One of the best college football weeks of the year lived up to the hype as many games stayed within one score. As for me, I had my worst week of picks and am looking forward to bouncing back in week 5. Here are five of the top games to watch in week 5.

Week 4 record (no spread): 3-2

Overall record (no spread): 14-5

Week 4 record (spread): 3-2

Overall record (spread): 15-4

#10 Utah @ #19 Oregon State (Oregon State -4.5)

Utah (4-0) defeated UCLA 14-7 in a low scoring affair in week three. While it was expected quarterback Cam Rising may return for the Utes in week three, he did not. Rising could return Friday night, but he is still currently questionable to play. If Rising does not play, quarterback Nate Johnson will make his third consecutive start for the Utes. The Utah offense may be currently struggling, but the defense is elite giving up only 9.5 points per game and only 51 rushing yards per game, which ranks third in the FBS.

Oregon State (3-1) lost in week four in a 38-35 shootout against Washington State. The Beavers are led by former Clemson quarterback DJ Uiagalelei as well as a strong rushing game that ranks ninth in the country with 225 yards per
game. The offense also ranks 20th in points averaging 39.5 per game. Oregon State’s rush defense has been strong as well, ranking eighth against the run, giving up 70 rushing yards per game. The Beavers do struggle ranking 104th
against the pass after Cameron Ward threw for 404 yards against them in week four.

Game Prediction: There have been a few reports from unknown sources that rising will not play Friday. Either way, I still think Utah gets it done in another lower scoring affair. Utah wins 21-17.

#22 Florida @ Kentucky (Kentucky -2.5)

After losing an ugly game to Utah, Florida (3-1) has looked pretty good. Last week was not their best performance, struggling with a 1-9 conversion rate on third down, but they still walked away with the 22-7 win over Charolette.
Quarterback Graham Mertz seems to be getting the job done for the Gators with a 77.8 completion rate, four touchdowns and only one interception. The defense has been outstanding so far for the Gators as they rank 1st against the pass in the SEC and 14th in the nation against the run.

Kentucky (4-0) has good looked through four weeks, but has played absolutely no one. The Wildcats best win was against Vanderbilt and they gave up 28 points, which is not good. Kentucky currently ranks ninth in rushing defense, allowing only 77.5 yards per game and the defense has also been able to force some turnovers. Kentucky has been good offensively as well, averaging 38 yards per game. Despite looking above average on both sides of the ball, quarterback Devin Leary’s numbers are not that impressive with 59% completion rate and five interceptions on the year. This Gators defense will be the first test for Leary and Kentucky as a team. 

Game Prediction: Kentucky has won this matchup the last two times, but will not be able to beat Florida this Saturday. Gators win 28-20.

#13 LSU @ #20 Ole Miss (LSU -3.5)

LSU (3-1) edged out Arkansas 34-31 in a SEC West battle on Saturday. After losing to Florida State, the Tigers have been great, especially offensively led by quarterback Jayden Daniels. Daniels through four games has a 72.6% completion rate, 1296 yards, 12 touchdowns and only 2 interceptions. If the Tigers can keep going offensively, they should be able to put up points in this game and compete. LSU’s defense must be ready as well for as the Ole Miss offense is led by mobile quarterback Jaxon Dart. 

Ole Miss (3-1) lost there first game of the season the Alabama 24-10 in week three. One of the main things the Rebels struggled in was converting third downs, going 3-for-14. The Rebels’ run defense was good early, but did struggle
some the second half against Alabama. I also expected the offensive rushing attack to be a little bit better this season with Quinshon Judkins, but they are currently ranked 77^th in FBS. Quarterback Jaxon Dart has got the job done for Ole Miss, but the only big win the Rebels have is against a regressing Tulane team. This could be the biggest game of the year for both teams.

Game Prediction: I just really like the LSU offense and team as a whole. They know this game is needed to be able to be the favorites coming out of the west. Give me the Tigers to win and cover 35-27.

South Carolina @ #21 Tennessee (Tenn -12.5)

South Carolina (2-2) defeated Mississippi State 37-30 in week four. I know the quarterback struggled in the Georgia game, but I think Spencer Rattler has been the one of the best quarterbacks in college football through four games. I was at the Georgia game and despite the numbers, he looked really good. Rattler currently has a 74.2% completion rate with seven touchdowns and two interceptions coming against Georgia. Oh, and he has one of the worst offensive lines in football. The defense has not been great for the Gamecocks either, but I do expect them to compete here.

Tennessee defeated UTSA 45-14 in week four, bouncing back after losing to Florida. The Volunteer’s defense has been incredible statistically. They are currently third in the nation in sacks and tackles for a loss, which could be a problem for the Gamecocks. This game will also be in Knoxville and has me worried for the Carolina offense. If the Joe Milton and the Tennessee offense can get going, they could run away with this game at home.

Game Prediction: All the numbers and the line tell me to take Tennessee in this game. I was not of fan of this Tennessee team to start the season and still do not think there as good as numbers say.  If this game was not Knoxville, I would take Carolina. Give me the Volunteers to win 35-30.

#11 Notre Dame @ #17 Duke (ND -5.5)

Notre Dame (4-1) lost to Ohio State in a tight 17-14 battle in week four. Some costly mistakes lost Notre Dame the game versus Ohio State. How do you only have 10 men on the field there at the end of the game? Statistically, Notre Dame and Ohio State were pretty similar. The Fightin’ Irish did control the ball a little bit longer than the Buckeyes, winning the time of possession battle by nine minutes. Despite the loss, Notre Dame still has a strong running game and a defense that ranks 7^th in total yards allowed. I expect a big bounce back here for the Irish.

Duke (4-0) has surprised some people this year. The Blue Devils were able to defeat Clemson to start the year and has pretty much dominated all there games so far this year on the scoreboard. Duke is led by dual-threat quarterback and offense that is ranked 26^th in rushing through the first four games. The Duke defense has also played pretty well, giving up only 143 yards passing per game that ranks fourth in the nation. This will be the Blue Devils biggest test to see if they are a true contender.

Game Prediction: I think the Fightin’ Irish bounce back here and cover this number pretty easy. Give me Notre Dame to win 31-17.

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