My Ten Pack of College Football Picks for Week Five -- Rewind

Season Record 12-8
This Week’s Record 6-4

Review my week five picks here!

All game times are Central Standard Time

#16 South Florida (4-0) vs. Pittsburgh (2-2)

Thursday, September 29 7:00 pm ESPN

I almost had the right score just with the teams switched. I was very disappointed in the energy level of South Florida. Pittsburgh came out and imposed their will on the Bulls and didn’t look back. Pitts Ray Graham had 226 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns and gave the Panthers a much needed boost.

Prediction: #16 South Florida 45 Pittsburgh 17 Actual Score: Pittsburgh 44 #16 South Florida 17

Minnesota (1-3) vs. #19 Michiagn (4-0)

Saturday, October 1 11:00 am Big Ten Network

The Little Brown Jug will remain with Michigan after a massive beat down in Ann Arbor on Saturday. Denard Robinson threw the ball extremely well and wasn’t asked to be the entire offense for once. Vincent Smith ran for a touchdown, threw for one, and caught one for the 5-0 Wolverines.

Prediction: #19 Michigan 38 Minnesota 20
Actual Score: #19 Michigan 58 Minnesota 0






#3 Alabama (4-0) vs. #12 Florida (4-0)

Saturday, October 1 7:00 pm CBS

The Alabama defense came to play in the Swamp and showed the country why they are a top team. Trent Richardson also had a big game for the Tide, who defeated Florida for a third straight year.

Prediction: #3 Alabama 23 #12 Florida 12 Actual Score: #3 Alabama 38 #12 Florida 10

Nevada (1-2) vs. #4 Boise St. (3-0)

Saturday, October 1 1:30 pm Versus

The Broncos were up 30 to 0 after three quarters on Saturday. They destroyed Nevada at the line of scrimmage and dominated in all phases of the game. Kellen Moore has to be mentioned as a Heisman Trophy candidate.

Prediction: #4 Boise St. 55 Nevada 21 Actual Score: #4 Boise St. 30 Nevada 10

#17 Texas (3-0) vs. Iowa St. (3-0)

Saturday, October 1 6:00 pm FX

Terrible, terrible pick by me in this one. Iowa St was manhandled and blindsided by a good, growing Texas team. Texas was relentless and avenged a terrible loss against Iowa St. from last season.

Prediction: Iowa St. 28 #17 Texas 17 Actual Score: #17 Texas 37 Iowa St. 14

#8 Nebraska (4-0) vs. #7 Wisconsin (4-0)

Saturday, October 1 7:00 pm ABC

Wisconsin is a BCS Championship contender after their shellacking (follow link for very entertaining play by play) of Nebraska on Saturday evening. Russell Wilson is the real deal at quarterback and the victory puts the Badgers in prime position to win out and have a shot at playing in the BCS Championship Game.

Prediction: #7 Wisconsin 30 #8 Nebraska 20 Actual Score: #7 Wisconsin 48 #8 Nebraska 17





#13 Clemson (4-0) vs. #11 Virginia Tech (4-0)

Saturday, October 1 5:00 pm ESPN2

I thought this game would be closer than this. Virginia Tech was outplayed and outmatched on offense and defense by a great Clemson football team. Tajh Boyd was effective and the Clemson defense was suffocating. The win snapped Virginia Tech’s 12 game ACC winning streak.

Prediction: #13 Clemson 31 #11 Virginia Tech 24 Actual Score: #13 Clemson 23 #11 Virginia Tech 3

#14 Texas A&M (2-1) vs. #18 Arkansas (3-1)

Saturday, October 1 11:00 am ESPN

That’s it, I am not picking Texas A&M again, they have screwed me for the last time! For the second straight week the Aiggies have blown a big second half lead. The defense in College Station has got to improve after giving up 510 yards passing to Tyler Wilson.

