Week 5 Match-ups

Well I was 5-1 last week, best week this season by far. Narrowly missing on the Virginia Tech game.  Brings my season total to 13-8. Conference play starts to pick up this week, as we have 6 conference games that will all play a role in deciding the champion of conferences and divisions.  We have two Pac-12 games, two SEC games, one ACC game, and one Big12 game.  Sorry no marquee B1G match-ups this week.

 

 

Texas Tech Oklahoma State

Texas Tech – 3.44

Oklahoma St – 4.44

 

Oklahoma State has been better than expected this year as their young roster has been playing very well.  Coach Gundy really has that program rolling it would appear.  Texas Tech on the other side has looked considerably worse to this point than expected.  I think Texas Tech will come to play and keep this game closer than many will think.  Ok State’s defense should control Texas Tech enough so that the Ok State offense can start to gain some new traction with the new QB against Texas Tech’s sub-par defense.  It being in Stillwater should only help Oklahoma State stave off the upset attempt by Texas Tech.

 

Prediction: Oklahoma State does enough to win 38-28

 

 

UCLA Arizona State

UCLA – 4.04

Arizona St – 3.89

 

The two teams that were expected to fight for the Pac-12 south crown have stumbled out of the gates so far. Neither have been able to find the footing and continue their stellar play from a year ago. Despite the struggles both teams remain undefeated and in prime position to contend for a playoff spot. If Brett Hundley decides to play football this year for UCLA, then they should be able to win this game going away. But we have seen nothing from him this year that says he is ready to live up to his potential. UCLA has the talent and experience edge. Arizona has been playing slightly better this year and is at home.  Tough game to call.  UCLA’s strength so far has been their defense which is top 25 caliber. Arizona St is their offense so it is strength on strength.  I’ll go with the home team that has the better run game and the QB that is playing better.

 

Prediction: Arizona St pulls out a narrow upset over UCLA 28-24

 

 

Florida State North Carolina State

FSU – 4.54

NCSU – 3.95

 

Florida State has looked anything but the part of a defending National Championship team.  Particularly on offense they have struggled to get into a rhythm and have struggled (admittedly against 2 good defenses). North Carolina State on the flip side have gotten better each game and looked considerably better than last year, albeit their competition has not been great. Florida State has also struggled mightily at Carter-Finley stadium since Chris Weinke’s 6 INT game in 1998.  FSU has lost the last 2 games there and have not won by more than 9 points since 2002 (only time since 1998 that they won by more than 9 points) and only have 3 wins since 1998 there (3-5).  Having said that FSU is the way more talented and experienced team this year.  They will also have Heisman winning QB Jameis Winston back under center after his 1 game suspension. Florida State may come out firing on all cylinders and at which point this game could quickly get out of hand.  But there is something about playing at NCSU that tempers expectations for FSU.

 

Prediction: FSU wins a closer than expected battle 35-20

 

 

Arkansas @ Texas A&M

Arkansas – 4.16

Texas A&M – 4.56

 

TAMU’s offense has not missed a beat without Johnny Manziel.  Of course they haven’t faced a good defense yet, and they will not face one this week.  There should be a lot of fireworks in this game as both offenses are very good and both defenses have holes. This is a rivalry game and should be a good battle.  Arkansas will look to control the clock and run it down TAMU’s throats, meanwhile TAMU will try and exploit Arkansas’ porous pass defense. I expect both to be done successfully. In the end Arkansas will keep themselves in the game with their offense but come up just short and be out-scored by TAMU’s high-powered offense.

 

Prediction: TAMU over Arkansas 45-38

 

 

Stanford Washington

Stanford – 4.44

Washington – 4.15

 

Washington is still trying to find their footing under new Coach Peterson as he tries to navigate the Power 5 conference waters.  Stanford meanwhile just keeps on trucking.  Stanford’s defense this year has been extremely good.  This game should be a good low scoring affair.  Stanford will control both lines, play solid defense and be efficient on offense. Which is exactly what you need to win a tough road game.  Stanford should get some big plays in the pass game with Ty Montgomery as Washington’s pass defense has not been very good this year. Stanford can not afford to lose another game if they want to get to the playoffs.  I expect the winner of this game to challenge Oregon for the Pac12 North division crown.

 

Prediction: Stanford shuts down Washington 28-17

 

 

Missouri South Carolina

Missouri – 4.09

South Carolina – 4.02

 

This should be a very close game as Missouri looks to eek out revenge after their home loss last year at the hands of the Gamecocks. Missouri’s offense should be able to move the ball at will against South Carolina’s swiss cheese secondary, however South Carolina should have no problem running the ball against Missouri. Neither team has looked as good as they did last year, as both are pretty young and missing a lot of talent. Look for another high-scoring SEC game here.  In the end I think the home-field advantage will be the deciding factor in this game.

 

Prediction: Missouri’s upset bid comes close but falls at the end as South Carolina wins 38-35

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