The Fraud Five by Mike Kern – Week 3 Edition

September 19, 2021

Miami — Was favored to beat Michigan State by almost a touchdown at home, because MSU ain’t supposed to be all that. But Canes lost by 21. Not what Manny Diaz probably had in mind. Got outscored 21-3 in fourth quarter. It was their worst non-conference home loss since 1996. That one came against East Carolina. They’ve now trailed at halftime in five consecutive games. Good thing that 1991 national-title team was being honored at the half. Yo.

UCLA — I know that Fresno State was leading Oregon a few weeks ago in the fourth quarter, and was only a 10-point dog at Rose Bowl. Still, just when you thought maybe the Bruins could be all that, they trail most of the way and lose on a late touchdown pass. It probably shouldn’t happen. But five teams in the Pac-12 South lost to a non-conference opponent at home. Ugh. None of those opponents was Alabama.

Colorado — Was slight fave at home against Minnesota. Lost 30-zip. Oh well.

Toledo — Was favored by two TDs at home against Colorado State, after playing decent at Notre Dame. Lost 22-6. Good for Steve Addazio.

Florida State — It’s OK to lose at Wake Forest (it didn’t used to be), as a slight dog. But 35-14? I don’t think so. Good for Dave Clawson, who usually gets as much as he can from his guys.

Dishonorable Mentions

Indiana — No sin losing at home to Cincinnati, as a slight dog, even if you get hammered by Iowa at home not too long ago. The final was 38-24. That’s what can happen sometimes to teams with fairly big expectations that usually don’t have any.

Arizona — Wildcats lost at home to Northern Arizona, 21-19, their first loss to NAU since 1932. NAU was winless, not to mention an FCS program. One player called it embarrassing to lose to someone you consider to be like your little brother. He would not be wrong. But the Cats have now lost 15 in a row. So, there is that.