Posts Tagged ‘Florida Gators’

2011 BCS Championship Odds, Preview, and Free Picks

September 2nd, 2010 by Adam Markowitz (Bankroll Sports Columnist) | Posted in College Football   Comments Off on 2011 BCS Championship Odds, Preview, and Free Picks
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List of Odds to Win The 2011 College Football National Championship Can Be Found Below!

After months of waiting from the final gun of the Alabama/Texas National Championship Game, the college football betting season is back! With kickoff just hours away for the start of the season, here at Bankroll Sports, we are making our final NCAA football predictions with our BCS National Championship picks!

Boise State Broncos (+800 @ BetUS Sportsbook): It’s going to be incredibly difficult to beat the Broncos this season. The oddsmakers are essentially making them the favorites to go the BCS Championship Game, as they are clearly on East Street if they can get past the Virginia Tech Hokies on Monday night at FedEx Field. With 21 of the team’s 22 starters returning from a year ago, it’s hard to complain about anything that HC Chris Petersen has put together. This is the ring bearer for non-BCS conference schools to walk behind, and most of them are pulling for the Broncos to pull off the upset of upsets this year. Plain and simple, this is the team that you want to win it all in all likelihood if your team can’t do it. Boise will be in the title game if it can win this weekend.

Iowa Hawkeyes (+2000 @ BetUS Sportsbook): Save a road game at the Arizona Wildcats, the rest of the tough matchups for the Hawkeyes this year are going to be at home. Last year, Iowa snuck up on a ton of teams, but we must remember that wins against Penn State and Wisconsin and the near upset against Ohio State all came on the road. Guess which three teams all have to pay a visit to Kinnick Stadium this year? If you had to buy season tickets for one team to see the best college football betting action all year long, Iowa would be where you want to go. QB Ricky Stanzi has still never been beaten as a starting quarterback, and in a power conference where an undefeated season almost always leaves you in the BCS title game, there is no reason to believe that Iowa can’t take a perfect record deep into the fall once again this year. These are still fantastic odds on a team that is essentially intact from last year.

TCU Horned Frogs (+2000 @ BetUS Sportsbook): Is it really out of the question for the Horned Frogs to be playing the Broncos for all the marbles this year? The two programs certainly put on a great show last season in the Fiesta Bowl, making the BCS proud for doing the right thing and welcoming both non BCS schools to the show. TCU returns the bulk of its starters from a year ago, though replacing RB Joseph Turner, LB Daryl Washington, and DE Jerry Hughes will be difficult. Still, the Horned Frogs have an easiest enough schedule in the MWC that they should be able to get through with a chance to be unscathed. If they pull it off and enough chaos ensues, you never know what could happen… We’ve seen stranger things. Regardless, we think there is a significantly better chance than 1 out of 20 than TCU ends up winning the whole enchilada this year. Don’t be shocked if the Horned Frogs absolutely roll Oregon State this weekend to move up in the Top 10.

Pittsburgh Panthers (+5000 @ BetUS Sportsbook): It’s a bit of a reach, but if the Panthers can survive this road test at the Utah Utes this weekend, they will almost certainly jump into the Top 10 in the country, and deservedly so. Are you willing to pass on +5000 odds on a Top 10 team to win the National Championship? We certainly aren’t. We know that the Panthers already have one of the best running backs in the country in the form of RB Dion Lewis, who rushed for 1,799 yards a year ago. He could break all sorts of school and NCAA rushing records over the course of the next three years. As QB Tino Sunseri gets more comfortable with his surroundings, the Panthers are going to be tougher and tougher to beat. Good luck throwing against this ferocious pass rush as well. Odds have it, Pittsburgh will get picked off a couple times at some point this season. However, especially early on, if the tests are survived, the Panthers are a great choice.

2011 BCS National Championship Odds @ Oddsmaker (as of 9/2/10):
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Alabama +800
Oregon +4000
Nebraska +1200
Virginia Tech +3000
Florida +500
LSU +1200
Georgia +5000
Arkansas +4000
Miami +1500
Penn State +6000
Florida State +4000
BYU +20000
Utah +15000
California +10000
Oklahoma State +25000
Mississippi +20000
South Carolina +12500
Auburn +2000
Stanford +12500
Northwestern +60000
Notre Dame +1500
North Carolina State +75000
Tennessee +20000
Texas A&M +12500
Ohio State +350
Boise State +600
TCU +2000
Texas +1500
Oklahoma +300
Georgia Tech +10000
Pittsburgh +5000
Oregon State +10000
Wisconsin +5000
Cincinnati +10000
South Florida +30000
Washington +7500
Rutgers +75000
West Virginia +6000
Missouri +12500
Arizona +12500
Clemson +10000
North Carolina +7500
Illinois +75000
Baylor +75000
Michigan +10000
Michigan State +50000
UCLA +50000
Field +5000

