While this slate isn't as great on paper as last week's, we are getting an incredible quarterback matchup at Davis Wade Stadium that should set the tone for the day.
Here are our picks and favorite bets against the spread.
👉 Check out all college football Week 5 lines on theScore Bet
Our trio of betting writers - Brenden Deeg, Dane Belbeck, and Eric Patterson - will make picks against the spread for the week's biggest games all season.
Brenden Deeg breaks down a few of this week's marquee games, adding his own analysis and insights. He also identifies three hidden gems that may be going overlooked by the public.
Game time - 12 p.m. ET
🏈 Bet: Alabama (-5.5)
Both teams are 4-0 heading into Saturday, and second-year quarterbacks Keelon Russell and Kamario Taylor are taking college football by storm. They've quickly established themselves as Heisman contenders, making this the most interesting matchup of the weekend.
While Mississippi State has evolved from a cute story into a serious College Football Playoff hopeful, this matchup is tough for Taylor and the Bulldogs. The signal-caller has been a different quarterback against five-plus rushers, as he's taken seven sacks in his last two games and ranks 91st nationally in completion percentage when blitzed. Alabama, meanwhile, is blitzing at the 26th-highest rate in FBS. The Crimson Tide have also recorded 56 team pressures through four games (10th most) and should give Mississippi State's offensive line fits all day.
After having a disastrous ground attack in 2025, Alabama ranks 17th in explosive run rate this season and will likely succeed on the ground against this defense, especially when Russell escapes the pocket. The Bulldogs have allowed the 17th-most EPA on quarterback scrambles, while Russell has amassed the third-most yards on scrambles, according to TruMedia. I like the Crimson Tide to win by at least a touchdown on the road in this SEC battle. 👉 Add Alabama to your betslip on theScore Bet here.
Game time - 7 p.m. ET
🏈 Bet: Auburn (+6.5)
Tennessee fought back against Texas and covered the 3.5-point spread, but the Volunteers' flaws got exposed, and their roster is severely banged up heading into Saturday. They have seven players ruled out for this game, including their best offensive lineman, Wendell Moe Jr., who will miss the rest of the season.
The Volunteers need to run the ball to succeed, and it will be tough sledding against a Tigers defense that's held opposing offenses to a 33.6% rushing success rate. Freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon is averaging only 7.5 yards per pass attempt and ranks 74th in EPA per dropback, while Auburn's ferocious front seven sits sixth in total pressures generated (60).
This game screams low-scoring rock fight. I have questions about the Tigers' offense, but these teams are closer than many think, as Tennessee ranks 37th in adjusted net EPA per play and Auburn sits 38th. I like the Tigers to keep this one close and maybe even secure an upset on the road. 👉 Add Auburn to your betslip on theScore Bet here.
Game time - 7:30 p.m. ET
🏈 Bet: USC (-9.5)
Lincoln Riley is starting to feel the heat after a 14-point loss to Oregon. In a must-win game for the Trojans to keep their playoff hopes alive, a reeling Washington team is coming into the Coliseum, and Riley should be able to exploit its weaknesses.
Washington's offense is struggling mightily to start the season, having become too reliant on Demond Williams' playmaking. The unit scored just 40 points combined against Washington State and Utah State and ranks 76th in EPA per play despite the team's light schedule. The Huskies also rank a whopping 128th in rush success rate on account of their running back room being plagued by injuries.
Although USC's defense has been suspect all year and remains Riley's Achilles' heel, The Trojans are in a good spot against the Huskies' offense. Give me USC to win by 10-plus points. 👉 Add USC to your betslip on theScore Bet here.
Game time - 12 p.m. ET
🏈 Bet: West Virginia (+3.5)
These teams are both looking to rebound after double-digit losses. While Iowa State has done better than many predicted after losing Matt Campbell, I think West Virginia is the better group right now.
Utah's ground attack gashed the Cyclones last week, with running back Wayshawn Parker totaling 174 yards and two touchdowns. They struggled mightily as Devon Dampier threatened them in the run game, and now Michael Hawkins and Cam Cook are coming to town. Hawkins, who already has 14 total touchdowns this year, is lighting it up in his first season as the Mountaineers' starting quarterback. Like Cook, he's averaging over five yards per carry as well, meaning both players should have a field day against this defense.
On the other side, Iowa State's passing game ranks 108th in EPA per dropback, and it won't be able to establish a consistent ground game against the Mountaineers' solid run defense. Give me West Virginia to cover this spread and possibly win outright on the road. 👉Add West Virginia to your betslip on theScore Bet here.
Game time - 3:30 p.m. ET
🏈 Bet: UMass (-5.5)
UMass isn't getting the respect it deserves as a 5.5-point home favorite against Eastern Michigan.
The Minutemen are 4-0 after pulling off arguably the year's biggest upset against Rutgers in Week 1. Quarterback William "Pop" Watson has been great, but their defense has performed incredibly and deserves most of the credit for the program's turnaround. The unit ranks 20th in total EPA and now faces an Eastern Michigan team that generates success on only 39.7% of its offensive plays (128th in FBS).
The Eagles' defense, meanwhile, is allowing 5.7 yards per play (97th in the nation), and I don't see them keeping this game within a touchdown. Give me UMass to continue rolling and move to 5-0 on Saturday. 👉 Add UMass to your betslip on theScore Bet here.
Game time - 6 p.m. ET
🏈 Bet: Oregon State (-6.5)
After posting a 2-10 record in 2025, Oregon State has already won two games this season, and its losses have come to ranked Houston and Texas Tech in close contests. New head coach JaMarcus Shephard is moving the program in the right direction, and the offense has been fun to watch.
Mercer transfer Braden Atkinson has been one of college football's best stories. The sophomore signal-caller has thrown for over 300 yards in every game this season, including a 413-yard, two-touchdown performance in the Beavers' loss to Texas Tech. Additionally, Oregon State freshman wideout Jesse Legree is second in the country in receiving yards behind Jeremiah Smith. The pair of offensive cornerstones should continue their incredible campaigns against a Colorado State defense that just allowed 59 points to UTSA.
The Beavers are 4-0 against the spread this season and have flown by inferior opponents in their two wins. I like them to continue that pace Saturday and win by at least one touchdown. 👉 Add Oregon State to your betslip on theScore Bet here.
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