College Football Week 5 Viewers Guide
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by Nejoshi
This was first posted on The Sports Lounge
After a largely unentertaining slate of college football games last week, the last Saturday of September features a great set of games. Let’s get right to the matchups of the week.
- 5 West Virginia (4-0) @ #18 South Florida (4-0)
I’m glad this game is on Friday and on national television because the nation deserves to see just how good the Big East is becoming. There are many storylines surrounding this game, most notably West Virginia’s quest to get revenge on the team that cost them a shot at the BCS a year ago. Since that victory, the Bulls have continued to ride the wave and are off to a 4-0 start this year, including a victory at Auburn. The Mountaineer defense will have its hands full trying to contain the South Florida offense; this will probably be the first game where West Virginia will need its defense to make plays for them to win. I’m not saying their offense won’t produce, but this will be a close game where the defense will have to make a play. I think they will do so, and keep the dream season alive.
West Virginia, 34-31
- 6 California (4-0) @ #11 Oregon (4-0)
The Pac-10 has always been known for its highflying offenses, a trend that has made defense an afterthought. Looking at the star power in the game, I expect that trend to continue in a big way. The Golden Bears haven’t scored less than 34 points yet in a game, with Justin Forsett having little trouble becoming the team’s sole running back threat, replacing Marshawn Lynch. Senior wideout Lavelle Hawkins has outperformed the much more publicized DeSean Jackson so far this season, but both are big play threats anytime they touch the ball. The same could be said about Oregon’s QB Dennis Dixon, who looks like a different person in ’07 after battling consistency issues during the early part of his college career. Dixon has been scary good so far this season, with 11 passing TD’s against zero picks, while also running for four scores as the consummate dual threat. Junior Jonathan Stewart has been a load to bring down in the backfield and is averaging over 120 yards running a game. If you like defense, you won’t like this game, but you should still watch it because it will go down to the wire.
Oregon, 45-38
Michigan State (4-0) @ #9 Wisconsin (4-0)
The Badgers have failed to impress yet this season, but they have gotten by in close encounters in two of the last three weeks to remain undefeated. The Spartans, meanwhile, head into their Big 10 opener with a lot to prove as well. Michigan State has a solid duo at running back with Javon Ringer and Jehuu Caulcrick leading a rushing attack that is averaging over 200 yards a game. Wisconsin’s supposed vaunted rushing defense hasn’t been as good as it was last year and will have their hands full stopping that duo. These two teams haven’t played in three years, and you can bet the Badgers will have their 49-14 loss in their heads when the teams take the field. The Badgers will hold on at home, but their time is coming for an upset.
Wisconsin, 20-10
Kansas State (2-1) @ #7 Texas (4-0)
The Longhorns haven’t looked as good as their Big 12 rival, Oklahoma, and this is the last week to find their groove before the Red River Shootout. Remember that Kansas State upset Mack Brown’s club and knocked out Colt McCoy a season ago. There is a lot riding on this game for Texas. However, the Wildcats are capable of pulling the trick again with an explosive offense and an underrated defense. McCoy hasn’t had a stellar season, 7 TD’s against 5 INT’s, and Kansas State will look to make him beat them with his arm, instead of relying on Jamaal Charles, who has been a horse for Texas this season. Playing on the road will make it hard for Kansas State to pull the upset, but the Longhorns could easily fall victim to looking ahead towards next week.
Texas, 24-17
Upset Special:
Illinois over #21 Penn State
I really thought Penn State would compete for the Big 10 Championship and its first Rose Bowl bid since 1994, but then I saw that offense stall when it finally played a game opponent, and there are major concerns. Ron Zook has done a commendable job in turning around a struggling Illini program and has instituted a powerhouse running attack. Given the way Mike Hart ran through this defense last week, I think Rashard Mendenhall can add to his gaudy totals of 134 yards a game and 7 TD’s. It will be on quarterback Juice Williams to manage the game well because the Nittany Lions defense will come at hard, especially after last week’s loss. However, Penn State’s offense hasn’t done enough for me to think they can pull the trick on the road, and I foresee them falling for a second straight week.
Last Week: 2-3
Season: 13-7
