The college football season is a tad over three weeks away, and the clock is ticking for gamblers wanting to place their wagers on the total number of wins certain teams will achieve before the season begins.
The Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook has put out its estimates for win totals for 64 of the top programs. with teams from the SEC, Pac-12, Big 10, and ACC all represented.
Not surprisingly, Alabama is expected to win the most games. Their win total is set at 11.5. Clemson is next at 11. There are only two teams that have win total projections below five victories. Vanderbilt, which has a line of 4.5, and Oregon State, which is has a line of just 2.5.
There are a couple of surprises among the 64 and below we list a few that we think bettors should look at. One you won’t see, at least the for the immediate future, is Ohio State. The Buckeyes were listed at 10.5 wins, but with the Urban Meyer scandal, many sportsbooks have pulled Ohio State off their betting boards until the coach’s status is resolved.
The over/under on total wins, after all, is a number expected to be significantly influenced by their coach’s presence … or lack thereof.
But otherwise, here are some winning bets, at least one of us here at OG thinks:
Powerhouse Teams for Safe Bets
Georgia 10.5 wins
The Bulldogs went 13-2 last year, losing in the National Championship game. They had 11 victories in the regular season, and oddsmakers think they will be right at that total again this season.They had one of the best recruiting classes in the country and their schedule this year seems to be easier than 2017. Of the 12 games, only two could possibly present a problem. The first is an away game at LSU, the other is when they host top 10 preseason pick, Auburn.
Prediction: Take the over
Wisconsin 10 wins
The Badgers ran the table last year, winning all 12 regular season games, ultimately finishing 13-1. They used a measured ground attack and pounded the ball down opponent’s throats.
They don’t expect to do anything different this year, and the offensive line is just as strong as 2017. There is no question how good that side of the ball will be. The question mark is the secondary, and that could prove to be the Achilles heal for Wisconsin. They face Iowa on the road, Michigan in the Big House, and Penn State at Happy Valley. That might prove to be too much to duplicate last season’s undefeated mark. We see a 10 win season, maybe worse.
Prediction: Take the under
Under the Radar FTW
UNLV 6 wins
Last year was a disaster for the Rebels. They lost outright as a 45-point favorite to Howard, and lost to their rival Nevada to lose any chance for a bowl game.
This is coach Tony Sanchez’s fourth year and even though he has won one more game each season, he may be on the hot seat this year to get to a bowl game. To do that they are going to have to win six games or more.
The offense is solid, the defense isn’t. If they can outscore opponents they will have a chance to reach six. Other than USC and Fresno, most of their games are winnable.
Prediction: Take the over
Duke 6 wins
The Blue Devils shocked some teams last year, but they won’t be surprising anyone this season. Teams know how good they are, and will be well prepared for them.
They have strengths on both sides of the ball that will serve them well, but the problem is they have an extremely difficult schedule. They face Clemson and Miami on the road, as well as Baylor, Georgia Tech, and Northwestern. It could prove to be too much to handle.