CRAWFORD | Week 5 college football picks against the spread

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) – Late and light. That’s how my picks roll in this week. It’s been a busy week with a bit of extra news on the basketball and horse racing fronts.

I’m coming off a good week -- record of 6-1 against the spread last week, and 23-14 on the season.

Let’s see if we can keep it going.

Louisville (-3.5) at Pittsburgh (over 55.5), noon, ESPN2

Pick: Louisville 34, Pittsburgh 27

This is a tough one because we don’t know what to expect from Louisville. But my gut tells me Louisville is tired of being doubted and will come out and play well in the first game of the season when they’re really asked. If we don’t see that, it’s a bad sign. (This is a change from what I felt early in the week.) Isaac Brown, Duke Watson, Rene Konga and Wes Bailey are listed as game time decisions.

Indiana (-8.5) at Iowa (over 47.5), 3:30, Peacock

Pick: Indiana 28, Iowa 17

You can’t help but expect a bit of a bounce from an Indiana team that ambushed Illinois in a 63-10 blowout last week. It’s a tough ask to go on the road and keep building on that momentum, but Fernando Mendoza and Indiana’s receivers should be good enough to get the Hoosiers over the top in this one.

WKU (-3.5) at Missouri State, (over 59.5), 7, ESPN+

Pick: WKU 35, Missouri State 31

WKU has won (straight up) nine straight games as a September favorite. Home field worries me in this one, but I think the Hilltoppers have enough offense to cover in a shootout.

Alabama (+2.5) at Georgia (over 53.5), 7:30, ABC

Pick: Georgia 28, Alabama 21

Georgia between the hedges? Alabama between a rock and a hard place? Give me the Bulldogs all day. They've won 33 straight at home.

Oregon (+3.5) at Penn State (over 53.5), 7:30, NBC/Peacock

Pick: Oregon 31, Penn State 28

The main question in this one is how will Oregon react on the road. I don’t have much question that Oregon is the better team, so I’m taking the Ducks not only to cover as an underdog but to go into Happy Valley and win straight up.

Kentucky (+5.5) at South Carolina (over 47.5), 7:30, SEC Network

Pick: Kentucky 24, South Carolina 17

This may be Kentucky's best shot in Columbia in years. If Boley stays upright and the Wildcats can avoid giving up big plays on special teams, the Cats may be headed home with their first SEC win of the season. Taking the under is likely even better bet here. Running game is the key. Kentucky has a good open. South Carolina has not tackled well this season.