Week 4 Recap, Week 5 Preview

As seen in my picks from last week, college football is as unpredictable as ever. After four weeks in the season, we know very little about who is for real and who is not. It did not take long for the upsets to take place last week, starting on Thursday night as Ole Miss fell to South Carolina, 16-10. The ol' ball coach taking out the Jevan Snead and the #4 Rebels set the tone for what would be one hell of a weekend in college football.

3 more top 10 teams fell on Saturday as Penn State, Miami, and Cal went down to Iowa, Virginia Tech, and Oregon, respectively. I was lucky enough to be in attendance at Lane Stadium to watch Virginia Tech dominate the Canes, who had looked like one of the most impressive teams up to that point. Penn State was a huge question mark going into their first game against a formidable opponent, and they did not answer the call. They were dealt a huge loss in front of their home crowd, in primetime, in the famous "whiteout." Speaking of bad losses, Cal got absolutely embarassed against Oregon, which led to a huge fall from #6 to 24.

Boise State has moved up to the #5 spot in the AP poll, its highest ranking in school history. Notre Dame Jimmy Clausen led the Fighting Irish on a game winning drive for the second straight week, this time coming off of the bench after dealing with a turf toe injury the past week and a half. He looks to play this week against Washington in what could be a potential trap game for the Irish as they host the Trojans following a bye week after the Huskies leave town.

Another great week lies ahead of us, with some top-25 matchups and key in-conference games. Let's take a look!

#22 Michigan @ Michigan State (12:00 Big 10 Network)
A lot of people are jumping on the Spartans this week to upset Rich Rodriguez and Michigan. Quite honestly, I do not really see why this is considered such a dangerous game for the Wolverines. From what I have seen this year, Michigan State is very inconsistent, but it is even hard to say that because the best they have looked to this point was against Notre Dame after they suffered the loss of Wide Receiver Michael Floyd, and Jimmy Clausen was also injured in that game. I think that Tate Forcier and the Michigan offense will be too much for a questionable Michigan State defense, and do not think that Sparty has the weapons on offense to outscore Michigan.

Prediction: Michigan 35 Michigan State 24

#4 LSU @ #18 Georgia (3:30 CBS)
Another quality early season matchup in the SEC, as LSU goes between the hedges to take on the Georgia Bulldogs. Neither one of these teams has looked unbeatable to this point, and these games are always very difficult to pick. I really like LSU's offense, led by quarterback Jordan Jefferson. However, Georgia's defense, led by Rennie Curran is a force to be wreckin with as well...I am going to take Georgia by a field goal in this one, as Joe Cox will come up with some late plays to A.J. Green to secure the win.

Prediction: Georgia 23 LSU 20

#15 Penn State @ Illinois (3:30 ABC Regional)
The only reason I am putting this one as a premiere game is because I have marked this one down for a while. Illinois has looked less than average to this point, but I still think this is a good matchup for them. Penn State was exposed last week to a mediocre Iowa team, and I think that they will continue to look flat on offense as Daryll Clark lacks what it takes to win a game for his team with his arm. I am going to go with Penn State in this one, but "closer than the experts think!" Don't be surpised if Juice Williams keeps the Fighting Illini in this one until the end.

Prediction: Penn State 23 Illinois 17

#7 USC @ #24 Cal (8:00 ABC Regional)
The Pac-10 looks to be as wide open as it has this decade, as both USC and Cal have early season losses within the conference. USC has had a chance to bounce back with a solid win over Washington State, while Cal will be looking to do so after getting taken out to the woodshed by Oregon last week. I like USC in this game and I'll tell you why. First, it's USC. You can not pick against this team until you see it happen, especially when they need it. Next, I think they have great athletes along the front 7, which will negate Jahvid Best, who will be looking to have a monster week after taking a major hit in his Heisman status last weekend. I also think the USC offensive line will be able to help Matt Barkley and the offense control the ball, which will end up being the difference.

Prediction: USC 27 Cal 21

#8 Oklahoma @ #17 Miami (8:00 ABC Regional)
Earlier today we were given the news that Sam Bradford will not be available to start on Saturday against Miami who will be looking to come back strong from a pitiful performance in Blacksburg last weekend. Landry Jones will again get the start for the Sooners in what will be his first road start. He is already the school record holder for touchdown passes in a game with 6 earlier this season, and he will look to keep Oklahoma in the national championship race with their annual matchup with Texas looming. I am going to go with Miami in this one. I think Jacory Harris will bounce back in great fashion, leading the 'Canes to a great win and a unforseen 3-1 record coming out of a stretch of facing 4 ranked teams.

Prediction: Miami 32 Oklahoma 28