The Fraud Five by Mike Kern – Week 9 in College Football

October 26, 2025 –

Mike Kern’s Fraud Five

LSU — I know the Brian Kellys were actually three point underdogs at home at night to Texas A&M. But 49-25? Really? Totally unacceptable. Go to Alabama next after a bye. And to Oklahoma later.

Arizona State — Favored by a touchdown at home. Lost by that much to unranked Houston.

Kansas — Had lost 16 straight to Kansas State. Which seems impossible. Was favored by FG at home. Lost 42-17. Good thing Jayhawks scored first. And basketball season is right around corner. Of course last season that didn’t turn out so good either.

Illinois — I know the Illini were slight dogs at Washington even though they were ranked and Huskies weren’t. Still, 42-25 ain’t good.

Colorado —I know Buffs aren’t much. But 53-7 at Utah seems a bit excessive. They were getting 14. Even 42 wouldn’t have been enough. It was 43-0 at halftime. Good thing Utah was playing a freshman quarterback making his first start. He finished with 291 yards of offense, 151 on the ground.

Dishonorable Mention:

You know I almost never put a team that wins in this. But once again Texas just avoided being relegated. Beat Mississippi State on road in overtime as TD favorite after trailing by 17 with 12 minutes left. Tied things with 2 minutes to go on a 79-yard punt return. Hey good fot the Longhorns. But something hasn’t felt right all year long. And QB Arch Manning got concussed in the OT. At this point mot sure what it all means. Host Vanderbilt next then go to Georgia and close with Texas A&M. So I guess we will soon find out. Maybe Steve Sarkisian really might be looking at NFL. But they were in the playoff semifinals the last two years. Something to be said for that, no? Wonder if Manning will still be top pick in draft or come back for another try.