Yikes.
For anyone who took my advice and actually put down some money on my picks last week, I sincerely apologize.
But considering it was week five of the season and my first under-.500 performance, I can’t beat myself up too much. It was bound to happen.
Had LSU not given up a late, stat-padding touchdown to Kentucky, I would have hit that one on the money. And an uncharacteristic turnover by Baylor junior quarterback Robert Griffin III in the fourth quarter cost me a shot at a win.
Now, with South Carolina, Nebraska and Virginia Tech — well, I blew it.
But this week is a new week — although it’s not very deep in the “sexy matchup” category — and presents a clean slate in which I hope to make some serious improvements.
 
Iowa +4 over Penn State
Nothing about Penn State has been impressive this season.
Alabama came to Happy Valley and took the Nittany Lions to the woodshed, and Temple came within mere yards of pulling an astronomical upset.
Seeing the Crimson Tide take no prisoners should come as no surprise, but when Temple almost beats you, there are some issues to address.
Iowa has only lost in overtime at rival Iowa State and appears ready to make its mark on the 2011 season.
 
Nebraska -11 over Ohio State
Before the season, this one was penciled in as a must-see game.
Now, not so much.
Nebraska is fresh off a curb stomping at the hands of Wisconsin, and Ohio State looked like — in Ohio State president Gordon Gee’s words — the “Little Sisters of the Poor” against Michigan State.
But Nebraska coach Bo Pelini will not allow his defense to be embarrassed two weeks in a row.
The Buckeyes will have no counterpunch offensively, and the Cornhuskers will be able to score just enough to cover.
 
Virginia Tech -7.5 over Miami
Miami’s rallying point this season came against that abysmal Ohio State team in week two.
Virginia Tech is looking to bounce back after being throttled by Clemson last week.
A game in Blacksburg, Va., against a mediocre Miami team is just what the doctor ordered for Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer.
Mississippi State -18 over UAB
Mississippi State has struggled mightily this season, but Alabama-Birmingham is winless, already carrying losses to powerhouses Tulane and Troy.
The Bulldogs roll.
 
South Carolina -21 over Kentucky
South Carolina is in a bit of disarray right now.
Senior quarterback Stephen Garcia has been benched in favor of sophomore Connor Shaw.
It really doesn’t matter who the Gamecocks have under center. Kentucky is bad enough that sophomore running back Marcus Lattimore alone could lead them to a big win.
 
UGA -2 over Tennessee
With the injury to Florida senior quarterback John Brantley, the Southeastern Conference Eastern Division is up for grabs.
And despite its slow start, Georgia is right in the mix.
A win here and a loss by the Gators at LSU puts the Bulldogs in the catbird seat to Atlanta.
Oklahoma -10 over Texas
Texas has been the nation’s biggest rebuilding story thus far.
Following a 5-7 2010 campaign, the Longhorns are currently 4-0.
But Oklahoma has simply too many weapons to be denied in the Red River Rivalry this year.
 
Auburn +10 over Arkansas
Auburn coach Gene Chizik may have taken former New York Yankee great Lou Gehrig’s place as the “luckiest man on the face of the Earth,” with his string of cardiac victories during the past year.
But luck or no luck, Chizik and his Cam Newton-less roster keep on pulling out W’s, so it’s tough to suggest picking against them.
Vandy +29 over Alabama
Following last weekend’s 38-10 manhandling of Florida, Alabama is due for a letdown game.
Vanderbilt should not be able to stay on the field with the Crimson Tide. But if Nick Saban’s crew comes out flat, this one could be a little closer than expected.
 
Florida +14 over LSU
Yes, I know Florida will have a freshman quarterback making his first career start — even if Florida offensive coordinator Charlie Weis won’t tell us which freshman it will be — against LSU’s defense, in Death Valley.
But the Gators’ defense is athletic enough to keep LSU’s offense somewhat in check, and speedsters senior running backs Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps have home run potential every time they touch the ball.
Plus, when LSU is a double-digit favorite in an SEC game at home under Les Miles, it has a record of 1-13-1 against the spread.
Last Week: 4-6
Overall record: 31-19
 
Rob Landry is a 23-year-old mass communication senior from Mandeville. Follow him on Twitter @RobLandry85.
 
 
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Contact Rob Landry at [email protected]