Week 5 Predictions

      Welcome to Week 5 College Football Fans, and welcome back to a Husker Gameday! So excited to be back in Memorial Stadium tonight and watch the Huskers take on the Hoosiers. There is a fantastic slate of games this week with lots of ranked battles that could have major CFB Playoff impacts later in the season. I've got all your predictions for the big games right here, along with a few for some games that you should definitely watch if you like exciting battles that keep things interested. Enjoy!

Week 4 Record: 14 - 5

Overall Record: 45 - 26

#4 Michigan at Iowa

     Everyone has been talking all week about how Michigan has lost each of its last 4 games in Kinnick Stadium. And while many ranked teams have gone down in Iowa City over the years, I don't see this ending well for the Hawkeyes. I will say Michigan will need to be ready for a tough defense, as Iowa ranks 6th in total defense and already has 7 takeaways so far this season. The Hawkeyes win many of their games because of stout defensive play and horrendous mistakes by the other team. Michigan has been one of the most well-rounded teams so far this season and the offense is averaging 50 points per game led on the ground by RB Blake Corum. J. J. McCarthy is QB1 now and will look to help the Wolverines survive Kinnick Stadium for the first time since 2005. Michigan looks solid in this one with a 38-17 win.

#7 Kentucky at #14 Ole Miss

     The red-hot Wildcats travel to the Grove to take on the Rebels of Ole Miss. Lane Kiffin and Sophomore QB Jaxson Dart lead a high-powered offense for the Rebels, averaging 41 points per game. Kentucky isn't far behind with 31.3 points, so defenses will be tested in this one. Kentucky survived a big test on the road at Florida a couple weeks ago, and Lane Kiffin was complaining earlier this week about fan commitment and support. A challenge for sure, but I like Kentucky to edge this one out. Wildcats win a big one on the road 34-28.

Texas Tech at #25 Kansas State

     Both the Wildcats and Red Raiders had big wins last week over Big XII Powerhouses Oklahoma and Texas respectively. Both were great games to watch as TTU QB Donovan Smith for the Red Raiders threw for 331 yards on the Longhorns and ex-Husker QB Adrian Martinez had a career game with numerous highlights and 5 total TDs, 4 of which came on the ground. I really like what Joey McGuire is doing down in Lubbock with the Red Raiders, but taking on the Power Cats in Manhattan is no easy task. The Wildcats win this one 30-24.

Oregon State at #12 Utah

     Hidden amongst a number of big ranked matchups in the afternoon, the Beavers at the Utes could be one of the most interesting games of the day. Oregon State nearly knocked off the Trojans last week and are looking for a big road upset this weekend. Utah had the heartbreaker to start the season in the Swamp, but have looked great since and Junior QB Cameron Rising has nearly 1,000 yards on the season with 10 TDs and just 2 picks. The Beavers are led by Junior RB Deshaun Fenwick who averages 4.8 yards per carry. This is likely to be a defensive game, so turnovers are the key to victory. I really like the Beavers in the PAC-12 this year, but Utah at home is tough to stop. Great game as the Utes hang on to win 23-20.

#22 Wake Forest at #23 Florida State

     An ACC Atlantic showdown takes place as the Demon Deacons take on the Seminoles. Wake Forest couldn't close out Clemson in overtime last week, so this game is crucial to them getting back in the ACC title game race. Junior QB Sam Hartman is the star, throwing for a school record 6 TDs against the Tigers last week. He'll be up against an FSU defense that ranks 16th in pass defense in the nation, so his accuracy will be tested with how well the Seminole secondary covers. For Florida State, they have a very dynamic and balanced offense. While they have not played any stellar competition so far this season, they average 503 yards per game. We all know Wake's offense can score, putting up 45 on Clemson last week. But the real question is if can they stop Jordan Travis and the FSU offense. Wake's defense needs to step up, but I like the Demon Deacons on the road 42-30.

#9 Oklahoma State at #16 Baylor

     A classic Big XII shootout is set to take place in Waco, TX with the Pokes and the Bears, but defense could be a bigger theme in this game than you think. Both the Bears and Cowboys have solid defensive units that love to pressure opposing QBs, racking up 10 sacks each so far this season. The QB battle will be an interesting one as Spencer Sanders leads the Cowboys air raid. Baylor has a bit more balanced attack, but QB Blake Shapen is still the focal point. The Bears have been tested multiple times already this season, but this is the first true test for Oklahoma State. This is a tricky one to pick but I think Oklahoma State is going to have some surprises this year. Go Pokes as they win on the road 33-31.

#2 Alabama at #20 Arkansas

     The Hogs host the Crimson Tide as Alabama rolls into Fayetteville with the #2 ranking. No one is sleeping on Arkansas anymore, so expect Bama to be ready for a rowdy and ruckus atmosphere. Bryce Young is still looking for some assistance on offense to boost this unit, but the defense will be solid as always. They have to deal with Razorback QB KJ Jefferson though, and as I've said all season long, he's got that HOG in him. A couple of unfortunate plays were the difference in their game against the Aggies last week, so much like last week turnovers are HUGE. Alabama hasn't been challenged this season other than Texas, so look for Arkansas to come out swinging. They keep falling short in my predictions, but I'm going to stick with my darkhorse one last time. Arkansas 31, Alabama 27. Woo Pig Sooie!

