Week 5 of the college football season is shaping up to be one of the most critical points of the year for bettors. With conference play heating up and teams fighting for playoff positioning, the lines are tight, and the margins for error are smaller than ever. Bettors will see a mix of heavyweight clashes, like Georgia vs. Alabama and Penn State vs. Oregon, alongside lopsided spreads such as Missouri laying over 40 points to UMass. The variety of games makes this slate one of the most intriguing yet, and with so much on the line, finding value in spreads, totals, and money lines becomes more important than chasing headlines. This is where expert insight comes in.
Legendary Vegas handicapper Bruce Marshall has already put his stamp on the 2024 season, finishing with a 64-43 record and delivering more than 16 units of profit to bettors. Using his Tech Corner method, an approach that digs into recent betting trends, team matchups, and historical edges, Marshall has rolled out his latest Week 5 betting guide, helping bettors identify which games are worth the risk and where the smart money is moving.
Week 5 college football top betting spotlight: Notre Dame vs. Arkansas
One of Marshall’s featured picks this week is Arkansas (+4.5) at home against Notre Dame. Kickoff is set for noon ET on Saturday.
- Trend breakdown: Notre Dame may have finally secured a win against Purdue, but against the spread, they’ve struggled. The Irish could easily be sitting at 0-3 ATS. Meanwhile, Arkansas has proven to be a live underdog, going 6-3 ATS in that role last season.
- Totals lean: Both teams have leaned toward high-scoring games. The Irish have gone Over in five straight contests, while Arkansas is on a 7-3 Over run since late 2024. With the current total at 64.5, Marshall leans toward the Over in addition to backing Arkansas to cover.
Also read: How many bets one should make on an average weekend?
Other notable Week 5 lines
- Penn State (-3.5) vs. Oregon – A top-10 clash with playoff implications. Penn State has been strong against the spread at home, but Oregon has covered in four of its last five road games.
- Georgia (-3) vs. Alabama – A rare spot where Alabama is catching points. Georgia’s defense has been lights out, but Nick Saban’s side thrives as an underdog.
- LSU vs. Ole Miss (-1.5) – Two SEC rivals with explosive offenses. The line suggests a coin flip, but recent totals trends lean Over.
- Missouri (-44.5) vs. UMass – The biggest spread on the board. UMass has been one of the least profitable teams ATS over the past two years.
Why expert analysis matters
It’s easy to be swayed by rankings and records, but betting value often comes from digging into trends that the oddsmakers have already accounted for—or overlooked. For example, Marshall has identified a 1-11 ATS trend in another Week 5 matchup that could completely swing how bettors approach that game. His track record speaks for itself: last year, those who followed his plays finished the season with significant returns.
DraftKings promo boost
New users can also pair expert picks with bonuses. DraftKings is offering $200 in bonus bets instantly plus $300 off NFL Sunday Ticket with a qualifying deposit. That gives fresh bettors added bankroll flexibility heading into Week 5.
Full Week 5 college football odds (selected games)
(Odds subject to change)
- Army vs. East Carolina (-4, 53.5)
- Florida State vs. Virginia (+7, 59.5)
- TCU vs. Arizona State (-3, 54.5)
- Houston vs. Oregon State (+13.5, 47.5)
- USC vs. Illinois (+6.5, 60.5)
- Tennessee vs. Mississippi State (+7.5, 63.5)
- Auburn vs. Texas A&M (-6.5, 52.5)
- Ohio State vs. Washington (+8, 52.5)
- Alabama vs. Georgia (-3, 52.5)
- BYU vs. Colorado (+6.5, 48.5)
Also Read: Soon, Nebraska will launch a campaign to legalize online gambling.
FAQs on Week 5 College Football Odds and Picks
1. What are the biggest games in Week 5 college football odds?
The marquee matchups include Penn State (-3.5) vs. Oregon, Georgia (-3) vs. Alabama, and Ole Miss (-1.5) vs. LSU. These games carry major playoff implications and tight spreads, making them must-watch and must-bet contests.
2. Which team has the largest spread in Week 5?
The Missouri Tigers are the biggest favorites of the week, laying 44.5 points against UMass. This type of spread often comes down to whether the favorite will keep starters in long enough to cover or pull back late in the game.
3. What’s Bruce Marshall’s top Week 5 betting pick?
Vegas handicapper Bruce Marshall is backing Arkansas (+4.5) to stay inside the number against Notre Dame. He also likes the Over (64.5) in that matchup, based on both teams’ recent totals trends.
4. Why do trends matter in college football betting?
Trends—such as how a team performs as an underdog, or how often their games go Over/Under—help bettors find value beyond rankings and hype. For example, Notre Dame has struggled ATS this season, while Arkansas has historically performed well as an underdog.
5. Where can I find full Week 5 betting odds?
Sportsbooks like DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM offer updated lines throughout the week. Odds can shift based on injuries, betting volume, and market movement, so checking regularly is key.
6. Are there promo offers for betting on Week 5 games?
Yes. DraftKings is currently offering $200 in bonus bets plus $300 off NFL Sunday Ticket for new users who sign up and deposit. This can give bettors more flexibility when wagering on Week 5 matchups.
7. How do money line bets work in college football?
A money line bet means you’re simply picking the team to win outright, regardless of the spread. For example, taking Alabama on the money line against Georgia would pay more since they are underdogs.
8. Is it better to bet spreads, totals, or money lines?
It depends on the matchup. Spreads can offer value when teams are mispriced, totals work well if trends show consistent Overs or Unders, and money lines are best when you believe an underdog has a real shot at an upset.
