The Old Dominion Monarchs are riding a two-game winning streak and will look to extend that streak against the Massachusetts Minutemen in Week 6. The Monarchs are a one-touchdown favorite this week in smaller conference action.
The Minutemen are 1-4 and have lost two in a row heading into this contest. UMass has had trouble scoring points this year and will need to kick the offense into high gear if it expects to pull off the upset.
Kickoff for this regular season Week 6 game is set for Saturday, October 8, 2016, at 6 p.m. ET at S.B. Ballard Stadium.
College Football Odds at BookMaker.eu
Massachusetts +7.5
Old Dominion -7.5
Over/Under 56.5
Odds Analysis
The line has moved up a half-point in Old Dominion’s favor and that’s been enough to move the action toward Massachusetts. The Minutemen are taking in 70 percent of the betting action as a cover would happen even if they lost by a touchdown.
The half-point could play a significant role in which side ends up the winner. The scoring total is pretty low because of Massachusetts's struggling offense but the gamblers believe the “over” is the correct play as most of the early money is taking that side.
Player to Watch
David Washington -- The Old Dominion quarterback has looked very good this year, completing 77-of-137 passes for 1,002 yards with 11 touchdowns and two interceptions.
Washington threw for 256 yards and three touchdowns in last week’s win over Charlotte. He has also shown an ability to gain some yards on the ground. That was most evident in a win over UTSA as he rushed for 69 yards and a touchdown on six carries in that contest.
UMass hasn’t been too bad against the pass this year, but a good performance by Washington would likely seal a win by Old Dominion in this one.
Letdown Situation
Old Dominion enters this game 2-0 in conference and is favored to win once again. If that happens, it would set up a big-time showdown next week against Western Kentucky.
The Hilltoppers have looked good this year and could be one of the main contenders for the Conference USA crown. Old Dominion could make a big statement with a road win, so it’s easy to see how the team could look ahead.
The Monarchs have a bye next week, so that could be a plus, as they would be able to keep their heads in this one knowing the matchup with Western Kentucky is a couple weeks away. However, minds wander, and a lack of focus could keep this game against UMass closer than expected.
Free ATS Pick
Old Dominion will be riding high this week after last Saturday’s 52-17 trouncing of the 49ers. The Monarchs started the season 1-0, but suffered back-to-back losses to Appalachian State and NC State to drop below .500 before bouncing back in conference play.
Their defense is giving up 27.4 points per game but will really look to hunker down against a Massachusetts offense that isn’t very explosive.
The Minutemen’s only win of the season came in Week 3. They defeated Florida International 28-13, but have dropped into a bigger hole now after consecutive losses to Mississippi State and Tulane the last two weeks.
The conference slate won’t have as many tough games, but Massachusetts has some work to do to get into contention for a bowl game. Winning this one would be a huge step, but it would be unexpected.
UMass has to put together some semblance of a running game as it is averaging only 80 yards per contest there. The defense has been decent at times but has gotten no help.
That could be the story of this one. While Old Dominion may not be perfect as this is a letdown situation, there is enough talent to squeak out an ugly one. However, Massachusetts is the choice to cover the spread by a whisker, with the “under” the easy call on the scoring total.
College Football Odds: Old Dominion 28, Massachusettes 22
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