NCAA Week 5 Preview

Game of the week

A few solid matchups of ranked foes this week will lead to some enjoyable games.  Last week we went 1-2 with our picks and we’re looking to turn it around.  I have four picks on the slate this weekend.  Looking to come out at least 3-1 and turn this season into the positive.

Missouri @ Central Florida (-2)

It seems like Missouri is getting no respect in this game or Central Florida is getting a little too much respect.  Missouri is 2-2, but they’ve lost to two of the top teams in the nation (South Carolina and Georgia).  Central Florida lost to the only real test, Ohio State.  I think UCF is turning it around as a program overall and will probably make a bowl this year, but I think a non-traditional SEC offense (because they came from the Big 12) will score way too many points on this Knights team.  This will be a close game throughout as both teams will grind the ball on the ground.  I think James Franklin and the Missouri offense will be too much to contain for the entire game.

The pick: Missouri (+2)

Clemson @ Boston College (+6.5)

Clemson is coming off a huge loss to Florida State, which will most likely, cost them a shot at repeating as ACC Champs.  This team, however, is still good enough to run the table from here out and obtain a BCS at large bid.  I think coach Dabo Swinney knows that and the players know that.  Clemson has too much offensive firepower that could be bolting for the NFL and they want to make sure they get a BCS win before they leave.  Boston College has only beaten a lowly Maine team and lost to Northwestern two weeks ago.  The Clemson defense is absolutely hideous, but the BC offense will not be enough to exploit it.

The pick: Clemson (-6.5)

Virginia Tech @ Cincinnati (+6.5) (neutral site) 

Everyone still remember when Va Tech lost to James Madison in 2010.  However, they ended up going 11-2 that year before the bowl loss.  In 2011, Va Tech was 11-1 last year before losing the ACC Championship and bowl game to Michigan.  This team is one of the highest winning percentage teams in the nation since Frank Beamer started as head coach.  They will double digit games every year.  The Pittsburgh let down wasn’t a surprise for me because they always seem to play down to a lower OOC opponent (last year they almost lost to East Carolina).  However, after those losses, or almost losses, Beamer has had them ready to play from then out.  Cincinnati could be the team to beat in the Big East, outside Louisville, but that’s not saying much.  If this game was at Cincy the points may scare me.  Eat the points and take the Hokies.

The pick: Virginia Tech (-6.5)

Oregon State @ Arizona (-2)

Oregon State has come out this season and looked absolutely outstanding; better than anyone expected, beating two ranked teams.  They barely squeaked out a win against a bad Wisconsin team at home.  I am impressed they went into UCLA and beat the Bruins.  This small sample size though does not have me buying into the Beavers yet.  Prove me wrong one more time and I’m in.  I love the Arizona offense and think Matt Scott is one of the better QBs in college football.  Arizona has a phenomenal offense and they average 34.8 PPG (and thats including scoring ZERO! against Oregon).  The Rich Rodriguez spread offense will be too much for Oregon State as they lose outright on the road to Arizona.

The Pick: Arizona (-2)

Game of the week to watch:  Baylor @ West Virginia

Lots of points!  Should be a phenomenal game that keeps everyone entertained.