College Football Predictions 2025: Week 5 Picks For G5 Teams

College football has returned, and there’s important games being played between Group of Five teams this week.

There’s a ton of great G5 programs this year, and all will be vying for a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Here’s my predictions for G5 games in Week 5.

Tulane vs. Tulsa Prediction

I predict Tulane will win and cover the 14.5-point spread. I also project the game will go Over 52.5 total points.

The Green Wave are talented, and they have great players who could step up in any given moment, especially on offense.

Jake Retzlaff has proven to be a key addition for them at quarterback. He’s thrown for 578 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions while completing 54% of his passes. He’s also leading the team with 339 yards and six touchdowns rushing.

Omari Hayes has been Tulane’s leading receiver, as he’s caught 14 passes for 165 yards. But Shazz Preston, who’s caught eight passes for 148 yards, and Bryce Bohanon, who’s added 118 yards on 11 receptions, have made some impressive plays as well.

But I think this is especially a game where Tulane’s defense shines. Led by stars like linebackers Sam Howard and Dickson Agu as well as defensive backs Jack Tchienchou and Bailey Despanie, the Green Wave defense was allowing about 20 points per game before playing Ole Miss.

I think Tulane’s defense will get back on track on the road and will make things difficult for Tulsa.

Memphis vs. FAU Prediction

I predict Memphis will win and cover the 14-point spread. I also project the game will go Under 62.5 total points.

I think the Tigers offense has been pretty impressive so far. Quarterback Brendon Lewis has thrown for 807 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions on a 67% completion rate while ranking second on the team with 293 yards and four touchdowns rushing.

Sutton Smith has been the Tigers’ primary running back. He leads the team with 394 yards and five scores. Cortez Braham Jr. (16 catches, 255 yards, and two touchdowns this season) as well as Jamari Hawkins (10 receptions for 182 yards) have also been fun to watch at wide receiver.

Those players have made significant contributions as Memphis has scored at least 28 points in every game so far. The Tigers are averaging 438 yards and 35.8 points per game.

But I think this contest is where the Tigers’ defense will shine.

Until their matchup with Arkansas, Memphis hadn’t allowed anyone to score more than 16 points. They were giving up 11 points per contest. And I think they will thrive against FAU.

The Owls haven’t been spectacular this year. They’re 1-2 with double digit losses at Maryland and at FIU. Their one win has been against FCS Florida A&M.

And I think going up against Memphis will be a tough task. I anticipate the Tigers will score early and often and that their defense will prevent FAU from doing the same.

UMass vs. Missouri Prediction

I predict Missouri will win but UMass will cover the 44.5-point spread. I also project the game will go Over 56.5 total points.

Missouri is clearly the better team in my opinion. But I think defeating any team by 45 or more points is difficult. 

I also believe Rocko Griffin is a good player at running back for UMass and that he may help the Minutemen keep their offense on the field, even if it’s in the second half and the game has already been decided.

I anticipate this game will be lopsided, but I think UMass will only lose by five or six touchdowns and not seven or more.

Washington State vs. Colorado State Prediction

I predict Washington State will win and cover the 5.5-point spread. I also project the game will go Over 49.5 total points.

I fully expect this to be a close game, and I could see an argument for why either team will ultimately prevail. But I’m going with Wazzu because I don’t think the last couple of games are truly reflective of what the team is capable of.

I expect Zevi Eckhaus to have a solid game here. The Washington State quarterback took over the starting role, and against Washington he was 25-of-36 passing for 277 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions while rushing for another touchdown. 

The Cougars also have a good number of playmakers. At running back, Kirby Vorhees has rushed for 132 yards. At wide receiver, Joshua Meredith (15 catches, 195 yards, and one touchdown), Tony Freeman (18 catches for 182 yards), and Carter Pabst (108 yards on five receptions) have all had some impactful moments.

San Jose State vs. Stanford Prediction

I predict San Jose State will win and cover the three-point spread. I also project the game will go Under 49.5 total points.

I realize this is a home game for Stanford, which is 1-3 with its lone win being against Boston College, but I don’t believe the Cardinal have looked all that impressive.

And after San Jose State earned that win over Idaho, I think this is a turning point for the Spartans. They have the talent to compete for a Mountain West Championship, I believe, and I think a win here would prove it.

I expect Walker Eget to show some improvement. The Spartans quarterback has thrown for 714 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions on a 55% completion rate. I think he makes some impressive throws in this matchup. I could also see SJSU wide receivers Danny Scudero (379 yards and one touchdown on 22 receptions this season) and Kyri Shoels (122 yards and one TD on 13 catches) thriving as well.

And with Jabari Bates, who has rushed for 174 yards and two touchdowns, as well as Floyd Chalk IV, who has run for 128 yards and two scores, at running back, SJSU is capable of having a balanced offense.

While it could end up being a close contest, I expect San Jose State to play well on both sides of the ball and find a way to win.