Top Week 5 College Football Matchups and Picks

College Football heads into Week 5 with the best slate of games since Week 1, with four Top-25 matchups. The top four games come from the SEC and Big Ten and have College Football Playoff implications. The fifth game could have easily been Auburn and Texas A&M, which might be a better game, but Notre Dame may have its last relevant game in the 2025 season if they lose.

Top Week 5 College Football Quick List

1. 6 Oregon @ 3 Penn State 7:30 PM ET on NBC

2. 4 LSU @ 13 Ole Miss 3:30 PM ET on ESPN

3. 17 Alabama @ 5 Georgia 7:30 PM ET on ESPN

4. 21 USC @ 23 Illinois 12:00 PM ET on FOX

5. 22 Notre Dame @ Arkansas 12:00 PM ET on ESPN

Photo by Andrew Gearhart on Unsplash

6 Oregon @ 3 Penn State

Aside from Ohio State defeating a vastly overrated Texas team, the Big Ten hasn't had too many games with CFP consequences. This game kicks off the conference's heavyweight faceoffs. Dan Lanning has flown under the radar this year with multiple blowouts over inferior programs. The Oregon Ducks have a chance to land a top-10 road victory and put themselves in the conversation for one of the top three spots in the nation. Penn State has the most to lose. If they win, the narrative will be that they should have won. If they lose, the narrative will fall on James Franklin and his inability to win the big game.

Betting Odds: Penn State -3.5 (Per ESPN)

Off the Field and Screen Pick: Oregon

4 LSU @ 13 Ole Miss

LSU remains a top-five team in the nation despite having no marquee victories. Their biggest wins came against Clemson and Florida, both teams with 1-3 records. The hype train doesn't seem to have been stopped by this reality. Ole Miss, on the other hand, has the opportunity to prove that they belong in the conversation for the best teams in the SEC. Oklahoma's Heisman candidate John Mateer is hurt, and Texas has been vastly overrated. With a win over LSU, Lane Kiffin can launch his program to new heights. Brian Kelly needs a big win to prove LSU can play with the big dogs.

Betting Odds: LSU -1.5 (Per ESPN)

Off the Field and Screen Pick: Ole Miss

17 Alabama @ 5 Georgia

The road never seems to get any easier for Kalen DeBoer, but that's life at Alabama. The expectations are high, and the conference is tough. DeBoer may not be long for the job at Alabama, regardless of whether the criticism is fair. Kirby Smart and Georgia have been overlooked this season, much like Oregon. The major difference is that Georgia went on the road and beat Tennessee. This game is the week's most hyped because of the brand recognition, but it could also be the most disappointing. Alabama used to strike fear into its opponents, with a psychological edge in every matchup. Those days are gone. Alabama's biggest hope is that its desperation wreaks havoc this weekend.

Betting Odds: Georgia -3.5 (Per ESPN)

Off the Field and Screen Pick: Georgia

21 USC @ 23 Illinois

Many prognosticators had Illinois competing for the slot as the possible third or fourth Big Ten team in the CFP. After a brutal 63-10 loss, the Illini are reeling. USC, on the other hand, still has a chance to jump up in the Big Ten standings, with its first of three straight games against ranked opponents (Michigan and Notre Dame). If they can win all three, they have a chance to go to Oregon on November 22 and punch their first ticket to the CFP, and Lincoln Riley's first CFP since 2021. Illinois needs this victory to stay in the conversation, with Ohio State as its only remaining ranked opponent after this week.

Betting Odds: USC -1.5 (Per ESPN)

Off the Field and Screen Pick: USC

22 Notre Dame @ Arkansas

Realistically, Notre Dame doesn't belong on this list, but the AP has chosen to keep them relevant. There are multiple SEC teams with significant games this week, but Arkansas will have to do. The Fighting Irish still have a chance, but they not only have to be perfect. They have to dominate their opponents. Their 56-30 victory over Purdue is of little consequence. Marcus Freeman has his work cut out for him, and he'll need the SEC and Big Ten to do enough damage in conference play for Notre Dame to sneak in. If they lose this game, not even the AP voters can save them.

Betting Odds: Notre Dame -6.5 (Per ESPN)

Off the Field and Screen Pick: Notre Dame

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