CFB Week 5 Predictions
Week 5 is upon us, and with it, the best game of the entire season. Here are my predictions for some of the top games of the weekend.
#23 Kansas State vs #20 Oklahoma State (KSU -5) 12:00 PM EST
Prediction: Kansas Sate beats Oklahoma State 34-28
Both these Big 12 teams are coming off losses and need a bounce-back win to save their season and playoff hopes. Oklahoma State lost to Utah despite a last-second comeback attempt, and Kansas State got molly-whopped by BYU. OSU seemed to not be able to compete with the physicality of Utah last week, and I think Kansas State has a similar style to Utah in this sense. KSU will win the trenches and come out on top in a must-win game for both of these programs.
#16 Notre Dame vs #15 Louisville (ND -6.5) 3:30 PM EST
Prediction: Louisville beats Notre Dame 20-13
I don’t know what drugs Vegas is smoking to make ND almost a TD favorite in this game, but I’m not buying it. Notre Dame has struggled offensively all season including back-to-back lackluster performances against MAC schools. Louisville on the other hand has put together a great start to their season, including an 11-point victory against Georgia Tech last week to go 3-0. I like Louisville’s offense to put up some points in this game, and I expect Riley Leonard and Notre Dame’s offense to continue to struggle this week. Give me the Cardinals.
#9 Penn State vs #19 Illinois (PSU -18) 7:30 PM EST
Prediction: Penn State beats Illinois 24-14
Illinois made me eat my words last week with an impressive OT victory over what I believe is a very good Nebraska team. Penn State getting 18 points here seems silly, as nothing we’ve seen from them this season has been impressive. I think Illinois hangs around and makes this a battle, but PSU pulls away in the end.
#2 Georgia vs #4 Alabama (UGA -2) 7:30 PM EST
Prediction: Georgia beats Alabama 28-20
This is going to be the most important game of the season for both these teams. It will decide which team can afford an SEC loss later in the season, and which one will most likely have to run the table. Alabama has looked good, and with a healthy offensive line, they probably have the best unit in the country. Georgia already has notched a top-25 win over Clemson but struggled in their last game vs Kentucky. I think what this is going to come down to is the QB position and coaching. I think Georgia has the upper hand in both these categories as I don’t think Jalen Milroe is consistent enough to put up enough points to win against a stout Georgia defense. Carson Beck is going to make some throws, but most importantly won’t turn the ball over. I’m a big fan of both Kirby Smart and Kalen Daboer, but I don’t think any would argue against Kirby being the undisputed best coach in the nation. Give me the Bulldogs in a dogfight.
