Week 5 Picks and Predictions

We're going to do something a little different.  Cooler 666 suggested that instead of analyzing every game in depth, I should pick games against the spread with a very brief synopsis.  I will leave my "Luxury Box Lock Of The Week" for the in depth analysis.

FAVORED                                                   UNDERDOG
FLORIDA ST.....................4.......................at BOSTON COLLEGE
The Seminoles up and down season continues, on the upswing.  I like Florida St. to cover easily.  Too much speed on defense should stiffle the Eagles.
PREDICTION:     Florida St. 24-Boston College 14


ALABAMA.......................15......................at KENTUCKY
I believe Head Coach Nick Saban has the Tide playing the best football in the country.  They have been battle tested and gotten better each week.  This should not be close.
PREDICTION:     Alabama 34-Kentucky 3


At NOTRE DAME...........13......................WASHINGTON
Clausen is still not 100%.  It won't matter, too much of a running game for Notre Dame (Washington's achilles heel).  If Armando Allen is healthy, he should have a HUGE day.
PREDICTION:     Notre Dame 37-Washington 17


PENN ST.........................7.........................at ILLINOIS
I like the Illini at home.  Penn St. flopped on the sloppy turf last week against Iowa.  Illinois does have some talent and they shine this week.
PREDICTION:     Illinois 23-Penn St. 17


OHIO ST......................17.........................at INDIANA
After what I saw out of Indiana last week, I don't think they win but they can cover the 17 points.   The Ohio St. defense is a lot tougher than Michigans but at home, Indiana will play inspired ball.
PREDICTION:     Ohio St. 27-Indiana 17


At Georgia..................3............................L.S.U.
I've gone back and forth on this one.  Even though I love the Tigers, they haven't played a full 4 quarters yet this season and until play like the 4th ranked team in the nation, I can't believe it.  So far the Tigers have not showed that great defense and Georgia can move the ball on the ground or through the air.
PREDICTION:     Georgia 31-L.S.U. 20


At TENNESSEE...............1 1/2..................AUBURN
What gives ?  The offense of Auburn or the defense of Tennessee.  I'll go the Monte Kiffin's unit and the Vols at home.  A close one but in the end, the running game of Tennessee will get it done.
PREDICTION:     Tennessee 20-Auburn 17


At ARIZONA ST...................4 1/2................OREGON ST.
Sun Devils coming off heart breaking loss at Georgia.  Oregon St. has not played it's best ball yet this season.  Look for the Rodgers brothers to finally break out this week.  That being said, Arizona St. has the best defensive freshman in the country in linebacker Vontaze Burfict.
PREDICTION:     Oregon St. 24-Arizona St. 23


USC....................................5........................at CALIFORNIA
I not only think Cal will cover the points, but they will win this outright.  The Bears were embarrased last week in Eugene and Jahvid Best was shut down.  Not two weeks in a row.  The Trojans looked lethargic and unimpressive in their in over Washington St.  Shout out to USC tailback Stafon Johnson, get well soon !
PREDICTION:     California 31-USC 24


At MICHIGAN ST.............2.........................MICHIGAN
I know, the Wolverines come into East Lansing undefeated and Sparty has lost 3 in a row.  Even in their losses, Michigan St. has showed an explosive offense.  Silly undiciplined play has cost them at least 2 games.  The Wolverines can move the ball with Forcier and Co. but a poor defensive effort will make Sparty smile.
PREDICTION:     Michigan St. 38-Michigan 30


GEORGIA TECH................6.......................at MISSISSIPPI ST.
Interesting game.  Mississippi St. showed a lot in their loss to L.S.U. last week.  I think they will have a major letdown after "almost" upsetting the Tigers. Tech is coming off a sold performance and finally has the triple option and Jonathan Dwyer rolling.  The Yellowjackets should easily cover the points here.
PREDICDTION:     Georgia Tech 43-Mississippi St. 28


SOUTH FLORIDA...............6......................at SYRACUSE
On paper this looks like a total mismatch.  A one win Syracuse team should get trounced by the Bulls, especially after the performance S. Florida put on at Florida St. last week.  Another major letdown, I see the Bulls winning but not covering the spread.  QB Greg Paulus will keep it close, good luck "Orange Girl" !
PREDICTION:     South Florida 27-Syracuse 24


At STANFORD..................5.......................U.C.L.A.
I believe in Neuheisel's team.   The Bruins will be tested by Stanford.  As good as Cardinal running back Toby Gerhart is, he won't run wild against this Bruins defense.  A close one, but the boys from Westwood win it outright.
PREDICTION:     U.C.L.A. 24-Stanford 20


MISSISSIPPI.....................8....................at VANDERBILT
If Rebels coach Houston Nutt can't get his bunch going against Vanderbilt, the once promising season is going down the drain.  QB Jevan Snead HAS TO BE BETTER this time around.  I believe he is and Mississippi will roll.
PREDICTION:     Mississippi 34-Vanderbilt 14

LUXURY BOX LOCK OF THE WEEK

OKLAHOMA....................7....................at MIAMI, FL

Sooners QB Landry Jones gets another start as Bradford sits one more week.  Note to Jones, this isn't Idaho St. or Tulsa !   Jacory Harris had a miserable day in Blacksburg as did the whole Hurricanes' squad, from offense to defense to special teams.  I believe they get it right this time around and win it outright.  Miami will have to do a much better job of protecting Harris in the pocket.  If they can give Harris time, he will pick apart the Sooners inexperienced secondary.  Oklahoma will try to run the ball to keep pressure off Jones and time of possesion will be key in this game.  In the end, a fired up Canes' defense forces Jones into a fumble and a couple of interceptions and pins the Sooners with their second loss of the season.

PREDICTION:     Miami, Fl. 27-Oklahoma 14

*All betting lines set by World Features Syndicate, Inc.