Ok folks. Here are the games I am betting on in week 5. There are some big time match ups on the docket.
West Virginia at Texas Tech (+3.5, 73): I must admit, I was wrong about the Red Raiders. They actually play complementary football. Their defense has been terrific and that will be the difference against Will Grier and the Mountaineers at home.
Syracuse at Clemson (-25.5, 65.5): I don’t care how David Swinney spins it, the Kelly Bryant situation will be a distraction. That being said, the Tigers have revenge on their minds after losing to Syracuse last year. I think the Tigers exact some revenge but not by that big of a margin.
BYU (+17, 45.5) at Washington: Ill probably get burned but BYU is playing some good football right now and they are a quality road dog to take.
Louisiana at Alabama (-49, 68): Alabama should cruise in this one. Next!
Central Michigan (-29.5, 47.5) at Michigan State: It’s been a struggle for Central Michigan thus far but I think they’ll play tough in this game and put a scare into the mighty Spartans. I don’t think Michigan State’s offense is good enough for them to win by 30.
Arkansas (+21, 58.5) vs. Texas A&M: A neutral site game makes the Razorbacks an appealing underdog in this game. Texas A&M hung with Alabama for a half last week but eventually got blown out. The Aggies should win this game but it won’t be by three touchdowns.
Oregon (+1.5, 58.5) at Cal: This should be a terrific game but I don’t see Cal beating a motivated Oregon team looking to rebound after a tough loss to Stanford last week. I’ll take Justin Herbert and the Ducks as road dog.
Virginia at N.C State (-6, 52): The Pack is legit and they will look to go 4-0 with a win. Virginia is better but I have a hard believing that Bronco’s boy can go on the road and win. I’m putting my money on the Pack.
PITT at UCF (-13, 64.5): I like the Knights at home. Mackenzie Milton and company have a chip on their shoulder and they have a chance to make a statement with a win over the Panthers. Central Florida gets it done.
Tennessee (+30.5, 53) at Georgia: Georgia will win this game but the Vols will play them tough for a half. Tennessee isn’t very good offensively and that will be the difference in this hotly contested rival.
Baylor at Oklahoma (-23.5, 68): Matt Rhule and his staff have done a nice job turning Baylor around but they are in Oklahoma’s league right now. Sooners bounce back in a big way after a disappointing game against Army.
Texas at Kansas State (+8.5, 48.5): Texas has finally figured it out. I think they will win this game but I’m taking the Wildcats as a home dog versus the spread.
Southern Mississippi at Auburn (-27, 53): Jarrett Stidham and friend’s cover no problem against Brett Favre’s ala mater. Next!
Michigan at Northwestern (+14.5, 46.5): Teams have a hard time winning in Evanston, especially good programs. I think Pat Fitzgerald will have his Wildcats ready to play. Michigan wins but Northwestern covers as a home dog.
Florida at Miss State (-7, 49): The Bulldogs will have plenty of incentive in this one with former coach Dan Mullen back in town. That and they are coming off a loss at Kentucky. Florida just doesn’t have the pieces to run Mullen’s offense quite yet. Give me the Bulldogs as a home favorite.
Virginia Tech (+4.5, 49.5) at Duke: Vegas thinks that Virginia is now an also ran program. Please. Give me the Hokies as a road dog please. They’ll take care of business.
Iowa State at TCU (-10.5, 46.5): Iowa State will play tough but they are not the Cyclones of last season. TCU bounces back from a tough loss to Texas.
South Carolina at Kentucky (PK, 51.5): I’m picking the Wildcats because this game is in Lexington and I am a believer in what Mark Stoops is doing. I really think the Cats are legit in the SEC East.
Ohio State at Penn State (+3.5, 69.5): Taking Penn State as a home dog in this showdown game is the only pick. This will be a tough game for Ohio State to win on the road but I think they find a way to survive and win by a field goal. I’m taking the Lions as a home dog.
Stanford at Notre Dame (-5.5, 52.5): Give me the Irish at home. I know I’ve been burned by them twice this season but Notre Dame comes to play at home against good teams.
Ole Miss at LSU (-10, 60.5): Coach O’s Tigers are making a believer out of me. I think they will win this game and take care of business at home against the struggling Rebels.
USC at Arizona (+3, 58.5): All of a sudden I’m on the Kevin Sumlin, Wildcats bandwagon. Arizona finds a way to get the job done and they win this game. Take the Cats as a home dog. Khalil Tate and company get it done.