Prediction: #14 Texas A&M 32 #18 Arkansas 14 Actual Score: #18 Arkansas 42 #14 Texas A&M 38

Michigan St (3-1). vs. Ohio St. (3-1)

Saturday, October 1 2:30 pm ABC or ESPN

You can stick a fork in Ohio St. because they are done. Their offense brings college football back to the 30s with the way they play. They cannot move the ball. Michigan St. played good defense but Ohio St. couldn’t hold blocks or hold on to the ball.

Prediction: Ohio St. 27 Michigan St. 21
Actual Score: Michigan St. 10 Ohio St. 7

Notre Dame (2-2) vs. Purdue (2-1)

Saturday, October 1 7:00 pm ESPN

This game was over at half time when Notre Dame went into the dressing rooms with a 21 to 3 lead. Michael Floyd is a big time playmaker and will be making those plays on Sunday’s next year.

Prediction: Notre Dame 48 Purdue 14 Actual Score: Notre Dame 38 Purdue 10

My Ten Pack of College Football Picks for Week Five

All game times are Central Standard Time

#16 South Florida (4-0) vs. Pittsburgh (2-2)

Thursday, September 29 7:00 pm ESPN

South Florida is really playing good football. They are in the top twenty in both running the ball and scoring. Pittsburgh had a heartbreaking loss last weekend against Notre Dame. Their offense is terrible. It is hard for them to get a first down, let alone score points to win a game. South Florida will roll in this one.

Prediction: #16 South Florida 45 Pittsburgh 17

Minnesota (1-3) vs. #19 Michigan (4-0)

Saturday, October 1 11:00 am Big Ten Network

The Battle for the Little Brown Jug will be fought at Ann Arbor on Saturday for the first time since 2008. Minnesota is really hard to figure out. They lost tough to USC but then got manhandled against North Dakota St. Michigan is playing well and will look to start Big Ten play off strong and they will succeed. Prediction: #19 Michigan 38 Minnesota 20

#3 Alabama (4-0) vs. #12 Florida (4-0)

Saturday, October 1 7:00 pm CBS

This will be a heavyweight fight down in Gainesville and will come down to the better defense. I pick Alabama to man up and make the plays late to preserve a Tide victory.

Prediction: #3 Alabama 23 #12 Florida 12

Nevada (1-2) vs. #4 Boise St. (3-0)

Saturday, October 1 1:30 pm Versus

Boise St. remembers what Nevada did to them last season. They dashed their BCS Championship shot with an upset win last November. The Wolf Pack have not gotten to a good start and that will continue against the Broncos. Boise St. wins in a romp!

Prediction: #4 Boise St. 55 Nevada 21

#17 Texas (3-0) vs. Iowa St. (3-0)

Saturday, October 1 6:00 pm FX

This is my upset special of the week. Texas has not impressed me and Iowa St. is at home and will ride that home crowd to a huge win against the Longhorns.

Prediction: Iowa St. 28 #17 Texas 17

#8 Nebraska (4-0) vs. #7 Wisconsin (4-0)

Saturday, October 1 7:00 pm ABC

This is the game of the week. Nebraska is making their Big Ten debut in Madison where the Badgers never lose. The Badgers are a different team than in years back because this is a passing offense with the arrival of Russell Wilson. Wilson will be the key, if he can protect the ball then the Badgers win but if he turns it over, this is Nebraska’s night. I am betting Wilson protects that football and the Badgers get a huge win.

Prediction: #7 Wisconsin 30 #8 Nebraska 20

#13 Clemson (4-0) vs. #11 Virginia Tech (4-0)

Saturday, October 1 5:00 pm ESPN2

Clemson is playing their third straight game against a ranked opponent and they keep getting better and better. Virginia Tech is going to hit a buzz saw in Clemson and the Tigers will take control of the Atlantic Division of the ACC.

Prediction: #13 Clemson 31 #11 Virginia Tech 24

#14 Texas A&M (2-1) vs. #18 Arkansas (3-1)

Saturday, October 1 11:00 am ESPN

The Aiggies lost a heartbreaker against Oklahoma St. last week and will look for revenge against a worn down Arkansas team. Arkansas played a really physical game against Alabama last week and will not be ready for this one. The Aiggies take it early and win it going away.

