Listen to Don’t Dread the Spread on the Cold Omaha Podcast Network for gambling recommendations throughout football season! The following preview is written by sports betting analyst Sam Verhulst.
I wrote last week about teams to avoid this season in your search for value in the futures markets. So where is the value this season? It’s impossible to know for certain, but I’ll be placing the following wagers before the season kicks off this Thursday.
- Arkansas Razorbacks over 7 wins (-140)
The Razorbacks had one of the most underrated offenses in college football last year, but their defense let them down. I expect this edition of the Arkansas defense to bounce back to its 2014 form and if Austin Allen can be a serviceable replacement for his brother, eight wins should not be a problem. Drawing Alabama, Ole Miss, Florida and LSU at home should also help Bret Bielema’s squad this year.
Wager: Risk $70 to win $50
- Wisconsin Badgers under 7 wins (-135)
This line has been consistently dropping all off-season, but the value is still there. Weakness at the quarterback position together with a brutal schedule could prove disastrous for the Badgers. The offensive line should be strong as always, but a one-dimensional team will not be able to get through this schedule. The defense could also regress from their impressive 2015 performance with the loss of star defensive coordinator Dave Aranda. The Badgers likely won’t be favored in a Big Ten game until Oct. 29. By that time Wisconsin may already be 2-5.
Wager: Risk $67.5 to win $50
- Oklahoma Sooners under 10 wins (-135)
I wrote last week about the Sooners being overrated, and this week I’m putting my money where my mouth is. I question the Sooners’ athleticism across the offensive and defensive fronts, and I think they will miss Sterling Shephard more than people suspect. Tough games against Houston, Ohio State, TCU, Texas, Baylor and Oklahoma State gives them plenty of chances to get those two losses.
Wager: Risk $67.5 to win $50
- Penn State Nittany Lions over 7 wins (-125)
Penn State may have the best running backs and wide receivers in the Big Ten. Dual threat quarterback Trace McSorley will be the X-factor as James Franklin looks to implement an up-tempo attack this year in the Big Ten. The Nittany Lions have a favorable schedule with Ohio State, Iowa and Michigan State at home. A game against rival Pittsburgh early in the season could be the tipping point for this wager.
Wager: Risk $62.5 to win $50
