WEEK 5 COLLEGE PICKS

Just like North Carolina, I'll be looking to rebound from a drubbing last week. Too many upset picks, too few actual upsets. And the upsets I didn't pick were the ones that transpired. But I'm resilient and hopefully should improve. 

Last Week:    11 - 7 (dismal performance)

Overall:          68 - 25

Wyoming (3 - 1) 13 @ (9) Michigan State (2 - 1) 30: Despite a poor performance in the second half against Oregon, Michigan State is still in the national mix.

South Florida (2 - 2) 14 @ (19) Wisconsin (2 - 1) 34: Camp Randall is a tough place to play. Not much of a chance for the Bulls.

UTEP (2 - 1) 10  @ (25) Kansas State (2 - 1) 24: K-State gave Auburn all they could handle. 

Western Michigan (2 - 1) 17  Virginia Tech  (2 - 2) 24: The Hokies are trying to rebound after two last minute losses. 

(1) Florida State (3 - 0) 27 @ N.C. State (4 - 0) 23: Upset alert for the 'Noles, but they should take care of business if they can stay focused after last week's big win over Clemson.

Arkansas (3 - 1) 34 @ (6) Texas A&M  (4 - 0) 31 (in Arlington, TX): I have to go with the homer pick. Arkansas needs to control the ball to have a chance. A&M's defense is vulnerable, but so is Arkansas'. This could be a good one.

La. Tech (2 - 2) 13 @ (5) Auburn (3 - 0) 37: Auburn's back home after a big road win at Kansas State. This is the last breather before the SEC season begins in earnest.

(16) Stanford (2 - 1) 26 @  Washington (4 - 0) 24: The host Huskies are 4 - 0 and will seriously challenge the Cardinal. I have an urge to go with Washington, but I'm sticking with Stanford. 

Cincinnati 16 @ (22) Ohio State 27: If the Buckeyes hadn't been surprised by Virginia Tech, I would give Cincy more of a chance. I think Ohio State will be on guard against another upset.

Missouri (3 - 1) 26 @ (13) South Carolina (3 - 1) 27: The Tigers were shocked by Indiana last week and now have to contend with an inconsistent Gamecock team on their home field. 

UNC (2 - 1) 30 @ Clemson (1 - 2) 34: The Tar Heels were absolutely embarrassed by East Carolina a week ago, but the Pirates are much better than people realize. The Tigers need to get back on track after a heartbreaker in Tallahassee.

Memphis (2 - 1) 20 @ (10) Ole Miss (3 - ) 28: Memphis is improved but not quite enough to knock off the Rebels.

New Mexico St. (2 - 2) 10  @ (17) LSU (3 - 1): 27: This is a good foe for the Tigers coming off a tough loss to Mississippi St. in Death Valley.

(7) Baylor (3 - 0) 34 @ Iowa State (1 - 2) 31: I like Iowa State to sneak up on the Bears a little bit, but Baylor is still better than the Cyclones.

(8) Notre Dame (3 - 0) 27 @ Syracuse  (2 - 1) 21 (in East Rutherford, NJ): The Irish are really playing at a high level. This will be almost like a home game, even though it's on the East Coast. Syracuse isn't quite good enough to challenge Notre Dame without turnovers and sloppy play by the Irish.

Illinois (3 - 1) 17 @ (21) Nebraska (4 - 0) 27: It's hard to believe that the 'Huskers are undefeated and still can't crack the top twenty. I wasn't sold on them earlier in the season and still feel they are vulnerable. The Illini haven't beaten anyone of substance, so that record is deceiving.

Oregon State (3 - 0) 23 @ (18) USC (2 - 1) 27: The Beavers can score, but they haven't faced any major competition yet. Travelling to Los Angeles to take on the Trojans certainly qualifies as major. USC is trying to shake off a disappointing defeat to Boston College a couple of weeks ago.

Colorado (2 - 2) 20 @ California (2 - 1) 24: The Bears are looking at a strong start if they can get by the Buffaloes.

Texas 24 (1 - 2) @ Kansas (2 - 1) 27: The Longhorns are in a serious transition period while the Jayhawks are trying for a statement win. I look for Kansas to continue Texas coach Charlie Strong's pain.

Tennessee (2 - 1) 16 @ (12) Georgia (2 - 1) 30: The Vols need another year or two to compete for the SEC East. Georgia will be looking to stay in the hunt this year.

Vanderbilt (1 - 3) 17 @ Kentucky (2 - 1) 28: Vandy gave South Carolina a game last week, but I like the direction Mark Stoops has the Wildcats heading.

Maryland (3 - 1) 27  @  Indiana (2 - 1) 30: The Hoosiers picked up a big win over Missouri last week and they may actually have a decent team for the first time in a while. Maryland is probably better, but I like the home team in a mild upset.

Duke (4 - 0) 31 @ Miami (2 - 2) 27: I don't see much improvement in the Hurricanes and Duke seems to be close to, if not as good as last year's team. And Miami has no real home field advantage given their embarrassingly low attendance.