College Football Week 5 betting odds: Picking Top 25 teams against the spread
By Brad Rowland
Texas Tech (+17) over No. 5 Baylor
I’m giving out Texas Tech blindly because of the wide cushion, but the real value is on the under in this game. Las Vegas has made this total at 89.5 (!) points, and it keeps rising. Wait until kick-off in search of a 90-point number and take the under each and every time. Thank me later.
No. 4 TCU (-15) over Texas
Things have gotten ugly in Austin to the point where I’m willingly to lay more than two touchdowns. TCU’s offense is capable of throwing up 40 points on just about anyone, and I’m not sure Texas can crack 21, even against a banged-up Horned Frogs defense. I would truthfully stay away from this line because I don’t love it, but TCU is my lean.
No. 25 Florida (+7.5) over No. 3 Ole Miss
Home underdog getting more than a field goal. That is my rationale here, and the entire world will be on Ole Miss in this spot. Putting faith in Florida’s offense to score enough is a bit terrifying, but the backdoor could be open, and I’m not willing to lay more than 7.
No. 2 Michigan State (-22) over Purdue
Purdue is brutal. Michigan State has been unimpressive in the minds of some, but Sparty will be looking to make a statement in its Big Ten opener, and their opponent is willing to give up a million points. I would take MSU up to 24 points and be happy with it.
Indiana (+21.5) over No. 1 Ohio State
I hate this line. Indiana enters the game undefeated, but they haven’t played anyone. Ohio State enters the game undefeated but they haven’t been impressive after the opener. The Buckeyes should easily cruise to victory, but until their offense looks crisper I can’t lay more than three touchdowns in a conference game, even against Indiana.