When it comes to college
football betting, there's plenty of opinion and expertise on the top teams.
We all know Oklahoma and Florida will contend for the national championship. But
what about the sleepers? Who could surprise and contend for the BCS this season
while also giving bettors a great return on their
investments?
California (+4500)
Like Thiago Silva's UFC
102 fight card odds, Golden Bears are a nice long-shot pick as they're not
totally taken seriously by sportsbook odds makers but still have the pieces to
make a surprise run if everything goes right. Cal has a legit Heisman Trophy
candidate in Jahvid Best, who topped 1,500 yards on the ground and scored 16
total touchdowns last season. He's a true home-run threat who can score on every
play. If he can somehow get more support from Kevin Riley at quarterback, Cal
can contend. Why? Because its defense rocks. The pass rush ranked 14th in the
nation last year and the secondary is both deep and talented. Cal won't allow
many points, so it can improve on its 9-4 record if it just ups the ante on
offense slightly.
Notre Dame (+2000)
You'd think a team
that's 10-15 over its last two seasons would offer better than +2000 value as sportsbook
picks, but it comes with the territory when you're dealing with a storied school
like Notre Dame. The Irish ain't perfect -- they must improve their atrocious
running attack -- but there's plenty to like about them. The passing offense is
very intriguing, as Jimmy Claussen appears ready to break out and has arguably
the best receiving tandem in the country at his disposal in Golden Tate and
Michael Floyd. This team will be fun to watch at the very least and should
improve dramatically. If not, bye-bye Charlie Weis.
Virginia Tech
(+1500)
They're not a total sleeper, but most bettors don't think
they have the horses to reach the BCS Championship despite a strong 2008 season.
The defense is deep as can be, able to rush the passer and adept at forcing
turnovers. Quarterback Tyrod Thomas is a question mark -- he's athletic but can
he become a smart, efficient passer? The running game thought to be a strength
but Darren Evans is out for the year with a serious knee injury. If none of the
inexperienced Hokies backups steps up to fill the void, 2009 could be a bust for
the once-hot sleeper picks. Betting services suggest that you wait until
closer to the season before betting on the Hokies, as their value should change
for the better.
--Betonline.com
football betting, there's plenty of opinion and expertise on the top teams.
We all know Oklahoma and Florida will contend for the national championship. But
what about the sleepers? Who could surprise and contend for the BCS this season
while also giving bettors a great return on their
investments?
California (+4500)
Like Thiago Silva's UFC
102 fight card odds, Golden Bears are a nice long-shot pick as they're not
totally taken seriously by sportsbook odds makers but still have the pieces to
make a surprise run if everything goes right. Cal has a legit Heisman Trophy
candidate in Jahvid Best, who topped 1,500 yards on the ground and scored 16
total touchdowns last season. He's a true home-run threat who can score on every
play. If he can somehow get more support from Kevin Riley at quarterback, Cal
can contend. Why? Because its defense rocks. The pass rush ranked 14th in the
nation last year and the secondary is both deep and talented. Cal won't allow
many points, so it can improve on its 9-4 record if it just ups the ante on
offense slightly.
Notre Dame (+2000)
You'd think a team
that's 10-15 over its last two seasons would offer better than +2000 value as sportsbook
picks, but it comes with the territory when you're dealing with a storied school
like Notre Dame. The Irish ain't perfect -- they must improve their atrocious
running attack -- but there's plenty to like about them. The passing offense is
very intriguing, as Jimmy Claussen appears ready to break out and has arguably
the best receiving tandem in the country at his disposal in Golden Tate and
Michael Floyd. This team will be fun to watch at the very least and should
improve dramatically. If not, bye-bye Charlie Weis.
Virginia Tech
(+1500)
They're not a total sleeper, but most bettors don't think
they have the horses to reach the BCS Championship despite a strong 2008 season.
The defense is deep as can be, able to rush the passer and adept at forcing
turnovers. Quarterback Tyrod Thomas is a question mark -- he's athletic but can
he become a smart, efficient passer? The running game thought to be a strength
but Darren Evans is out for the year with a serious knee injury. If none of the
inexperienced Hokies backups steps up to fill the void, 2009 could be a bust for
the once-hot sleeper picks. Betting services suggest that you wait until
closer to the season before betting on the Hokies, as their value should change
for the better.
--Betonline.com
