that there is just too much value given to these lower seeds than in past years? It seems to me that the whole March Madness hype has given the tournament its identity as an underdog overachieving, anybody can win attitude with every game. (Great for ratings)
In recent years we have seen a lot of underdog stories, but the lines seem to reflect this more and more every year. #1 and #2 seeds in the 1st round games used to produce spreads in the upper 20's and 30's and now you see maybe 3 games with posted #'s that may reach the 20's. Its common to see a #3, 4, or 5 seeds laying 3 and 4 points now a days. These are the teams consistently in the top 20 from the power conferences playing teams who rarely sniff the top 25 polls.
I understand that there is more parity than ever but to me the dogs just arent what dogs used to be. In many cases if you bet the dog you pretty much need to win outright, I think about 15 of the 1st round games have lines of 4 or less.
The great games and upsets and close calls that everyone remembers like Iowa st getting bounced, or bucknell taking kansas to the wire, Valpos run,if you take a look back at those spreads, these were big dogs, in todays tournament these teams are expected to play well and win.
Anyways sorry about the ramble, but
I have a feeling overall the favorites will be doing well in the 1st round today and tomorrow, especially the battle tested power conference type teams laying marginal #'s.
Any thoughts appreciated and good luck, no matter what its the best gambling time of the year!
:00hour
In recent years we have seen a lot of underdog stories, but the lines seem to reflect this more and more every year. #1 and #2 seeds in the 1st round games used to produce spreads in the upper 20's and 30's and now you see maybe 3 games with posted #'s that may reach the 20's. Its common to see a #3, 4, or 5 seeds laying 3 and 4 points now a days. These are the teams consistently in the top 20 from the power conferences playing teams who rarely sniff the top 25 polls.
I understand that there is more parity than ever but to me the dogs just arent what dogs used to be. In many cases if you bet the dog you pretty much need to win outright, I think about 15 of the 1st round games have lines of 4 or less.
The great games and upsets and close calls that everyone remembers like Iowa st getting bounced, or bucknell taking kansas to the wire, Valpos run,if you take a look back at those spreads, these were big dogs, in todays tournament these teams are expected to play well and win.
Anyways sorry about the ramble, but
I have a feeling overall the favorites will be doing well in the 1st round today and tomorrow, especially the battle tested power conference type teams laying marginal #'s.
Any thoughts appreciated and good luck, no matter what its the best gambling time of the year!
:00hour
