Mike Kern’s Fraud Five – Week 9 Edition

October 30, 2022 –

Mike Kern’s Spooky Fraud Five

Oklahoma State — What, you were expecting maybe Wake Forest? I know Kansas State was ranked 22^nd. And playing at home. And the spread was almost a pick-‘em. But Cowboys were ranked ninth. They lost 48-nil. So what more needs to be explained? Did we mention that Wildcats weren’t even playing their starting quarterback? It was the first time OSU was shutout since 2009. And the first time it had happened against K-State in almost three decades. It’s the biggest shutout loss by a Top 10 team to a lower-ranked opponent. Ever.

Wake Forest — You know how I feel about Dave Clawson, who does as much with less than anyone. But his guys were ranked 10^th, and lost 48-21 at Louisville as slight faves. Good thing the Deacs scored a TD with 14 seconds left. They had eight turnovers, and gave up 35 third-quarter points.

Rice — Hey, it was that kind of week. I realize Rice ain’t very good, but 4-3 is better than 1-7 coming in. And Charlotte had just fired its coach. But the final was 56-23, at Rice, which was favored by two TDs.

Syracuse — It’s OK to lose to Notre Dame. Even this Notre Dame team. But Orange was at home, coming off its first loss, a close one at Clemson. Which might have had something to do with it. The Irish won, 41-24. Which seems a tad excessive. I know the Orange didn’t have their starting QB in the second half, so maybe I’m stretching a bit here. And Irish have now won five of their last six. Still, I’m sure the sellout crowd at the Carrier Dome wasn’t happy. By the way, Irish have won 26 straight in regular season against ACC opponents. They host Clemson next.

Rutgers — I know the Knights weren’t supposed to win at Minnesota. Again, maybe I’m nit-picking, but you gotta do what you gotta do sometimes to come up with a list. The final was 31-zip. The visitors had seven first downs, and gained 134 yards. I thing Greg Schiano has a clue, and his team is still 4-4, but Minny had lost its last three.

Miami-Virginia — The final was 14-12. In four overtimes. Which of course is impossible. Nobody reached the end zone until the winning two-point conversion. Canes are 4-4, under first-year coach Mario Cristobal. Cavs are 3-5. Does anyone care?

Have a great Trick or Treat.