College football predictions - week five

It's officially fall and, guess what, we're officially into the heart of college football season as conference play begins in earnest across the country. The marquee games include two prime time affairs--Alabama versus Florida and Stanford versus Oregon, and, of course, the Red River Shootout in Dallas where Oklahoma and Texas renew their rivalry.

Let's look at the matchups:

Baylor over Kansas. Kansas' defense will be no match for QB Robert Griffin III in Waco. I expect that we will see continued improvement from Kansas' offense, now that coordinator Chuck Long has a better sense as to his playmakers, but the Bears will ultimately prevail by 6.

Oklahoma over Texas. We all thought that this would feature two undefeated teams but Texas fouled up that notion last week by laying an egg against UCLA. Mack Brown will have his kids ready to play but this is OU's year to win this game...and the Big 12 South.

Georgia over Colorado. This could be dubbed the "hot seat" game given that both Mark Richt at Georgia and Dan Hawkins are facing mounting pressure at their schools. Look for Georgia to take the road win.

Texas Tech over Iowa State. This is a game that, on paper, Tech should win easily. This is also a game where conference contenders can get tripped up on the road. The Red Raiders should take care of business in Ames.

North Carolina State over Virginia Tech. I've been impressed with NCSU and think they can swing the upset today in Raleigh.

Iowa over Penn State. If you like low scoring games, you'll like this one. Two very good defenses do battle in Iowa City and the Hawkeyes will win by four.

Ohio State over Illinois. The Terrelle Pryor Heisman campaign continues.

Boise State over New Mexico State. Kansas' victim from last week--New Mexico State--will get shellacked today by BSU.

Oregon over Stanford. The home field advantage is the difference here but this should be a great game. Is there a faster team in the U.S. than Oregon?

Alabama over Florida. Wow, a regular season meeting between these two teams--that hasn't happened since 2006 but has happened in the SEC Championship game the past two years. The Tide is the class of the SEC, and likely the U.S., this year.

Season predictions to date: 46-9.