WEEK 5 PICKS

THE OPAQUE CRYSTAL BALL
PREDICTIONS AND PREDILECTIONS FOR WEEK 5

So far this season I seem to zig when teams zag and they zig when I zag.  Example: I picked Notre Dame to lose to Penn State, then to beat Michigan, then to beat Michigan State easily.  If I had picked the opposite on each of those weeks, I would be a genius.  Being out of synch with the sinuous Domers has shaken my confidence to the core.  Or not.  But, I have learned that if you just keep picking, eventually you will have a week that makes you look smart.  So, in fearless fashion, here we go…

GEORGIA at OLE MISS
The Dawgs escaped a disaster last week and hopefully learned from the experience.  The QB shuffle will be curious, but seeing that Wake Forest dominated the Rebs last week running the ball for 53 of their 58 plays, I don’t think it matter much which QB takes the snaps.  However, one or both of these guys need to look for some rhythm throwing the ball and letting our receivers learn what their hands are for when they run routes.  I look for Georgia to go with a balanced run/pass gameplan despite the run-only job by Wake last week.  Kregg Lumpkin gets to start and will have a nice day.  So will Ware and Brown.  GEORGIA 27 – OLE MISS 7.

ALABAMA at FLORIDA
Everyone remembers last year that (1) Alabama clubbed Florida like a baby seal and (2) Alabama superstar Tyrone Prothro snapped his lower leg in a grotesque injury on a bomb in the waning minutes with the outcome clearly decided (when will Shula learn?).  Alabama has won something like 7 of the last 8 meeting with Florida.  But those were different times, different players and coaches.  The Gators are tough, Leak is playing well, and the fans are hungry for vengeance.  (Watch out Florida, here comes a Corso-like curse…) FLORIDA 24 – ALABAMA 14.

GEORGIA TECH at VIRGINIA TECH
TECH wins!  GT lost 51-7 last year on the Flats.  GT has the same key personnel this year.  VPI has a new quarterback who has not lit it up yet.  I favor the home team in this one even though I think the Jackets are improved.  If Calvin Johnson is healthy and available, VIRGINIA TECH 23 – GEORGIA TECH 20.  Without Calvin Johnson, VIRGINIA TECH 30 – GEORGIA TECH 7.

OHIO STATE at IOWA
The Hawkeyes are a sound team, but it ain’t going to happen.  The Buckeyes have the might of the Mouse and World Wide Leader on their side.
OHIO STATE 28 – IOWA 10.

PURDUE at NOTRE DAME
I have been 180 degrees out of synch with Notre Dame this season.  Let’s try again.  
NOTRE DAME 30 – PURDUE 17.

OREGON at ARIZONA STATE
The PAC 10 always serves us a few surprises.  ASU was looking good and then tanked last week against California.  So now they aren’t any good.  Oregon is good.  
ASU 34 – OREGON 33

Now, go to your fridge, grab a brew and get that remote working.  Enjoy!