NCAA football betting preview - LSU underdog to repeat as SEC champ
NCAA football odds - Georgia (+180), Auburn (+200), Florida (+200), LSU (+380)
- Georgia looking to build on great 2007
- Auburn, Florida aiming to challenge Bulldogs
- Can LSU become first repeat SEC champ since 1996?
The SEC flexed its muscles in NCAA football action once against last season, with eight teams amassing eight wins or more and a second straight win in the BCS Championship when LSU romped to a victory over Ohio State.
By the looks of the early offshore sportsbook odds, the Tigers are going to have their hands full with Georgia, Auburn and 2006 BCS champion Florida. Obviously, big conference matchups will be a key to success.
The Georgia Bulldogs are the favorites with +180 SEC odds after a surprise 2007 season, in which the Bulldogs were being mentioned among the top teams in the nation. Nine starters are back on a defense that finished 14th in the nation and eighth in total sacks.
Matt Stafford has another year of experience under his belt at quarterback, but the most important offensive player may be tailback Knowshon Moreno, who had a spectacular freshman season and could be a Heisman threat.
Auburn is next with +200 SEC betting odds, and the Tigers are another team that rode defense to a successful season. Seven starters return to a unit ranked sixth nationally in both yards allowed and points scored.
The “D” must be strong early in the season because of the loss of quarterback Brandon Cox. However, the running back duo of Ben Tate and Brad Lester could be a force.
Florida joins Auburn at NCAA betting odds of +200, and all eyes will be once again on Heisman winner Tim Tebow. The versatile quarterback can shoulder the load alone, but he'll get help from six returning offensive starters, including speedster Percy Harvin.
Last year's 41st-ranked defense should be improved with eight returning starters, but Tebow is still the star of the show for the Gators.
LSU has some work to do on defense, where it must replace six starters, including first-round pick Glenn Dorsey. Also, the Tigers have no starting quarterback to speak of, which doesn't bode well with running back Jacob Hester departing as well.
However, LSU had plenty of defensive depth, and at NCAA betting odds of +380, they could be a solid value pick.
This season the SEC is going to come down to Georgia and Auburn, which have the best defenses in a conference that prides itself on stopping the opposition. However, Georgia's stability on offense gives it the edge, so put the smart money on the Bulldogs.
Complete list of NCAA football betting odds
- Alabama - +500
- Arkansas - +4800
- Auburn - +200
- Florida - +200
- Georgia - +180
- Kentucky - +3800
- LSU - +380
- Ole Miss - +5800
- Mississippi State - +2800
- South Carolina - +1100
- Tennessee - +600
- Vanderbilt - +4800
UPDATE: For a complete breakdown of the Gators vs. Volunteers game and other tips on betting on sports, check out this article by Blake Frazier.
After working on the college football recruiting trail as an assistant, Matt Jeremy employed his knowledge of personnel into handicapping the sport. From stadium nuances to coaching strategies, Jeremy has a sharper perspective on the sport than the average capper. He's got you covered from sideline to sideline. Thoughts or questions?
