Saturday, October 1, 2011

The Weekend That Wil Be: Week 5

Nebraska at Wisconsin- If I could could attend one game in the first half of the season, this is the one I would choose (I know... not an SEC game.). One day I'll get up to Camp Randall and jump around between the third and fourth quarters. I have only heard good things, where the people are kind and force you to try their cheese and slabs of meat. Throw in my Big 10 darling and it sounds like a dream weekend trip. The game is supposed to be good, but not in my eyes. Nebraska is the most overrated Top 10 team, and the environment is too much for the Huskers. "On Wisconsin" to victory.

Alabama at Florida- Two years is this was the most heated rivalry in college football, and it seems as if it is on its way back to claiming that spot with coach Will Muschamp at the helm for the Gators. If you have not done your homework, you may not know Florida has the top offense in the SEC. Bama has arguably the best defense with eight projected first and second round prospects for the NFL Draft. The Swamp will be rocking and holds close for a while before the Tide rolls away. Teacher (Nick Saban) beats (Muschamp) relatively easily in a battle of intensity.

Clemson at Virginia Tech- The real question here is if the Tigers can stay focused for the third week in a row, as they travel for their first road contest of the season. Clemson has had its program's biggest two wins in the Swinney era. The host Hokies have not played a big-time game yet this season. Blacksburg is no easy place to travel to and the under-the-radar Virginia Tech team handles a young Tiger squad.

Arkansas vs. Texas A&M- Both schools are coming off losses, have explosive offenses, are old South West Conference members, have played the role of little brother to Texas and next season both teams will play in the SEC. All these reasons are reasons to watch the Southwest Classic from the Jerry Dome in Arlington, Texas. The Aggies will and slow down the Hogs by attacking the Arkansas offensive line with an A&M defense that leads the nation in sacks. The pressure on the quarterback comes at a cost. A&M had 60 pass attempts thrown its way last week and came up with no INTs. Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino likes to throw the rock around a little bit. A&M has not beat an SEC team since 1995 either. Take the Hogs in a mild upset.

Other picks (winners in bold)
Mississippi State vs. Georgia- Battle of the Dawgs will get intense. A loss puts Georgia at two SEC losses and a hard hole to dig out of for any chance at the East title. A loss for MSU will start these Dawgs out at 0-3 and huge disappointment for the season will ensue.

Kentucky at LSU- The last time Kentucky played a No. 1 LSU team? Answer I do not think the Tigers will cover the 31.5-point spread, but finally they relax a little after their tough September.

Auburn at South Carolina- If Auburn can come with any sort of defense they might could win. They do not and Gamecock quarterback Stephen Garcia has a big game.

New Mexico State at New Mexico- Maybe the worst two offenses and defenses in the game on one field, what a rivalry! Perennially bad teams go at it in this heated match-up.

Notre Dame at Purdue- The Irish show off an explosive offense and have only three turnovers.

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