Greg McElroy makes Oklahoma vs. Auburn, other college football Week 5 picks

Ahead of Week 5, Greg McElroy has given his selections for several games on the slate now that conference play is kicking off across the country.

McElroy made several selections for this weekend’s schedule, including six in-depth decisions, during ‘Always College Football’ on Thursday. Three were in the SEC, one apiece came from the ACC and Big 12, and one additionally was for a Top-25 non-conference matchup.

Here’s how McElroy chose regarding some of the top overall games in college football in the final ones for September:

Virginia Tech vs. No. 7 Miami (-19.5)

In a game between two of the ACC/s best coming in this season, Miami has exceeded expectations while Virginia Tech has not. That has seen the line expand to almost three possessions at anywhere from 17 to 20. McElroy views it that way too as he went with The U against the Hokies on Friday.

“I’m taking Miami,” McElroy said. “I think they’ll continue to roll. I absolutely love this team. Love what I’ve seen from Miami.”

No. 2 Georgia (-2) vs. No. 4 Alabama

The biggest game of the weekend is a top-five matchup in Tuscaloosa between the ‘Dawgs and Bama that’s usually been reserved for the SEC Championship. McElroy anticipates a game that could eclipse the over point total because of the two offenses. As for the actual final score, though, he’s going with the Crimson Tide in a close one for another win over Georgia.

“I’m taking Alabama in what I expect to be a high-scoring game,” said McElroy. “I lean ‘Bama. I think it’s going to be a high-scoring game. I expect both offenses to play well and I think it’s going to come down to the wire.”

No. 15 Louisville vs. No. 16 Notre Dame (-5.5)

Notre Dame and Louisville will play a rematch from last season where the Cardinals got the upset by 13 in another Top-25 meeting. Now, with both in the Top-20, they’ll meet in South Bend where McElroy expects some payback in an important one on the Fighting Irish’s schedule.

“I’m taking the Irish in this game. I think they protect the home field in one of the few big matchups that they have this year,” McElroy said. “I think this has been a revenge game. I think it has been a circled game that they’ve talked about all offseason. I think they get that revenge on Saturday against the Cards.”

No. 21 Oklahoma (-2.5) vs. Auburn

McElroy had almost no interest in picking this one considering where the Sooners and Tigers are coming in. That makes it a must-win game in order to avoid what would come for both programs with another loss. Still, in the end, he leaned with the home team as he found a way to trust Auburn’s offense more than Oklahoma’s for this one.

“You ready to panic? Alright. Lose this game and see what happens, okay. This game, above all others this weekend, might have the most significant fallout,” McElroy said. “I’ll take Auburn in the game. I think desperation is on their side … I trust Auburn a little bit more. My goodness, it is tough to get fired up about making that pick but I’ll take the Tigers in a got-to-have-it situation.”

No. 20 Oklahoma State vs. No. 23 Kansas State (-4.5)

A Top-25 matchup in the Big 12 will be between two teams coming off of losses last weekend. Oklahoma State lost a close one by three at home to Utah while Kansas State took a 29-point blowout at BYU. Even so, McElroy went with the Wildcats to get right against the ‘Pokes in Manhattan.

“I like Kansas State to protect the home field and bounce back in a big, big-time performance in the Big 12 this weekend,” said McElroy.

Arkansas vs. No. 24 Texas A&M (-4)

The ‘Hogs and Aggies will kick off from Arlington in a game between former divisional opponents. Still, while A&M has some aspects going for them, McElroy sees more in favor of Arkansas on both sides of the ball overall to take them as the underdog.

“I lean Arkansas in this game,” McElroy said. “I look at A&M, tons of talent, tons of potential. But I think Arkansas actually, with how they defend the run and how they run the football, plus a little bit more balance, a little bit more explosiveness, and a veteran quarterback in Taylen Green. I think Arkansas goes and gets this one at Jerry World there on Saturday.”