The Mountaineers and the Tigers make for strange bedmates with one another. We tend to find it odd that a team with so many tough games like LSU is going to add another insanely difficult trip to Morgantown, but we know that West Virginia and the rest of the Big East badly need to secure some out of conference victories like this one to prove that they are a conference that is worthy of a spot in the BCS every year.

LSU Tigers @ West Virginia Mountaineers Picks & Info
LSU Tigers @ West Virginia Mountaineers Date: Saturday, September 24th, 2011
LSU Tigers @ West Virginia Mountaineers Location: Mountaineer Field, Morgantown, WV
LSU Tigers @ West Virginia Mountaineers Spread: West Virginia Mountaineers +3

If there was ever a game on this schedule that the LSU defense really needed to excel, this would be the game. The Bayou Bengals know that this early in the season, it’s going to be hard for QB Jordon Jefferson and company to really have things together, and we know that going against this West Virginia defense is going to make the challenge even more difficult, especially on the road. Last season, the offense only accounted for 236 yards for the Tigers, and seven of their 20 points came via a 60 yard punt return for a TD by the departed Patrick Peterson.

LSU Tigers vs. West Virginia Mountaineers Past Games (Since 1995)
2010: LSU 20 – West Virginia 14

If QB Geno Smith and company don’t figure out how to get more than 178 yards of offense, this could be an ugly, ugly game in Morgantown. The ‘Neers were just awful last season against LSU on the road, going just 2-of-13 on 3rd downs. The good news is that the offense really should be better with Smith out there for a second season, and we know that the defense, as always, should be tough. Remember that this was a unit that did hold LSU to those aforementioned 236 yards, and if it wasn’t for a breakdown on special teams, perhaps the Mountaineers would have been able to pull off the upset to keep LSU out of any discussions for a National Championship. If West Virginia doesn’t win this game, the best that it is going to be able to do this year is go to the Orange Bowl as the winners of the Big East. This is the chance to make the big time statement.

LSU Tigers @ West Virginia Mountaineers @ 5Dimes Sportsbook (as of 7/21/11):
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LSU Tigers (-3) @ West Virginia Mountaineers

There are very clearly two favorites in the Big 10 this year, and we wouldn’t be surprised if they ended up playing each other in the first conference title game. The nearly odds on favorites are the new kids on the block, the Nebraska Cornhuskers (Current Big 10 Odds: 1.90 to 1 at 5Dimes Sportsbook). Big Red is making its debut in its new home, which might make it a little difficult facing a slew of new opponents that it hasn’t seen before. Still, with an amazing defense and a young quarterback with a ton of upside in QB Taylor Martinez, hopes are high. The schedule is rough with roadies at Wisconsin, Penn State, and Michigan, which could make life difficult, but we aren’t so sure that there are any other real contenders in the Legends Division.

The other team to watch out for is the Wisconsin Badgers (2011 Big 10 Lines: 3.50 to 1 at 5Dimes Sportsbook). The Badgers would have been amazing this season without picking up QB Russell Wilson, but now that he is playing in Madison, it’s clear that this is a legitimate National Championship contender. Defensively, Head Coach Bret Bielema always comes up with a great squad, and the running game with RB Montee Ball and RB James White will be fantastic. This is a great schedule for the Badgers as well, as they don’t play a game on the road until October 22nd.

With Ohio State dealing with a ton of problems with players suspended and QB Terrelle Pryor leaving the team, we want no part of the Buckeyes. That being said, the only other team that we can really see making a bit of a stink here is the Michigan Wolverines (Current Big 10 Odds: 19 to 1 at 5Dimes Sportsbook). Big Blue really hasn’t had a great season in quite some time, but the first year of the Brady Hoke era could be something special. QB Denard Robinson is one of the most dynamic players in the entire country, and there isn’t a team that he can’t beat by himself. The problem is a horrendous defense that was absolutely torched a number of times last year. If Hoke gets the job done and improves this unit though, the rest of the conference really needs to look out.

