{"id":1596458,"date":"2024-09-26T16:38:45","date_gmt":"2024-09-26T20:38:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sportscasting.com\/?p=1596458"},"modified":"2024-09-26T16:38:45","modified_gmt":"2024-09-26T20:38:45","slug":"college-football-week-5-expert-picks-predictions-and-best-bets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sportscasting.com\/news\/college-football-week-5-expert-picks-predictions-and-best-bets\/","title":{"rendered":"College Football Week 5: Expert Picks, Predictions, and Best Bets"},"content":{"rendered":"

College football Week 5 expert picks, predictions, and best bets are back as we gear up for an exciting slate of college football action in Week 5.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

As the college football season hits Week 5, the stakes rise, and the dreams of a playoff berth loom larger. In this inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff chase, each week holds the potential to shape destinies, and the pressure to perform grows with every snap.<\/p>\n

Upsets have already shattered expectations. Standout performances have elevated teams beyond their preseason projections. And as conference play kicks into high gear, the path to the postseason becomes a proving ground for the nation’s best.<\/p>\n

In Week 5, we\u2019re looking for the best bets across the college football landscape. So, what are the Week 4 college football picks and best bets?<\/p>\n

College Football Week 5 Picks and Best Bets<\/h2>\n

Wisconsin vs. USC Betting Preview<\/h3>\n

All Wisconsin vs. USC odds are from\u00a0DraftKings Sportsbook\u00a0and are correct as of Monday, Sept. 23.<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Spread<\/b>
    \n<\/b>USC -14.5<\/li>\n
  • Moneyline<\/b>
    \n<\/b>Wisconsin +475, USC -675<\/li>\n
  • Over\/Under<\/b>
    \n<\/b>50.5<\/li>\n
  • Game Time<\/b>
    \n<\/b>Saturday, Sept. 28, 3:30 p.m. ET<\/li>\n
  • Location<\/b>
    \n<\/b>Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum | Los Angeles<\/li>\n
  • Predicted Weather at Kick<\/b>
    \n<\/b>74 degrees, mostly sunny<\/li>\n
  • How To Watch<\/b>
    \n<\/b>CBS<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    I\u2019ve only picked one Wisconsin game so far in 2024, and it was hard to envision anything but a tough day for the Badgers, especially against Alabama. My reasoning then was simple: their offense hasn\u2019t figured things out.<\/p>\n

    Now, with veteran quarterback and Miami transfer Tyler Van Dyke out for the season, the situation doesn\u2019t look much better. When Phil Longo was brought in as offensive coordinator under Luke Fickell, Wisconsin seemed to need a shift away from their traditional ground-and-pound toward the high-octane air raid attack Longo made famous at North Carolina. But that consistency has been elusive.<\/p>\n

    This week, the Badgers must learn from USC\u2019s recent loss to Michigan. Despite throwing for just 32 yards, the Wolverines ran for 290 and scored 27 points to defeat the Trojans. To have a chance, Wisconsin must do the same\u2014control the ground game, chew the clock, and keep this matchup close.<\/p>\n

    As for the quarterback situation, I\u2019m not entirely convinced Braedyn Locke is a considerable drop-off. Locke was reportedly neck-and-neck with Van Dyke throughout much of the offseason. And when he came in for relief during garbage time against Alabama, he showed some promise. Locke finished 13-of-26 for 125 yards and threw Wisconsin\u2019s only touchdown of the day against a stout Alabama defense.<\/p>\n

    With extra preparation time during the bye week, Locke might be ready to take the reins in this pivotal Big Ten matchup. While I still lean toward USC taking the win, I also think they\u2019re being overvalued here, and the loss of Van Dyke might be triggering an overreaction. Look for Wisconsin to keep this one closer than many expect.<\/p>\n

    The Prediction:\u00a0<\/strong>Wisconsin 23, USC 31<\/p>\n

    Best Bet: <\/strong>Wisconsin +14.5<\/p>\n

    \n

    \ud835\udc06\ud835\udc00\ud835\udc0c\ud835\udc04 4\ufe0f\u20e3<\/p>\n

    \ud83c\udd9a USC
    \ud83d\udcc6 Saturday, Sept. 28
    \u23f0 2:30 PM CT
    \ud83c\udfdf\ufe0f LA Memorial Coliseum
    \ud83d\udcfa CBS     pic.twitter.com\/dLTw22lj1D<\/a><\/p>\n

    — Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) September 23, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n