NCAA Football: Point spreads, predictions and picks for week 5

In the Grueling Truth’s NCAA football point spreads, predictions and picks column this week, we’re looking at a lot of big visiting favorites: Top-ranked teams, including Miami, USC, Ohio State, Florida State, Washington, Georgia and Clemson are all giving points on the road. And just how many points can home dogs Alabama, Penn State and Auburn run up on weaker opponents?

Miami Hurricanes -6.5 at Duke Blue Devils

David Cutcliffe has turned the Blue Devils into a good program – So can this be Duke’s signature win? The Hurricanes are the more talented team, but Duke will be dangerous at home. Prediction: Hurricanes 42, Blue Devils 31.

USC Trojans -3.5 at Washington State Cougars

When it comes to the Cougars, has the level of competition they have played so far gotten them ready for the Trojans? This is a great matchup of two great offense, but in the end the game will be determined by which defense is the best. Prediction: Trojans 27, Cougars 24.

Ohio State Buckeyes -30 at Rutgers Scarlet Knights

J.T. Barrett is a very good QB against average to below-average teams and Rutgers is below average. Prediction: Buckeyes 48, Scarlet Knights 10.

Florida State Seminoles -7.5 at Wake Forest Demon Deacons

The Seminoles have problems on the offensive line and making matters even worse is the necessity of playing a backup QB. The Demon Deacons are undefeated but have not beaten any truly good teams yet. Prediction: Demon Deacons 24, Seminoles 23.

Indiana Hoosiers +17.5 at Penn State Nittany Lions

Indiana is an average team; the Nittany Lions are a national title contender. This game might be close for a half. Prediction: Nittany Lions 38, Hoosiers 20.

California Golden Bears +13 at Oregon Ducks

Both of these teams are improved from last year and I think the difference will be Royce Freeman. The Ducks win, but the Bears cover the points. Prediction: Ducks 34, Golden Bears 24.

Washington Huskies -26 at Oregon State Beavers

Take the Huskies and give the points. Prediction: Huskies 51, Beavers 13

Vanderbilt Commodores +10 at Florida Gators

Vandy is better than they looked last week, and the Gators have numerous problems. Take Vandy and the points in this one. Prediction: Gators 20, Commodores 13

Georgia Bulldogs -7 at Tennessee Volunteers

Georgia is just flat out a better football team than the inconsistent Volunteers. The Bulldogs will win this game and cover the spread. Prediction: Bulldogs 31, Volunteers 17

Mississippi State Bulldogs +9 at Auburn Tigers

The Tigers didn’t answer offensive questions by scoring a bunch of points on Missouri simply because Missouri is horrible. The Bulldogs got taken apart at Georgia, but Georgia is a very good team. This one is hard to call… Prediction: Bulldogs 24, Tigers 23.

Clemson Tigers -7 at Virginia Tech Hokies

I think Clemson is better and will win the game, but I’m taking the Hokies with the points at home. Prediction: Tigers 20, Hokies 17.

Ole Miss Rebels +28 at Alabama Crimson Tide

The Tide is starting to roll – Give the points. Prediction: Crimson Tide 48, Rebels 10.

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