NCAA College Football Picks: Week 5 Against the Spread

It’s been an unpredictable betting season so far, but that won’t stop the predictions!

There is only one game this week between Top 25 teams, on Thursday night with Arizona State hosting UCLA. But, have no fear, as there are many big conference games this week, especially in the Pac-12.

Let’s check it out, with lines brought to you by CoopersPick.com: 

No. 11 UCLA vs. No. 15 Arizona State

Betting Odds: UCLA (-4)

UCLA, like Arizona State, is at 3-0, but while the Bruins are favored in their Pac 12 matchup, they won’t run away with this. Speaking of running, the Sun Devils rank seventh in the nation in rushing yards per game, and RB D.J. Foster has 510 yards with five TD, averaging 9.4 yards per carry.

The Bruins are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games against ASU, according to CollegeFootballPicks2014.com (subscription required), and the favorite is 5-2 in the last seven games between the two conference rivals.

Pick Against the Spread: Take that last stat and run with it. UCLA wins a cover, as QB Brett Hundley will be the key.

No. 1 Florida State vs. North Carolina State

Betting Odds: FSU (-23)

Florida State needed OT to beat Clemson without reigning Heisman winner Jameis Winston under center, but he is back for this game. The Seminoles are a huge betting favorite, even on the road, but they have not covered the spread so far on the season. NC State is at 4-0, and while it has not played a tough schedule, the team did put up 49 points on South Florida last game.

NC State is 13-3-1 ATS in its last 17 games against FSU, according to Wise Owl Sports, and the Seminoles have not covered the spread in their last six games at NC State.

Pick Against the Spread: FSU will win but take NC State to cover.

Missouri vs. No. 13 South Carolina

Betting Odds: South Carolina (-5.5)

Missouri was shocked in a home loss to Indiana, while South Carolina has won three straight, including beating a Top 10 Georgia team. The Gamecocks are giving up an average of 36 points per game, but they face a Mizzou squad that has only played one team from a major conference—and the Tigers lost that one.

Mizzou has covered the spread in six of its last seven on the road, while South Carolina is 6-1 ATS in its last seven games facing a team with a winning record.

Pick Against the Spread: South Carolina will win and cover at home.

No. 16 Stanford vs. Washington

Betting Odds: Stanford (-6.5)

Stanford is on the road, has a loss already and faces an undefeated Washington team. However, the Huskies have only covered in one of their four games this season. Stanford’s stifling defense is the best unit in the nation, only giving up an average of 4.3 ppg.

Stanford is 4-1 ATS in its last five road games facing Washington.

Pick Against the Spread: There is a “D” in “Stanford” for a reason. Take them for the win and cover.

Oregon State vs. No. 18 USC

Betting Odds: USC (-11)

Oregon State is 3-0, but it has not played one team so far from a big conference. Meanwhile, after beating a Top 20 Stanford team, USC was shocked last week by Boston College.

The underdog is 4-0 ATS in the last four games between these two, and the home team is 5-2 ATS.

Pick Against the Spread: USC is welcomed back home with a comfortable victory that covers.

Cincinnati vs. No. 22 Ohio State

Betting Odds: Ohio State (-14.5)

Cincinnati is undefeated and has a passing offense that ranks ninth in the nation in passing yards per game. However, the Bearcats are the big underdog on the road facing Ohio State. The Buckeyes lost their only contest against a legit team so far, and Cincy will give them a test.

Pick Against the Spread: OSU should win, but Cincy will cover.

Arkansas vs. No. 6 Texas A&M

Betting Odds: Texas A&M (-10.5)

Arkansas got over its season-opening loss to Auburn by winning three straight, led by two solid running backs, each with over 390 rushing yards. However, the Razorbacks are on the road to face an undefeated Texas A&M team that has won every game in a blowout and ranks in the top 10 in the nation in overall defense and passing yards per game.

Arkansas is 4-1 ATS in the last five games against Texas A&M, but it has only covered the spread in four of the last 17 games on the road.

Pick Against the Spread: The Aggies will roll in this one, easily winning and covering.