Prediction: #14 Texas A&M 32 #18 Arkansas 14

Michigan St (3-1). vs. Ohio St. (3-1)

Saturday, October 1 2:30 pm ABC or ESPN

This is a huge game for both teams because they both have one loss already. I see Ohio St. struggling in the first half but getting back on track. Michigan St. quarterback Kirk Cousin will make a late mistake and the Buckeyes will win it.

Prediction: Ohio St. 27 Michigan St. 21

Notre Dame (2-2) vs. Purdue (2-1)

Saturday, October 1 7:00 pm ESPN

Notre Dame is playing with some confidence now and Purdue is a mess. Look for Notre Dame to run it up and leave no doubt that they are back to winning football.

Prediction: Notre Dame 48 Purdue 14
 
Matt
 
Editor's Note: Review Matt's Week Four Picks Here!

My Ten Pack of College Football Picks for Week Four Rewind

Season Record: 6-4

Review my picks here!

North Carolina St. vs. Cincinnati                

Thursday, September 22   7:00

I really overestimated NC State in this game.  Cincinnati came to play and NC State was just there for the ride.

Prediction: Cincinnati 38    NC State 28                                    

Actual Score: Cincinnati 44 NC State 14

#15 Florida vs. Kentucky                    

Saturday, September 24     7:00

Florida rolled just as I predicted and Kentucky had no shot!                       

Prediction: #15 Florida 44    Kentucky 14                                

Actual Score: #15 Florida 48 Kentucky 10

#23 USC vs. Arizona St.                        

Saturday, September 24      9:15

Close game until the 4th quarter and then Arizona St. stepped it up and USC let it slip.

Prediction: #23 USC 27        Arizona St. 21                              

Actual Score: Arizona St. 43 #23 USC 22

Colorado vs. Ohio St.                        

Saturday, September 24       2:30

It wasn’t close and Ohio St. rolled by the Buffalos.

Prediction: Ohio St. 30  Colorado 24                                          

Actual Score: Ohio St. 37 Colorado 17

#7 Oklahoma St. vs. #8 Texas A&M                

Saturday, September 24       2:30

Was really close but my prediction of an Aggies win looked good at half time but was dominated in the second half.                  

Prediction: #8 Texas A&M 45  #7 Oklahoma St. 42   

Actual Score: #7 Oklahoma St. 30 #8 Texas A&M 29

Western Michigan vs. #24 Illinois                

Saturday, September 24        2:30

Was so close with the upset pick but close doesn’t get it done.  Illinois played a tough game and got a good win against a good Western Michigan team.               

Prediction: Western Michigan 28 #24 Illinois 24          

Actual Score: #24 Illinois 23 Western Michigan 20

#2 LSU vs. #16 West Virgina                    

Saturday, September 24        7:00

LSU dominated and West Virgina looked like they didn’t deserve to walk on the same field as the Bayou Tigers.

Prediction: #2 LSU 38 #16 West Virginia 14                         

Actual Score: #2 LSU 47 #16 West Virginia 21

#11 Florida St. vs. #21 Clemson                    

Saturday, September 24       2:30

Again close but no cigar on this one.  I am very impressed with Clemson and I like their chances to win the ACC Atlantic Conference.                           

Prediction: #11 Florida St. 35 #21 Clemson 25           

Actual Score: #21 Clemson 35 #11 Florida St. 30

#14 Arkansas vs. #3 Alabama                    

Saturday, September 24    2:30

Tide won this one easy, just like I said they would!                 

Prediction: #3 Alabama 28 #14 Arkansas 10                  

Actual Score: #3 Alabama 38 #14 Arkansas 14

San Diego St. vs. #22 Michigan                    

Saturday, September 24     11:00

Michigan got an easy win and the defense came to play.

