Friday, October 2, 2009

College football preview - week five

It's a slow week in the Big 12 as teams like Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Texas all have bye weeks. The big match-up in the conference is Oklahoma's game in Miami with local interest on tomorrow's "Farmageddon," as dubbed by the Kansas City Star--Kansas State versus Iowa State at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.

Here are this week's predictions:

Oklahoma at Miami: Line - OU by 7.5. This game brings back memories of Big 8 match-ups with the Hurricanes in the Orange Bowl. And, this game would have been even bigger had Miami won last week in Blacksburg, VA. Landry Jones will again start for OU in the place of the injured Sam Bradford but this is his first game outside of Norman. I think this one is closer than the spread--Oklahoma by 5.

USC at California: Line - USC by 5. Before the season this game was targeted as a "must watch" with the anticipation of two undefeated teams vying for the Pac 10 championship. A loss apiece later, this one still puts the winner in prime position to win the conference. It's hard to bet against the Trojans--USC by 3.

Michigan at Michigan State: Line - Michigan State by 3. This is the best match-up in the Big Ten this week. I'm not sure that's saying much. Let's go with Michigan, led by Tate Forcier, by 3.

Kansas State vs Iowa State, Kansas City: Line - Iowa State by 3. Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska are the three best teams in the Big 12 North. Colorado continues to implode after last night's loss to West Virginia and the Buffs' 1-3 record. So, this game becomes a contest for fourth in the North and continued hopes for a bowl berth. I'll go with Kansas State by 4.

Texas A&M vs Arkansas, Arlington, TX: Line - Arkansas by 1. Jerry Jones and his new palace in Arlington hosts another college clash. In a game that will feature lots of offense, the Aggies will win by 3.

New Mexico at Texas Tech: Line - Tech by 34. Tech wins by 30.

Kent State at Baylor: Line - Baylor by 21. The Baylor faithful had their hopes for a breakout season crushed last week with Robert Griffin's ACL injury. Baylor will win tomorrow but will be hard-pressed to get to a bowl without Griffin at QB. Bears by 17.

Auburn at Tennessee: Tennessee by 2. The Vols will be singing "Rocky Top" after this one...Tennessee by a TD.

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