Week five of the college football season is here and it’s time to predict six more games across the college football world. Last week I was poor on my predictions; finishing with a 2-4 record. I now have a 10-8 record through the first four weeks of the season. Here are my picks for this week!
No. 21 USC Trojans @ No. 23 Illinois Fighting Illini | Kickoff at 11:00am CT on FOX
After getting embarrassed on the road against Indiana, Illinois welcomes the undefeated USC Trojans for a battle in the BIG 10. The Trojans, led by quarterback Jayden Maiava have been on fire offensively averaging 52 points per game. This will be a stiff test for an Illinois team that’s struggling on the defensive side of the ball. I like USC to get the win. I think it will be hard for the Illini to handle the Trojans’ offensive firepower. USC in a blowout win! My Prediction: USC
No.6 Oregon Ducks @ No.3 Penn State Nittany Lions | Kickoff at 6:30pm CT on NBC
Another BIG 10 battle features two top-ten teams battling in Happy Valley. Oregon takes their high powered offense on the road to face the Penn State whiteout. The Nittany Lions have returning talent including running back Kaytron Allen and quarterback Drew Allar. Oregan quarterback Dante Moore will arguably face his toughest test against a strong Penn State defense that’s among the best in the conference. Moore has been brilliant over the last four games, throwing for just under 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns. I think this will be a close game, but I think Penn State at home is such a difficult game. I think the Nittany Lions will win it late in the fourth quarter. My Prediction: Penn State
No.23 Notre Dame Fighting Irish @ Arkansas Razorbacks | Kickoff at 11:00am CT on ABC
Notre Dame faces another SEC opponent just two weeks after a heartbreaking loss to Texas A&M in the final seconds of the game. The Fighting Irish desperately need a win over a Power 4 opponent if they want to stay in the hunt for the Playoffs. Meanwhile Arkansas is coming off a surprising loss at Memphis last week. I think Arkansas shakes off the week 3 loss with a win over Notre Dame. I think Taylen Green is an extremely talented quarterback and that Notre Dame will struggle on offense. My Prediction: Arkansas
Arizona Wildcats @ No.14 Iowa State Cyclones | Kickoff at 6:00pm CT on ESPN
Arizona looks to keep their winning streak alive when they travel to Ames, Iowa for a showdown with Iowa State. The Cyclones have coasted through the first few games, but have proven themselves with wins over Iowa and Kansas State. I think they will win this game comfortably in front of the home crowd in Ames, Iowa. My Prediction: Iowa State
No.11 Indiana Hoosiers at Iowa Hawkeyes | Kickoff at 2:30pm CT on Peacock
Indiana looks to back up a statement win over Illinois when they go on the road to face Iowa. The Hoosiers look like a contender for the playoff yet again this season, but have a difficult schedule ahead with road trips to Oregon and Penn State ahead. Meanwhile Iowa is coming off a road win at Rutgers just after their loss to in-state rival Iowa State. I like Indiana to win this game. I think the offense under quarterback Fernando Mendoza. They have been lethal and I believe they will have a big game against the Hawkeyes. My Prediction: Indiana
No.1 Ohio State Buckeyes @ Washington Huskies | Kickoff at 2:30pm CT on CBS
The number one team in the nation goes on the road this week to Washington to face the Washington Huskies. This will be arguably Ohio State’s toughest test of the season so far. The Huskies boast a great offense led by quarterback Demond Williams Jr. Ohio State has just one signature win in week 1 over the Texas Longhorns. This will be their first road test and I expect it to be a difficult one. I am going to pick the upset in this one. I think Washington is able to pick up the victory and shock the Buckeyes! My Prediction: Washington
