College Football Week 5 Predictions

We’re almost into October and as temperatures are finally starting to chill, the season is beginning to heat up as serious showdowns await in conference play.

There are 21 FBS teams that are 4-0 heading into Week 5 and none more surprising than Kansas. The Jayhawks were 2-10 last season but remain unbeaten after road wins over West Virginia and Houston followed by last week’s 35-27 victory over previously undefeated Duke.

I’m also big on the Jayhawks' rival Kansas State after the Wildcats stunned then-No. 6 Oklahoma last Saturday.

Some experts believe this is the weekend to fade both of them, that the hype has become too much. Meh, I’m riding on both of their bandwagons until I fall off by betting it will be a happy Saturday for football fans in the Sunflower State.

So here we go, with odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook. But don’t forget about all the great gambling options available in your state.

My picks are in CAPS.

Iowa State at KANSAS (+3, -110)

Lawrence should be rollin’ with chants of Rock Chalk Jayhawk and basketball season hasn't even started. But this Kansas offense, led by breakout star quarterback Jalon Daniels, a Heisman Trophy contender if he keeps this up, looks legit. They average 47 points and 474 yards per game. Plus, the Cyclones are coming off a tough home loss to Baylor.

Texas Tech at KANSAS STATE (-7.5, -110) 

The question is: Will the Wildcats suffer a letdown after its incredible 43-34 road win over Oklahoma? Now, they’re back home to face the Red Raiders, who had their own wild and impressive victory last Saturday after outlasting Texas overtime. If KSU QB Adrian Martinez can accomplish even half what he did last week – 148 yards and four TDs rushing to go with 234 yards and one score passing – KSU will continue to rise from its current No. 25 AP poll ranking.

Oregon State at UTAH (-10.5, -110)

Oregon State nearly pulled off the upset of USC last weekend and should have, losing 17-14 after allowing the go-ahead score with 1:13 left. Oregon State QB Chance Nolan threw four interceptions in the loss. Utah, meanwhile, rolled past Arizona State which was no surprise but the Utes certainly look like they’ve put the gut-punch season-opening loss to Florida in the rearview mirror. Utah will be out to avenge last year’s 42-34 loss in Corvallis where the Utes were 3-point favorites. However, the 12th-ranked Utes must overcome the huge loss of their favorite receiving target, tight end Brant Kuithe, who suffered a season-ending injury during the ASU game.

OREGON QB BO NIX TO SCORE RUSHING TD (+105) vs. Stanford

Now, comes my Lock of the Week. WTF? Better than even money on Nix, who’s having a tremendous season for the Ducks. Not only does he have 10 touchdown passes to three interceptions but he’s rushed for three touchdowns already, Oregon’s leader. He averages 4.6 yards per carry and has proven sneaky good near the goal line. And you’re telling me he’s not scoring a rushing TD at home against the Cardinal D? Heh.

This is your late Saturday night (kickoff is at 9 p.m. PT) gift, for East and West Coasters alike. Take it and wake up Sunday morning feelin’ goooood.