| College Football Pickoff: Week 5 |
| |
|
|
| |
No. 7 Wisconsin (4-0) vs. No. 8 Nebraska (4-0)
In its first Big Ten conference game, Nebraska has the pleasure of defending a Wisconsin offense averaging 48.5 points per game. The Huskers field a much tougher defense than the Badgers have seen, but even they are a modest 56th nationally against the run. Wisconsin won't overpower Nebraska, but quarterback Russell Wilson will be a difference-maker.
|
31 |
23 |
|
| |
No. 3 Alabama (4-0) at No. 12 Florida (4-0)
Led by running backs Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps, Florida's offense has looked better than expected. But the pair won't find too many holes against an Alabama defense allowing 1.8 yards per carry. Florida has been dominant against the run as well (2.1 ypc), but the Tide's offensive line is by far the best the Gators have seen. 'Bama will wear Florida down.
|
21 |
10 |
|
| |
No. 13 Clemson (4-0) at No. 11 Virginia Tech (4-0)
Clemson has knocked off consecutive ranked foes (Auburn and Florida State) for just the second time in 25 years, but now the Tigers have to go on the road for the first time -- to intimidating Lane Stadium. Bud Foster's Hokies defense has held opponents to 10 points per game. Torrid Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd will cool off due to a steady stream of pressure.
|
27 |
20 |
|
| |
No. 14 Texas A&M (2-1) vs. No. 18 Arkansas (3-1)
This pick is different now than it would have been a week ago. Arkansas' defense is hurting. Both of its starting defensive ends missed all or most of last week's Alabama game and are likely out again. Quarterback Tyler Wilson is capable of throwing for a bunch of yards against Texas A&M's defense, but the Razorbacks don't have a running game to match.
|
34 |
28 |
|
| |
No. 15 Baylor (3-0) at Kansas State (3-0)
Robert Griffin III is completing 85 percent of his passes. He's thrown more touchdowns (13) than incompletions (12). He's likely to face more resistance against a K-State defense that ranks sixth nationally with 246.3 yards per game allowed. But the Wildcats aren't that explosive on offense, and they're not likely to hold down Griffin for 60 minutes.
|
27 |
23 |
|
| |
No. 17 Texas (3-0) at Iowa State (3-0)
Paul Rhoads' Cyclones have beaten Iowa and Connecticut, but the Longhorns will be out for revenge after last year's humiliating loss to Iowa State in Austin. Look for Texas defensive coordinator Manny Diaz to bring the heat against quarterback Steele Jantz, and for Texas running back Macolm Brown (88 yards per game) to have his biggest performance to date.
|
31 |
17 |
|
| |
Washington (3-1) at Utah (2-1)
The Utes showed off a powerful rushing attack two weeks ago against BYU, one they figure to ride while creating play-action opportunities for still-erratic quarterback Jordan Wynn. They'll need to grind this one out while containing Huskies running back Chris Polk. Efficient quarterback Keith Price will keep the Huskies in it, but Washington's defense can't pull it out on the road.
|
30 |
27 |
|
| |
Michigan State (3-1) at Ohio State (3-1)
The Michigan State defense has held three overmatched opponents to a combined 31 points, but got shredded by Notre Dame in its one significant game so far. This would be a bigger concern if the Ohio State offense was at full strength, but the Buckeyes' suspended stars don't return until next week. Kirk Cousins will struggle at times but make enough plays to carry the day.
|
17 |
12 |
|
| |
Auburn (3-1) at No. 10 South Carolina (4-0)
Somebody's going to take down the mistake-prone Gamecocks eventually. It's hard to imagine it will be Auburn, which is already dealing with a dreadful defense (110th nationally, allowing 477.5 yards per game) and now has some injuries to key offensive players, including receiver Travon Reed. Even Stephen Garcia can't screw this one up.
|
38 |
21 |
|
| |
Northwestern (3-1) at No. 24 Illinois (4-0)
UPSET SPECIAL: Following an opening week success (Baylor over TCU), this pick has gotten progressively worse, culminating with last week's San Diego State-Michigan debacle. So take this one for what it's worth. But with All-Big Ten quarterback Dan Persa returning, the Wildcats can counter the Illini's aggressive defense while containing Nathan Scheelhaase.
|
26 |
23 |
|
| |
| Record Last Week: 7-3 Record This Season: 26-14 |
|
| |
- Week 5 Preview
- Source:SI
SI.com previews the best of the Week 5 action, including Nebraska-Wisconsin, Alabama-Florida and more.
|
.
