College Football Week 5 Predictions: Ohio St vs Iowa, Ala/Miss.St, Fla/Mizz and Much More

Week 4 saw Iowa win at the buzzer, Florida thrash Ole Miss, Georgia punk Oklahoma, along with close finishes and sizable upsets by Wake Forest and Minnesota. Week 5 features 3 ranked-versus-ranked matchups and several games that should deliver plenty of drama in the SEC, Big Ten, and Big-12. If passed, the College Sports Act salary cap for athletic departments will more than double the current 20.5 million allowed. In the current landscape, talent is more spread-out, giving fans a deeper field of contenders. To increase the salary cap to that extent could greatly affect competitiveness at the top. The bill also includes several items that will improve the revolving door that is the transfer portal.

Marquee Matchups

#5 Ohio State vs. #14 Iowa: The Hawkeyes host the Buckeyes fresh off a buzzer-beating victory at Michigan. Ohio State’s tough schedule makes it nearly impossible to look past Iowa, and it is basically a must-win. Thus far Iowa’s offense has a great balance of rushing for 215 a game along with 200+ passing yards. Ohio State will be far and away the toughest opponent Iowa has faced. Last week, the Buckeyes defense gave up a bunch of yards to Illinois. That said, Michigan outgained Iowa 429 to 285. This College Football podcaster would be willing to at least take the plus number for Iowa if they hadn’t pulled a rabbit out of a hat to win in week 4.  Kinnick Stadium is a challenging place to play just not sure Iowa is fully equipped to defeat Ohio State.

The Pick: Ohio State -14.5 

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Ohio State -14.5

• Buckeyes offense is explosive
• Iowa offense not explosive enough
• Buckeyes too much talent

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#7 Alabama vs. #16 Mississippi State: Both SEC foes have a 4-0 record heading into this important scrap. With the Bulldogs and Crimson Tide lighting up the scoreboards averaging a combined 91 points a game and a point total of 60.5 we can expect fireworks. Neither team has been stout when it comes to pass defense. Bad weather, redzone defense, and turnovers may be the only thing that can slow offenses in this ABC noon eastern kickoff. Much of the attention has been on Mississippi State QB Kamario Taylor and rightfully so. However, Bama QB Keelon Russell is a riser when it comes to a possible Heisman Trophy candidate. If you feel like juicing the Bulldogs up to +7.5 it’s a solid bet.

The Pick: Alabama –5.5

FanDuel

4.6/5

Tip: Alabama -5.5

• Playoff Implications
• Russell Heisman Contender
• Tide will Roll

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Under The Radar

#8 Florida vs #25 Missouri: Could this be a possible let down spot for the Gators being hungover from a dominant display against Ole Miss? Missouri led Mississippi State in the 4th quarter only to lose 31-24 in week 4. The Florida offense is stacked at the skilled positions, allowing QB Aaron Philo to be a game-manager of sorts. Former Ole Miss quarterback Austin Simmons has looked good for the Tigers, and they will need some serious production on that side of the ball to keep up with the Gators. Can Missouri head coach Eliah Drinkwitz beat a ranked team, or will Florida continue its juggernaut pace?

The Pick: Florida –5.5

Michigan vs. Minnesota: Although Michigan got beat in dramatic fashion last week by Iowa, it was QB Bryce Underwood’s best game in a Wolverines uniform. Minnesota came up big last week, defeating the Huskies in Washington as a large underdog. Both defenses are solid and may have an advantage, especially given significant injuries to the offensive lines. Will Gophers Drake Lindsey have enough time in the pocket for Minnesota to establish a pass game, which will in part help their ground attack? Forced fumbles and redzone defense will be the key to Minnesota knocking off Michigan. The point spread is a difficult call, and juicing Minnesota would be wise if you believe the Gophers will keep it close.

The Pick: Michigan –5.5 

Saturday Upset Special

#24 Kentucky scores a minor upset as a +3 road dog in South Carolina.

Hardcore Barnburners

West Virginia vs. Iowa State: The Cyclones and Mountaineers have surpassed early expectations, and a win here would help each squad in the confidence department. West Virginia will look to establish the run and control the time of possession. Iowa State must be able to run as well facing a leaky West Virginia defense giving up 144 rush yards per contest.

The Pick: West Virginia +3.5

Baylor vs. Arizona State: Baylor has better defense stats, whereas ASU is putting up more points on offense. The Bears get after quarterbacks and have the most tackles for loss in the NCAA Division 1. If you like Baylor +150 on the money line is a nice payoff.

The Pick: Arizona State –3.5

Against The Spread

Stanford +14 versus Wake Forest

Clemson +17 versus # Miami

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Quick Hits Recap

-The Florida Gators outrushed Ole Miss 302 to 128 in a resounding 52-28 beatdown.

-Texas snuck by Tennessee 20-17 despite committing 11 penalties, 2 turnovers, and going 3-12 on third downs.

-Oregon backup QB Dylan Raiola threw for almost 300 yards and two touchdowns after starter QB Dante Moore left the game with a concussion in a 41-27 victory over USC.

-Iowa QB Hank Brown connected with WR Reece Vander Zee for a game winning pass capping off an 11 play, 91-yard drive to defeat Michigan 20-19 as time expired.

-Mississippi State QB Karmario Taylor rallied the troops after falling behind Missouri throwing for 360 yards and 3 TDs in a 31-24 win.

-Minnesota scored a surprise upset at Washington as a –12.5 point underdog. Since 2022 only Ohio State and Oregon have won at the scenic Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington prior to the Gophers win.

-Indiana RB Lee Beebe Jr ran for 203 yards including a 70-yard scamper that set up a late touchdown as the Hoosiers hold off a feisty Northwestern club 29-23.

Written by Chris Carlson Host of The College Ball Show available under  The Rope A Dope Radio Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker, I-Heart Radio, Amazon Podcasts, Tunein, Deezer, Podchaser, Castbox  & More! Follow on Twitter @RopeADopeRadio