Baseball may be America's pastime but football is America's obsession, especially when it comes to betting. No one understands that any better than the innovative oddsmakers and experienced bet takers at The Greek Sportsbook where they're preparing for the start of the college gridiron season, at the end of this month.
Once the season kicks off with an abbreviated nine game schedule on Thursday, Aug. 31 gamblers will be able to match cash to conviction via pointspread, money line and total wagering. In the meantime, The Greek Sportsbook is offering future book odds on a number of propositions. Included on that list are futures for which team will capture the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) title in Arizona, Jan. 8 and which teams will win their league championships, including in such power conferences as the ACC, Big 10, Big 12, Pac-10 and SEC.
There also are over/under props on regular season victories for more than three dozen teams, including traditional NCAA stalwarts such as Oklahoma, Ohio State, Notre Dame, USC and West Virginia, which, along with their title aspirations, also have double-digit win totals.
What's more, there's a proposition on which player will win the Heisman Trophy, emblematic of college football's finest performer. Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn and Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson are the leading candidates.
Of course, even the most fearless of bettors might want to garner a bit more information before rushing headstrong into the upcoming campaign.
We're here to help. Here, in a rough estimation of each team's expected efficiency, is a look at what are perceived to be many of the premier college football teams for the upcoming season. Numbers in parentheses indicate last year's straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) records:
OHIO STATE (10-2 SU, 9-3 ATS): The Buckeyes had five players picked in the first round of the NFL Draft in April and while the defense loses some impressive talent among nine departed starters, the offense, where seven regulars return, should be able to pick up the slack. Start with quarterback Troy Smith, who led the Big 10 in passing efficiency and also was the team's second leading rusher behind Antonio Pittman, who also returns. Ted Ginn and Anthony Gonzalez are top notch receivers and the offensive line averages 6-6 and 303 pounds. OSU also should be strong on special teams. But oh, that defense. All-America linebackers AJ Hawk and Bobby Carpenter are among nine departed starters so Coach Jim Tressel has some holes to fill. The schedule has its rough spots, including road trips to Texas, Iowa and Michigan State. Thankfully for the Buckeyes, the annual showdown with Michigan takes place in Columbus this year.
NOTRE DAME (9-3 SU, 7-5 ATS): Charlie Weis, who owns three Super Bowl rings from his tenure with the New England Patriots, made an immediate impact in South Bend, transforming the Fighting Irish into a national power in his first season. Now, with another strong recruiting class and the return of 16 starters from the team that lost two games by six points, Notre Dame should challenge for the BCS title. The attack, which averaged over 36 points per game a year ago, figures to be even more potent in 2006. Quarterback Brady Quinn, the Heisman favorite, should put up some huge numbers, throwing to WR Jeff Samardzija (15 TDS) while operating behind a sturdy offensive line. Top rusher Darius Walker returns and the defense, which includes nine regulars from a year ago, should be vastly improved. The schedule, with an opener at Georgia Tech and a season-ender at USC, not to mention home contests against Michigan, Penn State and UCLA, is formidable but so are the Irish.
OKLAHOMA (8-4 SU, 6-6 ATS): After back-to-back title game appearances the two previous seasons, the Sooners slipped to 8-4 last year, a dose of relative mediocrity which should be purged from their collective memories in 2006. Oklahoma's defense, led by All-America linebacker Rufus Alexander and aided by eight other returning regulars, could be the staunchest in the land. Quarterback Rhett Bomar started 11 games as a freshman last season and should be better for the experience. Of course, it helps when you can hand the ball to Adrian Peterson, who racked up 1,925 yards as a freshman in 2004 and still managed 1,104 through an injury plagued campaign last year. Peterson is healthy again and so are the Sooners, who travel to Oregon, Sept. 16, have their annual tussle with Texas in Dallas, Oct. 7, and finish with four of their last five games on the road.
WEST VIRGINIA (11-1 SU, 9-2 ATS): With 14 starters and 51 letter winners returning to the team that lost just one game last season, there's a national title buzz in Morgantown. But, truth be told, West Virginia may not even win its own conference. With their best four rushers, leading passer and top seven receivers among nine returning offensive regulars, the Mountaineers won't have much difficulty scoring points. But defense, where UWV lost six starters, including three first team and one second team All-Big East players, could be a another story. Virginia Tech, the only team to beat West Virginia last season, has been dropped from the schedule but road trips to conference bullies Louisville and Pittsburgh, as well as an away game with improving Connecticut, leave little room for error for the Mounties.
