College Football Futures Preview
The 2006 Rose Bowl odds are now out, so it’s time to start making some future bets. After an intense bowl season last year, it’s not hard to see why many of the same teams are predicted to be on top again. In this column, Ill let you know who I think will be in it at the end, and who offers you the best betting value.
Notre Dame (+600)
It’s hard to overlook the Irish as the best team in the land. They bolster Heisman trophy candidate Brady Quinn, as well as all star receiver Jeff Samardzija. The Irish will have experience and depth this year, as they have a total of 17 returning starters from last year’s squad.
My recommendation: +600 isn’t enough value for me to take a gamble on a team that has one of the toughest schedules in the country. They open the season against Georgia Tech, Penn State and Michigan, and also have a late season appearance in Los Angeles to play USC. There are just too many hurdles for the Irish this season. No bet for me.
Ohio State (+600)
The Buckeyes are catching some heat for being rated this high after they lost 9 players from their starting defense. However if I can play devil’s advocate for a bit, they actually have some big primetime players to fill in. Many of their defensive starters this year, had to wait until NFL talents like AJ Hawk and Bobby Carpenter left so they could get a starting spot. It’s not hard to see that most players would be getting minimal playing time in these spots. The Buckeyes defense really doesn’t have me worried at this point, considering the offense may be the best in the land. Offensive dynamites, Troy Smith, Ted Ginn, Anthony Gonzalez and Antonio Pittman might just be too much this season for any defense to handle.
My recommendation: I think Ohio State is the best bet out of the top 3 teams right now. Their schedule has some tough games, including a road trip to Texas early in the year as well as a night game in Iowa. If the Buckeyes can find a kicker to replace Josh Houston, they should be on their way to a championship season.
Oklahoma (+700)
The Sooners return a solid backfield with sophomore quarterback Rhett Bomar and tailback Adrian Peterson. Bomar took some licks last season, but matured throughout the year and even helped the Sooners win a bowl game. Peterson is a dominating back, and when healthy might be the best running back in the country. My only concern is he may have some trouble finding holes since they lost a big chunk of their offensive line from last season.
My recommendation: I’m not taking a shot on a team that has failed to even give Texas a scare in the past few years. Once Bob Stoops can out-coach Mack Brown, I’ll consider the Sooners a contender. No bet for me.
USC (+800)
Leinart, Bush and White all took off for the NFL draft now the Trojans need to rebuild. While I think USC will have some troubles early on in the year, over the course of the season, they will become an elite team. I can see them ending with one or two losses and being in a top bowl game, but competing for a Rose Bowl title doesn’t appear in their sight at this time.
My recommendation: Way too many questions for USC right now. They need a lot of players to step up for them to make a run. I’m staying away.
Texas (+800)
Well the mastermind of the Texas offensive, Vince Young took off early, and now Texas needs some help. Good thing they’ve had a top 5 recruiting class for the past few years. This is a big year for the Texas backfield, as Jamaal Charles and crew will need to dominate to give the new QB some confidence.
My recommendation: Texas will be better than most people think this year. I can see them making a run at a finish in the top 3-4. Their offensive line will be strong like always, and their defense will be wreaking havoc again. An early season game will be their toughest test of the year, as the Buckeyes suit up in Austin on September 9th.
The Best Bets
In college football, I’m always looking for value, especially in a future bet. The hardest thing about betting futures in college football is one loss usually ruins the season for a team. However in a sport like baseball, the best teams usually make the playoffs and always have a chance to win the championship.
My best bets for the year based on value are…
LSU (+1000)
This team is deep; very deep. They have some amazing talent at quarterback in Jamarcus Russell, as well as backup Matt Flynn. After torching the Hurricanes in the Peach Bowl last season, LSU will be riding high to start 2006.
Michigan (+2000)
If the Buckeyes happen to slip up, Michigan will have a chance to take the reigns and make their way to the Rose Bowl. With a dominant group of offensive talent including Chad Henne, Michael Hart and Steve Breaston, the Wolverines should have no problem putting points on the board. Lloyd Carr is the only thing holding this team back right now.
Louisville (+3300)
I’m gonna take a stab here with Brian Brohm and Michael Bush and hope they turn into the dynamic duo they can be. At +3300, they certainly warrant a look.
Recommended Betting Sites:
|
