FanPost

Rooting Interest Week 5 (aka One of Northwestern's Opponents Needs to Win a Game Eventually)

Given that Northwestern is 3 points away in the AP poll and 2 points away in the coaches' poll, a win over Indiana basically puts Northwestern in. However, at least one of six other games has to go the right way.

1. Northwestern at Indiana


2. Baylor (25/24, +10) at West Virginia (9/7)

I was expecting Baylor to be more of an underdog.

3. Oregon State (18/21, +3) at Arizona

Coming off an impressive performance at Oregon where they managed to hold the Ducks within 50, Arizona is actually favored against Oregon State.

4. Texas (12/10, +5.5) at Oklahoma State (NR/22)

Oklahoma State is the Wisconsin of the Big 12: ranked in the coaches, barely receiving votes in the AP. Oddsmakers seem to like them though.

5. Cincinnati (+6) at Virginia Tech (ARV/#25)

How Virginia Tech remains ranked is a mystery, but hopefully Cincinnati can put them out of their misery. Since Cincy beat Pitt and Pitt beat VT, it should be an easy Bearcat win.

6. Louisville (19/17, -9.5) at Southern Miss

Louisville hasn't been impressive, but Southern Miss looks pretty bad this year.

7. Clemson (17/16, -11) at Boston College

I don't think BC has much of a chance in this game, but an Eagles' win here would help more than any other game.

Bonus game: Illinois State (-9?) at South Dakota

If South Dakota wins, this would leap to the top of the "quality wins by Northwestern opponents" list. The Redbirds are 4-0.