FLORIDA (9-3 SU, 5-6-1 ATS): There's no doubt that the Gators are talented but having to face Tennessee, Auburn, Georgia and Florida away from the friendly confines of The Swamp will put a damper on any team's title aspirations. The SEC, as usual, is loaded this year and Florida is in the mix. Chris Leak, who completed over 62 percent of his passes and had a 20/6 TD/interception ratio should be even better the second season in Coach Urban Meyer's system. But the Gators need to rebuild an offensive line that lost five of six starters and while the defensive front and linebacking corps is experienced, the secondary, where three starters have departed, will need work.
FLORIDA STATE (8-5 SU, 6-6 ATS): Bobby Bowden's 31st season in Tallahassee could be one of his finest... if the Seminoles can negotiate a bookend schedule that features a tough opener against the Hurricanes in Miami, Sept. 4 and a wicked closer versus Florida at home, Nov. 25. In between, the schedule is soft and seven of those games are at home. The attack, which staggered at times in 2005, welcomes back its top passer, Drew Weatherford, leading rusher, Lorenzo Booker, and most productive receiver (Chris Davis). The offensive line will be more experienced so points shouldn't be a huge concern for the Seminoles. Five starters return on defense and FSU should be particularly strong up front and at cornerback.
SOUTHERN CAL (12-1 SU, 6-7 ATS): There aren't many teams that can lose back-to-back Heisman Trophy winners (Reggie Bush and Matt Leinart) and still have a realistic chance at a national championship. But Coach Pete Carroll has built a juggernaut in his six seasons in LA and this year's Trojans have a chance to go undefeated. Only four starters return from last season's offense, led by receivers Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith. John David Booty gets the call behind center but there are questions at running back, long a position of strength at USC. Six starters return to the "Wild Bunch" defense, led by third team All-America end Lawrence Jackson. But what augers most for a USC title run is a very friendly schedule that finds Oregon, California, Arizona State and Notre Dame all forced to visit Los Angeles this year.
LSU (11-2 SU, 6-5-1 ATS): The Tigers overcame the perils of Hurricane Katrina last year to end the season with a 40-3 thrashing of Miami in the Peach Bowl and should again be formidable. In fact, the offense, where six starters return, could be the best in the SEC. Quarterback JaMarcus Russell, operating behind an offensive line that features All-SEC second team tackle Will Arnold, has excellent targets in Dwayne Bowe and Craig Davis and more than a few capable running backs. On the other cleat, the defense loses five of its seven top tacklers from a year ago but has talent at safety and linebacker. The schedule is a killer, including road games at Auburn, Florida, Tennessee and Arkansas.
MIAMI (9-3 SU, 4-8 ATS): The Hurricanes underachieved last year, losing to Georgia Tech at home and getting blown out by LSU in the Peach Bowl. However, even with just 11 starters back (third fewest in the ACC) a turnaround is within reach. Certainly, Miami should be able to move the ball. Quarterback Kyle Wright, who should vie for conference honors, has excellent targets in Ryan Moore and Greg Olsen and a running attack headed by Tyrone Moss. The offensive line, however, must be rebuilt. Miami's defense almost always is stingy and this year's unit, led by end Baraka Atkins and safeties Brandon Meriweather and Kenny Phillips, should follow in that tradition. Two key games on the schedule - Florida State and Virginia Tech - are at home.
TEXAS (13-0 SU, 11-2 ATS): The Longhorns lose just nine starters from the team that won the National Championship in January but Coach Mack Brown may find that one starter in particular, quarterback Vince Young, will be almost impossible to replace. Young led Texas in both passing and rushing and also was the team's inspirational leader. The QB job now falls to redshirt freshman Colt McCoy, who, with a name like that, better have a big gun and be the real thing. Fortunately for McCoy, he'll be setting up behind a solid front line and have ample weapons in running back Jamaal Charles and wide receivers Billy Pittman and Limas Sweed. The Texas defense, which gave up 20 or fewer points in nine games a year ago, again should be hard-fisted.
AUBURN (9-3 SU, 8-3 ATS): The stars seem to be aligned for Auburn, which welcomes back 12 starters from among 54 returning letterman on the team that led the SEC in yardage differential in 2005. What's more, the Tigers have a favorable schedule in that their four toughest games, against Florida, Georgia, LSU and Arkansas, all are at home. With 1,293 yards rushing and 13 TDs, running back Kenny Irons is the go-to man on offense. Irons is aided by returning quarterback Brandon Cox and an offensive line that is tough and experienced up the middle. A dozen starters also return on defense, making Auburn a player in the national title hunt.
