Week 5 Picks

By the end of the weekend we will have a better outlook as to the pecking order of the Pac-10 as well as a couple of 5-0 teams leading the Big 10. A couple "revenge" games on the slate in WVU - S. Florida and Texas - K. State should make for interesting theater. However, nothing could be better than the possibility of Notre Dame going 0-5. This is when College Football really gets good. And now, once more unto the breech, dear friends.

West Virginia 27 - USF 21

Revenge game #1. Last year USF ended all hopes of West Virginia playing for a National Championship and although coaches, apparently, never use revenge as a motivational tool, (bullshit) you can bet last years loss will add some kick to WVU. Even though this will be the most balanced team WVU will face in the Big East, WVU will still put up points. This one will be a close one.

FSU 10 - Bama 21

Man, there isn't much I like on the sidelines of these two teams. Possibly two of the more disliked coaches in college football. Is it a coincidence that they are so disliked because they are/have been so good (not counting recent Bobby Bowden)? Anyways, FSU's offense is absolutely horrible and Bama's defense is sound enough to keep them from doing anything of significance. The real test is the Bama offense against the perennially stout FSU defense. I think turnovers by the FSU offense will negate solid defensive play by the Seminoles D. The celestial rise of St. Saban gets back on track this weekend.

Florida 31 - Auburn 10

Florida's offense is much better than most people imagined it would be this off season. Couple that with the fact that Auburn and Gorgeous Borges can't seem to move the ball 3 feet, and what do you have? Another Florida ass kicking. Maybe Auburn can take a page from Ole Miss' playbook. They managed to lose by only 6 to the Gators. Tim Tebow will strengthen his Heisman legitimacy this weekend with another solid performance. Can you say game of the year when Florida visits LSU?

Texas 21 - Kansas State 17

Revenge game #2. KSU shocked the Longhorns in Manhattan last year and basically put an end to Texas' National Championship hopes. This year, I wouldn't plan on the same outcome. Although, Texas has looked mediocre at best this year, they are still much more talented and have too many superior athletes. Playing at home in Austin will help and the way Texas has played so far, they may need it . Texas wins at home in a close one.

Purdue 31 - Notre Dame 17

The train wreck continues Golden Domers. Notre Dame sucks. That is all that needs to be said for this game. Apollo's Creed, I am picking your Boilermakers. Coach Weis, I have included a recipe that I think will come in handy this weekend. Let me know what you think.

Wisconsin 21 - Michigan State 10

I have to be honest, Wisconsin has yet to impress me. I will give Bielema credit though, it may not be pretty but he wins. This should be an interesting test with Michigan State. It took Wisconsin all four quarters to beat Iowa last weekend and Michigan State is on par, if not better than Iowa. Having the game at home with tons of screaming cheese heads should help. Hey Bielema, crack open a Schlitz for me buddy.

USC 35 - Washington 17

USC is the real deal this year. Well, I guess they are the real deal every year but maybe a little more so this year. This will be a good test for Pete Carroll and his Trojans. Washington is slowly but surely improving under Ty Willingham and within the next couple of years should be back in contention in the Pac-10. This year, however, USC is just a flat out better team. There isn't anything that they aren't good at doing. If Ty Willingham wants to see how to beat USC's defense then he just needs to watch the Nebraska tape. Yes, I know they beat Nebraska but the Huskers racked up 420 yards of offense and 31 points. The Trojans move one game to closer to New Orleans with this win.

Oregon 35 - California 28

I will be honest. This game is a complete toss up for me. It, ultimately, came down to home field advantage. That and I think Cal's defense just isn't strong enough. The winner of this game will be in the drivers seat for a Rose Bowl berth. That is, of course, because I am assuming USC goes unbeaten and plays for a National Championship. Both teams have great offenses and I believe you will see a lot of point scoring and not so much defense. Oregon's is the better of the two, which will help insure a big win for Oregon and coach Bellotti.