Underdogs Against the Spread: Top Week 3 G5 Football ATS Picks

It’s been a red-hot start to the season on Underdogs Against the Spread.

It was another successful week picking inside the Group of Five in Week 2 as Army nearly upset Michigan, UCF pounded FAU, and UNT and SMU put the big points we expected. Hawaii was our lone loser last week as Fresno State pushed in their overtime loss. A 3-1-1 Saturday is nothing to complain about.

That leads me to a season record of 7-2-1, and 79-63-2 overall record since starting this piece two-plus years ago. Let’s keep the good times rolling at UTAS.

This week was a rough week for me to make picks. Usually, I can find one or two lines that stand out immediately. That was not the case in Week 3. But the saying goes “scared money don’t make no money” so here are five more winners for this week.

Overall: 7-2-1

*All lines are according to Bovada and are accurate at the time posted

Eastern Michigan Eagles (+7) vs. Illinois Fighting Illini

EMU is 21-7-1 ATS in their last 29 games on the road, while Illinois is 4-10 ATS in its last 14 versus against MAC opponents. Illinois hasn’t played the best competition to start the year in Akron and UConn. The Huskies were able to keep it close against Illinois, and the Eagles are capable of doing the same.

Florida Atlantic Owls (-2.5) vs. Ball State Cardinals

The Owls desperately need a win to avoid being swept in non-conference play. FAU opened the season against two powerhouses in Ohio State and UCF, and the end result in both games were blowouts. Lane Kiffin is thankful for an opponent more on their level as Ball State has nowhere near the talent of those programs.

Akron Zips vs. Central Michigan Chippewas (-1)

The numbers favor the home team in this battle of MAC opponents. Akron is 3-8 ATS in their last 11 overall, and 2-6 in their last eight conference games. Meanwhile, Central Michigan is 4-1 in their last five home games against Akron. This line has dropped considerably with CMU quarterback Quinten Dormady likely to miss the game with an injury, but the Chippewas should run wild against the Zips.

Oklahoma State Cowboys (-14) vs. Tulsa Golden Hurricane

All the numbers favor Oklahoma State in this meeting of in-state rivals. The Cowboys are 20-8 ATS in their last 28 non-conference games, while Tulsa is 3-10 ATS in their last 13 games against Big 12 opponents. Add in that Oklahoma State has won the last six meetings by an average of 27 points, its a no-brainer to expect the Cowboys to come away with a big win over a Tulsa program that allowed San Jose State to post solid numbers.

Southern Miss Golden Eagles vs. Troy Trojans (-2.5)

It’s hard to gauge the Trojans with a new coaching staff and one game against a FCS opponent, but they have been one of the top teams G5 teams in recent years. Troy is 16-3 SU in their last 19 home games, and had the added benefit of a bye week in Week 2 to better prepare for Southern Miss. Back the Trojans as they should win this game by a touchdown.

Check back with us next week for more and let me know what you think in the comments below or via Twitter. Until next week, SHOW ME THE MONEY!!