Odds To Win The 2011 BCS Championship @ BetUS (as of 9/2/10):
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Alabama +425
Ohio State +600
Boise State +800
Oregon +2500
Texas +1400
Oklahoma +700
Nebraska +1400
Florida +900
Penn State +2500
Iowa +2000
Miami +2000
TCU +2000
LSU +2500
Georgia +3000
Oregon State +4000
Arkansas +3000
Wisconsin +4000
Clemson +4000
Pittsburgh +5000
Florida State +5000
Michigan +6000
Missouri +6000
Auburn +4500
Georgia Tech +5000
Tennessee +8000
Washington +5000
North Carolina +6000
UCLA +6000
Notre Dame +5000
South Florida +8000
Texas Tech +8000
Cincinnati +10000
Oklahoma State +10000
West Virginia +8000
Arizona +10000
BYU +12000
Baylor +15000
California +10000
Illinois +15000
Michigan State +10000
Mississippi +10000
North Carolina State +20000
Northwestern +15000
Rutgers +15000
South Carolina +8000
Stanford +12000
Utah +10000
Kansas State +12000
Boston College +12000
Virginia Tech +1800
Houston +15000
Connecticut +20000
Navy +20000
Kansas +20000
Purdue +20000
Wake Forest +20000
Iowa State +25000
Nevada +25000
Southern Mississippi +25000
Maryland +25000
Vanderbilt +25000
Fresno State +30000
Air Force +30000
Kentucky +30000
Duke +30000
Colorado +30000
Minnesota +30000
Virginia +30000
Indiana +35000
Syracuse +35000
Central Florida +40000
Louisville +40000
Temple +50000
SMU +50000
Army +75000
Hawaii +75000
Ohio +75000
Utah State +100000
UNLV +100000
Memphis +100000

2010 College Football Betting: SEC Odds & Predictions

July 29th, 2010 by Adam Markowitz (Bankroll Sports Columnist) | Posted in College Football   Comments Off on 2010 College Football Betting: SEC Odds & Predictions
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Complete List of Odds To Win the SEC Conference Can Be Found Below

It’s almost time for College Football wagering season! To get you ready, we will break down the odds to win the ultra-competitive SEC at Bankroll Sports, brought to you by BetUS.com.

The Alabama Crimson Tide (Odds to Win the SEC: 1 to 1 @ BetUS.com Sportsbook) are locked, loaded and ready to repeat as conference and BCS champions. Last year’s 12th ranked rushing offense is going to improve with the return of Heisman Trophy winning RB Mark Ingram, along with backup sophomore Trent Richardson. QB Greg McElroy is returning for his final season, looking to avoid his first college loss. He will retain his top two receivers in Julio Jones and Marquis Maze. An explosive offense may need to do some early lifting for a defense that returns just two starters. In the secondary, the Tide can build around junior DB Mark Barron. At linebacker, the team returns Dont’a Hightower, while DE Marcell Dareus would anchor the line, pending his NCAA investigation. The schedule isn’t bad, with the four conference road games well spread out. A home date with Florida should be a preview of the SEC Championship game.

The Florida Gators (Odds to Win the SEC: 2.5 to 1 @ BetUS.com) have plenty of talent to return to the SEC Championship game. Believe it or not, there is life after Tim Tebow on offense. Junior John Brantley will take the starting job, having thrown for seven scores and no picks in mop-up time for Tebow last year. The issue on offense is actually the wide receiver spot, with just junior Deonte Thompson returning out of last season’s best five. Formerly a running back, Chris Rainey has converted to receiver to help alleviate this issue. Jeffrey Demps will lead a solid rushing attack, backed up by Emmanuel Moody. The defense has some work to do up front. The line will be led in pass rushing by DEs Justin Trattou and Duke Lemmens, replacing Carlos Dunlap and Jermaine Cunningham. At linebacker, the Gators feature seniors A.J. Jones and Brandon Hicks. The secondary will be led by two gifted safeties in junior Will Hill and senior Ahmad Black. On the schedule looms that October showdown at Alabama, along with a game at Georgia.

