College Football Week 5 Preview and Predictions

Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller will have to be at his best in East Lansing to knock off Michigan State. (AP Photo)

Conference play is getting under way around the nation. Since it is late at night, I have brief previews and predictions for my top five games of the weekend. Feel free to comment if you have any questions or things you would add.

5. #18 Oregon State @ Arizona - 10:00 PM EST, Pac-12 Network

While the Pac-12 conference has had its ups and downs, Oregon State has emerged as the surprise team. They began the season with two upsets of ranked opponents to become ranked themselves. The Beavers look to start the season 3-0 for the first time since 2002. Quarterback back Sean Mannion has led the offense to great success so far this season. His counterpart, Matt Scott, has been very important in order for Arizona to play well. The Wildcats were looking to pull an upset last week, but instead was throttled by Oregon 49-0. They will need to bounce back quickly at home.

Prediction: Arizona 34 Oregon State 27

4. Tennessee @ #5 Georgia - 3:30 PM EST, CBS

Upstart Tennessee has another shot at upsetting a ranked opponent this Saturday. Their first opportunity came up short against Florida. While the Volunteers passing game usually gets all the flashy news coverage, the team will need a huge game out of running back Rajion Neal as well. Georgia might be looking ahead to what is potentially ahead, but they must be careful not to lose sight of the task set before them. Bulldogs quarterback Aaron Murray will look to continue to lead his team to further success.

Prediction: Georgia 27 Tennessee 17

3. Wisconsin @ #22 Nebraska - 8:00 PM EST, ABC

Wisconsin has struggled greatly to begin the season. They were ranked until they got upset by Oregon State. Even the Badgers three wins over the likes of Northern Iowa, Utah State, and UTEP, were all much closer contests than expected. Nebraska was upset by a Pac-12 team as well in UCLA. Since then, the Cornhuskers have bounced back and their offense is running on all cylinders. Quarterback Taylor Martinez has a plethora of weapons at his disposal from which he can choose.

Prediction: Nebraska 31 Wisconsin 14

2. #25 Baylor @ #9 West Virginia - 12:00 PM EST, FX

West Virginia hosts Baylor in its first ever Big 12 game. This one has shootout written all over it. Both teams dominated decently difficult non-conference schedules to the tune of a combined 98 points per game. Bears quarterback Nick Florence and Mountaineers quarterback Geno Smith are the top two in the nation in total offense respectively. Neither team's defense has looked particularly impressive in any way. Whichever one is able to step up and make a stop, could prove to be the difference for their team.

Prediction: West Virginia 52 Baylor 48

1. #14 Ohio State @ #20 Michigan State - 3:30 PM EST, ABC

If you simply look at the rankings and records of these two teams, you would assume that they have dominated their competition. On the contrary, both are fortunate to be ranked that high and to have they record they do have. Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller has helped to make the difference on offense, especially since the health of running back Carlos Hyde is still up in the air. Michigan State has been led by running back Le'Veon Bell, who has been an absolute workhorse for the Spartans.

Prediction: Michigan State 17 Ohio State 16

College Football Week 3 Preview and Predictions

MSU running back Le'Veon Bell was stopped by Notre Dame last year, but this season he has been hard to slow down. (Gregory Shamus)

After a week of surprising upsets, the college football season has begun to take shape. This weekend should continue to be a grooming process of the cream of the crop. This is the preview and predictions for Week 3 of the college football season.

5. California @ #12 Ohio State - 12:00 PM EST, ABC

Last week, the PAC-12 put three big beatdowns on the Big Ten. This weekend California will look to keep the trend going as they travel to Columbus to take on Ohio State. The Golden Bears bounced back from opening loss to Nevada with a win over Southern Utah. Ohio State is 2-0 after having little trouble with Miami (OH) and Central Florida. If Cal is going to pull an upset, they are going to need a big game out of their two offensive stars, quarterback Zach Maynard and wide receiver Kennan Allen. Ohio State may need to rely on quarterback Braxton Miller to carry a heavier load with running backs Jordan Hall and Carlos Hyde battling injuries.

