Week 4 brought with it more challenges than what I’ve faced this season. But it still didn’t deter an over .500 week.
My underdogs went 2-1 against the spread, giving me my first loss of the season with underdogs. The spreads are getting bigger as teams are starting to establish themselves as dominant teams. Be careful with believing certain teams are like robots and will come out each week with an edge. These are still college kids, so it’s more than possible that even the best teams won’t be prepared each week.
Here’s my week 5 college football underdogs that will cover the spread.
Underdogs: 11-1 ATS
Overall: 19-5 ATS
South Carolina (+8) at Texas A&M
South Carolina’s loss to Kentucky shouldn’t mean more than South Carolina’s win against North Carolina State. The Wolfpack are showing that they’re a legitimate contender in the ACC and the Gamecocks flashed speed and an attacking defense in that game.
Most people, though, are caught up in the Gamecocks loss at home against Kentucky. The Wildcats aren’t bad and that game was a perfect spot for a letdown.
South Carolina’s offense isn’t the best in college football. But the team has actually moved the ball pretty well in recent weeks. It just hasn’t turned into points. I can live with that, because as long as they can move the ball, the points will eventually come.
This game should come down to the fourth quarter. Which defense are you going to trust to make a stop when it counts? I know who I would favor and it’s definitely not the Aggies. — Go Against The Chalk with South Carolina
Mississippi (+28) at Alabama
I’m always looking for value. And even though I believe Mississippi has been a bad bet in the early going, I can’t dismiss this value.
Before the season, with the talent on the Rebels roster, if oddsmakers were giving you four touchdowns against any opponent, you’d take that in a heartbeat. Mississippi’s troubles should rest mostly on the turmoil that encapsulated their offseason. Without a postseason, this season was doomed before it started.
But this is a game where Mississippi can make a statement, escalating the motivation. That matters in college football, especially since the Crimson Tide are coming off a blowout win against a Vanderbilt team that some people thought could compete.
Mississippi has far more talent than Vanderbilt. And that talent should be ready to play on a national stage, especially after an early bye week to prepare for the Crimson Tide. Don’t sleep on the fact that Mississippi has two of the last three meetings, and this is basically their title game. — Go Against The Chalk with Mississippi
Central Michigan (+7.5) at Boston College
I’m sticking with the road warrior vibe, this time taking it out of conference with Central Michigan. Boston College’s offense is terrible. The offense has been terrible for awhile now and it doesn’t seem to be changing.
That will be an issue, especially if Central Michigan quarterback Shane Morris steps up like he did earlier this season and moves the ball with consistency. This is a lulling game for the Eagles, who are coming off games against Notre Dame and Clemson. And against the Tigers, the Eagles actually stayed close for three quarters.
I just don’t see the Eagles being ready to play in this game and the hot seat gets much hotter for Steve Addazio. Central Michigan can play with bottom-tier power-five teams. Watch out for a straight up win in this one. — Go Against The Chalk with Central Michigan