MICHIGAN (7-5 SU, 5-7 ATS): The Wolverines lost five games last season, their most in more than two decades but the return of 14 starters (second most in the Big 10) has folks in Ann Arbor predicting a return to greatness. Chad Henne returns at quarterback, aided by running back Mike Hart and an offensive line that has seven of its top 10 back. But of the offense is adequate, the defense should be superb with as many as five UM players vying for All-Big 10 honors. Included on that list are ends Alan Branch and Lamarr Woodley, linebacker Dave Harris, cornerback Leon Hall and safety Ryan Mundy. That being said, Michigan's toughest three games, versus Notre Dame, Ohio State and Penn State, all are on the road.
PENN STATE (11-1 SU, 8-3-1 ATS): Remember those calls for Joe Paterno's scalp? Quieted by a stellar 11-1 campaign, the chorus could clear its throat again if JoPa can't adequately replace 13 starters (tied with Ohio State for most in the Big 10). The key loss is at quarterback where Anthony Morelli must replace the productive Michael Robinson. Tony Hunt is a fine runner and the Nittany Lions have receivers to spare but the offensive line must be rebuilt around just one returning starter. The defense returns just four starters but may have the country's best set of linebackers in Paul Posluszny and Dan Connor. Road trips to Columbus and South Bend in the first four weeks of the season will test the young Lions.
CALIFORNIA (8-4 SU, 3-8 ATS): The Golden Bears return 15 starters to the 8-4 team that was 1-3 in games decided by a touchdown or less so with a little bit of luck, and some improved play, Cal could have an ever better year in 2006. The offense, which averaged almost 33 points per game last year, again should be potent with running backs Marshawn Lynch and Justin Forsett combining for 2,245 yards and 16 TDs in 2005. The top two receivers, DeShean Jackson and Robert Jordan, also return, leaving it up to QB Joe Ayoob to make it all work. Coach Jeff Tedford should have his best defense in five seasons in Berkeley. Six of the front seven and both cornerbacks are back to the unit that gave up just 16 points per game last year. Aside from trips to Tennessee and USC, the Bears should be favored in their other 10 games.
The Greek Sportsbook
Once the season kicks off with an abbreviated nine game schedule on Thursday, Aug. 31 gamblers will be able to match cash to conviction via pointspread, money line and total wagering. In the meantime, The Greek Sportsbook is offering future book odds on a number of propositions. Included on that list are futures for which team will capture the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) title in Arizona, Jan. 8 and which teams will win their league championships, including in such power conferences as the ACC, Big 10, Big 12, Pac-10 and SEC.
There also are over/under props on regular season victories for more than three dozen teams, including traditional NCAA stalwarts such as Oklahoma, Ohio State, Notre Dame, USC and West Virginia, which, along with their title aspirations, also have double-digit win totals.
What's more, there's a proposition on which player will win the Heisman Trophy, emblematic of college football's finest performer. Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn and Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson are the leading candidates.
Of course, even the most fearless of bettors might want to garner a bit more information before rushing headstrong into the upcoming campaign.
We're here to help. Here, in a rough estimation of each team's expected efficiency, is a look at what are perceived to be many of the premier college football teams for the upcoming season. Numbers in parentheses indicate last year's straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) records:
OHIO STATE (10-2 SU, 9-3 ATS): The Buckeyes had five players picked in the first round of the NFL Draft in April and while the defense loses some impressive talent among nine departed starters, the offense, where seven regulars return, should be able to pick up the slack. Start with quarterback Troy Smith, who led the Big 10 in passing efficiency and also was the team's second leading rusher behind Antonio Pittman, who also returns. Ted Ginn and Anthony Gonzalez are top notch receivers and the offensive line averages 6-6 and 303 pounds. OSU also should be strong on special teams. But oh, that defense. All-America linebackers AJ Hawk and Bobby Carpenter are among nine departed starters so Coach Jim Tressel has some holes to fill. The schedule has its rough spots, including road trips to Texas, Iowa and Michigan State. Thankfully for the Buckeyes, the annual showdown with Michigan takes place in Columbus this year.
