Table of Contents

    By Alex Lauzon from the “Course of Life” podcast

    Week 5 is here and I just delivered a dream Saturday with my week 4 picks. Can I repeat greatness?

    Week Five – What. A. Slate!

    What a glorious Saturday buffet we have to look forward to. On the back end of a week
    4 that had Clemson and Michigan avoid disaster and overall no massive shake ups for
    the top ranked teams, it’s time to get crazy in week five. Week 5 boasts five top 25
    matchups, and tough road tests for top teams like #2 Alabama (-17) @ #20 Arkansas,
    and the #4 ranked Michigan Wolverines headed to play Iowa. There’s landmines all
    over the College Football Playoff scenario calculator this week, and opportunities for
    teams to step up a level in class and in respect on a national level.


    From a betting perspective, it’s time for us collectively to take the next step together and
    build our knowledge box as the season progresses. I turned on quite the heater last
    weeked, sweeping the board going 5-0. I’m not straying from what worked last week,
    but in this scenario you also have to be careful not to overthink betting principles that
    get you those 5-0 weeks.

    Tune-In Game Of The Week

    (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

    The main tune-in game of week 5 is a TOUGH call, but I’ll lean towards the battle for the
    throne in the ACC. #5 Clemson (-7) hosts #10 N.C. State, and this is the closest we’ve
    seen any team get to ascending the mountain and slaying the dragon that is Clemson.
    Their stranglehold on the conference will be fully tested Saturday night under the lights
    by a Wolfpack team that always seems to get to the peak and fall off repeatedly. Look
    for a knock down, drag out type of game as the low point total of 43 would indicate.

    The Nightcap Get-It-Back Game

    For the “last call” action this Saturday we go to Eugene, where the #13 Oregon Ducks
    (16.5) host the dejected Stanford Cardinal. Stanford comes off back to back losses in
    conference, and Oregon just squeaked out a thriller against Wazzou last Saturday.
    While both teams are seemingly going in different directions, it’s easy to think this is an
    Oregon blowout. This may not be “weird vibe” level this weekend, but the night cap
    could be interesting to say the least.

    (AP Photo/Young Kwak)

    Weird Vibe Prediction Of The Week

    The weird vibes (along with the rest of my 5-0/10-2 overall card) were on point yet
    again. My friends the Central Michigan Chippewas were in their finest form in Happy
    Valley, and hung tight with Penn State all game and covered by over a score. This
    week, I’m revisiting a legendary stadium I just checked off last season – the Rose Bowl.
    Undefeated UCLA hosts #15 Washington on a Friday evening kick and Washington is
    only favored by 3 points? That line screams to me that the dogs are barking and the
    matchup favors UCLA in a strange spot.

    Week 4 Recap – Ask And You Shall Receive

    Really, is there ANYTHING better than sweeping the board? Georgia/Kent State went
    under by 1.5 points, and that’s when I knew things might be on my side. From there,
    Florida hung tough and covered on the road, Texas and Texas Tech started firing their
    guns like they always do, Central Michigan covered in the weird vibe pick and Ohio
    State trampled Wisconsin. A mix of a favorite, dogs, an over and an under…all winners.

    Week Four: 5-0 ATS, Season Overall: 13-12 ATS

    Early Week 5 Plays For Alex

    To start with a depressing bet to place, the Under 66 in Friday night’s
    Washington/UCLA
    game at the Rose Bowl is the play. I hate the feel of it and it takes
    some entertainment value from our Friday, but we’re here for winners right?


    In the Texas Tech/Kansas State game, I like the Over 57.5 points because neither
    team can consistently stop the other. Both teams have dynamic play makers to put
    points on the board in a hurry.


    I can’t put my finger on what it is, but there’s an unspoken chink in Alabama’s armor. I’m
    not sure they LOSE to Akransas on the road, but it’s too much for them to cover 18
    points. Give me Arkansas +18 at home early in the week, it’s sure to drop.

    (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)


    Back to the well – Georgia Under 55 points on the road in Missouri. This team is a joy
    to watch, especially on Defense.


    Clemson -6.5 in the prime time ACC tilt. Once again, NC State climbs to the top of the
    hill only to get pushed off one more time. They’re getting closer.


    Here’s some other diamonds I’m leaning on early this week:
    UCLA +3, Michigan/Iowa Over 42, Texas/West Virginia Over 62 (since I’ll be there)

    Eats And Deets

    The teleport game: While I stuff my face tailgating and attending Texas vs. west
    Virginia at DKR, I would also love to teleport to The Grove. The highly praises
    tailgate is the location for #7 Kentucky vs #14 Ole Miss. Have a day!


    Goofiest line: Coastal Carolina -10 vs Georgia Southern – a sneaky great matchup
    of southern programs should be down to the wire.


    Simultaneous screen count: As many as you can move into one room. This is the
    Saturday spread you dream of.


    Tailgate pick of the week: I’ll be grubbing on tacos and brisket like any good
    Texan ought to for a tailgate Saturday. Join me.

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    About Author

    Alex Lauzon

    Lauzon is a podcast host, live broadcaster, analyst and betting extraordinaire for the Course of Life brand. After earning a degree in broadcast journalism at Quinnipiac University, he worked in ESPN and ESPN radio newsrooms. He has interviewed athletes and celebrities from all walks of life who often love to play golf. When he's not playing golf or talking about the game on Course of Life, Lauzon enjoys time with his wife and dog, checking off the next island vacation destination or counting down the days to the next Dell Match Play in his hometown of Austin, Texas.

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