Here we go with our week 5 CFB picks,
PSU @ Maryland
Sean’s Pick: PSU -6.5
The first pick I’m going with is the Nittany Lions over the Terrapins on Friday Night.
The Terrapins have looked good, steam rolling multiple opponents with a 79-0 win over Howard, and a 63-20 win over Syracuse. However, Maryland didn’t look so good in their last game where they lost to Temple 20-17.
That’s a bad loss. This is the same Temple team that got blown out by Buffalo.
Penn State has also had their fair share of big wins beating Idaho 79-7, and Buffalo 45-13.
The Nittany Lions are coming in 3-0, and the Terrapins will most likely be their biggest test yet.
I think Sean Clifford is a dual threat QB and will certainly give the Terrapins some trouble. This Penn State offense showed signs of struggle last week vs. Pitt, but I believe they will build off those struggles and improve. I expect a big game on the ground from this offense.
I haven’t really seen Maryland be tested enough yet, and when they were tested by Temple it did not end well. Penn State is a far better program than Temple. Penn State covering a touchdown shouldn’t be a problem.
I would try and get this line now before it potentially moves to -7.
Lock in PSU -6.5.
Ohio State @ Nebraska
Sean’s Pick: OSU -17
The second pick I’m rolling with is OSU -17 on ABC Saturday night.
Ohio State is the 5th ranked team in the country for a reason. They have absolutely blown out all the competition they have faced. Their smallest margin of victory was 24 points, and their largest was 71. This includes a 42-0 shut out against Cincinnati.
OSU has a greatly improved defense this season, and the offense looks great to. Some say they are more conservative on offense this year compared to other years. I can see where that is coming from, but J.K. Dobbins and Justin Fields are explosive players ready to make a big play when needed.
The Nebraska Defense is letting up over 25 PPG on average, and they haven’t played teams near the level of Ohio State. I think Justin Fields and this offense will steamroll through this defense.
It may not be a 40 point game like their other wins, but I believe they pull away late and cover. Look for a strong defensive performance, combined with a terrific offensive explosion.
Lock in OSU -17.