Every college football season brings exhilarating weekends filled with thrilling matchups, and Week 5 is no exception. After a few weeks of ups and downs, this week features an astounding lineup, including four matchups between ranked teams. Among these, two matchups stand out as potential College Football Playoff semifinal previews. Additionally, several games will significantly impact conference races and could be pivotal in determining at-large berths. One notable Big 12 matchup could catapult the winner to the forefront of the conference, reminiscent of Texas Tech's recent victory over Utah.
For those looking to elevate their viewing experience, you can place bets on these college football games this week at FanDuel Sportsbook. New users can take advantage of a fantastic offer: $300 in bonus bets with a winning $5 wager. So, gear up for an action-packed Saturday, and here are my six favorite bets to consider for this weekend's games.
This matchup has been highly anticipated since the release of the Big Ten's 2025 schedule. It marks a rematch of last year's Big Ten Championship Game and presents the first significant challenge for both teams this season. Penn State's head coach, James Franklin, faces scrutiny as he attempts to break the trend of struggling against top-ranked opponents, holding a record of 4-20 against teams ranked in the AP top 10.
Despite the historical stats, predicting outcomes based on past performance can be misleading. While Penn State entered the season with considerable hype, they are missing key players, including offensive star Tyler Warren and defensive standout Abdul Carter. Comparatively, Oregon is also untested, with Dante Moore facing the difficulty of his first road start in a challenging environment. Given these factors, I predict a closely contested game, leaning towards a lower score than last year's championship duel. My pick is Oregon +3.5 (-110) at FanDuel.
Reflecting on last year's clash, Alabama surged to an early lead only to narrowly defeat Georgia in a thrilling finish, 41-34. This year, expectations are high for another high-scoring affair between these two powerhouse programs. Over their last six meetings, games have averaged 61.7 points, highlighting the offensive firepower both teams possess.
Alabama's quarterback, Ty Simpson, has shown improvement after a rocky start against Florida State. Georgia's secondary, which struggled against Tennessee, may face challenges against Alabama's passing attack. While I don't anticipate a repeat of last year's scoring frenzy, a total score around 31-27 seems plausible. Therefore, I'm betting on the over 52.5 (-110) at FanDuel.
Despite a disheartening 63-10 defeat to Indiana, Illinois' recent struggles have been compounded by injuries in their secondary. With key defensive players sidelined, USC's explosive offense could take full advantage. Although the Trojans have their injury concerns, their offensive capabilities remain formidable.
Kickoff is at 9 a.m. Pacific, which may affect performance, but given Illinois' defensive woes, I see USC covering the spread. My pick is USC -6.5 (-112) at DraftKings.
Longtime followers of my analysis know my affection for betting on service academy unders. The rationale behind this strategy is simple—option teams prioritize the run, leading to fewer possessions and scoring opportunities. Rice, while not a service academy, employs a similar strategy, running the ball on 77.2% of offensive snaps.
This matchup's total is set at 44.5, significantly higher than traditional service academy games. Therefore, I’m betting on the under 44.5 (-108) at DraftKings.
Notre Dame's offensive resurgence against Purdue highlighted their ability to dominate on the ground, rushing for 254 yards and five touchdowns. This week, they face an Arkansas defense that has struggled against recent opponents, allowing explosive plays frequently. Given the Irish's recent form and Arkansas' defensive issues, I expect Notre Dame to surpass a team total of 34.5. My pick is Notre Dame o34.5 (-110) at DraftKings.
Although South Carolina's home atmosphere is electric, their offense has struggled this season, scoring only 61 points so far. With a turnover rate of 9.8%, the likelihood of mistakes could prove costly. Kentucky's offense may not be stellar, but given South Carolina's offensive difficulties, I believe there's value in betting on Kentucky to pull off an upset at +205 odds at DraftKings.
As we dive into Week 5 of college football, these matchups promise excitement and potential for profit. Whether you're betting on the big games or simply enjoying the action, this weekend is shaping up to be one for the books. Don't miss out on the chance to make informed bets and enjoy a thrilling Saturday of football!
