My Crystal Ball Says...

...that I know what will happen in this week's key games. Always remember that I'm right, and your team sucks.

Week 5

I decided to try an experiment this week.  I am going to see how my picks compare with tossing a coin to select the winner.

I would like to think that my experience, my years of watching college football - both in person and on the tube - and my zillions of hours spent reading the self-serving drivel of alleged experts would help me be at least somewhat more accurate than a coin flip.

Let's find out...

#7 Florida at #1 Alabama - There are several keys to this game.  Has Florida's passing game progressed to the point that they can take advantage of a young Alabama secondary?  Can Florida slow down Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson and force Alabama to pass?  What Florida be effective using Trey Burton in his multi-position role?  And, lastly, how important is the fact that Florida's starting field goal kicker will miss the game with a back injury?  If it becomes a battle of field goals, you have to like the Tide's chances.  I think Florida will play well, and this should be a close, hard-hitting, entertaining game, but you have to like Alabama at home.  But don't be surprised if these two teams play each other again in Atlanta in December.

Quarter says:  Florida

Georgia at Colorado - This game is interesting if for no other reason than these are two teams that are absolutely, undeniably desperate for a win.  Georgia is 1-3, winless in the SEC.  Their only win is over Louisiana-Lafayette.  The Bulldogs aren't in the top 29 in any statistical category.  They are 30th in rushing defense and net punting.  Then it goes downhill from there.  I don't think Mark Richt is really on the hot seat.  His record over the years is still pretty remarkable.  His real problem is that he can't beat Florida.  The Dawgs will get some help from wide receiver A.J. Green, who is returning from suspension.  Colorado is 2-1.  They have beaten Colorado State and Hawaii.  In between, they got demolished by California.  They are 7th in the nation in rushing defense.  They are not in the top 39 in any other statistical category.  Colorado probably would have canned Dan Hawkins after last year's 3-9 campaign, but the university couldn't afford the buyout on his contract.  When in doubt, pick the speed of the SEC, and the head coach who knows how to win on the road.  I'll take the Dawgs.

Quarter says:  Colorado

#9 Stanford at #4 Oregon - Stanford is 4th in the nation in scoring offense.  Oregon is 1st. But they have fattened up on the likes of New Mexico and Portland State (admit it, you didn't even know Portland State had a football team).  This game could be really entertaining.  It will definitely be a contrast of styles.  Stanford, under Jim Harbaugh, looks more like a Big 10 team.  They like to pound the ball to force the defense to cheat up to protect the line of scrimmage, and then have Andrew Luck toss the ball over their heads.  Oregon likes to spread the defense all over the field, and then run into the spaces.  The Ducks are favored here, but I think the Tree will do a better job on defense and get the win.

Quarter says:  Oregon