READY TO WIN? OR READY TO WHINE?

It's Week Five of college football and the intensity of play is starting to pick up as most schools are beginning conference play. And in most cases, a single loss is bad news in competitive leagues.

Like previous weeks, we're feeling pretty good about our UPSET SPECIALS and we're rolling the dice again this week with five key upsets on the docket. It's high risk but high reward, and that's what we're all about. So take a quick read and get ready for another great Saturday.

Your Great Eight™ winning picks...

Duke @ Miami...the Blue Devils are still unranked despite opening the season with four straight wins. And they're underdogs on the road at Miami. No respect for Cutcliffe's crew. If they contain the Cane's Duke Johnson, we think QB Anthony Boone can lead the Dookies to another win and a number in front of their name. UPSET SPECIAL...Duke bedevils the Hurricanes.

Tennessee @ #12 Georgia...this has been one of the more entertaining series in the SEC and Tennessee is hoping they can snap a four year losing streak to the bull pups. Two names that will be key to each team's success tomorrow: Vol linebacker AJ Johnson and Georgia tailback Todd Gurley. For Tennessee to have a chance of winning, Johnson, who averages about 10 tackles per game, and his fellow linebackers must find a way to control Georgia's potent run game led by Gurley, and force Hutson Mason to throw. In an UPSET SPECIAL, take Tennessee and the points.

Arkansas @ #6 Texas A&M...it's tempting to take Arkansas in this one especially with their run early/run often rush strategy which is ranked #8 nationally. But the Aggies feature a passing game ranked #4 in the country led by QB Kenny Hill and six receivers that have double digit receptions. We're going old school with this one and are putting our money on the Razorback run game. UPSET ALERT...Hogs with the points will root it out.

Missouri @ #13 South Carolina...the Tigers are still smarting from last week's 31-27 upset loss to Indiana and are looking to get back on track with an upset win over the Gamecocks. South Carolina's offense has yet to hit full stride and their running game averages less than 70 yards per game with Mike Davis struggling for traction. Maty Mauck could be the difference against a South Carolina defense that struggled with Vandy last week. This should be one of the better games this weekend, especially if the Tigers can get Spurrier to throw his cap a few times. In another UPSET SPECIAL, Tigers chop the Cocks.

Northwestern @ Penn State...the Nittany Lions are 4-0 with first year head coach James Franklin. While their run game as been flat, QB Christian Hackenberg has carried the team with his arm, while the defense has been pretty tough, holding opponents to 270 yards total offense, including an FBS-best 49 rushing yards...which is Northwestern's best attribute. Could be a long night in College Park. Lions roar.

Minnesota @ Michigan...this is the Big Ten opener for both teams in a series that has been dominated of late by the Wolverines. Brady Hoke is hoping that he can clear the slate with another win over the Golden Gophers. There's no question that the Michigan offense has struggled but we think it gets back on track tomorrow.  Look for the Wolverines to chomp some Gophers.

Oregon State @ #18 Southern Cal...one name to remember in this game is Cody Kessler, the Trojan quarterback who has completed over 70% of his passes with NO interceptions. Another key stat to chew on: the Beavers have not won at LA Coliseum since 1960.  That trend continues tomorrow as the Trojans trump the Beavers.

Maryland @ Indiana...the Hoosiers are still pumped after upsetting reigning SEC East champ Mizzou last week. Can they keep that momentum going this week? We think the Terps have the firepower to keep pace as QB CJ Brown has gotten stronger and has plenty of talented playmakers surrounding him. In an UPSET SPECIAL...Terps trip the Hoosiers.

Let's check in on Monday and see if we're winning or whining!

MAKE MO MONEY WITH MARK™