#10 NC State at #5 Clemson

     College Gameday is live from Death Valley as NC STate and Clemson battle in a top 10 showdown. Control of the ACC Atlantic Division is at stake as the Tigers have the nation's longest home winning streak at 37 games currently. The Wolfpack pulled off the upset in overtime against Clemson last year, but taking them on in Death Valley is a whole different task. Wake Forest went toe to toe with the Tigers last week, but didn't have enough defense to seal the deal. NC State ranks 14th in total defense so far this year, but they haven't faced the likes of DJ Uiagalelei in 2022. The Clemson QB has improved significantly and is complimented well on the ground by RB Will Shipley. NC State has been able to find chinks in the Clemson armor recently, but the Tigers in Death Valley are too much. Clemson extends their streak with a 31-28 battle.

Indiana at Nebraska

     The Huskers host the Hoosiers under the lights in Memorial Stadium, coming out of their first BYE week. Indiana is looking to bounce back from a 45-24 beat down from the Cincy Bearcats last week, and have some serious gaps on defense they need to close up. Lucky for them, the entirety of Nebraska's defense seems to be one giant gap this year. The Huskers rank 127th out of 131 in total defense so far in 2022, missing tackles constantly and giving up an average of 514 yards per game. The Hoosier offense is nothing to shake a stick at, but RB Shaun Shivers and WR Cam Camper are the players to watch. Shivers averages over 4.6 yards per carry and has good speed on the edge. Strong tackles will be important today to slow down the ground game. In the secondary, Camper poses a big threat at 6'2 200 lbs. The Junior averages 12.7 yards per catch and while he only has 1 TD so far this season, he's broken multiple catches for 20+ yard gains. The Husker secondary needs to know where he's at on the field at all times and shift their coverages accordingly. Of course, pressure on the QB is always nice but I don't want to get too greedy. Offensively, Nebraska needs to get the ball to its playmakers on the edge. Trey Palmer and Anthony Grant with perimeter lead blocking will be huge. Cincy passed for over 354 yards last week on Indiana, and if the Huskers can get Casey Thompson in rhythm early, things will be a lot easier. I expect a lot of quick passes to get the ball out quick and avoid having any pressure from the leaky offensive line. This game could easily turn into a shootout with the lack of defensive prowess on the field, but surely my Huskers can't lose twice under the lights. Huskers win Homecoming 38-31. GO BIG RED!

Quick Hit Predictions:

#18 Oklahoma at TCU - The Sooners had a nasty fall from the top after losing to K-State at home last week. They travel to an unbeaten but somewhat unproven TCU squad in Fort Worth today. The best bounce back is with a lot of points, so Boomer Sooner as they beat the Horned Frogs 45-35.

Iowa State at Kansas - A sneaky interesting Big XII Battle is set to take place in Lawrence as the undefeated Jayhawks host the Cyclones. ISU fell to Baylor in a tough battle last week, but there's just something about this Kansas team. The Jayhawk offense is certainly one to watch this season and I think QB Jalon Daniels has a big day. Rock Chalk yet again and Kansas holds strong against Iowa State 28-27.

#17 Texas A&M at Mississippi State - The Aggies have back to back wins over top 15 teams, but have not been able to move up much in the poles as many still doubt their top tier status. They take on the Pirate and his Bulldogs today in Starkville. The air raid from Will Rogers against the defense for the Aggies will be interesting but I don't think A&M can keep pace on offense. Mississippi State wins 34-24.

Cal at Washington State - The Golden Bears and Cougars are both interesting PAC-12 contenders this year. Wazzu gave up a big upset over Oregon last week and statistically both of these teams are evenly matched. This is a tricky one but I'll take the Cougars at home with a 35-31 victory.

LSU at Auburn - The SEC East Tigers battle out in Jordan Hare Stadium. Auburn should've lost twice last week but got lucky as Missouri fumbled away the victory in overtime. LSU is picking up steam and I like them to win this 27-17.

Virginia Tech at North Carolina - The Hokies have a stout defense and the Tar Heels have a high-powered offense. Best on best in this game should be fun to watch, but offense usually wins out in College Football. UNC wins 38-21.

Stanford at #13 Oregon - Normally this would be a big upset watch game but Stanford is really down this year. The Ducks were nearly knocked off last week but should have their heads on straight for this PAC-12 rivalry. Ducks 45, Trees 21.

Thanks for reading my Gameday Predictions and enjoy your College Football Saturday. We had fantastic celebrations for Homecoming on campus this week and the big Cornstock Festival was last night. Nothing gets me more hyped for a game than seeing so much Husker spirit on campus. GO BIG RED!

#CFBKnowItAll

Alex Fernando