Week 5's afternoon slate features a big-time SEC showdown between LSU and Mississippi, plus some Top-10-ranked Big Ten teams in action, including No. 1 Ohio State.
We've got a best bet for each of those games, plus a few additional matchups in the late-afternoon time slot — see below for our college football picks and analysis.
| Game | Time (ET) Network |
Best bet |
|---|---|---|
 vs  |
3:00 | ABC | ML +102 |
 vs  |
3:30 | CBS | Jackson o45.5 rush -114 |
 vs  |
3:30 | Peacock | +7.5 -110 |
 vs  |
3:30 | ESPN | u52.5 -105 |
 vs  |
3:30 | FOX | -12.5 -110 |
 vs  |
3:30 | ESPN2 | +20.5 -105 |
 vs  |
3:30 | SECN | o62.5 -110 |
CFB Week 5 preview with Andrew Caley and Douglas Farmer
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LSU vs Mississippi best bet
LSU moneyline (+102 at FanDuel)
LSU’s offense ranks No. 60 in expected points added (EPA) per snap; far from a threat, but its defense brings enough aggression that it should fluster Rebels’ newfound starting quarterback Trinidad Chambliss. Throwing unique wrinkles at a QB making his second FBS start should provide LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier a short field or two, and that edge should mesh with HC Brian Kelly’s need for control.
See our full analysis and Tigers/Rebels SGP in our LSU vs. Mississippi predictions.
Ohio State vs Washington best bet
Bo Jackson Over 45.5 rushing yards (-114 at FanDuel)
Although it’s been a three-headed monster in the OSU backfield, Jackson has been by far the most productive of the bunch, earning his fair share of touches entering Big Ten play. Jackson is averaging a robust 12.1 yards per carry, and after not receiving a touch in the opener against Texas, he’s gone over the century mark in consecutive games.
See our full analysis and Buckeyes/Huskies SGP in our Ohio State vs. Washington predictions.
Indiana vs Iowa best bet
Iowa +7.5 (-110 at FanDuel)
This matchup slots perfectly into trap game territory as the Hoosiers could get caught looking ahead to next week’s showdown with the Oregon Ducks. Iowa is unranked, but has won by double digits in each of its three wins, and lost a slugfest with rival Iowa State by three. Home field might play a factor here as well: Indiana has lost four straight games at Kinnick Stadium.
See our full analysis and Hoosiers/Hawkeyes SGP in our Indiana vs. Iowa predictions.
Auburn vs Texas A&M best bet
Under 52.5 (-105 at FanDuel)
Both teams project to run the ball heavily, shorten possessions, and rely on drives that take time to develop. With Auburn’s offensive ceiling limited and A&M tightening things up after last week’s pass-protection nightmare, this sets up as a game where points come at a premium.
See our full analysis and Tigers/Aggies SGP in our Auburn vs. Texas A&M predictions.
Utah vs West Virginia best bet
Utah -12.5 (-110 at FanDuel)
WVU quarterback Nicco Marchiol is questionable, and three running backs may not suit up for the Mountaineers. I don’t see how they can score enough to keep this game close, even if Utah's offensive struggles continue.
See our full analysis and Utes/Mountaineers SGP in our Utah vs. West Virginia predictions.
Baylor vs Oklahoma State best bet
Oklahoma State +20.5 (-105 at FanDuel)
I think there’s a path where OK State can control the pace and shorten the game, thus keeping its horrific defense — and an efficient Baylor offense — from taking control. How? Running the ball. The Cowboys come into the matchup with an EPA in the top half, nationally, from a rushing perspective, facing a defense ranked 105th in the country.
See our full analysis and Bears/Cowboys SGP in our Baylor vs. Oklahoma State predictions.
Tennessee vs Mississippi State best bet
Over 62.5 (-110 at FanDuel)
I don't trust either of these defenses, and the pace in this matchup should be absolutely blistering. That's nothing new for a Josh Heupel-coached team that has started this season snapping the ball, on average, with 22 seconds left on the play clock. And now that the Bulldogs' offense looks healthy and competent under Year Two of Jeff Lebby, they are also playing at warp speed.
See our full analysis and Volunteers/Bulldogs SGP in our Tennessee vs. Mississippi State predictions.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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