into a big rivalry game on the road against the Florida State Seminoles. Through four games this season, Beck has averaged 243 passing yards per contest, along with 1.75 passing touchdowns. He is coming off a game in which he threw no touchdown passes against Florida, though the Gators do boast a strong defense. The Hurricanes have had two weeks to prepare for a Seminoles squad that has held opponents to just 215.3 passing yards per outing. Still, Miami brings the best offense Florida State has faced all season, and they will need Beck to rise to the occasion if they want to win. Even on the road, the extra preparation time and Beck’s steady production give reason for confidence. Expect Miami to put the ball in his hands often, leaning on his ability to stretch the field and stay efficient in the passing game. I like his chances to deliver a strong performance here.

Tommy Castellanos: 

  • Props
    • Passing Yards: 176.5 (over -114; under -114)
    • Passing TD’s: 1.5 (over +182; under -250)
    • Rushing yards: 47.5 (over -114; under -114)

Following a brutal loss to Virginia in week 5, Tommy Castellanos and the Florida State Seminoles don’t get any relief in week 6 as they face the Miami Hurricanes. Through four games, Castellanos has averaged 212 passing yards per outing, with one passing touchdown per game, and 54.25 rushing yards per contest. Miami’s defense has been strong early, allowing just 191.3 passing yards and 71 rushing yards per game in their first four matchups. For Florida State to have a shot, the version of Castellanos from week 1 against Alabama needs to show up, and last week’s struggles must be left behind. Limiting turnovers will be vital, and I expect the Seminoles to lean on a heavier rushing attack, even against Miami’s stout front seven, as controlling the clock will be key. The Hurricanes have shown discipline in their coverage, so the safer expectation here is that Castellanos makes plays with his legs rather than through the air. I’d avoid his passing touchdown prop altogether.