Media by Associated Press – UCLA running back Zach Charbonnet runs the ball during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Southern California Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, in Los Angeles. UCLA won 62-33. If the Bruins are going to contend for the Pac-12 title, it will need big seasons again from quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson and running back Zach Charbonnet. UCLA opens the season on Sept. 4 against Bowling Green. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)
The college football season has five Saturdays in October this season. This is a packed weekend with 23 ranked teams in action. Let’s take a look at the top five best bets.
Texas -7
The Red River Shootout doesn’t carry quite the same prestige nationally this year as it usually does. In fact, this is the first time that neither Texas (3-2) nor Oklahoma (3-2) has been ranked for this rivalry game since 1998. Texas won that game behind the running prowess of Heisman winner Ricky Williams.
Oklahoma’s defense was absolutely shredded in losses to Kansas State and TCU. They gave up 55 points last week against the latter and lost by 31. Quinn Ewers could be back for Texas, and the Longhorns will be able to put up points against the Sooners all game long.
Tennessee -3
LSU got very lucky to escape Auburn with a 21-17 win last week. They will need some Death Valley magic to beat the Vols this week, but unfortunately for the Tigers, this isn’t a night game but a Noon ET kickoff.
Tennessee has scored at least 34 points in every game this week, and they had a week off after surviving Florida 38-33. Tennessee hasn’t thrown an interception all season, has allowed just six sacks, and are averaging 360 yards per game. They do have rivals Alabama next week but don’t expect the Vols to overlook LSU.
NC State -3
Both NC State and Florida State lost last week to Clemson and Wake Forest, respectively. The Wolfpack offense struggled against Clemson, with only 34 rushing yards and two turnovers. Meanwhile, Florida State allowed 405 yards to Wake Forest and gave up 10-of-18 3rd down conversions.
If the Wolfpack can get their running game going, they can control the clock and the game at home. Wake Forest tallied 171 yards on the ground against FSU, and Louisville had 262 yards in Week 2. Look for NC State to run down the Noles throats and control this game.
Ohio State -25.5
At home or on the road, Michigan State is just dreadful. They lost at Maryland by 14, at home against Minnesota by 27, and at Washington by 11. They have little chance of sticking with Heisman’s favorite C.J. Stroud, even at home.
Ohio State loves blowouts, and they aren’t afraid to run it up. In the last four games, they have scored 45, 77, 52, and 49 points, winning by 33, 56, 31, and 39. Stroud has completed 69% of his passes for 1,376 yards, 18 touchdowns, and just two interceptions.
Utah -4.5
UCLA pulled off the upset last Friday night at home against Washington. But now they face an even better team in Utah in Week 6. This line opened at -3 and is now at -4.5, so jump on it early.
Utah has held their last three opponents to 36 points combined while winning by 28, 21, and 26. Under Kyle Whittingham, the Utes have knocked off the Bruins by at least 20 points in each of the last three meetings. Cam Rising has 1,153 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and only two interceptions as he leads the Utes to a road cover.
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