College Football Week 5 betting odds: Picking Top 25 teams against the spread
By Brad Rowland
Kansas State (+8) over No. 20 Oklahoma State
In this battle of undefeated Big 12 teams, points are your friend. Kansas State plays a grind-it-out style when compared to much of the rest of the conference, and Bill Snyder has the coaching edge against just about anyone. Oklahoma State would be the play if this line fell below 7, but with the extra candy, I’ll take K-State and expect a closely-fought game.
No. 19 Wisconsin (-6.5) over Iowa
I just don’t believe in Iowa. That is probably unfair to Kirk Ferentz and the Hawkeyes, but until we see them topple a top-flight Big Ten team, it is reasonable to be skeptical. Wisconsin has been impressive at times in beating up on lesser opponents, but even with a step up in competition, the Badgers are my play despite the absence of star running back Corey Clement.
Minnesota (+4.5) over No. 16 Northwestern
More than 60% of the action has come in on Northwestern according to Vegas Insider, but the line keeps moving in the direction of Minnesota. Sharps! The smart guys usually seem to favor Jerry Kill’s team with all things equal, and with Northwestern likely overvalued based on an undefeated start, this line is about 2 points higher than it should be. Wildcats RB Justin Jackson is the real deal, but I see a low-scoring, back-and-forth game, and 4.5 points is a nice cushion to have in that spot.
*No line currently available between No. 18 Stanford and Arizona. When in doubt, take the points.
Next: Teams 15-11