Prediction: Ohio State 27 California 17

4. Wake Forest @ #5 Florida State - 12:00 PM EST, ESPN/ESPN 3D

Florida State is a top-five team in the polls and has outscored two FCS opponents 124-3 to begin the season. Wake Forest will be their first real test of the season. In fact, the Demon Deacons have beaten the Seminoles in four of their last six matchups, including two of the last three in Tallahassee. One of the reasons that Florida State has put such big numbers is that quarterback EJ Manuel has yet to be sacked this season. Wake Forest will look to change that while being led by the reigning ACC defensive lineman of the week. In his first career start, defensive end Hasan Hazime had five tackles, a sack, two pass breakups and a forced fumble.  Offensively, the Demon Deacons will need big games out of their tandem of top receivers, Brandon Terry and Michael Campanaro.

Prediction: Florida State 31 Wake Forest 10

3. #2 USC @ #21 Stanford - 7:30 PM EST, FOX

While former Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck led his team past their rival, current USC quarterback Matt Barkley will look to return the favor. USC, one of the favorites in the BCS race, has looked up and down so far this season. The Trojans have yet to look consistent from start to finish. Stanford rebound from a soft showing against San Jose State with a pounding of Duke. The Cardinal will need running back Stepfan Taylor to step up and lead on offense. The big question mark for the Trojans might be their offensive line. Their pass protection must give Barkley time to operate.

Prediction: USC 34 Stanford 20

2. #18 Florida @ #23 Tennessee - 6:00 PM EST, ESPN/Watch ESPN

Tennessee is ranked for the first time in four seasons. To stay in the rankings, they will have to beat rival Florida for the first time since 2004. Tennessee quarterback Tyler Bray has brilliant in the Vols first two games. He leads a dynamic passing attack that features wide receivers Justin Hunter and Cordarrelle Patterson. The Volunteers will look to use their up-tempo, no-huddle offense to overwhelm the Gators. Conversely, Florida will look to control the ball to keep the Tennessee offense off the field. The Gators will focus on running the ball behind power back Mike Gillislee. Gillislee leads the SEC in rushing yards and tied for the lead in rushing touchdowns.

Prediction: Tennessee 28 Florida 24

1. #20 Notre Dame @ #10 Michigan State - 8:00 PM EST, ABC

Since many Big Ten favorites have stumbled early, Michigan State has emerged as the conference front runner. They now have to back that claim up with a primetime showdown with non-conference rival Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish dominated Navy in Ireland, but then looked shaky against Purdue last week. Everett Golson will get the start at quarterback, but Tommy Rees is waiting in the wings in case Golson struggles. Whoever is at quarterback will benefit from getting back running back Cierre Wood.

The Spartans offense will look for tail back Le'Von Bell to carry the load again. Bell has been an absolute beast (50 touches against Boise State) so far this season. Michigan State quarterback Andrew Maxwell has looked pretty good, but forced too many passes against Boise State, resulting in three interceptions. The Spartans also boast what is probably the best defensive end duo in the country with William Gholston and Marcus Rush. Defensively, the Fighting Irish will rely on the leadership of Manti Te'o, one of the best linebackers in the nation, to slow down Bell and the Spartan offense.

Prediction: Michigan State 21 Notre Dame 20

College Football Week 1 Preview and Predictions

If #8 Michigan is going to upset #2 Alabama, quarterback Denard Robinson will have to have the game of his career. (Matthew Stockman)

Each Thursday night during the college football season, I will preview my top five games of the weekend and give my predictions. Special shout-out to South Carolina quarterback Conner Shaw, who with an injured shoulder led the Gamecocks to a 17-13 comeback victory at Vanderbilt tonight.

5. Tennessee vs. North Carolina State - 7:30 PM EST (Friday), ESPNU/WatchESPN

The last time these two schools played was 73 years ago. Much has changed from then. This game though could be a sign of things to come for both teams the rest of the season. Tennessee would prefer to forget last season. After stud wide receiver Justin Hunter went down in week three against Florida, the Volunteers finished 3-7 in their last ten games, with two of those wins coming over Buffalo and Middle Tennessee State. Conversely, North Carolina State ended last season playing their best football. The Wolfpack finished finished 6-2 in their last eight games, including an blowout upset of then-No. 8 ranked Clemson 37-13 and a win over Louisville in the Belk Bowl.

Tennessee's offense took a considerable blow with the departure of All-SEC wide receiver Da'rick Rogers. They do still have other solid talent at the wideout position led by Hunter and JUCO transfer Cordarrelle Patterson. Of course, the biggest question mark is likely the man who is trying to get them the ball, quarterback Tyler Bray. Even though this is Bray's third year as a starter, he has yet to win a football game outside the state of Tennessee. He appears to have all the tools, but has yet to have the toughness and composure to lead the Vols to a big win yet. The running back positions and the defense as a whole are a bit of question marks as well.

