Best Games for 10/5

Noon Game

No. 25 Maryland Terrapins @ No. 8 Florida Seminoles (Noon on Watch ESPN)

Maryland is inexplicably undefeated through four games this year and they are actually playing like it too. Its not just the competition they've faced. They have play makers on both sides of the ball, starting with sophomore wide out Stefon Diggs. Now that they have a quarterback who isn't a linebacker like last year, he has been able to get the ball more frequently and uses his athleticism to turn an ordinary play into an explosive one. Yet they will be up against a tough Florida State team that can score just as much as them. Florida State definitely has the athletic edge in this game and should be able to keep the Maryland skill players under manageable control. I expect the Seminoles to win this one by double digits.

Afternoon Game

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets @ No. 14 Miami Hurricanes (3:30 on ESPNU)

I really don't think this will be that great of a game, but it has more potential than others in this time slot. Georgia Tech can always play their fellow ACC teams very well, and their triple option attack can frustrate even veteran defenses. Miami's defense has really risen to the year but has only really faced some average competition this far into the season. This should be a good litmus test to see where the Canes's defense stands at this junction of the season. Georgia Tech doesn't have a great defense, so Miami should really be able to put up a lot of points in this game behind Stephen Morris and Duke Johnson. Miami should also win this one comfortably, 38-28.

Evening Game

No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes @ No. 16 Northwestern Wildcats (8:00 on ABC)

This is one of the true road tests for the Buckeyes this season, besides their final game in Michigan. Northwestern is a very solid team this year, especially in the run game. They rank 18th in the country, averaging 250 rushing yards per game and are 21st in points per game at 41.3. They are an more explosive rushing team than Wisconsin is, preferring to use the spread offense as opposed to a traditional approach. They should be able to score on Ohio State tomorrow night. However, I don't think that they have the kind of talent on offense that can slow down the Buckeyes. Despite this team allowing only 21 points per, the only real quality opponent they've beaten is Cal who hung 30 on them. I don't see how Northwestern can keep up with Devin Smith and Philly Brown on the outside while trying to contain Braxton and Carlos Hyde. This is a huge game for Northwestern, and the fact that it is a night game is only going to increase the intensity in Evanstown. I think Ohio State manages to win in a closely fought shootout, 45-35.

Night Game

No. 15 Washington Huskies @ No. 5 Stanford Cardinal (10:30 on ESPN)

REVENGE! A midseason loss at Washington last year was the only blemish on the Cardinal resume. This year, the Cardinal have their eye on delivering a vengeful victory against Washington who comes into this game playing incredibly well. The Huskies are lead by senior quarterback Keith Price who is off to a hot start after a disappointing junior campaign. He is joined in the backfield by Bishop Sankley, one of the most underrated running backs in the league. He is a workhorse runner who can go between the gaps or bounce outside with relative ease. He already has 600 yards through four games and is a major reason that Washington ranks 11th in rushing at almost 290 yards. Yet their strategy plays right into the strength of Stanford's defense which is against the run. They do a fantastic job of disrupting the line of scrimmage to stop the running back as soon as he gets the ball. They also have great range and athleticism in the secondary which should cause some issues for Price. I think that this game comes down to a field goal at the end and the Cardinal sneak away with this one, 28-27.