College Football Week 5 Lines & Predictions

Week 5 is a big one in the College Football world as we have a big clash in the Big 10 with Wisconsin welcoming Michigan. A couple of undefeated SEC matchups are in the works, as Ole Miss travels to Alabama and Arkansas goes to Georgia. The big night game on the week is Auburn and LSU, who both have a loss on the season.

College Football Week 5 Lines

No. 19 Michigan Wolverines At No. 18 Wisconsin Badgers

I don’t know how much faith I have in this Badgers offense that scored merely ten points against Penn State in their narrow loss; however, that loss was by no means a “bad loss” or “bad effort,” as Penn State is now ranked sixth in the nation. While Michigan may not have Penn State’s defense, it certainly has plenty of offense to make up for it. Michigan’s running game is elite and amongst the top in the country, led by Blake Corum and Hassan Haskins. Unfortunately for the Wolverines, Wisconsin’s rushing defense is nearly just as good.
While Michigan averages over 350 yards on the ground alone, Wisconsin allows far fewer yards than that, as it only gave up 66 rushing yards in its first two games. The difference in this game should be quarterback Cade McNamara, who has done exactly what he has needed to do so far this season: protect the football. McNamara has thrown for only 371 yards and three touchdowns through Michigan’s first three games but had not thrown an interception. He will probably be called upon more in this game, but as long as he values the ball and does not try to make any “hero” plays, I think Michigan comes out with a very narrow road win.

Best Bet: Michigan ML

Author: Andrew Norton

No. 13 Mississippi Rebels At No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide

As Bryce Young continues to get more comfortable as the starter, the sophomore quarterback’s elite upside will keep shining. He is one of the best pure passers of the football in the country and he benefits from some solid skill position talent. While Alabama lost DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle to the NFL, John Metchie III has looked great in his return to college ball and Jameson Williams has been a key contributor as a transfer from Ohio State. Fifth-year senior Brian Robinson leads Alabama in rushing this season. Matt Corral has played decent ball as Ole Miss’s starting quarterback this season, but he’s going to have his work cut out for him on the road against a stout Alabama defense. He’ll need all the help he can get from Dontario Drummond, Jonathan Mingo, and Snoop Conner. Ole Miss has yet to face a top-caliber team this season, so it’s hard to know how they stack up against an elite program in Alabama. Lane Kiffin’s team is coming off a bye week, giving them extra time to prepare for Alabama. However, I’m expecting Nick Saban to spoil his return to Tuscaloosa and win this game by a solid margin. Alabama will likely be favored by a decent amount, and I’m betting on them to cover the spread at home.

Best Bet: Alabama ML and ATS

Author: Jacob Wayne

No. 16 Arkansas Razorbacks At No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs

I like this Arkansas team quite a bit. They’re ranked for the first time since 2016 and are coming off a 45-10 blowout of Georgia Southern along with a major upset of the Texas Longhorns. After a bit of a slow start to the season, QB KJ Jefferson seems to be getting into a groove, as seen with his 366-yard, 3 TD performance against the Eagles. However, the stingy Georgia defense is waiting for Jefferson and the Razorbacks, and the results could be messy. The Bulldogs held the Clemson offense to just 180 yards in Week 1, and I could see similar results here if the Razorbacks don’t make the right adjustments. With a projected preseason line of -18.5, expect the Bulldogs to bury the Arkansas offense and cover the spread.

Best Bet: Georgia -18.5

Author: Anthony Elio