2011 Odds To Win The Big 10 @ 5Dimes Sportsbook (as of 7/20/11):
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Nebraska Cornhuskers 1.90 to 1
Wisconsin Badgers 3.50 to 1
Ohio State Buckeyes 5 to 1
Penn State Nittany Lions 5.75 to 1
Michigan State Spartans 12.25 to 1
Michigan Wolverines 19 to 1
Iowa Hawkeyes 20 to 1
Northwestern Wildcats 24 to 1
Illinois Fighting Illini 28 to 1
Purdue Boilermakers 95 to 1
Indiana Hoosiers 135 to 1
Minnesota Golden Gophers 150 to 1

2011 Odds To Win The Big 10 Leaders Division @ 5Dimes Sportsbook (as of 7/20/11):
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Wisconsin Badgers 1.50 to 1
Ohio State Buckeyes 2.35 to 1
Penn State Nittany Lions 2.50 to 1
Illinois Fighting Illini 11 to 1
Purdue Boilermakers 34 to 1
Indiana Hoosiers 48 to 1

2011 Odds To Win The Big 10 Legends Division @ 5Dimes Sportsbook (as of 7/20/11):
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Nebraska Cornhuskers 1 to 1.65
Michigan State Spartans 5.50 to 1
Michigan Wolverines 7.75 to 1
Iowa Hawkeyes 8 to 1
Northwestern Wildcats 9.50 to 1
Minnesota Golden Gophers 53 to 1

Even when the Florida State Seminoles and the Miami Hurricanes didn’t share the ACC together, their annual rivalry was always one to be remembered, and it was a game that had a ton of bowl game and National Championship implications. This year could be no exception, as both teams have their sights set on not just bragging rights in the Sunshine State, but in the ACC as well.

Miami Hurricanes @ Florida State Seminoles Picks & Info
Miami Hurricanes @ Florida State Seminoles Date: Saturday, November 12th, 2011
Miami Hurricanes @ Florida State Seminoles Location: Bobby Bowden Field at Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, FL
Miami Hurricanes @ Florida State Seminoles Spread: Florida State Seminoles -8

The Canes could be in some trouble in this duel if QB Jacory Harris doesn’t play better than he historically has in this series. Yes, he did manage to pull off the upset in Tallahassee two years ago on Labor Day night to kick off the season, but he really needs to get on his high horse this year to make sure that he can pick up the slack for an offense that really is lacking a lot of star power. This is going to be the first taste for Head Coach Al Golden in this series, and he could be in for quite a rude awakening, especially if he defense, which was ranked No. 21 in the country last year, struggles.

Miami Hurricanes vs. Florida State Seminoles Past Games (Since 1995)
2010: Florida State 45 – Miami 17
2009: Miami 38 – Florida State 34
2008: Florida State 41 – Miami 39
2007: Miami 37 – Florida State 29
2006: Florida State 13 – Miami 10
2005: Florida State 10 – Miami 7
2004: Miami 16 – Florida State 10
2004 (Orange Bowl): Miami 16 – Florida State 14
2003: Miami 22 – Florida State 14
2002: Miami 28 – Florida State 27
2001: Miami 49 – Florida State 27
2000: Miami 27 – Florida State 24
1999: Florida State 31 – Miami 21
1998: Florida State 26 – Miami 14
1997: Florida State 47 – Miami 0
1996: Florida State 34 – Miami 16

The Noles have had to suffer a ton of catastrophic losses at the hands of the Hurricanes. Kickers have had nightmares about last second field goals in Tallahassee for well over a decade, and only recently, has Florida State really gotten its footing back in this series. Of course, there is only one win against the Canes at the Doak since 1999, and that was on Labor day 2005 in an ugly 10-7 win. Of course, Head Coach Jimbo Fisher made a great impression last year on this series, winning 45-17 down in South Beach. This one is a heck of a lot later in the season than it normally is, making the stakes even higher. However, this should be an advantage to FSU, knowing that QB EJ Manuel, assuming that he stays healthy, will have a ton of games under his belt and should be accustomed to being the man of the hour for the garnet and gold.

Miami Hurricanes @ Florida State Seminoles Game Odds @ 5Dimes Sportsbook (as of 7/20/11):
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Miami Hurricanes (+8) @ Florida State Seminoles

For years, the Florida Gators and the LSU Tigers have put on some absolutely epic performances, including a number of upsets of teams ranked No. 1 in the country. This year, the Bayou Bengals could be sporting an awfully high ranking when the once mighty Gators come to town, and this should be a clash that you won’t want to miss, as both of these teams could be vying for their respective places in the SEC Championship Game as a result.