N.C. State's offense will be confidently led by quarterback Mike Glennon. Last season, Glennon threw for 3,054 yards and 31 touchdowns. The rest of the Wolfpack offense is loaded with talent and experience, especially the offensive line, which returns four out of five starters. The Wolfpack secondary is the foundation of their defense. Cornerback David Amerson and safety Earl Wolff are the cornerstones of that secondary. The Volunteers are going to have a difficult time moving the ball through the air on Friday night against N.C. State.

Prediction: N.C. State 31 Tennessee 20

4. #14 Clemson vs. Auburn - 7:00 PM EST (Saturday), ESPN/WatchESPN

For the third consecutive season, these two sides square off. The winner has gone on to do big things each season. In 2010, Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton led Auburn to the 27-24 overtime victory as part of their route to a National Championship run. Last season, it was Clemson who overcame a 21-7 deficit to beat Auburn 38-24. They went on to start the season 8-0 and won the Atlantic Coast Conference title.

Clemson will be without star wide receiver Sammy Watkins due to suspension (drug arrest). This means that more of the offensive weight will fall on the shoulders of quarterback Tahj Boyd and tailback Andre Ellington. After giving up an incredible 505 yards in their humiliating 70-33 loss to West Virginia in last year's Orange Bowl, Clemson knew they would have to improve on defense to have a chance at winning the ACC again. New defensive coordinator Brent Venables has established a zone scheme and worked on the group's flexibility. It will be interesting to see how long it takes for them to click as a unit.

Last season was a rebuilding one for Auburn. They hope that this season some of their young stars are ready to shine and to build upon the university's rich heritage. Sophomore Kiehl Frazier won the starting quarterback job for at least week one against Clemson. Frazier was a highly regarded recruiting prospect out of high school. He is a dangerous dual threat quarterback. Frazier will quickly begin to receive comparisons to his predecessor Newton before long. Auburn fans hope he can establish that type of legacy before his time there is done.

Prediction: Clemson 27 Auburn 17

3. Georgia Tech @ #16 Virginia Tech - 8:00 PM EST (Monday), ESPN/WatchESPN

The ACC Coastal Division "championship" could be this game in week one. The winner of this game has gone on to represent their division in the ACC Championship Game each of the past seven seasons. The Hokies have won the past two matchups against the Yellow Jackets. This year is no exception because Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech are among the favorites to win the ACC again. The winner will get a huge advantage,

Georgia Tech's triple option offense will be led by senior quarterback Tevin Washington. Washington led the team last season with 986 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. The tailback duo of Orwin Smith and David Sims should add to the attack as well. The Yellow Jackets hope that they have improved enough on defense to make a difference. The defensive core should be led by linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu. He had six sacks last season, but he has to keep his emotions in check.

Last season, Virginia Tech seemed to slowly improve just as their quarterback Logan Thomas did as well. Thomas has the talent to lead the Hokies to victory. In the backfield, redshirt freshman Michael Holmes is set to get the bulk of the carries. Holmes is highly regarded, but we will have to see how he fares when the spotlight is shining. The Hokies always seem to rely on a solid defense. This year is no exception. Players such as cornerback Kyle Fuller need to step up and make big plays to slow down Georgia Tech's option attack.

Prediction: Virginia Tech 20 Georgia Tech 17

2. #24 Boise State @ #13 Michigan State - 8:00 PM EST (Friday), ESPN/WatchESPN

These two teams actually have quite a bit in common going into this new season. Last season, both Boise State and Michigan State had very successful seasons, winning a combined 23 wins, including their respective bowl games. Both teams also have to replace the most successful quarterbacks in school history and talented tailbacks with unproven backups.

Junior Joe Southwick was named the starting quarterback for Boise State. He played in limited action last season. Southwick will rely on the help of sixth-year tailback D.J. Harper. While this is first season as the Broncos' primary back, Harper did rush for a season-high 125 yards and two touchdowns against TCU last season. Matt Miller and Mitch Burroughs, the Broncos' top returning wide receivers, should also help to provide reliable targets for Southwick to look for when in need.