Prediction: #22 Michigan 38 San Diego St. 31

 Actual Score: #22 Michigan 28 San Diego St. 7

Matt

Packers vs. Bears Late Week Report

The Packers and the Bears are deep in preparation for a huge NFC North match-up on Sunday.  The Packers come into the game with a 2-0 record, after surviving a scary trip to Carolina in week two.  The Bears had a great game and victory in week one against the Falcons but came up short in New Orleans last week.  This game is big for both teams if only for the reason it is Packers v. Bears.  It is the oldest rivalry in the National Football League.  It harkens back to the days of Halas and Lambeau.  Great coaches like Lombardi, Ditka and Holmgren have coached in these games.  We are entering another golden age of the Packers and Bears rivalry with the emergence of Aaron Rodgers and the belief by the Chicago faithful that Jay Cutler will bring another Championship to Chicago.
 
This is the 183rd time the teams will play against each other and both teams come in a little dinged up.  For the Packers; Nick Collins, Frank Zombo, and Mike Neal have all been declared out for this game.  Collins is out for the season with a neck injury and will be place on Injured Reserve next week.  Zombo continues to rehab a scapula injury and is still a couple weeks away.  Mike Neal underwent knee surgery a week ago and will miss “significant time” as Mike McCarthy said last week.  Starting cornerback Tramon Williams and linebacker Vic So’oto both returned to practice in a limited compactly this week.    They are both expected to play on Sunday against the Bears.  Clay Matthews and Charles Woodson were both added to the injury report and did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday with a thigh and foot injury respectively.  Both are expected to practice Friday and play on Sunday.  Look for the Packers to run the ball more in this game and open some big holes against the Bears.  The defense should get a lot of pressure on a make shift offensive line like the Bears have.  Charlie Peprah will get the start for Nick Collins and should provide stability through this injury to Collins.

The Bears have suffered some major blows for early in the year.  They will be without first round draft pick and starting right tackle Gabe Carimi, who dislocated his knee in last week’s loss to the Saints.  They may also be without starting safeties Chris Harris, who missed last week’s game with a hamstring, and Major Wright, who suffered a head/neck injury against the Saints.  Look for the Bears to be more balanced on offense and relay on Matt Forte a lot against the Packers.  Their defense always plays Aaron Rodgers well and I expect that to continue, but can they stop James Starks and Ryan Grant?  If they can then it will be close, but if they can’t it could be a long afternoon for the Bears.

My prediction: I predict the Packers will control the line of scrimmage and control the game.  Cutler will get hit hard and often, and the Packers will leave Chicago on Sunday evening with a victory and a 3-0 record.     

Packers 28 Bears 13

Matt

My Ten Pack of College Football Picks for Week Four

North Carolina St. vs. Cincinnati Thursday, September 22 7:00

In a battle of 2-1 teams I think that Cincinnati’s running game is going to be the key. The Bear Cats can also score points and are averaging 51.3 points per game. The game is in Cincinnati and I expect them to make one or two more plays then the Wolfpack. Cincinnati 38 NC State 28

#15 Florida vs. Kentucky Saturday, September 24 7:00

Florida is on a roll, coming off a huge win against rival Tennessee. Going on the road in the SEC is tough and Florida will be challenged early against Kentucky but will prove to strong after half time. Expect a romp in Lexington. #15 Florida 44 Kentucky 14

#23 USC vs. Arizona St. Saturday, September 24 9:15

Arizona St. will come out with something to prove after letting one slip away against Illinois the week before but expect USC to weather the storm and make a big play late to seal the victory. Watch for both quarterbacks to have big days as well. #23 USC 27 Arizona St. 21

Colorado vs. Ohio St. Saturday, September 24 2:30

Ohio St got embarrassed last week at Miami and will look to take out their frustration on a Colorado team that got back on track last week against Colorado St. Because this game is at the Horseshoe in Columbus I am going with the Buckeyes but look for it to be closer than most think. Ohio St. 30 Colorado 24

#7 Oklahoma St. vs. #8 Texas A&M Saturday, September 24 2:30

This is the only game of the weekend to feature two top ten teams and it will be a dandy in College Station. Back and forth the two will go in an afternoon full of high scoring. The Aggies will pull it out in the end and defeat the Cowboys. #8 Texas A&M 45 Oklahoma St. 42

