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

Badgers / Cornhuskers Running Diary 10/1/11

In honor of Wisconsin hosting Nebraska in the Cornhuskers’ first Big 10 contest, I figured I’d keep a running diary of my thoughts and observations of this huge game. I’m borrowing the running diary gimmick from Bill Simmons of ESPN / Grantland fame because I enjoy his work so much. Check him out! Meanwhile… #7 Wisconsin, #8 Nebraska…live from Camp Randall in Madison!

All times Central PM

7:07 Jesse Palmer, a failure as a quarterback in his own right, picks Wisconsin to win tonight. As a Badger fan, I feel good about this. I guess.

7:08 The Badgers run out into a sea of red at Camp Randall which is packed. What a hot ticket tonight’s game is!

7:09 A commercial takes us to the Nissan Heisman House, where we see Heisman Trophy winners such as Doug Flutie, Mark Ingram, Eddie George, and Marcus Allen goofing around. My complaint: foreign automakers are taking over everything! Really Ford, Chevy, and Dodge? None of you could step up and claim this? Gah!

7:11 Brent Musberger points out that Lincoln, Nebraska and Madison, Wisconsin are over 400 miles apart. I’d like to point out that all 400+ miles are corn fields. Thank you.

7:12 First Erin Andrews sighting! She’s looking great in a navy blue button-up jacket with purple scarf. TAKE IT OFF!!!!

7:13 Opening kickoff: Sea of red, cameras flashing, feels like a huge game. Giddy so far.

7:16 Wisconsin QB Russell Wilson sidesteps a stream roller (Nebraska #94 Crick) and finds and open Jared Abbrederis for a first down.

7:18 Wilson sacked on 3rd down. Nice blitz by the Huskers.

7:21 ABC shows a commercial for it’s new series, Pan-Am. The show looks appealing, but it airs during that Sunday at 9:00 PM time slot occupied by AMC’s Breaking Bad. Sorry ABC, but priorities are priorities. Also, Mad Men looks better.

7:23 Wisconsin defense tackling poorly on first few Nebraska plays. Huskers no-huddle setting tone.

7:26 Badgers come up with big stop on 3rd & 8.

7:27 Nice punt return by Abberderis. Unfortunately he fumbled. Nebraska ball at WI 39. Well, then.

7:31 Nebraska converts a 3rd down, the ball squirts out, but our defenders didn’t see it. Nebraksa recovers. Dang. Missed opportunity.

7:32 Huskers QB Taylor Martinez goes left, finds the end zone – Touchdown Huskers.

7:33 Play under review. Brent Musberger assures us, “We have a VERY GOOD replay official.” I’m glad he’s here Brent, I’m glad he’s here.

7:36. Play overturned. Instead, Martinez dives in from the ½ yard line. 7-0 Nebraska.

7:39 Badgers put themselves in hole with holding on poor punt return.

7:42 Montee Ball with an 11 yard burst – 1st down! Here we go!

7:43 Wilson with a 21 yard scramble on which several Husker defenders broke their ankles and will be suing Mr. Wilson for assault and damages.

7:44 A graphic points out that the Badgers’ offensive line average size is 6’5” 322 pounds while the Packers o-line averages 6’4” 314 lbs. Wow! Let the big guys eat!

7:45 Ball off left tackle for another 1st down! Love the rhythm right now.

7:45 LET’S GO RED OOOOHHHHHEEYYYYOOOOO !!!

7:47 Ball powers in for a TD to cap a 91 yard drive. Answer!!

7:49 It’s Colts / Bucs on Monday Night Football! Musberger points out that the Colts were given prime time games before anyone knew Manning would miss so many games. Colts fans nod grimly.

7:52 Nebraska’s nicely designed 10 yard sweep play is negated by a holding call. 2nd and 21 – not operating territory for the Huskers’ offense.

7:53 First down on a nice pass from Martinez. Badger DBs looked confused. Nevermind!

7:54 Off to fridge for first beer of the game #winning

7:55 Went with Leinenkugel’s Oktoberfest. Very smooth, tasty, and seasonally appealing. I personally love Leinenkugel’s beer; the pride of Chippewa Falls, WI.


My top 5 Leinie’s beers:

1. Red   
2. Oktoberfest   
3. Creamy Dark   
4. Honey Weiss   
5. Sunset Wheat

7:59 Martinez hits Cotton for a long play down to the 1 yard line. For a QB struggling to complete passes this season, UW making Martinez look like Aaron Rodgers so far.