Michigan State's newly named starting quarterback is Andrew Maxwell. He got to be former Spartans quarterback Kirk Cousins' primary understudy the past two seasons. Maxwell will undoubtedly rely upon junior tailback Le'Veon Bell. While this is Bell's first season as the Spartans' primary back, he did rush for 948 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. The Spartans return one of the Big Ten's best defenses this year. Defensive end William Gholston is primed to wreak havoc on the Broncos' offensive line.

Prediction: Michigan State 20 Boise State 13

1. #8 Michigan vs. #2 Alabama - 8:00 PM EST (Saturday), ABC

A top-ten matchup in week one sees two of the BCS favorites squaring off with a lot of pride on the line. While the vast majority of the Top 25 teams are enjoying cupcake games, Michigan and Alabama are set to battle in a game that has huge national championship implications. Both teams are coming off huge seasons. Alabama throttled LSU in the BCS National Championship Game last season. Head coach Nick Saban is looking to build a dynasty in Tuscaloosa. In his first year in Ann Arbor, head coach Brady Hoke transformed Michigan from a floundering, mediocre team into Sugar Bowl victors. The talent was already there, they just needed the guidance to get there.

Michigan is going to need even more wise counsel from Hoke if they are going to have a shot at upsetting Alabama. The talent is there to make it happen. Senior quarterback Denard Robinson is among the preseason favorites to win the Heisman. The ever dangerous dual threat, Robinson improved drastically as a passer last season. The one part of his game that he needs to continue to work on, especially against Alabama, is turning the ball over. Robinson has never faced a defense as good as Alabama's, but if he is able to find room to run and limits his mistakes, Michigan has a chance to win. Another big factor for the Wolverines is the playing status of tailback Fitzgerald Toussaint. On Tuesday, Toussaint plead guilty to driving while visually impaired, stemming back to an arrest over the summer. His playing status is unclear for Saturday's game. If Toussaint does play, he could be a big x-factor in deciding the outcome of the game.

When looking at Alabama's offense, the thing that sticks out of the most is the extremely talented offensive line. Led by center Barrett Jones, the offensive line could end up featuring as many as three All-Americans. They will definitely be a huge help to the guys playing behind them. Junior quarterback AJ McCarron may not be flashy like Robinson, but he obviously knows how to win football games. Tailbacks Eddie Lacy and T.J. Yeldon should share the bulk of the work for the backfield. The Crimson Tide defense remains as solid as ever. One guy in particular to keep an eye on is safety Robert Lester. Not only will he play a crucial role in containing Robinson, but he is also known for his ability to intercept passes well. Lester will be primed and ready in case Robinson does make a mistake.

Prediction: Alabama 24 Michigan 20

Pat Summitt's Coaching Career Concludes Among the Best in College Basketball History

Pat Summitt's fiery passion for basketball could be openly displayed in everything she did. She wouldn't let anything stop her from changing the culture of women's sports as a whole. Sadly, Summitt's health is what ultimately led to her having to step down as head coach. She was diagnosed with early-onset dementia, which leads to Alzheimer's. Summitt will take the role of head coach emeritus and will be allowed to advise the team. However, it won't be the same to not see her patrolling the sidelines and at the forefront of the game she loves.

Summitt's career is legendary is so many ways. Through her avocation of Title IX and dedication to the dreams of so many women, Summitt helped to change the culture's approach to women's sports and pushed women's basketball to a whole new, never before imagined level. Summitt's career at Tennessee spanned 38 seasons. She won 1,098 games (most all time), eight national championships, 18 Final Fours, 31 NCAA tournament appearances, and 112 NCAA tournament wins (most all time). Her Lady Volunteers had an amazing career winning percentage of .840. Just let those numbers sink in for a minute. Simply incredible is the words that come to my mind.

Pat Summitt should be considered among the greatest coaches in the history of basketball. People will discount and disregard what she did because of the lesser degree of opposing talent in women's basketball. These people are ignorant to the facts at hand. I don't care about the quality of women's basketball. What I care about is the impact Summitt had on women around the world. She helped show them what they are capable of. In doing so, she led her teams to some of the greatest statistics of all time. It is such a tragedy that Summitt's career had to come to an end like this. Alzheimer's is an ugly and painful disease, and I wish Coach Summitt the best and my prayers as she battles this terrible disease. Pat Summitt will be missed by many, but she will never be forgotten because of what she accomplished both on and off of the court.

Photo Credit: Nati Harnik/AP Photo