College Football Picks: Week 5

Good morning sports fans! It's the first October Saturday of the year, and with the weather finally cooling down after muggy temperatures extended summer, I feel that it's finally safe to say it's officially football season! And let's be real: with the MLB playoffs in full swing, the NFL approaching the end of its first month, and the NBA just a few weeks from tip-off, this is truly the greatest time for those of us who spend our weekends following the action. March is really the only competition, and that's primarily about March Madness, as well as that individual game with the putters and drivers... I forget the name of it :-)

We are coming off a 4-2 weekend that could've easily been 5-1 had Texas and Tennessee realized that the first half was not a practice. But few complaints thus far, and I'm ready for excitement in week 5.

I am a bit limited on time this morning and don't love the full slate today, so I'm sticking to 4 picks. As always, feel free to share your own picks, comments, and feedback. I'll reply back.

Alabama at Mississippi State: Over 60 (12pm ET)

• This should be a shootout, so definitely have your microwave popcorn ready at 11:59am. Note that as we get closer to kick off, the total is rising. I've seen 62.5 already so shop around, but honestly, I think we get over that line too.

Ohio State at Iowa: OSU - 13.5 (3:30pm ET)

• Iowa is coming home after a massive last second upset win on the road against Michigan. While their motivation will be there against the toughest competition in the Big 10, I think OSU wins this one going away, as they know they can't afford a second loss so early in the season. However, to be safe, I bought a point (at -130) to bring OSU -14.5 down below two touchdowns. I don't think Iowa has the fire power to catch up if down in the first half.

UTEP at New Mexico: New Mexico Team Total Over 34.5 (4pm ET)

• Not the most high-profile game on the board, but perfect weather conditions are going to be aided by a UTEP squad that has already given up 51 and 52 points in a pair of road games. I suspect New Mexico to find the endzone at least 3 times before half. The Lobos should crush in this one.

ALT. Team Total Parlay (-111) Leg 1 - Utah State at Boise State: Boise State Team Total Over 30.5 (7:30pm ET) Leg 2 - San Jose State at Hawaii: San Jose State Team Total Over 19.5 (11:59pm ET)

• Yup, you heard me right. I'm taking Boise State to score consistently and bought this down from 35.5. I also like SJSU at a very modest total on the road, bought down from 23.5, although I kind of also like their regular over in this spot against the Rainbow Warriors.

Good luck!

Zach