This college football week 5 slate is fireworks, as conference play is starting to pick up. Last week on Scuilla’s Sharp, I went 4-3. Not the best week, some of my calls were not there. However a win is a win, and my record since tracking picks is 8-4 currently. Let’s look at my bets for this week.
Oklahoma -125 vs Auburn
This is the bet of the week, Oklahoma is starting true freshman quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. The staff clearly has a lot of faith in him to start on the road in a conference game. He outplayed Jackson Arnold in his short time playing against Tennessee. Oklahoma is super well rounded and does not have any holes, I cannot say the same about Auburn. Oklahoma’s defense is very good and I think it will cause Payton Thorne issues.
Army -12.5 vs Temple:
Army spread was my bet of the week last week, they covered with ease. Temple is riding a high after getting their first win of the year against Utah State. Army is a tough matchup for Temple, they are tough and disciplined. I think a 12.5 point spread is a fair line, but I think Army ultimately does cover with the run game and defense.
Utah -11.5 vs Arizona:
If you asked me three weeks ago, I would have said taking this spread between these two opponents was crazy. Since the beginning of the season though, Utah walked into Stillwater, Oklahoma and beat a top 15 team in the country. Arizona on the other hand has completely fallen short of expectations. A sloppy win against a bad New Mexico team, a 12 point win against a FCS school, and a 24 point loss to Kansas State. It won’t get any easier for them this week. Kyle Whittingham is an unreal coach, and they have a veteran QB who is stone cold.
Illinois +18 vs Penn State:
This Illinois team walked into a ranked Big 10 team’s house and beat them, can they do the same thing this week? It is unlikely. The good news though is that we do not need them to, they can lose by 17 points this week and they will still cover. I personally think this spread is way too high, and I will be taking Illinois for the third week in a row.
Duke -3 vs UNC:
The books have this as an extremely even game, Duke has the spread favored in their advantage due to being at home. Both teams have similar squads, where I like Duke is they have a QB advantage and a really well coached defense. Those two are a good combination, as well as being at home. Give me the Blue Devils in this one.
Colorado +14 vs UCF:
Colorado’s offense alone should help them cover 14 points in the Bounce House. UCF looks very strong this year, but 14 is a lot, especially in conference play. UCF’s defense is nothing crazy too, having to stop the likes of Travis Hunter, LaJohntay Wester, and Jimmy Horn is a tough ask.
Washington +3.5 (alt line) vs Rutgers
Rutgers beat me last week, but I think they are due for a loss this week. Washington hasn’t given up more than 24 points in a game all year, and Will Rogers has been dealing this year. We will see if Washington can make the trip out east and come out with a win (or close loss).
USC -13.5 (alt line) vs Wisconsin
USC took a close tough loss to Michigan last week. But they get Wisconsin at home, who are down to a backup quarterback and have struggled mightily on defense.