BEST NCAA FOOTBALL GAMES OF WEEK 5

BY ADAM GREENE

We have another solid week of college football ahead of us. Here’s the games I’ve selected to feature for Week 5.

FLORIDA AT KENTUCKY (-1, O/U: 44)

Location: Kroger Field, Lexington, Ky.

Kickoff: Saturday, Sep. 30, noon, ESPN

No. 22 Florida (3-1, 1-0 SEC) saved its season two weeks ago with a massive 29-16 win over a favored Tennessee team in The Swamp. And, as someone who lives in Tennessee, let me tell you, we’re still pretty mad about it and, if I know Gator fans, that’s just how you like it. Last week’s 22-7 win over Charlotte was not the way to follow that victory up, I think. Graham Mertz was 20 of 23 for 259 yards and a touchdown, but I expected more after what should have been a Tennessee turnaround.

Kentucky (4-0, 1-0 SEC) is undefeated, but it’s not a serious undefeated. They’ve played Ball State, Eastern Kentucky, Akron and Vanderbilt. That’s not exactly a gauntlet. This is their first true test and they’re at home. Last week against Vandy, Devin Leary was 15 of 29 for 205 yards, a TD and two picks. Barion Brown caught four passes for 105 yards and the defense picked off AJ Swann thrice. Yes. Thrice.

You know what? I’m taking the Wildcats. Gators are on the road, so let them prove they can win there. Kentucky 31, Florida 24

LSU AT OLE MISS (+2.5, O/U: 67.5)

Location: Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxford, Miss.

Kickoff: Saturday, Sep. 30, 6 p.m., ESPN

No. 13 LSU (3-1, 2-0 SEC) was supposed to be the College Football Playoff mix this year, but that opening week spanking by Florida State wrapped up that talk. Now, if they can win out, they’ll still be there and they’ve certainly made the most of their early SEC schedule. Last week they hung on to beat Arkansas 34-31 with Jayden Daniels putting on a solid show, throwing for 320 yards and four touchdowns with an interception and rushing 10 times for 36 yards.

No. 20 Ole Miss (3-1, 0-1 SEC) came in with some heat and most of us expected them to give Alabama all the Crimson Tide wanted. Well, they did, in the worst way, losing 24-10. Jaxson Dart was 20 of 35 for 244 yards, no touchdowns and a pick and, generally, the Rebels looked about as competent as the surrendering Civil War army for which they were named.

I think the Tigers can probably take care of business here. Better luck next year, Lane Kiffin. LSU 34, Ole Miss 23

NOTRE DAME AT DUKE (+5.5, O/U: 52)

Location: Wallace Wade Stadium, Durham, N.C.

Kickoff: Saturday, Sep. 30, 7:30 p.m., ABC

People might want to call No. 11 Notre Dame’s 17-14 loss to Ohio State last Saturday the best game of the week, but I’m convinced none of them actually watched that slog. It was awful, neither team was impressive and the Fighting Irish (4-1) came up a play short at the end. Sam Hartman put on a USFL (or now NSFL) audition with a 17 of 25 passing performance for 175 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions.

No. 17-ranked Duke (4-0), on the other hand, opened the year with an impressive win over Clemson and hasn’t let up off the gas. Last week they knocked off UConn 41-7. Riley Leonard was 23 of 34 passing for 248 yards and a TD with no picks in the win.

I think Duke keeps it up and Irish keep falling down the rankings. Duke 27, Notre Dame 20

Last week

Straight up: 1-2

Against the spread: 1-2

Season

Straight up: 3-6

Against the spread: 3-6

Follow Adam Greene on Twitter @TheFirstMan.

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