Western Michigan vs. #24 Illinois Saturday, September 24 2:30

Western Michigan is a good football team and Illinois is walking into a trap. Coming off an emotional win against Arizona St. and a week before the Big Ten schedule opens against Northwestern, the Illini will lost a tough one to the Broncos. Western Michigan 28 Illinois 24

#2 LSU vs. #16 West Virgina Saturday, September 24 7:00

On paper this game looks like it could be good but I expect a blowout. LSU is a great team and playing in Morgantown won’t faze them. Look for LSU to dominate from the start. #2 LSU 38 #16 West Virgina 14

#11 Florida St. vs. #21 Clemson Saturday, September 24 2:30

Florida St. feels they let one slip away against Oklahoma and will look to takes its vengeance out on the Tigers. Clemson got a huge win against Auburn last week and it due for a letdown against the Seminoles. #11 Florida St. 35 #21 Clemson 25

#14 Arkansas vs. #3 Alabama Saturday, September 24 2:30

Last year’s matchup between the Razorbacks and the Tide was great, with Alabama escaping with a 3 point win. This year will not be as close. The Tide will ride the home crowd and some unexpected Arkansas turnovers to an easy victory. #3 Alabama 28 #14 Arkansas 10

San Diego St. vs. #22 Michigan Saturday, September 24 11:00

Name this one the Brady Hoke Bowl. Hoke is going up against his former team and they know exactly how to play him. It will be back and forth at the Big House but Denard Robinson makes too many plays with his feet and Michigan survives a big scare from the Aztecs. #22 Michigan 38 San Diego St. 31

Matt

The Future of College Football: Super-Conferences

College football is a game that is steeped in tradition and history. There are few left that remember a time when college football was more popular then professional football. A time where you had eight teams in a conference and you played everyone in your conference once a year. A time where the Big 10 had ten teams and the Big 12 had twelve teams. That has all changed now and the primary reason is money. There is more money if you have more teams in a conference. The magic number is twelve. If your conference has twelve teams then you can split that up and implement two divisions within a single conference. When you have two divisions, then the winner of each division will play in a conference championship game, which is another game and another way to make more money. We are in a volatile time for college football and there are two teams that hold the key to order or chaos. Oklahoma and Texas.

The Big 12 is a power conference in college football. Many of the teams in the conference have lush histories and traditions. Major rivalries fuel this conference from Oklahoma vs. Texas to Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma St. to Texas Tech vs. Texas and the list goes on and on. The Big 12 could be in their final days of existence because of the departure of Texas A&M to the SEC two weeks ago. The conference already lost two schools, Colorado to the Pac 12 and Nebraska to the Big 10, last season and with the loss of A&M, leaves the conference at seven teams after this season. In today’s college football it is impossible to survive with seven teams and the Big 12 would most likely fold.

Oklahoma and Texas are the two schools that could try to hold the Big 12 together and convince other schools to join the Big 12. Oklahoma is willing to move to the Pac 12 because they are upset that Texas was able to create their own television network that will help recruiting immensely and provide millions and millions of dollars to the university in advertising dollars. Oklahoma St. and Texas Tech would also bolt for the Pac 12 leaving the Big 12 in shambles. Texas is considering moving to the Pac 12 also but may have to give up their Longhorn Network channel in the process. Again this all comes down to money, the money that Texas would get with a network, the money that Oklahoma, Oklahoma St., and Texas Tech would get in an expanded Pac 12 and the money that the NCAA can make on the further exploitation of their student athletes.

I wish we could go back to the days of 8 team conferences and keep traditional rivalries but that time is over. The corporate machine that is college athletics is rolling and knocking down anyone who stands in its way. The future of college football is in Super Conferences and it will happen sooner rather than later. The ACC has just agreed to add Syracuse and the University of Pittsburgh as its thirteenth and fourteenth schools. Oklahoma and Texas are the lynchpins for the Big 12 and the Pac 12. Who will they decide to go with? It is only a matter of time before that decision is made.
 
Matt