Week 5 got off to a great start with the Miami and Virginia game last night. It was a painful loss for Miami, as a Viking’s fan I can totally relate to that kind of heartache. Conference play is in full swing this weekend, and at least five undefeated teams will fall. Let’s take a look at the best games on the schedule.
Any undefeated-undefeated game
Iowa – Maryland
The first game in the battle of the unbeaten’s series this weekend is also the only one that doesn’t have both teams ranked. Of course if Maryland wins both teams will be ranked next week. If this game were in Iowa City I’d give the win easily to Iowa. As a result the spread is much closer. I still have Iowa favored in this one, but it easily could be a trap game with the athletes Maryland always has.
Arkansas – Georgia
The most anticipated game of the year – we get to find out if Georgia’s defense is for real. They haven’t faced any offense in the top half of the FBS yet, so this game will show if they’re for real or just another early season poser. Arkansas on the other hand has shown they can dominate Texas teams, but they’ll have to bring their success on the road. Either way this game will be where the eyes go and it’s well deserved. Just a shame that it got relegated to the 11am game – this one deserves to be prime time and on network tv. I’m going the upset on this one. Sure Georgia’s defense has looked phenomenal thus far but the big question is who have they played. As a result, I’m going Arkansas with the upset.
Cincinnati – Notre Dame
It’s barely October but this game is huge for each team’s playoff chances. Whoever wins this week will own their destiny on making the playoff. Neither have a particularly difficult game the rest the year. Notre Dame has to have the edge being at home, but somehow Cincinnati is the favorite still. I have to agree, I don’t think Notre Dame looked all that good beating a down Wisconsin team last week and Cincinnati had that extra week to prepare.
Ole Miss – Alabama
My designated Bama expert has this game as their lone loss on the year. It’s a trap game. Kiffen always has his offense ready to go agains Saban – but this time they have a defense to go with it. Somehow Alabama is favored by 14.5 – I’ll take Ole Miss to beat that spread but not to come out with the win.
Baylor – Oklahoma State
Not sure anyone had Baylor and Oklahoma State picked to be tied at the top (with Oklahoma) of the Big 12, but here we are. This is probably the biggest surprise of the undefeated matchups, and it would be nice to have these two meet later in October or November even. Oh well, this is the prime time game to watch and it should be a good one in Stillwater. Sure Baylor won last week against Iowa State, but I don’t see them backing that game up on the road.
Best of the rest
BYU – Utah State
Sure it’s not the Holy War, but it’s still a big game in the state of Utah. BYU is backing up their early season ranking showing up to Logan with an undefeated record. Utah State only has one blemish on the season, and their early season win against Washington State is looking better after Wazzu beat USC. But, BYU is the 9 point favorite and I think they’ll beat that spread. The biggest downside is this airing on CBSSports Network. It’s a game that needs more appreciation and attention.
Michigan – Wisconsin
Apparently Vegas thinks this is a trap game for the Wolverines. They go into Camp Randall as 2 point underdogs. Not sure how that’s possible, Michigan has looked pretty good and Wisconsin hasn’t. That’s all the analysis I need to put my pick on Michigan for this one.
Pitt – Georgia Tech
The ACC is wide open now. I don’t think Georgia Tech has much of a chance to win the conference, but Pitt on the other hand… They’ve looked good so far, they came from behind to beat Tennessee a few weeks back and that shows they’ve got some grit to them. They really haven’t played anyone though, and lost a game to Western Michigan. I see them continuing on their winning ways though and winning this weekend in Atlanta.
Oklahoma – Kansas State
It’s not often you get eyes on Manhattan, KS but this week when they host Oklahoma you’ll definitely want to tune it. I see this is a trap game for Oklahoma, they haven’t looked that good this year and Kansas State always plays teams tough. I’m seeing this as an upset and Oklahoma has their playoff hopes dashed early.
Florida – Kentucky
Kentucky is looking for their 3rd win over Florida in 40 years. And I see it happening. Well at least beating the 7.5 point spread. Kentucky should have taken it to South Carolina harder last weekend, but they got the win and that’s what’s important. Florida will likely come away with the win, but it’ll be closer than expected.
Boston College – Clemson
Death Valley at night is a tough game to win. But this isn’t the same Clemson team of the past 5 years. Boston College looked good winning in overtime last week – and if they kicked some field goals in regulation wouldn’t have needed the extra time. This will put the Eagles on the map and finally crack the top 25 – while Clemson falls out of the rankings. I’ve got Boston College with the upset.