There are so many pivotal games during the course of a college football season - the opener, the first conference test, a major revenge war and even the final battle to name a few.  Teams hit these milestones and, depending on whether they are able to pick up the "W" or post an "L", it can make or break their season.
 
This week's College System focuses on those teams at game five of the regular season carrying a .500 record.  At 2-2 straight up, this specific contest becomes extremely important.  A win pushes this team over the plateau of mediocrity and on to bigger and better things.  Unfortunately, a blemish sends this team further down the ladder of success and can often lead to trouble.  Here's what I discovered.
 
Since 1980, PLAY ON any college football game five home underdog provided they carry a 2-2 SU record and they enter with momentum off a straight up win.

28 Year ATS Record = 38-22 ATS for 63.3 percent!

This Week’s Plays = AKRON & NC STATE
 
Momentum is a tremendous handicapping tool and these gave five home pups looking to get over the hump rise to the occasion.
 
There are a couple of ways to make this system even more powerful.  If our “play on” host tangled with a non-conference foe last, this technical situation explodes to a magnificent 25-10 ATS for 71.4 percent.  Last week, Akron (MAC) knocked helmets with Army (Independent) and NC State (ACC) traded punches with East Carolina (CUSA).  That means the Zips and the Wolfpack both apply to this special tightener.
 
With our 25-10 ATS in hand, we can improve this situation to 19-5 ATS for 79.1 percent provided our host played in their own backyard the last time out.  There is only one team that fits this special tightener – NC State.  The Wolfpack upset the Pirates last week in Raleigh and they’ll look to pull off another shocker against the South Florida Bulls!
 
Good luck with Akron and NC State this week men!