Taphorn’s Twelve Pack: College Football Week 5 Bets
- Week 4 Record: 3-3. -3 units; Year to Date Record: 13-14. -6 units; Degenerate Little
- Birdie Record: 3-1
- Check out Taphorn’s Twelve Pack: NFL Week 4 Bets
6 College Football Week 5 Bets I Like:
1. Oklahoma Sooners -10.5 at Kansas State Wildcats
The college football twelve-pack has been ice cold lately, and not in a good way. I don’t trust the Sooners right now; they’ve avoided three upsets and have only covered once this year against Western Carolina. I guess I’ll just say they’re due. Bet amount: ½ unit.
2. Texas Longhorns -5.5 at TCU Horned Frogs
Friday night lights in Texas. Texas may have just scored another touchdown against Tech. The change to Hudson Card is paying dividends for the Longhorns offense. TCU lost a week ago to SMU giving up 42 points.
- Bet amount: ½ unit.
3. Cincinnati Bearcats at Notre Dame Fighting Irish +1.5
I doubted the Irish against Wisconsin a week ago and was proven wrong. Jack Coan should be back after escaping what could have been a scary injury. Cincy has a week to prepare, and this is likely their biggest game in years, but the Irish are battle-tested.
- Bet amount: 1 unit.
4. Liberty Flames +1.5 at UAB Blazers
The Flames flamed out after an offensive flare-up in the second half when they were trailing at Syracuse. Liberty was in the position to win the game late, but a few miscues flipped the game ending with the Orange kicking a game-winning field goal. Still placing my trust in Malik Willis to get the job done.
We need you here tomorrow night!#WTD pic.twitter.com/aYANmsQCVx
— Bill Clark (@CoachBillClark) October 1, 2021
- Bet amount: 2 units.
5. Boston College Golden Eagles +15.5 at Clemson Tigers
Dabo’s team is reeling. The double-overtime loss to NC State should have ended sooner if the Wolfpack kicker had done his job. Jeff Hapley has his team playing great football and the Eagles defense shouldn’t let a struggling and injured Clemson offense pull away by more than two scores.
- Bet amount: 1 unit.
6. Auburn Tigers at LSU Tigers -3.5
A narrow escape for the Tigers of the Auburn variety a week ago. Georgia State had Auburn dead to rights before LSU transfer TJ Finley saved the day on a scramble touchdown throw on 4th down. LSU hasn’t inspired much faith, but Death Valley should give enough advantage against an Auburn team with major questions offensively.
- Bet amount: 2 units.
*Degenerate Little Birdie’s Bonus Bet: Arkansas Razorbacks +18.5 at Georgia Bulldogs.
The health of KJ Jefferson and Treylon Burks will ultimately determine where this enormous spread falls. For a top 10 matchup this three-score spread just seems tough to justify against Sam Pittmann’s group. Georgia’s win against Clemson is looking less impressive and their other three games raise the question of the Dawg’s true merits.
6 College Football Week 5 Bets to Avoid:
1. Iowa Hawkeyes -3.5 at Maryland Terrapins
Maryland with their second early season conference Friday night game. A battle of each team’s best, the Iowa defense takes on the top passer in the conference in Taulia Tagovailoa. Can Tua’s brother make his own mark on the national stage with a top 5 win?
2. Ole Miss Rebels at Alabama Crimson Tide -14.5
The Rebels gave Bama a big scare last year and look to be improved this year. Lane Kiffin has had a week to prep for this game and he’s been chomping at the bit to get a win over Nick Saban. Alabama’s defense showed some flaws against Florida, but the offense is humming. If the Tide can get ahead and keep the gas down this could get ugly, but the Rebels won’t go away quietly.
3. Michigan Wolverines at Wisconsin Badgers -1.5
Two very different stories this far into the season. The Wolverines haven’t turned the ball over at all while Wisconsin finds new and unique ways to do it each week. The Badgers have two losses to two top ten teams, and this will provide a good barometer for both squads.
4. Ohio State Buckeyes -15.5 at Rutgers Scarlett Knights
Rutgers got down early against Michigan a week ago and came back to cover. Ohio State sat CJ Stroud to rest a banged-up shoulder but expect him to be back this week. Still not confident in what Ohio State is putting on the field yet so going to stay away from the Buckeyes again.
5. Nevada Wolfpack at Boise State Broncos -6.5
Carson Strong on the blue turf. This could be another upset for the signal-caller. It is worth watching, but keeping the wallet tucked away here.
6. Arizona State Sun Devils at UCLA Bruins -3.5
Another intriguing matchup that I’m holding the purse back on. This Pac-12 South matchup could help determine who ultimately makes it to the conference championship game. Herm Edwards and Chip Kelly’s teams have both had high points of the season and both have dropped a game to underrated teams that they should have been able to topple. A great nightcap for enjoyment purposes only.
