Posted on
9/11/2007 4:57:47 PM
College Football Betting – Big 12 South Futures
By Charles Jay
The two clear future college football betting favorites in the Big 12 South are Texas and Oklahoma, as they stand head and shoulders above the rest. But upsets can happen, and three of the other teams in this division could find themselves in the bowl picture at season's end. One would have to think there's a good chance the BCS might get both the Longhorns and the Sooners. It all comes down to the October 6 meeting between these two, and I'm thinking it's about a 6/5 (+120) proposition that the winner of that game will take an undefeated record into the BCS. Let's look at the Big 12 South entrants, with betting odds and over/unders on total wins for each (Come see all the NCAA football betting props, odds and lines at BetUS.com):
Colt McCoy has established himself as one of the nation's best quarterbacks, throwing for 29 touchdowns in his first year at Texas. With Limas Sneed (801 yards) as one of the country's best wide receivers and Jamaal Charles bringing something of a running game to the table, the 'Horns won't be found wanting on offense. That offense will get an early non-conference test on September 8 against ambitious TCU. Then there's the showdown with Oklahoma on October 6 that will likely decide this division winner. If Texas gets by those hurdles, there's a chance for an undefeated season.
Texas to win Big 12 South +110 11/10
Texas regular season wins Over 10 100 (Even) 1/1
Texas regular season wins Under 10 -140 5/7
The Oklahoma Sooners are still trying to get over the devastation of the loss to Boise State. QB Paul Thompson is gone. Adrian Peterson, the speedy running back, is gone too. With Allan Patrick and DeMarco Murray, the running game will be okay. In fact, the Sooners won all eight games while Peterson was injured. Sam Bradford won a fall practice battle for the starting QB nod. This might still be the best defense in the conference, despite losing five starters. There is an early speed bump against Miami, but much of the season will come down to the October 6 date against Texas. The winner of that game has a shot at going unbeaten.
Oklahoma to win Big 12 South +100 1/1
Oklahoma regular season wins Over 10 -120 10/12
Oklahoma regular season wins Under 10 -120 10/12
Oklahoma State could be troublesome for the top two in this division, although they're not as well-rounded. Certainly there is offense; the Cowboys are led by QB Bobby Reid, who makes his passes count (2286 yards and 24 TD's on 267 throws) and Adarius Bowman may be the best wide receiver in the country (1181 yards, 19.7 yds. per catch). There is great run-pass balance here, but the defense must get its act together. The opener at Georgia should be a barnburner. It will, however, be hard for OSU to break through, since it hasn't beaten Texas since 1997. Taking the "over" might be a good idea until further notice. Also, the Cowboys have covered just five of their last 18 as a road underdog.
Oklahoma St to win Big 12 South +700 7/1
Oklahoma St regular season wins Over 7.5 -120 10/12
Oklahoma St regular season wins Under 7.5 -120 10/12
Texas A&M was good enough to take Nebraska and Oklahoma down to the wire, losing by a point to each. The Aggies don't make a lot of mistakes on offense - Stephen McGee threw just two interceptions in 313 attempts last season. There is an inside-outside running game, with speedy Mike Goodson and beefy Jorvorskie Lane. Special teams are a strength.
Texas AM to win Big 12 South +450 9/2
Texas AM regular season wins Over 8.5 -120 10/12
Texas AM regular season wins Under 8.5 -120 10/12
Coach Mike Leach's Air Raid continues at Texas Tech, with Graham Harrell (67%, 4555 yards, 38 TD's) returns for another year at the controls. Shannon Woods (926 yards rushing, 572 receiving) is his most reliable weapon. The Red Raiders should draw on positive momentum from the 31-point comeback against Minnesota in the Insight Bowl. There is a very agreeable non-conference schedule, with SMU, Rice and Northwestern State. That will help Texas Tech in the total wins category, but this is company too rich for them to contend.
Texas Tech to win Big 12 South +600 6/1
Texas Tech regular season wins Over 8 +100 1/1
Texas Tech regular season wins Under 8 -140 5/7
Baylor has some winnable non-conference games, against Rice, Texas State and Buffalo, but wins in the Big 12 will be scarce. Last year's defense gave up five yards a carry and 45 ppg over the last seven games. Only four starters are back on offense. The Bears will be no factor, and may go winless in the conference.
Baylor to win Big 12 South +4500 45/1
Baylor regular season wins Over 3.5 -160 5/8
Baylor regular season wins Under 8 +120 7/5
To recap......
The CHARLES JAY LINE
Who will win the Big 12 South?
* Texas +110
* Oklahoma +100
* Oklahoma State +700
* Texas A&M +450
* Texas Tech +600
* Baylor +4500
Think you know who will wind up in the Big 12 title game? Test your knowledge at the championship-level BetUS.com Sportsbook. Plenty of college odds, lines, props and futures will be there to whet your appetite. Join BetUS today and show yourself the money!
NCAA football betting has started, and BetUS sportsbook already has tons of college football Futures betting available for those of us who can't wait. Bet on the Heisman winner, Conference and Divisional winners and, of course, the 2008 BCS National Championship winner. Bet NCAA Football Futures in our sportsbook today in the Future / props section!
(Charles Jay of TotalAction.com hasn't spent much time in Texas, or Oklahoma for that matter, but he's big on the Big 12, and a cheerful contributor to the BetUS.com Locker Room)