The Fraud Five by Mike Kern – Week 10 Edition

November 5, 2023 –

Mike Kern’s First Fraud Five of November

Oklahoma — Maybe we should have seen this one coming, coming off that first loss at Kansas. Sooners lost again, at Oklahoma State, 27-24, even though they were favored by almost a touchdown, in what looks like the last game in this series for maybe forever. You think maybe that motivated the Cowboys, more than even a little?

Air Force — It might be semi-OK to lose to Army, even at home. But maybe not by 23-3. Especially when you’re unbeaten and off to the program’s best start in forever. And don’t forget that Army was coming off a home loss to UMess.

Notre Dame — No sin losing at Clemson, as a slight favorite, even if Clemson was 4-4. So this was a circle-the-wagon spot for the Tigers. Still, it was 24-6 late in the second quarter. Good thing the Irish scored last. And is it me, or why does it never seem like they can run a modern-day offense? Even with a prime-time transfer quarterback, who threw for 146 yards in Death Valley. So much for that big win over USC. Or even the near-miss against Ohio State, which seems like it happened a year ago.

Navy — I know Navy isn’t that good. But neither is Temple. Visitors were favored by 7 and fell behind 17-0 before going down 32-18. Maybe this is a bit unfair because the Owls were due to beat someone, but c’mon.

Nebraska — Maybe we should have seen this coming too, and I love Matt Rhule. But Michigan State is a dumpster fire. Final was 20-17 at East Lansing. And Cornhuskers scored late.

Dishonorable Mentions

Florida — Gators were favored by 6 at home against an Arkansas team that had lost six straight. They lost in overtime, the Razorbacks’ first win ever in The Swamp in six tries.

Wisconsin — Boy does the Big 10 West stink. Was favored by 10, lost to Indiana 20-14. Hoosiers of course had lost their last six in the conference.

USC’s Defense — Again. Like you have to ask. I mean, it gives up 50 a week. Seriously. That’s a big Yo.

Iowa’s Offense — I almost never point out a team that wins, but … had 169 yards in Wrigley Field against Northwestern, 65 through the air. Hosts had 170. Hawkeyes won, 10-7, on field goal at the end. Stop if you’ve read this before. And now they somehow have the outright lead in their division, since Nebraska, Minnesota and Wisky all lost. Doesn’t seem right.