Cram Session - Week 5

There are three games pitting ranked teams against each other, as the conference season ramps up. Notre Dame hosts Washington, while Nebraska has the weekend off, before their huge Thursday night game at Missouri.

Games That Matter to Me That May Not Matter to You

Clemson (2-2, 1-1) at Maryland (1-3, 0-0)

I know this seems like a random game for me to include but the reason I do is because I will be attending this game Saturday. I haven't made it to many college football stadiums in my time, and while Maryland is terrible, it could be fun. The Terps have been terrible thus far this year and things don't expect to get better in this one. Clemson nearly pulled off the upset at home against TCU, and also played Georgia Tech tough. Maryland is not good on either side of the ball and this could be head coach Ralph Friedgen's last season if things continue to trend downward.

Prediction: Clemson 28, Maryland 17

Washington (2-2) at Notre Dame (3-1)

The Irish head back home after a gutty road win at Purdue. Hopefully, RB Armando Allen will be back for this one, and QB Jimmy Clausen will be feeling better. As I predicted, Washington suffered a letdown on the road against Stanford and was blown out. Or maybe, they just got lucky against USC and aren't that far removed from the winless team of a season ago. Washington is led by QB Jake Locker, who has NFL scouts drooling about his ability. It will be on the Irish defense to maintain him as best they can. The defense played a lot better against Purdue but still is definitely the weak link of the team. I like Notre Dame's chances in this one, especially at home.

Prediction: Notre Dame 31, Washington 28

Top 25

#3 Alabama (4-0, 1-0) at Kentucky (2-1, 0-1)

There is a growing sentiment that after four weeks of the season Alabama is the real #1 team in the country. I can't say I disagree. They have played much tougher competition than Florida or Texas. Poor Kentucky has to face Florida one week, then Alabama this week. Kentucky did give Florida QB Tim Tebow a concussion but were completely blown out by the Gators. I expect more of the same this weekend.

Prediction: Alabama 37, Kentucky 20

#4 LSU (4-0, 2-0) at #18 Georgia (3-1, 2-0)

LSU has risen to #4 but hasn't done much to really prove they are that good. The win at Washington was underwhelming and they barely survived last weekend at Mississippi State. Georgia has also been hard to gauge. They have won three straight but those could just have easily been losses, considering the Bulldogs have won all three in the final seconds. I think this game will be close throughout and also turnover filled. I think Georgia escapes with another close victory.

Prediction: Georgia 23, LSU 20

UC-Davis (1-2) at #5 Boise State (4-0)

Boise State made some news with them vaulting all the way to number 5. If they can remain undefeated, which is a real possibility, they could have a chance to play for the national title. I think Boise belongs at five. The win over Oregon looks more impressive after what the Ducks did to California, and Boise hasn't been challenged in their three wins since. That will continue this week.

Prediction: Boise State 58, UC-Davis 10

#6 Virginia Tech (3-1, 1-0) at Duke (2-2, 0-0)

After two straight weeks of intense home games, the Hokies have a potentially dangerous game at Duke. The Hokies are much better than Duke but after being on such emotional highs the last two weeks, a letdown is inevitable. Talent will still win out.

Prediction: Virginia Tech 27, Duke 13

#7 USC (3-1, 1-1) at #24 California (3-1, 0-1)

This game has lost some of its cache with each team losing befuddingly early in the season. USC also suffered tragedy this week, with the accident that RB Stafon Johnson suffered while bench pressing. The key to this game will be Cal's star RB Jahvid Best. Best was shut down by Oregon and it affected California's offense. USC has QB Matt Barkley back and their is noticeable difference in the USC offense when he plays. I am really not sure what to make of this game. I guess I don't think Cal is as bad as they showed last weekend.

Prediction: California 24, USC 21

#8 Oklahoma (3-1) at #17 Miami (2-1)

The other big night game is this one. Miami was destroyed by Virginia Tech last week and at least to me, proved they are huge frauds. The big question mark in this one is whether Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford will return or not. I don't think he will which hurts the Sooners chances considerably. However, I have started riding this fraud Miami thing pretty hard (that's what she said), so I should stick with it.

Prediction: Oklahoma 27, Miami 20

#9 Ohio State (3-1, 1-0) at Indiana (3-1, 0-1)

The Buckeyes have been real impressive the last few weeks, pitching back to back shutouts. The Hoosiers suffered their first loss last weekend, but put in a great effort at Michigan. I think someone will finally score on the Buckeyes, but Ohio State will keep rolling.

Prediction: Ohio State 29, Indiana 14

#10 Cincinnati (4-0) at Miami (Ohio) (0-4)

This one is going to get ugly.

Prediction: Cincinnati 41, Miami (Ohio) 10

Southern Methodist (2-1) at #11 TCU (3-0)

SMU just lost to Washington State. I don't like their chances.

Prediction: TCU 34, Southern Methodist 13

#12 Houston (3-0, 0-0) at UTEP (1-3, 0-0)

UTEP is coming off a whooping from Texas, while the Cougars had an emotional win at home against Texas Tech. Houston being relevant reminds me of my childhood and Andre Ware and David Klingler.

Prediction: Houston 38, UTEP 15

Arkansas State (1-2) at #13 Iowa (4-0)

Kirk Ferentz and Iowa have Joe Paterno and Penn State's number. With that win Iowa jumped from unranked, all the way to 13th. Arkansas State will go to Iowa, get beat, and get paid.

Prediction: Iowa 34, Arkansas State 16

#15 Penn State (3-1, 0-1) at Illinois (1-2, 0-1)

Both these teams have to move on from bitter defeats last weekend. Illinois seems to be coming apart, while Penn State remains an enigma. Illinois will keep this close but not close enough.

Prediction: Penn State 28, Illinois 23

Washington State (1-3, 0-2) at #16 Oregon (3-1, 1-0)

So which Oregon team is the real deal? The one that embarrassed themselves on national television against Boise State? Or the ones that completely crapped on California's season? A game at home against Washington State will have people thinking the latter is true.

Prediction: Oregon 48, Washington State 21

Utah State (1-2) at #20 BYU (3-1)

BYU bounced back nicely after their mystifying loss at home to Florida State. BYU takes a quick break from conference play to beat up on Utah State.

Prediction: BYU 33, Utah State 19

#21 Mississippi (2-1, 0-1) at Vanderbilt (2-2, 0-2)

The Rebels dropped 17 spots after losing to South Carolina. They didn't get killed which leads me to believe that the media knew they had overrated Ole Miss. Vandy returns to SEC play where they are winless. Ole Miss gets back on track.

Prediction: Mississippi 24, Vanderbilt 9

#22 Michigan (4-0, 1-0) at Michigan State (1-3, 0-1)

Its the rivalry game that only the state of Michigan cares about. The Wolverines have already surpassed their win total from last season, while Michigan State is riding a three game losing streak. This will be the Wolverines first road game of the season, and will be quite the shock for Wolverines golden boy QB Tate Forcier.

Prediction: Michigan State 35, Michigan 32

#25 Georgia Tech (3-1) at Mississippi State (2-2)

Dan Mullen looks like he is quickly improving Mississippi State. Georgia Tech is back in the Top 25 but mostly by default. ACC teams are very bad on the road.

Prediction: Mississippi State 27, Georgia Tech 24

Last Week: 19-5
Overall: 71-17