8:00 Nebraska touchdown run by Rex Burkhead. Sweet name.

8:01 College football’s commitment to reviewing every touchdown is infuriating. Play the damn game! You lose all the momentum / excitement / pace with these friggin’ reviews!!

8:02 In terms of Cheerleader Hotness: Edge Nebraska. (Hint: they’re more scantily clad).

8:03 “I don’t feel like I’m under arrest” – the immortal Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel). Fast 5 on DVD Tuesday 10/4!

8:04 Chick-Fil-A commercial. Food chains I really wish Wisconsin had: Chick-Fil-A, Jack in the Box, Bo Jangles Chicken & Biscuits, and more Wafflehouse!

8:06 Wilson drops back, hits Nick Toon in double coverage! TOOOOOOOOOONNN!

8:08 Badgers on the march. Great back & forth game. Living up to hype thus far.

8:09 Wilson 22 yard TD scamper called back because of a hold. Dang it. Showed Wilson’s elite athleticism though.

8:11 Montee Ball powers in for his second TD on the same play as before. On Wisconsin! On Wisconsin!

8:12 Extra point attempt blocked, nearly returned for 2. Don’t see that everyday. Nebraska 14 Wisconsin 13.

8:13 Just saw a clubbin’ dance party Dr. Pepper commercial. There better be whiskey in those cans, otherwise that’s the lamest party ever.

8:17 Back to back sacks for the Badger defense! 3rd & 16, and the Badgers force a punt.

8:21 Over the commercial break, Chevy runs two ads showing us how awkward and annoying it could be to own a Chevy Volt. Uhhh…great marketing!!!


8:22 Erin Andrews reports that Nebraska coach Bo Pelini “lit into his secondary.” Erin, don’t paraphrase. I want direct quotes, profanity and all! Censors be damned! USA! USA! USA!

8:24 Ally Bank offers us an ad with Beethoven’s 9th Symphony playing in the background. Thanks UW-La Crosse liberal arts degree Music Appreciation course for helping me identify that tune! I KNEW I’d use that someday!

8:25 Not a huge fan of Coors, but I love that they use Sam Elliott to endorse their product. Incredibly manly / badass voice.

8:29 After Nebraska gets good field position, Martinez throws an interception! Pressure got to him there, let’s get it!!

8:30 Russell Wilson with the most exciting scramble and 5 yard completion you’ll ever see! I’m tired just watching!

8:32 …still catching breath…

8:33 Play fake and touchdown Bucky! Beautiful toss and great catch by Abbrederis, first lead of the night! Of course it’s under review. Again, what a stupid rule. Upheld 20-14 Badgers.

8:36 Time for beer #2 of the game

8:37 Went with Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy, still had left over from this summer. It’s a sweet lemonade-flavored beer that hits the spot from time to time.

8:39 A Badger was hurt on the play, but one of the medical chicks looks cute, so it’s not a total loss.

8:41 Martinez with an ill-advised throw into double coverage picked off!!! Glad to have you in the Big 10 Taylor! I have you penciled in as the Jay Cutler of the conference!

8:43 Nice shovel pass to James White for a 1st down, could have been huge if not for a shoe string tackle.

8:45 Wilson books up with TOOOOOOOOOOONNNN! Touchdown Badgers! Beauty of a pass, 46 yard TD. Wilson: 12/16 233 yds, 2 TDs. We have NEVER had a QB like this at Wisconsin! I used to think it would never get better than Brooks Bollinger, but this is unprecedented!


8:46 27-14 Badgers. Both Martinez INT’s converted into Badger touchdowns is the difference in the game.

8:53 Huskers kicker wide right on 50 yard field goal attempt, Badgers kneel and take 27-14 lead into half.

Let’s take a moment to talk Heisman Trophy 2011. As of this moment, my prediction for the 5 finalists for the award includes Stanford QB Andrew Luck, Oregon RB LaMichael James, Oklahoma QB Landry Jones, Wisconsin QB Russell Wilson, and Alabama RB Trent Richardson. I also feel that Baylor QB Robert Griffin III is a sleeper here. I gotta say, if the Badgers keep rollin’ I like Wilson’s chances. Who knew?

9:15 And we’re back from Madison!

