Until Saturday Newsletter: Your Guide to Week 5 of College Football 🏈
Welcome to another thrilling edition of the Until Saturday Newsletter, your go-to source for all things college football. As we dive into Week 5, excitement is palpable with a lineup of games that promise to deliver drama, surprises, and unforgettable moments. If you haven’t already, be sure to sign up here to receive the latest updates directly in your inbox.
Week 5 Viewer Guide
Friday Night Lights
The action kicks off tonight with a compelling matchup: Army at Temple (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN). This game sets the stage for a weekend filled with high-stakes college football. Here’s a closer look at the two featured games on Friday night:
-
Virginia Tech (2-2) at No. 7 Miami (4-0): Also at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN, both teams are entering their ACC opener. Virginia Tech is looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss to Rutgers, while Miami is riding high as heavy favorites in this conference clash.
- Washington (3-1) at Rutgers (3-0): Scheduled for 8 p.m. on Fox, this marks Washington’s first Big Ten road trip. Rutgers, fresh off a victory against Virginia Tech, is looking to maintain its momentum as it faces a formidable opponent.
Saturday’s Schedule
As we transition into Saturday, the matchups become even more intriguing. Here’s a breakdown of the key games to watch, categorized by time slots:
Early Games
-
Most Important Game: No. 20 Oklahoma State (3-1) at No. 23 Kansas State (3-1). Both teams are coming off their first losses and are eager to avoid an 0-1 start in conference play. The performance of quarterbacks Alan Bowman and Avery Johnson will be crucial in determining the outcome.
- Most Underrated Game: Kentucky (2-2) at No. 6 Ole Miss (4-0). Ole Miss leads the nation in scoring offense, but Kentucky has shown resilience, nearly upsetting Georgia in a narrow 13-12 loss. This game could be more competitive than many expect.
Afternoon Games
-
Most Important Game: No. 15 Louisville (3-0) at No. 16 Notre Dame (3-1). This matchup will help clarify whether Louisville is a legitimate ACC contender. Notre Dame has been dominant since their surprising loss, outscoring opponents 94-10.
- Most Underrated Game: Fresno State (3-1) at UNLV (3-0) (3:30 p.m., FS1). With UNLV’s starting quarterback Matthew Sluka announcing a redshirt due to NIL disagreements, this game carries added intrigue. Can UNLV maintain its perfect start without their star player?
Night Games
-
Most Important Game: No. 2 Georgia (3-0) at No. 4 Alabama (3-0). This is the marquee matchup of the weekend, featuring two SEC powerhouses. Kirby Smart seeks to improve his record against Nick Saban, and the implications for the College Football Playoff are significant.
- Most Underrated Game: Washington State (4-0) at No. 25 Boise State (2-1). This game marks the first meeting since 2017, with both teams looking to make a statement. Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty leads the nation in rushing yards, while Washington State’s dual-threat quarterback John Mateer has been electrifying.
For a complete look at the Week 5 schedule, check out the full lineup here.
Best Bets
A Peachy Upset Pick
As we delve into the betting landscape for the week, here are two standout picks from Austin Mock:
-
Georgia Southern +3.5 at Georgia State (3:30 p.m., ESPNU): Despite opening as favorites, Georgia Southern is now getting more than a field goal. This line seems inflated, as both teams are closely matched according to projections.
- Washington State +7.5 at Boise State: While Boise State has garnered attention, this line feels steep. Washington State’s defense may have its struggles, but the Cougars have the potential to keep this game within reach.
Until Saturday Upset Special: Washington State 35 (+7.5), No. 25 Boise State 32. With a high-scoring affair expected, Mateer’s ability to make plays could lead to a thrilling upset.
For more insights and betting picks, tune into the Until Saturday podcast.
Quick Snaps
-
Is Michigan-Minnesota Still a Rivalry?: Austin Meek explores the significance of the Little Brown Jug in this storied rivalry.
-
Realignment Drama: After a week filled with realignment news, Chris Vannini discusses how the Pac-12 and Mountain West reached their current crossroads.
- UCF vs. Colorado: UCF hosts Colorado this Saturday, following the Buffs’ stunning victory last week. Can the Knights disrupt Colorado’s momentum?
Stay tuned for more updates and enjoy the action-packed weekend of college football!