2021 NCAAF Week 5 Best Bets

Another weekend of college football awaits, and that means money to be made. Which teams have the best spreads ahead of Week 5 matchups?

Houston Cougars vs. Tulsa Golden Hurricane (HOU +3.5)*

Friday, 10/1 @ 7:30 p.m. ET – ESPN

Since losing their opening weekend matchup, the Houston Cougars have dominated their past three. Now they sit at 3-1 heading into a Week 5 matchup in Tulsa against the 1-3 Golden Hurricane.

The Cougar offense has been explosive, and should fare well against the Hurricane, which just won its first game of the season by a single touchdown. For my money, Houston shouldn’t even need the 3.5—they’ll win outright.

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#5 Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Maryland Terrapins (IOWA -3.5)

Friday, 10/1 @ 8 p.m. ET – FS1

In a battle of Big 10 4-0s, the slight edge goes to the Iowa Hawkeyes. The team has played a tougher schedule so far, giving their unbeaten record a little more weight. The Hawkeye defense is terrifying, and should have a fun matchup with a high-powered Maryland Terrapins offense.

In the Big 10, defense usually wins and I expect more of the same Friday night. Give me Iowa by a touchdown.

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Charlotte 49ers vs. Illinois Fighting Illini (CHA +11.0)

Saturday, 10/2 @ 12 noon ET – BTN

Right now, these teams are headed in opposite directions. The Illinois Fighting Illini have dropped four straight after a semi-impressive Week 1 victory. The Charlotte 49ers are coming off a bounceback win in which they scored the most points (42) of their season so far.

I expect the momentum to continue Saturday. Charlotte should be able to keep the score within 10, or even a touchdown.

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#7 Cincinnati Bearcats vs. #9 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (ND +2.5)

Saturday, 10/2 @ 2:30 p.m. ET – NBC

The game of the week will take place in South Bend as two Top 10 unbeatens match up. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are getting 2.5 points, but have a more impressive resume so far this season, showing their ability to both win close games and put teams away/blow them out.

At home against the Cincinnati Bearcats, I expect the Irish to continue their big game force and win this one outright.

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Boston College Eagles vs. #25 Clemson Tigers (BC +16.0)

Saturday, 10/2 @ 7:30 p.m. ET – ACCN

The Clemson Tigers haven’t looked the same since losing superstar QB Trevor Lawrence to the NFL Draft. Underwhelming performance has become a trend for the Tigers. Meanwhile, the Boston College Eagles have looked good, sitting at 4-0.

Sixteen points is way too many for Clemson to cover in this one. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if the Eagles give the Tigers a good run for their money Saturday night.

Another big, action-packed weekend of college football is heading our way, so head to those sportsbooks before it’s too late. Enjoy the games and good luck!

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*All odds from ESPN/Caesars Sportsbook

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February 5, 2012 — The Giants rally past the Patriots 21-17 in Super Bowl XLVI. It's a rematch of Super Bowl XLII four years earlier where the Giants upset the Patriots 14-10, ending New England's hopes for a perfect 19-0 season. In 2012, trailing 17-15, New York has the ball on their own 12-yard line with 3:46 remaining. Eli Manning connects with Mario Manningham for a 38-yard completion. The Giants advance to the New England six-yard line where Ahmad Bradshaw scores with 57 seconds left.

On This Day In Sports History

February 3, 2002 — The Patriots win the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history by beating the heavily favored St. Louis Rams 20-17. The New England quarterback is second year pro Tom Brady. The Patriots win on a 48-yard field goal by Adam Vinatieri as time expires.​