9:15 LMFAO – first play of the half and Martinez throws an INT. Make that 3 picks on the night, 3 turnovers in 12 plays for Nebraska. Yikes.

9:17 Erin Andrews, I don’t want to just hear your voice; I want to see your pretty face!

9:20 Nebraska timeout leads to commercial. Time for beer #3.

9:22 And the choice is…drum roll please….Leinie’s Honey Weiss!

9:23 Badgers exert their will, convert a 4th & 1.

9:24 Wilson on a bootleg runs left and has the touchdown! Is anyone playing better at the QB position in the NCAA right now than Wilson?! 34-14 Badgers. Jangle them keys! Go back to your cornfields!

9:29 3rd & long, Badgers force punt. Playing outstanding D since start of 2nd quarter.

9:35 Just audibled to Nachos for snack. Great choice I might add.

9:37 Hearing Musberger talk about how Brett Bielema recruited Russell Wilson to play in Madison has me crossing my fingers and hoping that Charles Robinson stays away.

9:39 Musberger and Herbie talking about the Wisconsin sports scene this weekend. Badgers tonight, Brewers up 1-0 in NLDS with game tomorrow, and Packers hosting Broncos Sunday. Could Wisconsin sports be the Boston of the 2010-2020 decade? Here’s to hoping.

9:41 After all this gushing over Russell Wilson, I’m confident that he nurtures sick puppies back to health, helps little old ladies cross the street, and would solve the financial crisis if Obama asked him politely.

9:45 We’re reminded of the stupidly named Legends & Leaders Big 10 divisions. Wisconsin in the Leaders, Nebraska in the Legends, so technically we could rematch for Big 10 Title Game.

9:47 Montee Ball looked to be stuffed, bounces off, and scores his 3rd touchdown of the night! Will of Nebraska defense obviously broken as Husker #90 unintentionally captured screaming “F***” as he came to sideline. 41-14 Badgers!

9:54 Commercial for Guinness Black Lager. (Mental note to try this)
9:55 ABC ad for Once Upon a Time looks bizarre. Some kind of twisted take on fairy tales. Who’s the target audience? Ahh, it’s doesn’t matter – it will be canceled at midseason.

9:56 Cut in to student section ‘Jump Around’ between 3rd and 4th quarter. What a great night to be in the Camp Randall student section. Very jealous of those who are!

9:58 Nebraska gets a field goal, 41-17 Badgers.

10:01 Mmmhhhmmm…nachos

10:02 Mmmhhhmmm…beer

10:04 A rare misfire by Wilson negated by defensive holding. 1st down Badgers. Penalties so far: Huskers 8/65, Badgers 2/18. Mentally disciplined.

10:06 Yet another hard run by Montee Ball. First down. What a performance.

10:10 Slow motion Wave through the Camp Randall Crowd. Yep, it’s still 1993 here in good ‘ol Wisconsin!

10:15 I approve of Chrysler billing their new cars as “Imported from Detroit,” which is in fact a 3rd world country.

10:16 Camp Randall crowd singing “Build me up Buttercup” – Classic!

10:17 Montee Ball bounces off another tackler and scores his 4th TD! Musberger says Ball is on watch for Doak Walker Award. Vigorous co-sign! 48-17 Badgers. Ball stat line: 30 carries, 151 yards, 4 TD’s. Wow.

10:20 So Tim Allen has a new show on ABC. Hey, I loved and grew up with Home Improvement, but come on – is ABC really that desperate?? ABC Execs probably don’t want to hear the true answer.

10:26 Martinez leveled as he threw it, receiver drops pass in end zone. Not getting much help.

10:27 Herbstreit points out that the Badgers’ cream-puff non-conference schedule and one remaining game vs. a current ranked opponent may keep them out of the BCS title game. Yeah, but…you saw them tonight right???!!!

10:28 With 12 seconds left in the game, Huskers take a time out on the ½ yard line. BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! YOU’RE DOWN BY 31!!!

10:31 Cut in to crowd singing “Sweet Caronline” So Good! So Good! So Good!

10:32 Martinez stuffed at goal line while clock runs out. Final score from Madison: Badgers 48 Cornhuskers 17. Great all-around game for Wisconsin, especially the final 3 quarters. Badgers spoil Nebraska’s Big 10 debut. If the Huskers need an ass-kickin’, they know where to find it!

On Wisconsin!

- Dan

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!