Florida Gators @ LSU Tigers Picks & Info
Florida Gators @ LSU Tigers Date: Saturday, October 8th
Florida Gators @ LSU Tigers Location: Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA
Florida Gators @ LSU Tigers Spread: LSU Tigers -7.5

This could be the start of an ugly decline to the season for the Gators, as this in the second of four straight horrendous games on the slate. Head Coach Will Muschamp knows that QB John Brantley is going to be under the gun going against a stout LSU defense, and that this will be his toughest task of the season. The biggest problem that UF has is that there is no time to prepare for this game, which comes just a week after the home date with the Alabama Crimson Tide. The defense for UF is going to have to be big in this one, because if the Bayou Bengals get into the high 20s or the low 30s, this one is as good as finished.

Florida Gators vs. LSU Tigers Past Games (Since 1995)
2010: LSU 33 – Florida 29
2009: Florida 13 – LSU 3
2008: Florida 51 – LSU 21
2007: LSU 28 – Florida 24
2006: Florida 23 – LSU 10
2005: LSU 21 – Florida 17
2004: LSU 24 – Florida 21
2003: Florida 19 – LSU 7
2002: LSU 36 – Florida 7
2001: Florida 44 – LSU 15
2000: Florida 41 – LSU 9
1999: Florida 31 – LSU 10
1998: Florida 22 – LSU 10
1997: LSU 28 – Florida 21
1996: Florida 56 – LSU 13
1995: Florida 28 – LSU 10

We’re going to talk a lot about the Tigers in these Top 25 games this year, as they have a slew of big time games that could decide their season. This is a spooky spot for Head Coach Les Miles and company, though. Florida is going to be a vitally dangerous opponent, and with games having already been played against Oregon, Mississippi State, and West Virginia, this could be a huge letdown spot in the schedule. Even with the loss of DB Patrick Peterson, the Bayou Bengals are still going to be amongst the top teams defensively in the nation, and we expect to see even better numbers than the 311.9 yards per game that this unit allowed last season. This is a game that the Tigers shouldn’t lose, but the way that this series has gone with a slew of road teams winning over the years, you just don’t really ever know.

Florida Gators @ LSU Tigers @ 5Dimes Sportsbook (as of 7/17/11):
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Florida Gators (+7.5) @ LSU Tigers

With the departures of both Colorado and Nebraska, the door really has swung open for the Oklahoma Sooners (Current Big 12 Odds: 1 to 1.80 at 5Dimes Sportsbook) to walk away from this conference. Texas is down once again this season, and there just aren’t that many teams that we feel can challenge Boomer Sooner. The biggest problem that this season could have is the road game at Okie State at the end of the season. However, Texas A&M comes to Norman, and there shouldn’t be any other difficult road tests on the schedule. This is one of the best teams in the land and is clearly the best team in the Big XII.

Seemingly the only other team that would have a shot of taking out of Sooners is the Oklahoma State Cowboys (2011 Big 12 Lines: 9 to 1 at 5Dimes Sportsbook). The only problem that Oklahoma State has is that we’re not sure that the Pokes are going to be able to survive this schedule. Games at Texas A&M, Texas, an Missouri in just a five week stretch are going to prove to be nearly impossible to avoid disaster, and the roadie at Texas A&M probably won’t be fun in the middle of November either. However, QB Brandon Weeden and WR Justin Blackmon could both be in for absolutely amazing seasons and could be playing a spoiler role to the National Championship hopes of the Sooners.

If the Texas A&M Aggies (Current Big 12 Odds: 5.50 to 1 at 5Dimes Sportsbook) can play like they did down the stretch a season ago, they really could be for a great year as well. The problem is that we just don’t see QB Ryan Tannehill and this defense being able to take care of Oklahoma on the road. If the Aggies do though, they’re going to be in the driver’s seat, because both Oklahoma State and Texas, the next two biggest challenges that the conference has to offer, are games that are going to be played in College Station, where A&M went 5-3 ATS last season.

2011 Odds To Win The Big 12 @ 5Dimes Sportsbook (as of 7/17/11):
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Oklahoma Sooners 1 to 1.80
Texas A&M Aggies 5.50 to 1
Texas Longhorns 7.50 to 1
Oklahoma State Cowboys 9 to 1
Missouri Tigers 16 to 1
Baylor Bears 20 to 1
Texas Tech Red Raiders 22 to 1
Kansas State Wildcats 36 to 1
Iowa State Cyclones 110 to 1
Kansas Jayhawks 160 to 1

The Big East is going to be a tough conference to handicap this season. There clearly aren’t any National Championship contenders, but there are definitely at least half of the teams in the conference that can claim glory and make it to the BCS. The favorites this year, seemingly as always, are the West Virginia Mountaineers (Current Big East Odds: 1.75 to 1 at 5Dimes Sportsbook). The problem that the ‘Neers have is that they have four road games this year in conference play. The good news is that the “Backyard Brawl” is at home in Morgantown, but four road games in the last six games is going to be awfully difficult to survive.

