CFB Week 5 Game Picks: Blockbuster weekend could separate contenders
Hold on to your hats, week 5 looks set to be a barnstormer! Let’s put to one side the early-season walkovers as the top teams warm up for what’s to come. This weekend feels like the real start of intense conference play. We have huge showdowns in the SEC, a major Big 10 battle in Beaver Stadium and a stiff test for the Buckeyes. It certainly makes the game picks for this week a tricky assignment.
LSU at Ole Miss, 3.30PM ET / 8.30PM GMT, ABC
LSU favoured by 1.5 points
Up until last week, I would have had LSU as heavy favourites in this one. However, Ole Miss look rejuvenated under backup QB Trinidad Chambliss. He has been lights out over the last two weeks, with six big-time throws per PFF and zero turnover-worthy ones. The Tigers will ask more questions of him, particularly considering the strength of their defense has been the secondary.
The LSU defense will need to contain Chambliss and stand-out running back Kewan Lacy if their offense continues to perform in first gear. Garrett Nussmeier has been underwhelming so far. What better time to boost his draft stock in this conference showdown? LSU’s greater depth of talent gives them the edge in this one.
Pick: LSU to cover
Ohio State @ Washington, 3.30PM ET / 8.30PM GMT, CBS
Ohio State favoured by 8.5 points
I’ve seen this story one too many times before. On paper, a frisky Power 4 team appeals as an underdog who could cause the Buckeyes problems. The entertainment value that Huskies QB Demond Williams brings certainly contributes to that vibe. Pair that with running back Jonah Coleman, averaging 7 yards per carry, and you can talk yourself into this being closer than the spread.
However, I can’t see Ohio State sleepwalking into this one. The defense led by Arvell Reese should have the talent to slow the running game down. On offense, Jeremiah Smith is averaging over 100 yards per game, which will be a cause for concern given the Huskies’ weaker secondary. While 8.5 points appears a lot, I don’t think this Washington side compares to the Kalen DeBoer era, and things could get away from them late.
Pick: Ohio State to cover
Alabama @ Georgia, 7.30PM ET / 12.30AM GMT, ABC
Georgia favoured by 3.5 points
We are still waiting for one of these teams to truly establish itself in the 2025 season. Georgia won a tight one against Tennessee, which certainly gives them the edge in terms of their resume so far. Still, Alabama looks to have been jolted into action by an early shock against Florida State. Either way, these two are certainly not the dominant forces they once were. The sheer rivalry factor could be enough to keep this close throughout.
There is undoubted talent on both sides; it just hasn’t come to the fore as much as we expected. Zach Branch has flashed at receiver for the Bulldogs, and Ryan Williams found his feet for the Tide, exploding for 165 receiving yards and two TDs vs Wisconsin. Could one of those two grab the game by the scruff of the neck? Tim Keenan returns to anchor Bama’s defensive front with Jam Miller also back in action at running back. Perhaps that provides the edge?
Or, could it be that Georgia has found itself another wily QB in Gunner Stockton, who fails to wow, but loves to win? Georgia in a tight one.
Pick: Georgia to cover
Oregon at Penn State, 8.30PM ET / 12.30AM GMT, NBC
Penn State favoured by 3.5 points
The two big rivals to Ohio State in the Big 10 face off in this one, and of course, all eyes will be on the QB battle. Ducks signal-caller Dante Moore has thrived away from UCLA and looks like a much more polished version of himself. For the Nittany Lions, Allar needs a signature win and performance to maintain his hype. He has the talent, but he has yet to reach his full potential this year.
Neither side has had a real test yet, so I’m basing my pick on a few stable aspects. First, we are in whiteout mode at Beaver Stadium. Home advantage always counts for something, but whiteout always counts for a little bit more. This will be the most intimidating environment Moore will have led the Ducks into to date. Secondly, the talent outside of the QB gives the Lions the edge. A dominating running back duo in Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen, as well as an elite pass rusher in Dani Dennis-Sutton, means I have to back the home team here.
Pick: Penn State to cover
Rory-Joe Daniels
NFL & Cfb contributor
AS A LONG-SUFFERING CINCINNATI BENGALS FAN, RORY HAS FOLLOWED THE NFL FOR OVER 20 YEARS. HIS PASSION FOR THE DRAFT LED HIM TO GET ENTANGLED WITH COLLEGE FOOTBALL AND HE HAS BEEN WRITING ABOUT PROSPECTS AND THE CFB LANDSCAPE EVER SINCE.