“Between Bets” is an article series revealing our staff’s best wagers across the NFL, College Football, NASCAR and PGA Tour. This edition’s bets feature our favorite 2024 Week 5 College Football picks for ATS and totals.
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
2024 College Football Week 5 Picks (ATS & Totals)
Minnesota @ #12 Michigan | Saturday, 12:00 p.m. ET
The 12th-ranked Michigan Wolverines are laying 9.5 points over Minnesota after a gritty 27-24 victory over the USC Trojans, ranked 11th last week, in “The Big House.” Quarterback Alex Orji may have been quiet through the air (just 32 yards on 12 passes), but running back Kalel Mullings was a force on the ground with 159 yards and two touchdowns.
Meanwhile, Minnesota’s defense looked helpless last week, as Iowa ran all over them, racking up 272 rushing yards en route to a 31-14 win. Michigan has covered the last two matchups against them, including a 52-10 demolition last year in Minneapolis. With the Wolverines’ rushing attack and Minnesota’s struggling defense, We’re leaning hard on Michigan to cover here, especially since the line has dropped from 12.5 to 9.5.
Pick: Michigan -9.5 (-112)
Arkansas vs. #24 Texas A&M | Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (Dallas, Texas)
AT&T Stadium will host a neutral-site showdown between the No. 24 Aggies and Razorbacks. Texas A&M is ranked again and laying 3.5 points, but honestly, we’re not buying the hype. They barely got by Bowling Green with a six-point win last and are just 1-3 ATS this season. There’s uncertainty around who will start at quarterback, with Marcel Reed potentially stepping in for the banged-up Conner Weigman.
On the flip side, Arkansas’ offense has been cooking, ranking eighth in total offense and posting a solid 3-1 ATS record. While they haven’t had much success straight up against Texas A&M, they are 3-1 ATS against them in their last four matchups. This line has already dropped from 11.5, so get the Razorbacks as 3.5-point underdogs while you can.
Pick: Arkansas +3.5 (-110)
#3 Ohio State @ Michigan State | Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET
A Big Ten night game brings us No. 3 Ohio State, laying 24.5 points on the road against Michigan State. The Buckeyes had Week 3 off but came back strong last week, lighting up Marshall with their dynamic skill players. Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson combined for four touchdowns, while Emeka Egbuka and Jeremiah Smith continued to be playmakers on the outside.
Michigan State has been a surprise on defense, ranking 14th in total defense. Dual-threat QB Aidan Chiles has added excitement, keeping them competitive against Boston College last week. Still, he’s had turnover issues, including eight interceptions this season.
Ohio State has covered this 24.5-point line all four times they’ve played the Spartans since 2020. While Michigan State’s defense is solid, we don’t think they have the firepower to hang with the Buckeyes. We’re backing OSU to cover yet again.
Pick: Ohio State -24.5 (-110)
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*Photo Credit: Rick Osentoski – USA TODAY Sports*