The South Florida Bulls (2011 Big East Lines: 2.75 to 1 at 5Dimes Sportsbook) are the team that could come out of nowhere to win the conference. Of course, the oddsmakers are onto just how good the Bulls really could be with QB BJ Daniels running the ship. It’s only a matter of time until Head Coach Skip Holtz really gets this program rolling, and this could be the year that USF finally gets to the big time.

The other team that is up and coming in the Big East is the Louisville Cardinals (Current Big East Odds: 10 to 1 at 5Dimes Sportsbook). The first year for Head Coach Charlie Strong was a great one for the Cards, and if that’s the case again this season, this could be a shocking team to watch. Louisville made it to a bowl game last year, and it isn’t all that far removed from Big East supremacy. Sure, three out of four on the road to end the season is going to be tough, as will those four road games in conference play. However, we were absolutely shocked at what the ‘Ville was able to do last year as the biggest underdog in the Big East, so this year, we wouldn’t be surprised if this is a team that really has a shot of winning the Big East this season.

2011 Odds To Win The Big East @ 5Dimes Sportsbook (as of 7/17/11):
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West Virginia Mountaineers 1.75 to 1
South Florida Bulls 2.75 to 1
Pittsburgh Panthers 3.75 to 1
Cincinnati Bearcats 9 to 1
Louisville Cardinals 10 to 1
Syracuse Orange 17 to 1
Connecticut Huskies 23 to 1
Rutgers Scarlet Knights 24 to 1

In the state of Texas, football is a heck of a lot more than just a game, especially when two of the teams from in state are playing one another. A Big XII title could be on the line at the end of the season when the Texas A&M Aggies play host to the Texas Longhorns in what is clearly one of the best battles on the NCAA football odds of the season.

Texas Longhorns @ Texas A&M Aggies Picks & Info
Texas Longhorns @ Texas A&M Aggies Date: Thursday, November 24th, 2011
Texas Longhorns @ Texas A&M Aggies Location: Kyle Field, College Station, TX
Texas Longhorns @ Texas A&M Aggies Spread: Texas A&M Aggies -6

Texas was really a train wreck last season, finishing 5-7 and just 2-6 in conference play. Now, Head Coach Mack Brown also has to deal with the loss of his defensive coordinator, and his coach in waiting, Will Muschamp, who fled to the University of Florida in the offseason. This year though, the question is going to be whether QB Garrett Gilbert is going to be able to step up. He was an absolute disaster in 2010, throwing for just 2,744 yards and 10 TDs against 17 picks, numbers which just pale in comparison to those of his predecessors like Colt McCoy and Vince Young.

Texas Longhorns vs. Texas A&M Aggies Past Games (Since 1995)
2010: Texas A&M 24 – Texas 17
2009: Texas 49 – Texas A&M 39
2008: Texas 49 – Texas A&M 9
2007: Texas A&M 38 – Texas 30
2006: Texas A&M 12 – Texas 7
2005: Texas 40 – Texas A&M 29
2004: Texas 26 – Texas A&M 13
2003: Texas 46 – Texas A&M 15
2002: Texas 50 – Texas A&M 20
2001: Texas 21 – Texas A&M 7
2000: Texas 43 – Texas A&M 17
1999: Texas A&M 20 – Texas 16
1998: Texas 26 – Texas A&M 24
1997: Texas A&M 27 – Texas 16
1996: Texas 51 – Texas A&M 16
1995: Texas 16 – Texas A&M 6

For a change, the Aggies are really going to be the decided favorite in this game, something that they haven’t been in a number of years. And why not? Head Coach Mike Sherman saved his job last year by taking out his onetime Heisman Trophy contender, QB Jerrod Johnson and replacing him with QB Ryan Tannehill, who absolutely lit the world on fire. The Aggies have a great returning backfield and should have an offense that is tough to stop. The question is whether or not a defense which allowed 366 yards per game last season and had some absolutely brutal moments against teams like Oklahoma State and LSU can right the ship and keep A&M in the driver’s seat. This should be a game that Aggies fans are definitely looking forward to this season, as it could really be a romp. This might not be a bad number to invest in right now at -6.

Texas Longhorns @ Texas A&M Aggies @ 5Dimes Sportsbook (as of 7/17/11):
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Texas Longhorns (+6) @ Texas A&M Aggies