Week 5 College Football
More interesting games so more picks.
#1 USC (2-0) @ Oregon State (1-2): THURSDAY - The annual "this is the best USC team ever!" talk is already in full swing. Who starts this ? A lot of people are bringing their last trip here (33-31 loss). Forget it, that game was a fluke. It took a 4-0 turnover deficit and giving up a punt return TD for them to lose on a failed 2 point play against a team who won 19 games during 2006-2007 with a solid front 7 defensively. They're gone. It's USC by a ton.
Connecticut (4-0) @ Louisville (2-1): FRIDAY - I have the Huskies #18. For some reason going 13-4 since the start of last year isn't a good enough reputation for the defending Big East co-champs. Their defense was shaky last week and now faces a Cardinals team gaining confidence offensively. This is a tough one and I'll stick with my ranked team Connecticut in one of their trademark close wins.
North Carolina (2-1) @ Miami, FL (2-1): Both have designs on challenging Virginia Tech for the Coastal division. The Tar Heels need help after losing to the Hokies last week at home. The Hurricanes gained confidence dumping Texas A&M and have lost only to #4 Florida. There is still much to learn about both teams. I take Miami, FL because they can limit the run and put a lot of pressure on Sexton/Paulus who are taking over at quarterback for Yates.
Minnesota (4-0) @ #14 Ohio State (3-1): The Buckeyes are favored by 17 1/2 points based on their talent - on paper. Their play on the field might not warrant being ranked (I have them cautiously #21) while the Gophers have posted 31+ points in each of their wins. Then again these teams were 11-2/1-11 last season which means if this was the opener the line might be 35. Neither has impressed. It is time for Ohio State to strut and it's overdue.
Pittsburgh (2-1) @ Syracuse (1-3): Have we forgotten about the Panthers? Such is the way, you're ranked this week and that poll is lining a bird cage the next. This could build some confidence towards their upset bid next Thursday at South Florida. Pitt in a walk.
Maryland (3-1) @ #20 Clemson (3-1): I'm not sure how good the Tigers are (iffy #26 for me). I know the Terps are better than advertised. Their win over Cal showed the talent of a team with 31 seniors and a future NFL wide receiver Heyward-Bey who is averaging 20.8 yards per reception. Clemson's hyped offense including their own NFL prospect wide receiver (Aaron Kelly) hasn't done it yet against a good team. I expect Clemson to win because they are playing at home, but it will be a fight.
Northwestern (4-0) @ Iowa (3-1): It's time to find out what the Wildcats learned by beating lightweights. Five total touchdowns allowed and under 100 yards/game rushing is impressive until you look at Iowa right there in run defense with just 3 TD allowed. Defensive battle? Looks like it might be and I'm going with Iowa who has played better teams plus has home field. They blew their shot at a ranking last week at Pitt. I had Northwestern as the next team to be added to my Watch List, they just missed.
Mississippi (2-2) @ #4 Florida (4-0): I'm not as mesmerized with the Gators (my #11) as others even with a paltry 2 TD allowed and 72.3 yards/game rushing. Tebow has lost his cape (199.3 total yards/game, 5 TD) and the lack of a power running game bothers me. They rely too much on big plays and overwhelming an opponent. What if the Rebels show some offensive spunk? Can a Gator offense that has been very flat at times keep up? I think so. If Snead plays well it's close otherwise Florida big.
#9 Wisconsin (3-0) @ Michigan (1-2): The Wolverines are in trouble and with Illinois coming to the Big House next week might be staring at a 1-4 start. They might need to upset Ohio State if they want to be bowl eligible. The Badgers are fully rested following a solid if boring win at Fresno State two weeks ago. I don't see how Wisconsin can't win because their defense should totally control this game.
Arkansas (2-1) @ #7 Texas (3-0): I've already picked this game (makeup from Ike) and it's a real shame the renewal of a great rivalry comes with the 'Hogs in absolute shambles. They might go 0-8 in the SEC and in fact I expect them to. Texas huge.
Fresno State (2-1) @ UCLA (1-2): This one interests me because the Bulldogs will be trying to prove they are in the same class as BYU who mutilated these Bruins 59-0. The Cougars got them at home, this is on the road but after last week's 31-10 shelling at the hands of Arizona on this field I like Fresno State to deal the Pac-10 another OOC loss.
Marshall (3-1) @ West Virginia (1-2): Are the Mountaineers this bad or can they snap out of their funk? The Thundering Herd have nothing to lose here and can be a pesky opponent. I have to take West Virginia who should follow this up with wins over Rutgers and Syracuse. That would put them 4-2 with a shot at season redemption if they can upset Auburn at home.
Colorado (3-0) @ Florida State (2-1): The Buffs are my #30 and certainly deserve an AP ranking if they can beat the 'Noles on their turf. FSU was a hot mess in their first game against an FBS team last week (Wake Forest) but somehow hung around by forcing Swank to kick | 
