CBS Sports Network's continued coverage of the 2024 college football season features four games for the Week 6 slate, with the first weeknight game of the year ahead of a Saturday double-header. The action kicks off Thursday night with an intriguing Conference USA showdown between in-state foes Sam Houston and UTEP.
Sam Houston is just one victory away from matching its program high in CUSA wins (two), while the Miners are looking to get on the board after they opened league play with a loss against Liberty. On Friday night, Kennesaw State hosts Jacksonville State in another CUSA clash. The Owls are making their league debut after transitioning from the FCS in the offseason.
Saturday's slate kicks off at noon ET when UMass travels to Northern Illinois. Shortly after that, UConn hosts Temple, as the Huskies would like to keep their recent hot streak rolling. While most teams have had a bye week at this point, this will be the sixth straight game for the Owls, with this being their third road game in that span.
CBS Sports Network will be with you every step of the way once the Week 6 games begin. In the meantime, get caught up on viewing information, storylines, betting odds and more for each matchup.
All times Eastern | Odds via SportsLine consensus
Sam Houston at UTEP
Date: Thursday, Oct. 3 | Time: 9 p.m.
Location: Sun Bowl -- El Paso, Texas
TV: CBS Sports Network [Channel finder]
Live stream: CBSSports.com | Mobile: CBS Sports App (Free)
Spread: Sam Houston -10.5 | Will the Bearkats cover? Check out SportsLine's Week 6 projections here
Sam Houston has been one of the best stories this season. The Bearkats won just three games in 2023 -- their first year at the FBS level after transitioning from the FCS -- and have already surpassed that total amid a hot start. They rank second in Conference USA in scoring offense (30 points per game) and third in scoring defense (24.4 ppg). Three of their five wins have also come by at least 18 points. UTEP, meanwhile, is still searching for its first win under new coach Scotty Walden.
Jacksonville State at Kennesaw State
Date: Friday, Oct. 4 | Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Fifth Third Stadium -- Kennesaw, Georgia
TV: CBS Sports Network [Channel finder]
Live stream: CBSSports.com | Mobile: CBS Sports App (Free)
Spread: Jacksonville State -14.5 | Will the Gamecocks cover? Check out SportsLine's Week 6 projections here
The FBS transition hasn't gone great for Kennesaw State. The Owls are still searching for their first win, having suffered four straight losses by at least two possessions. That includes a recent 24-13 loss to still FCS UT-Martin, which was 1-3 entering that Week 5 game. As for Jacksonville State, it appears as if its first-year FBS magic has run its course. The Gamecocks did get their first win Sept. 21 with a 37-point blowout of Southern Miss, but they had lost three straight before that. Friday night provides both teams an opportunity to really right the ship.
UMass at Northern Illinois
Date: Saturday, Oct. 5 | Time: Noon
Location: Huskie Stadium -- DeKalb, Illinois
TV: CBS Sports Network [Channel finder]
Live stream: CBSSports.com | Mobile: CBS Sports App (Free)
Spread: Northern Illinois -17.5 | Will the Huskies cover? Check out SportsLine's Week 6 projections here
Northern Illinois may have seen its College Football Playoff hopes tank with consecutive losses to NC State and Buffalo, but the Huskies are still right in the thick of the MAC race. Though this game won't count towards the conference standings -- since UMass is still independent -- it is a preview of things to come when the Minutemen join the MAC in 2025. UMass is riding a six-game losing streak to FBS opponents, dating back to an Oct. 28, 2023 win against Army. Snapping that skid against Northern Illinois won't be easy, but Don Brown's squad does catch the Huskies after two tough games.
Temple at UConn
Date: Saturday, Oct. 5 | Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field -- East Hartford, Connecticut
TV: CBS Sports Network [Channel finder]
Live stream: CBSSports.com | Mobile: CBS Sports App (Free)
Spread: UConn -16.5 | Will the Huskies cover? Check out SportsLine's Week 6 projections here
If you aren't paying attention to the UConn football Renaissance, that's your own fault. Turns out UConn's basketball teams aren't the only ones that can drag opponents into submission. The Huskies are 3-1 since a season-opening loss to Maryland and have won their last two games -- against FBS opponents, mind you -- by an average of 39 points. The Huskies are on track to make a bowl game for the second time in three years under coach Jim Mora. Beating Temple would put them just two games away, at least.
