The Fraud Five by Mike Kern – Week Four Edition

September 27, 2026

Maryland — In no universe should UCLA, in what for whatever reason is now a Big 10 game, fly across the country and beat the Terps. At least not by 54-3, in what was basically a pick em. I know UCLA has yet to lose under its new coach, bit still … the next Maryland coach is warming up in the bullpen. Bruins scored the final 34 points, including 20 in the fourth quarter.

Southern Cal — Trojans, who needed a big win for their coach, were slight underdogs at home to an Oregon team that has disappointed. Then Oregon’s big-time quarterback got taken out early on a very vicious late hit. Not to worry. The backup, who used to start for Nebraska, led the Ducks to a 41-27 victory. USC was ranked higher. Like that mattered. It was tied early in fourth period. Ducks scored last 14. USC visits Penn State in two weeks. Just duly noting.

Penn State — Speaking of which, Nits could have easily been number two. Favored by 10 over visiting Wisconsin, they led by 10 late. But Badgers scored two TDs in last 3:31, the last on a 72-yard pass to the wide-open tight end with 1:13 to go , to win 24-20. Not good. Just when i was beginning to think the Nits and their first-year coach and easy schedule might somehow be able to make a run at a playoff slot, oh well. Maybe James Franklin could actually end up winning more games in his debut at Virginia Tech. Almost can’t believe I just wrote that.

Ole Miss — Sorry but I had to. Coming off their Super Bowl, as LSU’s Lane Kiffin made sure to point out, the Rebels were in a very tough spot at unbeaten Florida. Which is why they were a field goal dog. And which is why I took the Gators. Who won 52-28. Hey maybe both teams can make the playoffs. Still love the Rebs. Lotta teams to like in the loaded SEC.

Texas A&M — It’s ok to lose at LSU. Even if you were ranked 23rd yourself. But maybe not by 35-6. And there was no scoring in last 15 minutes. And it was a 3-point game early in the third.

Dishonorable Mentions:

Louisville — I know Wake Forest ain’t bad. But you were home, ranked 16th and favored by two TDs. Yet lost 30-27. It happens. But it shouldn’t. Not if you really want to be taken seriously. And I like the Cards. And their coach. 

Oklahoma — Not for losing at Georgia, which was ranked 2 for a reason. Nevertheless, 42-13 seems like a bit much. Especially for a team that was supposed to be pretty good itself. Well maybe not. It was 28-0 at halftime. Good thing Sooners scored with 3:23 remaining. Or it really could have looked ugly.