NCAA Football: Week 5 Predictions

Will Georgia need the magic leg of Blair Walsh to knock off the #4 LSU Tigers? We find out how good LSU is Saturday in Athens.

Week 5 of the College Football season and there is plenty of drama to boot.

• Tim Tebow has the week off after his severe concussion last Sat. against Kentucky. Will he be ready for LSU next Sat.?
• Georgia narrowly defeated Arizona State 20-17 but turnovers are the reason. Georgia has had 11 turnovers and only gotten 3 in return for a -8 differential.
• Will the REAL Penn State please stand up? They have now lost to Iowa 7 straight times now.
  

Here are the predictions for Week 5:

#3 Alabama Crimson Tide Vs. Kentucky Wildcats

Analysis: Kentucky got blasted by Florida last week 41-7 to show that they can't beat the big teams quite yet. Next comes Alabama, a team who is solid on both sides and can make a run for the National Championship. Kentucky just can't cut it against this talented team. God help you Big Blue.

Score: #3 Alabama 42 Kentucky 10

#4 Louisiana State Tigers Vs. #18 Georgia Bulldogs

Analysis: Last season, the Georgia Bulldogs walloped LSU in Baton Rouge 52-38 as they knocked the Tigers out of a National Championship bid. Being at home gives the edge to the Bulldogs who have won three straight after losing their opener to Oklahoma State 24-10. If A.J. Green can get his catches, the running game can get going, the Defense is as solid as last week and the turnovers can come to a hault, Georgia should win this game. If they turn the ball over though, it's going to be another close one.

Score: #18 Georgia 38 #4 LSU 17

#7 USC Trojans Vs. #24 California Golden Bears

Analysis: Both these teams are hurting. After USC's stunning loss to Washington, they bounced back with a 24-7 win over Washington St. California was rolling along until they got thumped 42-3 at Oregon as the Ducks resurgence is showing in a crowded Pac-10 leaderboard. USC lost their star running back Stefon Johnson for the year after a freak weight-lifting accident required emergency surgery on his throat. I have to give the edge to the Golden Bears because USC has been shaky at QB and without Johnson, someone is going to have to step up at runningback.

Score: #24 California 21 #7 USC 17

#8 Oklahoma Sooners Vs. #17 Miami Hurricanes

Analysis: Talk about two teams in need of a quality win. Oklahoma has been on a roll since their shocking opening week loss to BYU but a win over ranked Miami is just what the doctor ordered. The Hurricanes are scratching their heads after starting the season strong with wins over Florida State and Georgia Tech but then running into the buzz saw of Virginia Tech as they got crushed 31-7. Will the REAL Miami please stand up? No Bradford for the fourth straight week but he'll be back next week for sure.

Score: #8 Oklahoma 31 #17 Miami 21

*Spotlight Unranked Matchup: Auburn Vs. Tennessee*

Analysis: The Auburn Tigers are a surprising 4-0. Granted they haven't played the strongest of competition (except for West Virginia) but a win against Tennessee on Saturday puts them in the Top 25 in my book. Tennessee Coach Lane Kiffin needs a win badly before Georgia comes into town next week. 2-3 would not look good and the Dawgs are a tough team to beat.

Score: Auburn 35 Tennessee 17

James Madison Royal Dukes Vs. Hofstra Pride

Analysis: JMU looks to be leaving where they left off last season. Making the semi-finals of the subdivision playoffs, the Dukes want another title to go with their 2004 effort. Hofstra is looking for a big win as they are 0-1 in the CAA while JMU is a healthy 2-0.

Score: JMU 35 Hofstra 10