Week 5 of college football is here and unlike most weeks in the sport, this week starts early with some meaningful matchups Friday night. Two intriguing tilts will be played under the lights. Let’s discuss the odds for the most interesting games of the week.

 

(2) Clemson Tigers @ (12) Virginia Tech Hokies

Favourite: Clemson -7.5

The second-ranked Clemson Tigers have looked unstoppable through four games so far this season, humiliating opponents by an average victory margin of 28.5 points per game. However, they face a tough conference road test Saturday night as 7.5-point favourites in Blacksburg. The Hokies have been impressive in their own right and boast one of the best home field advantages in college football.

The Tigers’ junior quarterback Kelly Bryant has done a tremendous job replacing last year’s starter Deshaun Watson, who now starts for the Houston Texans. Surprisingly, there has been no discernible drop-off with Bryant at the helm; he has already scored 7 rushing touchdowns this season. Complementing Bryant is one of the best defensive fronts in all of college football, ranking second in sacks in FBS.

Escaping Clemson’s ferocious d-line will be Hokies’ freshman quarterback Josh Jackson, who has played exceptionally well to start the season. The poised Michigan product has connected for 11 passing scores while throwing only one interception, which is outstanding for a freshman. Jackson may be pressed to scramble, but if he can do so successfully, the Hokies will have a chance to upset their higher-ranked ACC foe.    

 

(5) USC Trojans @ (16) Washington State Cougars

Favourite: USC -6

The USC Trojans are still undefeated heading into Pullman to face the Washington State Cougars Friday night, but their wins have been unconvincing. Having barely prevailed over mediocre Texas and Cal, Sam Darnold will be looking for a statement game this weekend. Starting off as the preseason favourite for the Heisman trophy, Darnold has certainly shown flashes of brilliance this season, such as the masterful comeback against Texas, but he hasn’t provided the snap-to-snap consistency fans expect of him.

The Cougars, meanwhile, struggled against a pedestrian Boise State squad in Week 2, but have otherwise been compelling in their victories. Ranked fifth in FBS passing yards, the Wazzu quarterback Luke Falk will look to dissect the Trojans’ inconsistent defense in what promises to be an entertaining Pac-12 battle.

 

(14) Miami Hurricanes @ Duke Blue Devils

Favourite: Miami -6.5

Duke is undefeated – in football. Granted, we’re only four weeks into the season, but the Blue Devils have silenced some decent college football squads.

The Hurricanes, who travel to Durham on Friday Night, will be playing only their third game of the season due to Hurricane Irma, which has forced a cancellation and a postponement for the U. The ‘Canes should have plenty of energy in the tank, but Duke will undoubtedly try their hardest to put up a fight in this all-ACC contest at home.  

 

*Odds as of September 29, 2017