Fifth and Inches: College Football Predictions, Week Eight

OK, boys and girls, an 8-8 mark last week against the number, so I didn't lose anything but some juice here and there. 11-5 on straight up winners/losers...yearly totals now are 51-33-1 and 76-23.

Let's roll.

Thursday

No. 9 BYU (2) @ TCU (Versus)

Interesting game here, as BYU has kind of had TCU's number of late, winning five of six in the series over the last 10 years. Last year's game at BYU was a close one, and I suspect this one will be as well.

TCU...23-20.

Saturday

No. 7 Texas Tech (21) @ Texas A&M (FSN HD)

We'd be remiss, of course, if we didn't revisit the last time these two played at Kyle Field...



...with that said, Jerrod Johnson could be a real difference maker in this one, depending on if he gets to play and how they use him. He had a big day last week vs. K-State, but got behind early and had to try to rally all day.

If Tech can get the pressure going with an early score, it's a game they should win comfortably. I still don't know about three TDs, though.

Tech...41-27.

No. 11 Mizzou (ABC HD) @ No. 1 Texas (7)

Coming off the big emotional win over OU, it'd be easy for Texas to be flat and for Mizzou to be refocused after losing to OK State. I suspect Texas won't be flat, however, and it should be a tight ballgame. A late score makes the difference here.

Texas...37-27.

Baylor @ No. 8 OK State (17)

After the big win in Columbia, it would be easy to expect a letdown from the Cowboys this week. I don't see it, though. Robert Griffin is a good one for the Bears and will be for a long time to come, but there's still a long way to go.

OSU...45-21.

No. 16 Kansas (ABC) @ No. 4 Oklahoma (17')

Kansas was much better last week than they'd been at Iowa State. OU was good, just got beat.

Oklahoma...38-17.

Kansas State (FSN) @ Colorado (3)

Big road win for the 'Cats last week...'Buffs still looking for their first Big 12 win of the year.

Colorado...27-21.

Nebraska (5') @ Iowa State (Versus)

I told you last week Nebraska was a better team than folks gave them credit for. ISU is coming home after the Baylor trouncing. I look for them to get dominated up front.

Nebraska...31-17.

No. 18 North Carolina (5') @ Virginia (ABC/ESPN2)

Suddenly, Virginia has found some life with wins over Maryland and East Carolina. Carolina has been winning as well but has now lost their best playmaker to a knee injury. Add to it that they haven't won at Virginia since 1981, and this will be a trendy upset pick this week.

Virginia...19-17.

Houston (13') @ SMU

The Ponies found something last week in pushing Tulsa. I think they'll just find themselves behind this week.

Houston...40-27.

Army (TW-Buffalo) @ Buffalo (10')

I'm squarely on the Army bandwagon now. I think if you live in Buffalo, you can get this on Time Warner Cable. Also, I think you should move.

Buffalo...24-20.

Miami (5') @ Duke (ESPN U HD)

Miami...versus Duke...only a five-point favorite...and not the Miami from Ohio? Never thought I'd see it.

Miami...27-13.

Michigan (ESPN HD) @ No. 3 Penn State (24)

There's nothing here that doesn't say, "Take Penn State."

PSU...38-13.

No. 22 Vandy (Raycom) @ No. 10 Georgia (15)

I think the Vanderbilt Reality Tour continues for a second straight week.

Georgia...35-14.

No. 12 Ohio State (3) @ No. 20 Michigan State (ABC/ESPN2)

Wow. This is a tough one. Michigan State hasn't won in this series since '99. Ohio State is better with Pryor at QB. I might feel different if this were a night game.

Ohio State...20-10.

No. 13 LSU (3') @ South Carolina (ESPN HD)

Something's bugging me about this game, and I think it could eventually turn weird.

LSU...21-20.