Week 5 Game Picks

Last week I was 3/4 in my picks and 2/6 on my upsets. There are not many good games this week but there are still some that catch my eye. Here are my picks for this week:

Alabama @ Georgia

Alabama, so far, has steamrolled through their first four opponents averaging 36 points on offense and only 9.3 points on defense. Though they have beaten some quality teams like Clemson and Arkansas, they haven't played in a game quite like this. Saturday night in Sanford Stadium will be too much for these 'youngsters' from Alabama too handle. Plus, Georgia is bringing out the black jerseys which should get the crowd even more rowdy. Alabama does have considerable talent and that talent must mature quickly or this game will get out of hand. If Alabama can minimize their mistakes they will be able to keep the game close.

Score: 31-24 Georgia

Illinois @ Penn State

This should be an interesting game to watch. These two teams have similar quarterbacks with Daryl Clark and Juice Williams running the show. These teams also run similar versions of the spread. Illinois has been struggling this season barely squeaking by Louisiana-Lafayette in their last game. Illinois is coming off a bye weeks which may help them in preparing for Penn State's offense. Penn State has just been dominant in its first 4 games and I look for that trend to continue.

Score: 35-24 Penn State

North Carolina @ Miami

North Carolina is coming off of a bitter loss to Virgina Tech 20-17 while Miami is coming off a drubbing of Texas A&M. I'm still not convinced that Miami has consistent quarterback play and I don't feel they will be able to move the ball efficiently and minimize turnovers. North Carolina has a fairly good defense and I feel it will give Miami problems moving the ball. While some people are high on Miami after their big win, I am going with North Carolina to get the job done.

Score: 24-10 North Carolina

Colorado @ Florida State

Florida State committed 7, yes 7, turnovers last week against Wake Forest. On paper Florida State's defence looks impenetrable but remember that they have played two D1-AA opponents thus far. Colorado is still riding high after their upset over West Virginia last week in Boulder. I think Colorado wins this low scoring ugly game. I have no faith in FSU after their quarterbacks combined to throw 5 picks last weekend.

Score: 17-6 Colorado

Upset Watch

Watch out for these upsets this week:

Oregon State over USC

Syracuse over Pitt

Houston over East Carolina

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