Week 5 Predictions

Last Week's Record: 8-2
Overall Record: 28-12 (70%)

Thursday, September 29
South Florida 31 @ Pitt 21
USF is looking like the class of the Big East (whatever that means).


Saturday, October 1
Texas A&M 31 vs Arkansas 28 (in Arlington, TX)
Both teams lost last week, but A&M has the defense and the consistency on offense to take on Arkansas.


Alabama 30 @ Florida 17
Florida isn't going to knock off the Tide. They're not even the best team in their division... which is....


Northwestern 30 @ Illinois 40
The Wildcats are Persa-strong... but the Illini have a pretty good guy at QB too... along with 21 other talented positions. Illinois' run game is too strong for Northwestern.


Auburn 31 @ South Carolina 35
I know Garcia has been... well... Garcia lately, but what better way to get an offense on track than to square up against the porous Auburn D?


Notre Dame 42 @ Purdue 20
The Irish are due for a big win, and though the Boilers have played the Domers close over the years, this one won't be.


Michigan State 20 @ Ohio State 17
The Spartans haven't won in Columbus since 1998, but this Ohio State team is probably the weakest in decades. It's now or never for Michigan State to make a statement they belong in the upper echelon of the Big Ten.


Clemson 21 @ Virginia Tech 24
The Tigers are 4-0... now they can throw in the yearly clunker. If there's a place to do it, it's Blacksburg, where Virginia Tech is nigh unbeatable.


Washington 31 @ Utah 45
The Utes' first PAC-12 game could turn into a shootout, but Utah's defense will come up with big stops late to pull out the "W".


GAME OF THE WEEK!
Nebraska at Wisconsin

The Analysis:
Nebraska's run defense will be sorely tested by Wisconsin's tandem of Montee Ball and James White. Maybe too tested. Wisconsin +2
On the other hand, Wisconsin hasn't seen an offense even close to Nebraska's. Wisconsin's run defenders will be its cornerbacks, as the Huskers like to spread out the field and run around, rather than through, defenses. Nebraska +1
Madison is a tough place to play at night. Wisconsin has only lost 3 times at night under Coach Bielema. Wisconsin +1


The Prediction: Wisconsin 34, Nebraska 24.