After the first five weeks of the college football season, the Phoenix Teams, teams pegged for a potential resurgence from last year's setbacks, have shown varied performances. Some have blossomed, affirming their comeback narratives, while others remain unpredictable.
High Flyers:
- Missouri and Washington State stand out. Missouri remains undefeated with a 5-0 SU and an impressive 4-1 ATS, while Washington State boasts a pristine 4-0 record.
- UNLV has been the dark horse, showing remarkable consistency against the spread, being unbeaten ATS at 5-0.
Middle of the Pack:
- Kansas started strong but hit a roadblock against Texas. Their 4-1 SU record still positions them favorably.
- Rice, with a 3-2 SU and an impressive 4-1 ATS, shows promise, especially after their recent victory over East Carolina.
Lagging Behind:
- Connecticut and Southern Mississippi are struggling, with both teams searching for consistent form.
- Hawaii, despite flashes of brilliance, remains inconsistent, highlighted by their recent significant loss to UNLV.
Upcoming Key Matchups (Point Spread):
- Georgia Tech (+20.5) faces Miami, a challenging opponent where they are clear underdogs.
- Kansas is slightly favored (-2) against Central Florida, a game that can solidify their comeback credentials.
- Missouri, despite their undefeated streak, is slightly the underdog (+5.5) against LSU.
- Washington State is the underdog (+3.5) against UCLA, a match that will test their undefeated run.
Summary:
The Phoenix Teams, five weeks in, present a mixed bag. While teams like Missouri and Washington State affirm their comeback stories, others like Connecticut and Southern Mississippi search for form. The upcoming games, especially with intriguing point spreads, promise exciting confrontations. How these teams perform against the spread will be pivotal in cementing their Phoenix Team status.
