College football betting, Week 5: Picking NC State-Clemson, Kentucky-Ole Miss and more

No. 7 Kentucky visits No. 14 Ole Miss in the Game of the Week this Saturday. No 5 Clemson hosts No 10 NC State. The winner of this game is more likely to impact the College Football Playoff race.  There is at least one more spot remaining for the CFP. It could be an unbeaten Pac-12 champion or an undefeated Big 12 champion. Oklahoma State is the only unbeaten team left. Kansas is an underdog. There is only one unbeaten school left in this category. This week's bets include NC St. vs. Clemson and Kentucky vs Ole M.

NC State is stronger on defense than offense. Devin Leary had a great season last year, but he averaged just 8.0 yards per attempt. NC State’s defense is ranked in the top 15 nationally in total yards and yardsper play. Clemson is coming off of an emotionally draining victory at Wake Forest. The over/under for this game is 40.

No. 7 Kentucky plays No. 14 Ole Miss on Saturday at 12 p.m. The Rebels are the favorite. Kentucky beat Florida last week. OleMiss has the better defense. The pick is Ole Mississippi 33, Kentucky 21. It's a game between the No 1 contender to Alabama in the SEC West.

Iowa State is favored by 3 points at Kansas. The Cyclones have a better team than Kansas and a more talented quarterback in Jalon Daniels. Iowa State will win 35-27.   The pick is by the sportsbook. It's a value proposition. They're buying on the big movement.

South Alabama is a bit better than expected and has a better statistical record. UL is coming off an ugly loss to UL-Monroe. The game is being played at 5 p.m. on ESPN+.

West Virginia plays Texas at 7:30 p.m. Texas is 2-2 and West Virginia is 1-3. Quinn Ewers injured his shoulder and collarbone against Alabama. West Virginians have an extra day of rest. The Mountaineers will lose the battle on both the offensive and defensive front.

Arizona State is favored by 25½ points at No. 6 USC. The Trojans won last week thanks to a couple of late interceptions. USC has 11 interceptions and only 13 pass breakups. The team has a high interception percentage.

Last week, last week's bets went 2-4 straight up and 1-5 against the spread.

This year's college football betting is 15-9 straight up, 13-11 ATS.