College football picks, predictions, odds: Washington-Arizona, Michigan State-Iowa among best bets in Week 5

Last week was fun, with most of the big games living up to the hype even though the higher ranked teams won all but one of the ranked-vs.-ranked matchups. Conference play begins in earnest this week, so we might see some more chaos. Familiarity does not just breed contempt, it also breeds upsets.

Each week, I will use this space to tell you what I think are a few of the best bets heading into the weekend. I will also throw in an upset of the week, which will be a team that is at least a touchdown underdog that I am picking to win outright.

I will also give you picks on other games involving potential College Football Playoff teams. This early in the season, any major conference team that hasn’t lost twice yet is technically still a CFP candidate. So for now, I’ll go with the current top 12 in the AP Top 25.

My picks were a perfect 3-0 on last week’s picks, which moved the overall record on the season to 6-3. The Upset of the Week is still looking for the first hit, but last week’s pick (San Diego State) covered. 

Odds via SportsLine consensus

Week 5 picks

No. 7 Washington (-18) at Arizona

Arizona is off to a good start at 3-1 with the Wildcats’ only loss coming in overtime on the road at Mississippi State. However, Washington is playing at a different level. The Huskies’ 27-point win over Cal on Saturday was its closest victory of the season. They should be able to cover the spread here. Pick: Washington -18

Nevada at No. 25 Fresno State (-24.5)

I have Tulane representing the Group of Five in the New Year’s Six bowl games in my latest Bowl Projections, but if it’s not the Green Wave, it may very well end up being Fresno State. The Bulldogs are the reigning Mountain West champs and look poised to make another run at the…

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Author : Jerry Palm

Publish date : 2023-09-26 17:47:03

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