Run for the Roses: Week 5 Picks
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by The Beast
[1] (11) Oregon v. California The Pac Ten conference has been much improved this year due to in large part to the play of both Oregon and Cal. While both teams have some of the nation's best offense, their defense are certainly not as formidable. Cal's passing defense has given up huge yardage to opposing quarterbacks, while ranking 88th in the nation. Three weeks ago, Oregon proved that it has one of the nations's best passing games while scoring 39 points in the road in Ann Arbor. Cal has not won in Eugene in twenty years, as Jeff Tedford still searches for his first big road victory. With homefield advantage, a better coaching, and a stronger defense, the Ducks should win in a shootout. Oregon 44-35.
Purdue v. Notre Dame While they have only played Toledo, Eastern Illinois, Central Michigan, and Minnesota, the Boilermakers have proven that they have the Big Ten's best offense. On the other hand, Notre Dame has been atrocious on offense, as the Irish went over thirteen quarters without an offensive touchdown. While the offense was ranked last in division 1-A in total offense, the defense isn't much better. Last week, the Irish gave up 31 points to a Michigan State team that barely hung on to beat Pittsburgh the week before. Curtis Painter will likely spread out the Irish defense and throw for a bunch of yards. Purdue 54-13
Washington v. (1) USC In last season's game in Los Angeles, Washington had the ball at USC's fifteen yard line with a chance to pull off a historic upset before time expired. Now, the Huskies come into the game against USC with a much improved offense due to the play of freshman quarterback Jake Locker and senior running back Louis Rankin. Locker and Rankin are good enough to keep the game competative for the first half but the Trojans are just too good, especially on offense. So far this season, Washington's secondary has been expose in games against UCLA and Ohio State. Expect John David Booty and the Trojan receivers to "make it rain" at Husky Stadium. USC 45-20
(9) Wisconsin v. Michigan State So far this season, the Wisconsin Badgers have struggled in all four games against Washington State, UNLV, the Citadel, and Iowa. None of those four teams are remotely close to the top twenty-five. The Badgers are certainly not playing up to their top ten rankings and could be in on upset alert for the fifth straight game if they do not come ready to play. The Spartans will play them tough but in the second half, P.J. Hill and the Badgers should pull away. Wisconsin 27-14
[2] Upset Special
(21) Penn State v. Illinois Last week, Michigan pounded the ball against Penn State and waited for the offense to screw up. The plan worked for the Wolverines, as they won in an ugly contest. In a copycat league, expect Illini coach Ron Zook to follow a similar gameplan where he gives a bunch of carries to tailback Rashard Mendenhall, who is averaging 134 yards per game. Look for Illinois to stay in the game and the Nittany Lions' offense will eventually destruct. Illinois 17-9
Last Week: n/a
This Year: 18-3
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