NOTRE DAME (9-3 SU, 7-5 ATS): Charlie Weis, who owns three Super Bowl rings from his tenure with the New England Patriots, made an immediate impact in South Bend, transforming the Fighting Irish into a national power in his first season. Now, with another strong recruiting class and the return of 16 starters from the team that lost two games by six points, Notre Dame should challenge for the BCS title. The attack, which averaged over 36 points per game a year ago, figures to be even more potent in 2006. Quarterback Brady Quinn, the Heisman favorite, should put up some huge numbers, throwing to WR Jeff Samardzija (15 TDS) while operating behind a sturdy offensive line. Top rusher Darius Walker returns and the defense, which includes nine regulars from a year ago, should be vastly improved. The schedule, with an opener at Georgia Tech and a season-ender at USC, not to mention home contests against Michigan, Penn State and UCLA, is formidable but so are the Irish.
OKLAHOMA (8-4 SU, 6-6 ATS): After back-to-back title game appearances the two previous seasons, the Sooners slipped to 8-4 last year, a dose of relative mediocrity which should be purged from their collective memories in 2006. Oklahoma's defense, led by All-America linebacker Rufus Alexander and aided by eight other returning regulars, could be the staunchest in the land. Quarterback Rhett Bomar started 11 games as a freshman last season and should be better for the experience. Of course, it helps when you can hand the ball to Adrian Peterson, who racked up 1,925 yards as a freshman in 2004 and still managed 1,104 through an injury plagued campaign last year. Peterson is healthy again and so are the Sooners, who travel to Oregon, Sept. 16, have their annual tussle with Texas in Dallas, Oct. 7, and finish with four of their last five games on the road.
WEST VIRGINIA (11-1 SU, 9-2 ATS): With 14 starters and 51 letter winners returning to the team that lost just one game last season, there's a national title buzz in Morgantown. But, truth be told, West Virginia may not even win its own conference. With their best four rushers, leading passer and top seven receivers among nine returning offensive regulars, the Mountaineers won't have much difficulty scoring points. But defense, where UWV lost six starters, including three first team and one second team All-Big East players, could be a another story. Virginia Tech, the only team to beat West Virginia last season, has been dropped from the schedule but road trips to conference bullies Louisville and Pittsburgh, as well as an away game with improving Connecticut, leave little room for error for the Mounties.
FLORIDA (9-3 SU, 5-6-1 ATS): There's no doubt that the Gators are talented but having to face Tennessee, Auburn, Georgia and Florida away from the friendly confines of The Swamp will put a damper on any team's title aspirations. The SEC, as usual, is loaded this year and Florida is in the mix. Chris Leak, who completed over 62 percent of his passes and had a 20/6 TD/interception ratio should be even better the second season in Coach Urban Meyer's system. But the Gators need to rebuild an offensive line that lost five of six starters and while the defensive front and linebacking corps is experienced, the secondary, where three starters have departed, will need work.
FLORIDA STATE (8-5 SU, 6-6 ATS): Bobby Bowden's 31st season in Tallahassee could be one of his finest... if the Seminoles can negotiate a bookend schedule that features a tough opener against the Hurricanes in Miami, Sept. 4 and a wicked closer versus Florida at home, Nov. 25. In between, the schedule is soft and seven of those games are at home. The attack, which staggered at times in 2005, welcomes back its top passer, Drew Weatherford, leading rusher, Lorenzo Booker, and most productive receiver (Chris Davis). The offensive line will be more experienced so points shouldn't be a huge concern for the Seminoles. Five starters return on defense and FSU should be particularly strong up front and at cornerback.
SOUTHERN CAL (12-1 SU, 6-7 ATS): There aren't many teams that can lose back-to-back Heisman Trophy winners (Reggie Bush and Matt Leinart) and still have a realistic chance at a national championship. But Coach Pete Carroll has built a juggernaut in his six seasons in LA and this year's Trojans have a chance to go undefeated. Only four starters return from last season's offense, led by receivers Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith. John David Booty gets the call behind center but there are questions at running back, long a position of strength at USC. Six starters return to the "Wild Bunch" defense, led by third team All-America end Lawrence Jackson. But what augers most for a USC title run is a very friendly schedule that finds Oregon, California, Arizona State and Notre Dame all forced to visit Los Angeles this year.