Playing the role of SEC dark horse are the South Carolina Gamecocks (+2000 at BetUS). Nine starters return to the offense, including quarterback Stephen Garcia, who was impressive despite being sacked 33 times last year. This year’s offensive line will be led by senior tackle Jarriel King. At wide receiver, Garcia gets his top option back in Alshon Jeffrey. Sophomore Tori Gurley will have to step up to become the second target. The success of the offense hinges on developing a running game. Sophomore RB Kenny Miles led last year’s unit in yardage, but only scored once. This problem was due in part to the struggling line. The Gamecocks will be strong on defense. Sack leader and all-conference selection Cliff Matthews returns at defensive end, while Shaq Wilson will lead an experienced and deep group of linebackers. The secondary will be anchored by senior safety Chris Culliver, ensuring that South Carolina will again be among the best SEC defenses. The schedule is downright brutal, with Georgia and Alabama coming to Columbia early in the season. The Gamecocks will face Florida on the road.

The Kentucky Wildcats (Odds to Win the SEC: 66 to 1 @ BetUS.com) went bowling last season, but won’t be an SEC factor this year. The offense returns its two star dual threats in Derrick Locke and Randall Cobb, but four starting linemen are gone and who will be the starting quarterback is anything but decided. Senior Mike Hartline and sophomore Morgan Newton are competing for the job, but neither was impressive last year. The defense is also full of question marks, if not holes. A pass rush that accounted for just 15 sacks last year sees Jeremy Jarmon return at one of the end positions. The linebacking unit will have to improve. All-conference selection Micah Johnson will again start in the middle, but the two outside positions will see inexperience, with no clear-cut talented starters. The secondary will be led by senior safety Ashton Cobb. Kentucky opens conference play with consecutive road games at Florida and Mississippi, which will set the tone for a rough year.

Odds To Win The SEC Conference @ BetUS Sportsbook(as of 7/29/10):
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Alabama +100
Florida +250
Arkansas +800
Auburn +800
Georgia +800
LSU +1000
South Carolina +2000
Tennessee +2500
Mississippi +3500
Kentucky +6600
Mississippi State +6600
Vanderbilt +12500

Weekly Sports Betting Rap Sheet 3/15

March 15th, 2010 by Adam Markowitz (Bankroll Sports Columnist) | Posted in General Handicapping   Comments Off on Weekly Sports Betting Rap Sheet 3/15
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The brackets have been released for March Madness, and there are already teams lined up out the door that want to take their swipes at the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee for leaving them out of the field of 65. All of these teams have one thing in common, though. They all lost when it really counted and all had holes their resume. Here’s our March Madness edition of our Weekly Rap Sheet.

Rap Sheet Picture of the Week

Connecticut Huskies HC Jim Calhoun while watching his team crash out of the Big East Tournament to St. John’s.

It feels like this is a weekly ordeal, but at last, it’s finally over with. The 2009-10 Connecticut Huskies are no more. Poor HC Jim Calhoun had to sit there and watch his team blow it out its you know what against the Johnnies on Wednesday at the Big East Tournament. UConn turned the ball over 19 times in defeat. G Kemba Walker shot just 4/17 from the field, but at least it looked like he was trying out there. G Jerome Dyson, on the other hand, looked like he quit on his team. The superstar turned the ball over nine times and was just never mentally in the game. With their season hanging in the balance, the Huskies came up flat against a bad team and lost 73-51 to fall completely out of consideration for the NCAA Tournament.

Not only are we going to take a swipe at the Rhode Island Rams, but we’re going to go after all four bubble teams in the Atlantic 10 as well. None… Not one of you put together enough of a resume to even be considered one of the last four teams left home from the dance. URI looked alright until getting smashed to bits 57-44 by Temple. Even a close loss might’ve made the Rams look like a potential NCAA Tournament team. As for the Charlotte 49ers, Dayton Fliers, and St. Louis Billikens… C’mon guys. You really didn’t think you had a chance of reaching the big dance when you didn’t even qualify for your league semifinals, did you? Charlotte, we’re especially pointing the finger at you. You screwed up by losing to 12-20 Massachusetts on your home court to end your season with losses in seven of your L/8 games.

Yeah, Mississippi State Bulldogs, I hear you moaning as well, especially after you were just a matter of a few tenths of a second from winning the SEC. You’ve got a heck of a lot better gripe about going to the dance after playing the Cats tough, and your win over Florida in the SEC Tournament paired with two wins over Ole Miss should’ve been good enough to go dancing, right? Sorry… Tournament teams don’t lose to Rider on opening night at home by two touchdowns. You should’ve known that your season was over right then and there.

