Okay, so I made three attempts at the weekly Round Up, but each time the ghost in the machine rose up and rejected me. Sadly, all my witty, incisive opinions were lost, dumped into cyberspace purgatory.
So, without further ado, I figured I would put out my picks for the weekend today. On the year, I am a putrid 17-22 (thanks to Campus Pigskin for keeping track). The last two seasons were much much better at this point, but there is still time to turn things around.
On to week five, all lines courtesy of Maddux Sports. Oh, and remember that I am picking games based on where I see a play, not on how good the game will be:
South Florida (+7) vs. West Virginia
This is the Mountaineers’ first test of the season and it don’t think it will be easy. I like them to pull it out in the end in a close one.
West Virginia 28, South Florida 24
Miami (-24) vs. Duke
I think Miami has righted its ship a bit. Kyle Wright is starting to play better and, as usual, Duke is bad.
Miami 38, Duke 7
Michigan (-17) at Northwestern
The beauty of Michigan losing those two early games is that it is now undervalued, I believe. As usual, the Wolverines have regrouped now that the pressure of winning titles is gone and they should finish with 8 or 9 wins. In the meantime, I think this game will be a good old fashioned blowout.
Michigan 45, Northwestern 14
California at Oregon (over 72.5)
I am not really sure who is going to win this game, but I do think it will be a shootout and the over of 72.5 will be surpassed. Right now, I am leaning toward Oregon because of the home field.
Oregon 45, Cal 38
Alabama (+2.5) vs. Florida State
It’s Saban versus his old OC Jimbo Fisher here. I think Alabama is a program on the rise and I think the Tide has more intestinal fortitude in this matchup. John Parker Wilson comes up big here and The University wins outright.
Alabama 24, Florida State 17
Illinois (+3) vs. Penn State
The Illini have the best triumvirate in the Big Ten in Juice Williams, Rashard Mendenhall and Arelious Benn. I agree with CFB Pundit now–I think the Illini are going to win the Big Ten and this will be a big win on the way to that.
Illinois 27, Penn State 24
Colorado (+22) vs. Oklahoma
I think this is the game where Sam Bradford struggles, as there will be a look-ahead to the next game with Texas. Oklahoma takes this easily, but Colorado gets the cover.
Oklahoma 42, Colorado 21
Washington (+20.5) vs. USC
USC is starting to click a bit on offense, but this will be its first game against a scrambling quarterback, which can always cause a defense fits. Husky Stadium will be rocking and I think that will carry UW to the cover.
USC 38, Washington 21
Arizona State (-14) at Stanford
Stanford got a bit of confidence last week by jumping on Oregon early, but I think ASU will be ready as a result and move to 5-0 quite easily.
ASU 42, Stanford 17
Cincinnati (-14) at San Diego State
The Chuck Long Rule is in play here, so I pick Cincy to win handily.
Cincinnati 35, SDSU 13
Indiana (+10.5) at Iowa
I don’t think Indiana is that bad. I am not very impressed with Iowa these days. This one stays close, but the Hawkeyes pull it out.
Iowa 21, Indiana 17
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