The Fraud Five by Mike Kern – Week 7 in College Football

October 12, 2025 –

Looks much like last weeks. It happens. Don’t blame me.

Penn State — Nittany Lions have gone from number two to this.

Penn State — A week after losing at UCLA they lost at home to Northwestern. They were favored by at least three touchdowns in both games. And this time they lost their quarterback very late in the proceedings. He’s done for the season. And his career. 

Penn State — At least they didn’t lose to another top whatever opponent. Again. But they still have to go to Ohio state and host Indiana. So how’s that looking?

Penn State — I don’t think the coach is in any trouble.  Nor maybe should he be, all things considered. And there is the matter of that $50 million buyout. Just pointing out. 

Editor’s Note: Penn State did fire James Franklin on Sunday.

Penn State — They’re at Iowa this week. They’re a field-goal underdog. 

Dishonorable mentions (don’t get me started)

Phillies — It’s not just that it keeps happening, but the way it unfolds. In the last four years they have scored 1, 2, 1 and 1 run in their last game. 

Michigan — It’s ok to lose at unranked Southern Cal. Even when you’re number 15. But maybe not by 31-13. 

Arizona State — It’s ok to lose at Utah. Even when you’re 21st. But certainly not by 42-10. 

Florida State — The Noles went from besting Alabama to this? Lost at home to Pitt 34-31. That’s three straight losses in ACC, if you’re keeping count. 

Iowa State — If you’re No. 22 you probably shouldn’t be losing at Colorado. Just saying. 

Toledo — My Toledo buddy says the Rockets are blatant underachievers. He might be right. Lost at rival Bowling Green as double digit fave. And I know very few of you remotely care about the MAC since Temple departed. 

Old Dominion — Nobody cares much about this either. But ODU was favored by two TDs at Marshall. Lost 48-24. Good thing it scored the last 14 points.

And I got all this way before mentioning the Eagles. Sorry. Hey, there is still 11 games left. I hope that’s the good news. At least they got a break cause the Phils also played that night. That could only happen in the city that loves you back. Right?