Alabama vs. Florida Have Top Billing in Key Games in Week Five

Hard to believe, but October has arrived without any major upsets.  Luckily, there have been some pretty good games between highly ranked teams. The buffet is loaded again this weekend with several key match ups.  Here are the top five.

#3 Alabama vs. #12 Florida

As crazy as it may sound, no team is flying under the radar more than the Gators.  They have looked good dominating cupcakes, but Saturday’s game against the invincible Tide will validate whether the Gators are legitimate again.

The outcome will come down to Florida’s ability to run the ball.  Alabama’s rush defense is arguably the best in the nation, and the Gators average 259 on the ground.  The unit that wins this battle will win the game. Gators keep it close at home, but the Tide win 28-20.

#7 Wisconsin vs. # 8 Nebraska

If you enjoy smash mouth football, then this sigh stakes game between the Big Ten’s two best teams is the game to watch. The Cornhuskers average 272 rushing yards per game and the Badgers average 245.  Loser might be out of the national championship picture, but not the conference title race.  These two teams will likely meet again in December.  Camp Randall, night game, Wisconsin wins 45-31.

#11 Virginia Tech vs. #13 Clemson

In back to back weeks, the Tigers have looked really good defeating the reigning national champions and the pre-season favorite to win the ACC.  Quarterback Tajh Boyd is proving to be a special player, and fans are optimistic that he is the leader that can prevent Clemson’s normal mid-season collapses.  Winning on the road will determine whether he continues to live up to the hype, and he’ll need to play a near flawless game to win in Lane Stadium. 

This might not be one of head coach Frank Beamer’s best teams, but the Hokies are playing fundamentally sound football.  They have a good running game, strong defense and solid return units.  Expect a close game with the Hokies getting a late field goal to squeak out the win.  Hokies 31-30.

#14 Texas A&M vs. #18 Arkansas

Old SWC foes clash again before the Aggies join the SEC next year.  Both teams might be emotionally flat coming off disappointing losses, but neither can afford a second let down. 

Since the Razorbacks and Aggies are both terrible at protecting the ball, turnovers will likely decide the outcome.  Arkansas also needs to defend the run and Texas A&M the pass if they want to be considered serious contenders.  Expect a shootout in Texas Stadium.  Razorbacks win 51-45.

Ohio State vs. Michigan State

The Buckeyes and Spartans both rebounded nicely after getting waxed in week three. Even though the key Big Ten game is in Madison, this game has huge implications too.  If either team has any aspirations of playing for conference championship, this is must win game. 

Facing the top ranked pass defense probably has Ohio State freshman quarterback Braxton Miller wishing he could get Dan Herron and DeVier Posey back a week early. Head coach Luke Fickell needs to cook up something special for his old boss because the Buckeyes will have to pass the ball to win which is scary considering they rank 110^th in the FBS in passing.    Fortunately, the Spartans offense is not much better so this will be a low scoring game. Ohio State’s defense will rise up and make enough plays to win the game.  Buckeyes 21-14.