NCAA Football Betting Preview – Trojans, Buckeyes favored to claim BCS title

Check out this story for a preview of the upcoming USC Trojans vs. Ohio State Buckeyes game. To bet on the game, visit our online Sportsbook.

NCAA Football odds – USC (+350), Ohio State (+400), Oklahoma (+500), Georgia (+700), West Virginia (+2000)

• Trojans favored despite new quarterback
• Buckeyes aiming for another trip to BCS title game
• Bulldogs try to build on impressive second half to 2007

It is almost time for online betting to begin as football season will be soon kicking off in the NCAA as over 120 schools will battle for the right to go to the BCS championship game.

Last year's edition was won by LSU, which was the second consecutive win for the SEC. However, this year's early favorites are perennial powerhouses: USC from the Pac-10 and Ohio State from the Big Ten (OSU is looking for a national championship after losing in the past two BCS title games).

USC is the favorite at +350 but it has some holes to fill, particularly on offense. Mark Sanchez takes over as the starting quarterback and he will be behind an offensive line that loses four starters from 2007. However, seven starters return from a defensive group that was second in the nation in yards allowed, including star linebacker Rey Maualuga.

Ohio State has a wealth of experience, returning 20 starters from last year's team that lost to LSU in the championship. Running back Chris Wells will be a Heisman candidate, running behind a line that should be one of the best in the country.

The best defense in the nation returns nine starters, including leader James Laurinaitis. This could be the year the Buckeyes finally break through and earn their first title since 2002, at NCAA betting odds of +400.

Oklahoma is next at +500,and the Sooners were one of the most balanced teams in the country in 2007, coming in 19th in total offense and 26th on “D”. Quarterback Sam Bradford is back to lead the offense after a spectacular freshman year but his favorite target, receiver Malcolm Kelly, bolted for the NFL.

Also, only five starters will return to campus in 2008, and that group is looking to shake off an awful performance against West Virginia in a 48-28 Fiesta Bowl loss.

Georgia was named the preseason No.1 in the coaches' poll, and the Bulldogs were probably the best team in the nation over the second half of last season. Seventeen starters will be welcomed back on campus, including running back Knowshon Moreno, who blew away the SEC as a freshman and should be even better this year. With NCAA football betting odds of +700, look for the Bulldogs to be a factor all season long.

A great darkhorse pick would be West Virginia, which lost coach Rich Rodriguez to Michigan as well as seven starters on defense. Quarterback Pat White is used to the spread offense Rodriguez installed and running back Noel Devine has the potential to be better than last year's starter, Steve Slaton, ever was. If the defense can get sorted out early in the season, the Mountaineers could be a problem for other teams at NCAA betting odds of +2000.

Call me crazy, but I like Georgia as the BCS title winner at the conclusion of the season. First, they have to navigate through a treacherous SEC schedule, including road games at LSU and Auburn. The Bulldogs also have a stiff early-season test with a trip to Arizona State.

However, their experience will help them through and they will carry over the momentum of last year's great second-half performance to their first national championship.

Check out our preview of USC vs. Ohio State, the biggest game of the year, and click here to bet on the game.

For all your online sports wagering needs, visit the betonline.com Sportsbook. Be sure to visit the Bettor's Edge daily for the hottest tips, info and NFL betting lines.

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.