The Fraud Five by Mike Kern – Week Four in College Football

September 21, 2025 –

Mike Kern’s latest Fraud Five. While I’m watching my grandkids for a week. So please bear with me. I’m a little sleep deprived.

Illinois — It’s ok to lose at Indiana. Where you were a touchdown underdog. In the first meeting as ranked teams since 1950. But 63-10 seems a bit much. And the worst part was I took the Illini.

Clemson — Just when you figured it was about to get better. Lost 34-21 at home to Syracuse. Which ain’t LSU. Can’t happen.

Oklahoma State — Lost at home to Tulsa 19-11 on Friday. Tulsa had lost at home to Navy 42-23. Of course Okie had lost at Oregon 69-3. Hadn’t lost to Tulsa in 27 years. Hadn’t lost to Tulsa at home since 1951.  Cowboys have now lost 11 of their last 12.

Utah — I know they were only favored by 3 over Texas Tech at home. But Utes are supposed to be good at home. Apparently not so much. They lost 34-10. Which means UCLA must really stink.

Wisconsin — Lost at home to double digit dog Maryland 27-10. It was 20-0 at halftime. Badgers have now dropped seven straight to Power Four opponents. So how’s Luke Fickell feeling? Probably like Dabo Swinney without the national titles.

Dishonorable Mention

North Carolina — The Belichicks lost 34-9 at Central Florida, which was favored by a TD.

Washington State — Lost at home to Washington 59-24.  And Wash isn’t all that.

Stanford — Flew to Virginia to lose 48-20. And Cavs aren’t all that either. So how’s the ACC working out so far? Sure at least hope Carolina is on the sked. Maybe even on the left coast.