The Original 2008 College-Football Championship Series: Week Five

Previous CFB Series: Week One, Week Two, Week Three, and Week Four.

Well, we're four weeks into the college-football season, and so far, there haven't been any big surprises. Let's take a look at what week five should look like.

Top-10 Standings after Week Four:

1. Georgia 4-0

2. Southern Cal 2-0

3. Florida 3-0

4. Oklahoma 3-0

5. Ohio State 3-1

6. Missouri 4-0

7. Auburn 4-0

8. Clemson 4-0

9. Texas 4-0

10. Kansas 4-0

Key Games in Week Five

Virginia Tech at Nebraska

The Hokies make a rare trip to Lincoln to take on the Huskers in this big non-conference matchup. Nebraska will be breaking in a new coach in Bo Pelini, while the Hokies will be dealing with a little lower expectations than they are used to.

Virginia Tech only returns four starters on defense, including only one on the defensive line. It will be critical that the Hokies shore up the line before they face a Nebraska team that will, no doubt, use Marlon Lucky as much as possible.

The Huskers should have a strong running game, with four returning starters coming back on the offensive line and running back Marlon Lucky back to carry the rock. They will have to have to establish that run game against the Hokies in order to come out with a win.

This should be a great game. Nebraska has three patsies before they play Virginia Tech, and they return their entire defensive line from last season. I look for Nebraska to hold serve at home and win this big non-conference showdown.

Winner: Nebraska

Alabama at Georgia

Last year, this game was an instant classic. Matt Stafford and the Bulldogs pulled out an overtime win in Tuscaloosa that left the Tide fans stunned.

Georgia will be coming off some tough games against South Carolina and Arizona State, and they will be tested in this one. If they don't turn the ball over, they should be able to move the ball on the ground with Moreno.

The Tide will be looking for some payback from last year and will be coming off a tough road game at Arkansas. The key for the Tide will be slowing down Moreno enough to force some punts. Alabama can't get in a scoring match here because Georgia's defense is too good.

I think that the fact that Georgia will be coming off a tough two-week stretch should make this game a close one, at least early. The key for the Tide is getting off to a good start. But in the end, I think Georgia is too much and the home crowd pulls them through.

Winner: Georgia

Tennessee at Auburn

For the second week in a row, Auburn is in a huge SEC game at home. This time against eastern rival Tennessee. Auburn has won the last three meetings against the Vols.

Tennessee will be coming off a tough game of their own, against rival Florida, and that make a difference here. If Arian Foster can get it going on the ground, the Vols will have a great chance at an upset. I also think Eric Berry and Demetrice Morley will help the Vol secondary matchup with Auburn's spread attack.

Auburn will be coming off a battle against LSU. The question will be whether or not they are beat up physically. If Auburn comes out of the LSU game healthy, then things are looking good. Auburn's defense should have some success in slowing Foster, but the Vols experienced receivers could make some plays here.

Even though this is a game at home, I really think Auburn is in trouble here. They are the better team, but they always seem to lose a game you don't expect them to, and I think this one could be it.

Winner: Tennessee

Other key games: Southern Cal at Oregon State

Top Heisman Candidates after Week Five:

1. Tim Tebow, QB, Florida

2. Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia

3. Pat White, QB, West Virginia

4. Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State

5. Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech

6. Percy Harvin, WR, Florida

Top 10 Standings after Week Five:

1. Georgia 5-0 (beat Alabama, Next week: bye)

2. Southern Cal 3-0 (beat Oregon St., Next week: Oregon)

3. Florida 4-0 (beat Ole Miss, Next week: Arkansas)

4. Oklahoma 4-0 (beat TCU, Next week: Baylor)

5. Ohio State 4-1 (beat Minnesota, Next week: Wisconsin)

6. Missouri 4-0 (bye, Next week: Nebraska)

7. Clemson 5-0 (beat Maryland, Next week: bye)

8. Texas 4-0 (bye, Next week: Colorado)

9. Kansas 4-0 (bye, Next week: Iowa State)

10. West Virginia 4-0 (beat Marshall, Next week: Rutgers)

Others receiving votes: BYU, Wisconsin, Texas Tech, LSU, Tennessee, Auburn

Read more about college football at by blog, Gridiron Guru.