LSU (11-2 SU, 6-5-1 ATS): The Tigers overcame the perils of Hurricane Katrina last year to end the season with a 40-3 thrashing of Miami in the Peach Bowl and should again be formidable. In fact, the offense, where six starters return, could be the best in the SEC. Quarterback JaMarcus Russell, operating behind an offensive line that features All-SEC second team tackle Will Arnold, has excellent targets in Dwayne Bowe and Craig Davis and more than a few capable running backs. On the other cleat, the defense loses five of its seven top tacklers from a year ago but has talent at safety and linebacker. The schedule is a killer, including road games at Auburn, Florida, Tennessee and Arkansas.
MIAMI (9-3 SU, 4-8 ATS): The Hurricanes underachieved last year, losing to Georgia Tech at home and getting blown out by LSU in the Peach Bowl. However, even with just 11 starters back (third fewest in the ACC) a turnaround is within reach. Certainly, Miami should be able to move the ball. Quarterback Kyle Wright, who should vie for conference honors, has excellent targets in Ryan Moore and Greg Olsen and a running attack headed by Tyrone Moss. The offensive line, however, must be rebuilt. Miami's defense almost always is stingy and this year's unit, led by end Baraka Atkins and safeties Brandon Meriweather and Kenny Phillips, should follow in that tradition. Two key games on the schedule - Florida State and Virginia Tech - are at home.
TEXAS (13-0 SU, 11-2 ATS): The Longhorns lose just nine starters from the team that won the National Championship in January but Coach Mack Brown may find that one starter in particular, quarterback Vince Young, will be almost impossible to replace. Young led Texas in both passing and rushing and also was the team's inspirational leader. The QB job now falls to redshirt freshman Colt McCoy, who, with a name like that, better have a big gun and be the real thing. Fortunately for McCoy, he'll be setting up behind a solid front line and have ample weapons in running back Jamaal Charles and wide receivers Billy Pittman and Limas Sweed. The Texas defense, which gave up 20 or fewer points in nine games a year ago, again should be hard-fisted.
AUBURN (9-3 SU, 8-3 ATS): The stars seem to be aligned for Auburn, which welcomes back 12 starters from among 54 returning letterman on the team that led the SEC in yardage differential in 2005. What's more, the Tigers have a favorable schedule in that their four toughest games, against Florida, Georgia, LSU and Arkansas, all are at home. With 1,293 yards rushing and 13 TDs, running back Kenny Irons is the go-to man on offense. Irons is aided by returning quarterback Brandon Cox and an offensive line that is tough and experienced up the middle. A dozen starters also return on defense, making Auburn a player in the national title hunt.
MICHIGAN (7-5 SU, 5-7 ATS): The Wolverines lost five games last season, their most in more than two decades but the return of 14 starters (second most in the Big 10) has folks in Ann Arbor predicting a return to greatness. Chad Henne returns at quarterback, aided by running back Mike Hart and an offensive line that has seven of its top 10 back. But of the offense is adequate, the defense should be superb with as many as five UM players vying for All-Big 10 honors. Included on that list are ends Alan Branch and Lamarr Woodley, linebacker Dave Harris, cornerback Leon Hall and safety Ryan Mundy. That being said, Michigan's toughest three games, versus Notre Dame, Ohio State and Penn State, all are on the road.
PENN STATE (11-1 SU, 8-3-1 ATS): Remember those calls for Joe Paterno's scalp? Quieted by a stellar 11-1 campaign, the chorus could clear its throat again if JoPa can't adequately replace 13 starters (tied with Ohio State for most in the Big 10). The key loss is at quarterback where Anthony Morelli must replace the productive Michael Robinson. Tony Hunt is a fine runner and the Nittany Lions have receivers to spare but the offensive line must be rebuilt around just one returning starter. The defense returns just four starters but may have the country's best set of linebackers in Paul Posluszny and Dan Connor. Road trips to Columbus and South Bend in the first four weeks of the season will test the young Lions.
CALIFORNIA (8-4 SU, 3-8 ATS): The Golden Bears return 15 starters to the 8-4 team that was 1-3 in games decided by a touchdown or less so with a little bit of luck, and some improved play, Cal could have an ever better year in 2006. The offense, which averaged almost 33 points per game last year, again should be potent with running backs Marshawn Lynch and Justin Forsett combining for 2,245 yards and 16 TDs in 2005. The top two receivers, DeShean Jackson and Robert Jordan, also return, leaving it up to QB Joe Ayoob to make it all work. Coach Jeff Tedford should have his best defense in five seasons in Berkeley. Six of the front seven and both cornerbacks are back to the unit that gave up just 16 points per game last year. Aside from trips to Tennessee and USC, the Bears should be favored in their other 10 games.
The Greek Sportsbook
