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The numbers got the better of some of the nation's top teams last week.
And the better of some bettors.
The top-ranked Georgia Bulldogs, a 45-point favorite, merely managed Mid-American Conference foe Kent State, 39-22. Hey, even Goliath steps off the gas sometimes.
With a less large number, Oklahoma learned to never underestimate a conference foe with a transfer quarterback. Ex-Nebraska QB Adrian Martinez, now leading the Kansas State Wildcats, authored a 41-34 upset of the Sooners as a 13-point underdog.
Michigan (-16.5) and USC (-6.5) were two more juggernauts who failed to cover in conference games against Maryland and Oregon State respectively. Â
As we go deeper into the season, the cupcakes have mostly been consumed.
FrontPageBets scours the numbers, searching for best bets in Week 5.
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings and subject to change)
No. 4 Michigan spread (-10.5) and over (42) at Iowa
Kickoff: Noon
TV: FOX
The rationale: The Wolverines got all they could handle from the Terrapins and were again rescued by the running game, specifically Blake Corum (243 yards, two touchdowns). Quarterback J.J. McCarthy was a bit frazzled, finishing 18 of 26 passing for 220 yards and a pair of scores. Will he muster more against the stout Hawkeyes? Iowa's best offense remains its defense, which scored twice in a win over Rutgers.
The rationale: The Sooners are sour after bowing to the former Cornhusker under center. Expect quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who didn't play poorly in last week's loss (330 yards, four TDs) to be inspired. OU running back Eric Gray managed 114 yards on the ground. TCU has wins over Colorado, Tarleton State and SMU. Horned Frogs QB Max Duggan struck for 278 yards and three TDs against the Mustangs. RB Emari Demercado had 64 yards with two fourth-quarter trips to the end zone.
Gerry Ahern is senior content editor for FrontPageBets. A 35-year veteran sports editor and digital media executive, he has led coverage of the biggest events in sports, from Super Bowls, to Final Fours, to Olympics, to the Masters.
