College GameDay Week 5: Location, Time, Odds & Picks

• ESPN’s College GameDay heads to Penn State for No. 6 Oregon at No. 3 Penn State on Saturday
• The show runs from 9 AM to noon ET with Penn State legend LaVar Arrington as guest picker
• Keep reading for College GameDay location details, Week 5 odds, and picks from the crew

College GameDay’s bringing the energy to Happy Valley for Week 5’s premier matchup. The show sets up on Old Main Lawn as the No. 3 Penn State Nittany Lions host No. 6 Oregon in a massive Big Ten showdown that’ll be played under the lights in a White Out.

This marks the 26th time GameDay has been at a Penn State game and the 11th time broadcasting from State College. Former Penn State linebacker LaVar Arrington joins as celebrity guest picker in the college football odds.

College GameDay Details

Arrington’s the perfect choice for this White Out game. The Penn State Hall of Famer won the Butkus Award in 1999 and his son, LaVar Arrington II, currently plays for the Nittany Lions. He’s fired up about the pick, saying there’s “a renaissance taking place at Penn State.”

The Ducks and Nittany Lions meet in a rematch of the 2024 Big Ten Championship Game, which Oregon won 45-37. Both teams enter undefeated with Penn State at 3-0 and Oregon at 4-0.

College GameDay Picks – Week 5

Check back Saturday morning for the crew’s official picks

Week 4 GameDay Results

After an overall ugly showing in Week 3, each member of the crew posted a winning card last weekend in Week 4. Pat McAfee and Nick Saban led the way with 6-3 records, although they were divided on key games.

Desmond Howard was in the green, but he continues to lag behind the others this season. Howard was the only one to falsely predict Kent State would cover the massive 44-point spread against FSU, although the entire crew whiffed on predicting Utah to beat Texas Tech.

Oregon vs Penn State Odds & Analysis

Kickoff: 7:30 PM ET on NBC at Beaver Stadium

This White Out showdown marks just the second time two top-10 teams meet in Penn State’s famous all-white atmosphere. The Nittany Lions have won six straight White Out games, but their GameDay history tells a different story.

Penn State’s just 10-17 all-time when featured on GameDay and 5-6 when the show comes to Happy Valley. That’s concerning for a team getting just 3.5 points against an Oregon squad that’s been rolling. Dante Moore’s been surgical with 11 touchdowns and one pick through four games.

Oregon’s offensive line has been elite – they’re ranked No. 1 in the country in pass blocking grade and No. 2 in pressure rate allowed. Moore’s been sacked just once all season. If the Ducks can neutralize Penn State’s pass rush, they’ll move the ball at will.

The Nittany Lions haven’t faced real competition yet, while Oregon’s already battle-tested. Getting 3.5 points with the better quarterback and offensive line is tremendous value.

• Our Pick: Oregon +3.5 (-110)

Other Week 5 Featured Games

Alabama at Georgia

Line: Georgia -2.5 | Total: 53.5 | Kickoff: 7:30 PM ET on ABC

Ty Simpson makes his first road start in Athens against a Georgia team riding a 33-game home winning streak. Alabama’s getting 2.5 points but has won nine of the last ten meetings.

Georgia’s pass rush has been historically poor this season – they’re 125th nationally and have just 3 sacks all year. Simpson’s clean pocket efficiency could be the difference. The Tide don’t need to win outright, just keep it close.

• Pick: Alabama +2.5 (-110)

LSU at Ole Miss

Line: Ole Miss -2.5 | Total: 54.5 | Kickoff: 3:30 PM ET on ABC

The Rebels have revenge on their minds after last year’s home loss to LSU. Trinidad Chambliss has been electric for Ole Miss, drawing comparisons to Kyler Murray. He’s thrown for 719 yards and rushed for 195 more.

LSU’s ground game is falling apart with Caden Durham doubtful. They’re averaging just 116.8 rushing yards per game, ranking 111th nationally. Without a running game, Garrett Nussmeier will struggle against Ole Miss’s improving defense.

• Pick: Ole Miss -2.5 (-105)

Ohio State at Washington

Line: Ohio State -8.5 | Total: 52.5 | Kickoff: 3:30 PM ET on CBS

The line’s moved from Ohio State -14 down to -8.5, signaling sharp money on Washington. Julian Sayin makes his first career road start at one of college football’s toughest venues.

Washington’s 22-0 at home and hasn’t punted in 25 straight drives. Demond Williams brings dual-threat ability that Ohio State hasn’t faced yet. The Huskies keep this within the number in front of their home crowd.

• Pick: Washington +8.5 (-110)

USC at Illinois

Line: USC -6.5 | Total: 61.5 | Kickoff: 12:00 PM ET on FOX

The line exploded from USC -1.5 to -7 after Illinois got demolished 63-10 by Indiana. The Illini have surrendered 16 sacks through four games and now face a USC pass rush that’s matched that number.

Jayden Maiava’s been nearly flawless for USC with a 10-0 TD-INT ratio. With Illinois missing star corner Xavier Scott, Makai Lemon should feast. The Trojans roll in Champaign.

• Pick: USC -6.5 (-125)

Line Shopping Guide

GameDay’s ratings have been on fire with Week 4’s Miami episode drawing 2.8 million viewers – up 33% from last year. This Penn State White Out should continue that trend with massive stakes on the line.