After Clemson and Ohio State failed last Saturday to cover their respective spreads — and almost lost their games — college football bettors should expect dramatic efforts by talented teams to shift their fortunes in Week 6.
The two teams still ranked in the Top 5 are playing unranked opponents this week, and go into the games as double-digit favorites. But domination against the spread has eluded them both, so bettors beware. This week’s college football Five Bets look at teams ready to have a reckoning with themselves in one way or another.
Clemson (-18) at Wake Forest
After getting good news about freshman quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s neck injury, the Tigers should be ready to roll against Wake Forest. The Demon Deacons have already lost big to Notre Dame, so 18 points shouldn’t scare away bettors.
Wake Forest and Clemson are 1-4 against the spread, but with Lawrence back behind center, and the team trying to stay playoff eligible, a three-touchdown win would not be surprising. The line has already moved from 16 to 18 points and could go higher before kickoff.
Take Clemson and give away the points.
Syracuse (-3.5) at Pittsburgh
The sharps have moved this line from six to 3.5 points, and it’s hard to figure out the infatuation with the Panthers. Other than being at home, it is hard to find anything to like about Pittsburgh in this contest.
They have suffered big losses to Central Florida and Penn State, and barely beat Georgia Tech three weeks ago. Besides, they are 1-4 ATS.
Syracuse is still smarting after watching its potential upset of Clemson slip away. They are going to be an upset football team, and will probably take it out on the Panthers.
Take Syracuse and give away the points.
Indiana (+26) at Ohio State
It is hard to believe the Buckeyes aren’t four touchdowns better than Indiana. After winning on the road against Penn State last week, OSU’s schedule gets infinitely easier.
There is a possibility of a let down after surviving such an emotional game, but coach Urban Meyer isn’t going to take his foot off the pedal. He has already shown he likes running up the score, so given the chance with the Hoosiers he will probably do the same.
In three home games this season, the Buckeyes have outscored their opponents 178-40. Expect a long afternoon for the Hoosiers.
Take Ohio State and give away the points.
Oklahoma (-7.5) at Texas
Oklahoma is trying to stay in the College Football Playoffs, but a narrow win two weeks ago against Army when they were 29-point favorites is a bit concerning.
This week they travel to Texas, where Longhorns coach Tom Harmon has been very successful when getting points, compiling an 11-1 record ATS as the underdog. At 7.5, eight at some offshore sportsbooks, Texas might be able to pull off an upset, and at +270 no the moneyline, might be worth considering.
The Sooners have been disappointing bettors, going 2-3 against the spread. They should win, but should not cover.
Take Texas and the points.
Washington State (-17) at Oregon State
The Cougars nearly upset USC on the road two weeks ago, and defeated Utah at home. If they can compete with the PAC 12’s better teams, they should be able to handle lowly Oregon State, who is 0-2 in the conference.
They will be 0-3 after this game, but can WSU cover two touchdowns and a field goal? They should. The Cougars are 5-0 ATS, and have a 4-1 record.
Take Washington State and give away the points.