Week 5 Preview

by Big Al

I just figured out that what I called "Week 1" was actually considered Week 0 and simply listed as part of Week 1. So, technically, there were a few teams that played two games in Week 1. Anyway, I'm sticking with my numbering scheme and I'll reset next year... if I remember.

Anway, it's time for me to call out the fact that these superconferences have produced a ton of good games, and for that we should be thankful. Let's enjoy it while it lasts. I'll write an essay about that sometime or another.

Liberty at Coastal Carolina

Two of those Little Engines that Occasionally Can are playing each other. Gotta say, I'd love to watch it. I'm going to fall asleep during the game though, because it's on a Thursday. Pretending to be a responsible adult really ruins my ability to keep up with college football. Anyway, Liberty.

Northwestern at Indiana

I wouldn't pay much attention to this game, but after what Northwestern did to Colorado, this game is more interesting than I thought. All the same, Indiana brings them back to earth.

Texas at Tennessee

After a big win over Ohio State, Texas begins a very rough schedule that, as of now, is nothing but ranked teams until November 21... except one. The exception is Oklahoma. Some of these teams are going to drop out as they play each other, but this does show that Texas still has a lot of work to do if they are going to make the playoffs.

Tennessee is good, but I think they are still a couple of years away from getting to the top level. If this were later in the season, I'd give them a better shot just because they would have had more chance to gel. But Texas is better right now. So Texas it is.

Oklahoma at Georgia

You know, for the #2 team in the country, Georgia is really forgotten right now. Lack of big games is a big part of that. Playing Oklahoma will help. It would help more if Oklahoma hadn't lost to Michigan and lost their ranking. Georgia wins, but remains under the radar.

Ole Miss at Florida

So, what does Ole Miss have left after four quarters of stress and struggle? I don't know myself. I know going to The Swamp in September against a resurgent Florida team isn't my favorite recovery plan. But I'll go with Ole Miss for another week.

Texas A&M at LSU

I remember some coach once saying that the one thing every team needs to do after losing a game is go play another game. Well, both teams need this game. But only one can win it. LSU is at home, but part of my wonders if a trip away is what Texas A&M needs in order to come together.

Iowa at Michigan

I had very little confidence in Michigan after that dud win over Western Michigan. But I also see a team that finds ways to win. Michigan it is.

Oregon at USC

USC did not impress against Rutgers. But Oregon looked absolutely incompetent against Oklahoma State. USC it is.

Wisconsin at Penn State
Nebraska at Michigan State

I lumped these together because both of these games could be springboards for the winners. I feel like each of these teams is good. And each of them could be a surprise contender in the Big Ten. Okay, Penn State would not be a surprise, but they are certainly not expected to be at the level of what we expected from Ohio State, Oregon, or Michigan this year (whoopsie!). Anyway, I'm going taking Penn State and Nebraska to win because I feel like I need to make picks. But I won't be surprised by any results in these games.