WEEK FIVE: FOOTBALL PREVIEW

By Adam Kiefaber

For the fourth time in five weeks, Ohio State has failed to crack my top-ten list.

Here is my helpful guide to Week Five in the college football world.

It was recommended that I make picks with spreads - so i did.

While we are talking about spreads, let me tell you my top five spreads for this week:

#22 Alabama (+2.5) at Florida State
#21 Penn State (-3) at Illinois
#23 Arizona State (-14) at Stanford
#5 West Virginia at #18 South Florida (+7.5)
#2 LSU at Tulane (+40.5)

1) #6 California at #11 Oregon (3:30 p.m.- ABC)
Easily the biggest game of the day. Both teams have played well (CAL has outscored its opponents 166-98, while ORE has scored 194 and allowed 86). A Heisman candidate could emerge in this game - everyone expects that to be CAL’s junior WR/Playmaker DeSean Jackson - don’t surprised if it’s Oregon’s senior QB Dennis Dixon (right), who has 11 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. Dixon’s career high for TDs is 11.
Pick: 42-38, Oregon wins, but CAL (+6)
2) #5 West Virginia at #18 South Florida (8:00 p.m. Sept. 28 – ESPN2)
Friday night lights, why is the second biggest game of the week being played on a Friday? Previously, the Big East had to do this for television exposure, but it shouldn’t have to anymore. I think WVU is overrated and USF is a very solid team.
Pick: 28-26, USF (+7.5)
3) Auburn at #4 Florida (8:00 p.m.- ESPN)
In my preseason schedule review, this was the biggest game of Week Five. Last year, Auburn beat Florida, but this isn’t the same Tiger team. The Gators struggled last week, but I expect them to get revenge and win big.
Pick: 42-14, Florida (-18.5)
4) #1 USC at Washington (8:00 p.m.- ABC)
USC has won easily every week. However, Washington almost pulled off the upset last season. I like this Huskie team better, but it is younger. I wouldn’t be surprised if Washington plays USC tough early, but eventually USC will pull away.
Pick: 35-17, USC wins, but Washington (+21)
5) Kansas State at #7 Texas (3:30 p.m.- ABC)
The Wildcats defeated Texas last season. However, Texas’ QB Colt McCoy was injured early in that 42-45 loss. Experts are calling this a trap game for Texas (Red River Shootout is next week) - I don’t agree.
Pick: 35-14, Texas (-14.5)
6) Michigan State at #9 Wisconsin (3:30 p.m.- ABC)
Big Ten country will be watching this game closely. Everyone wants to know how good MSU is. Also, the Badgers haven’t been exactly dominating their opponents the last three weeks. Personally, I’m not a believer in MSU, but if the Spartans win this week than I will be.
Pick: 27-14, Wisconsin (-7.5)
7) #3 Oklahoma at Colorado (1:30 p.m.)
The Sooners are about face their toughest road game so far this season. Oklahoma also will play Texas next week - so they could be looking ahead. However, Colorado doesn’t have enough talent to win this game.
Pick: 42-28, Oklahoma wins, but Colorado (+23)
8) #13 Clemson at Georgia Tech (3:30 p.m.- ABC)
If you can watch Clemson play this season, I would recommend it. The RB duo of James Davis and C.J. Spiller is special. Junior WR Aaron Kelly looks to be finally having that breakout season. GT has lost two straight to ACC teams, but this team is dangerous. The Yellow Jackets have a great running game and a good defense.
Pick: 21-17, Clemson (-3)
9) 5) #22 Alabama at Florida State (5:00 p.m. CBS)
FSU hasn’t looked good this year, junior QB Drew Weatherford has struggled as always. Bama is having a great season, the only loss coming in a thriller against Georgia. I expect the Crimson Tide to roll.
Pick: 28-10, Alabama (+2.5)
10) Maryland at #10 Rutgers (3:30 p.m.- ABC)
Before the season started, I thought this would be a good test for Rutgers. However, after Maryland looked terrible in the 31-14 loss to West Virginia, it doesn’t seem to be that tough game for Rutgers anymore. The Scarlet Knights haven’t played anyone good yet and this is still their strongest opponent so far, but I don’t expect them to have any trouble.
Pick: 35-21, Rutgers wins, but Maryland (+17)

BIG TEN PICKS

BUCKEYE LANE’S 2007 RECORD: 30-10 (straight up picks - no spreads)

#21 Penn State at Illinois (noon - BTN)
This game will interesting - how good is Illinois and how bad is PSU? I expect PSU to rebound from its loss to Michigan.
Pick: 35-17, PSU (-3)
Michigan at Northwestern (noon - BTN)
Northwestern looked terrible last week and Michigan beat PSU. Michigan should win big.
Pick: 38-7, Michigan (-17)
Notre Dame at Purdue (noon - ESPN)
Purdue looks like the sleeper in the Big Ten while ND looks to have its worst team ever.
Pick: 48-17, Purdue (-22)
Indiana at Iowa (12:05 - BTN)
How good is Iowa? No one knows. Indiana isn’t that easy to figure out either.
Pick: 28-14, Iowa (-11)
Michigan State at #9 Wisconsin (3:30 - ABC)
(see top ten)
#8 Ohio State at Minnesota (8:00 - ESPN2)
The Buckeyes just had two great weeks. I wouldn’t be surprised if they have an off-week, but luckily for them - they are playing the Gophers.
Pick: 35-24, Ohio State wins, but Minnesota (+24)