Week 5 picks

Empty your 401(k) here:

Georgia Tech -10 at N.C. State

The Yellow Jackets actually have a passing game this season to go with the triple-option. Tech has averaged over 600 yards and 53 points per game. N.C. State, meanwhile, has a host of injuries on its defensive line, including its third group of linemen this week. That's the main reason why the Wolfpack have allowed nearly 40 points and 470 yards to FBS opponents Wake Forest and Cincinnati. Tech hasn't been 4-0 since 1990 when it won the national title.

The pick: Ramble your way to a double digit cover.

It's OK to dip into the spare piggy bank:

Alabama -3.5 at Florida

Word out of Gainesville is Charlie Weis is being dubbed the new Steve Spurrier. But the SEC is the dad-gum best conference in land because it has the best defensive linemen around (see: Marcell Dareus, Nick Fairley, Glenn Dorsey). Not coincidentally, the most recent SEC and national champions led the SEC in rushing defense. The Tide's defensive front cause all kinds of problems for Arkansas last week, and while Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey will get the pre-game hype, look for them to bottled up.

The pick: Roll Tide in the Swamp.

Auburn +10 at South Carolina

In a meeting of teams that each have several issues, most notably Auburn's defense and South Carolina's offense, they no doubt hope to find a cure in this week's opponent. While Auburn's offense is struggling so far, and it will be a tall order against one of the best defenses in the country, the easy pick here would be the Gamecocks. But the South Carolina defense and Marcus Lattimore alone aren't more than 10 points better than the Aubbies.

The pick: War Eagle in Columbia.

Only touch with your father-in-law's cash:

Clemson +7 at Virginia Tech

This is the third week that Clemson plays a ranked team, and the third time many believe the Tigers are due for a letdown. They're 2-for-2 so far, and how many top 15 teams are handed a touchdown, even on the road? The Hokies, meanwhile, haven't exactly been tested by the likes of Appalachian State, East Carolina, Arkansas State and Marshall. Look for Clemson to remember the 2006 Blacksburg Beatdown, and be motivated to cover, or win outright.

The pick: Dabo does it.

Last week: 3-1

Season:

401(k): 3-0

Piggy bank: 3-1

Father-in-law: 0-2