The Virginia Tech Hokies has a nice little gripe, right? After all, 23 wins, ten of which came in the ACC should’ve been good enough to get into the NCAA Tournament, right? Wrong. Play somebody. Brown, UNC-Greensboro, Campbell, Delaware, Iowa, Georgia, VMI, Penn State, Charleston Southern, Maryland-Baltimore County, Longwood, Seton Hall, and North Carolina Central. Those were your out of conference wins. Give me a break. Don’t fall flat on your face against Miami in your first ACC Tournament game, and you’re dancing. For now, don’t complain.

2009 Week 11 Heisman Update & Current Heisman Trophy Odds

November 10th, 2009 by Travis Edwards (Bankroll Sports Contributor) | Posted in College Football   Comments Off on 2009 Week 11 Heisman Update & Current Heisman Trophy Odds

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Heisman TrophyIt has been a few weeks since we have broken down the best college football players in the nation to provide the candidates with the best chances of winning the 2009 Heisman Trophy watch. However, even with about 75 percent of the season over the Heisman Trophy race is still up for grabs. One thing for certain is there are plenty of quarterbacks in the mix as expected for the 2009 season. However, there are some unfamiliar faces shakings things up. The only man that could steal the hardware from the quarterbacks this season appears to be Alabama running back Mark Ingram who has exploded onto the scene in the SEC this season. However, there is still a lot of football to be played and this year’s race could likely come down to the wire. Take a look as we break down the top 5 Heisman Trophy candidates after week 10 of the college football season.

Current Odds To Win The Heisman Are From Sportsbook.com (as of 12/7/2009):
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  • Colt McCoy 5/4
  • Mark Ingram  2/7
  • Ndamukong Suh 5/1
  • Tim Tebow  15/1
  • Toby Gerhart  3/1

Current Heisman Trophy Odds From JustBet Sportsbook (as of 12/6/2009):
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  • Odds Currently Off The Board – Will Update When Available

#5. QB Colt McCoy (Texas Longhorns)
Colt McCoy Current Odds To Win The Heisman Trophy: +200

I’m sure there are many fans in the state of Texas mad about ranking McCoy number 5 on the list. However, McCoy is not having the huge season that Longhorn fans might have anticipated. There is no doubt that Texas is National Championship contenders and they will likely play the winner of the SEC Championship Game for the chance at the title which will help McCoy’s chances. However, McCoy has not been that impressive this season. Sure, the completion percentage is outstanding at 72% on the season, but the Texas senior quarterback has also thrown 9 picks this season with his 17 touchdowns. McCoy has actually thrown at least 1 pick in every game outside of the Longhorns blowout victory over Oklahoma State. In Texas two closest games this season against Oklahoma and Texas Tech, McCoy has thrown for just under 200 yards per game with 2 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Considering how bad the Big 12 is down this season after all the expectations, those numbers are much less impressive. However, the Longhorns chance at a National Championship still may land him another Heisman Trophy Finalist recognition.

#4. QB Case Keenum (Houston Cougars)
Case Keenum Current Odds To Win The Heisman Trophy: +700

Most people will not give Case Keenum much respect since he resides out of the defenseless Conference USA. However, Keenum’s numbers can not be ignored and there is not many quarterbacks out there who have ever had the chance to post back to back 5,000 yard campaigns. Even more impressive is that Keenum leads the nation with 3,815 passing yards and that is nearly a 1,000 yards more than the next closest contender Tyler Sheehan. On the season, Keenum has thrown for 3,815 yards while completing 71% for 25 touchdowns and only 5 picks. In fact, the Cougars star has thrown for more than 500 passing yards in two straight contests and leads the nation’s top ranked scoring offense at 42 points per game. If only the Cougars were BCS type contenders, Keenum would be getting much more respect.

#3. QB Tim Tebow (Florida Gators)
Tim Tebow Current Odds To Win The Heisman Trophy: +300

Another one of the leading preseason candidates to win the Heisman Trophy is the Gators famed QB Tim Tebow who won the Heisman Trophy in his sophomore season. However, Tebow has not had the huge numbers the Gators offense may have expected as well. In fact, the Gators offense is not near as explosive all together this season. Tebow has just 11 passing touchdowns on the season with 4 interceptions for 1,531 yards. Tebow has not thrown for the type of yards a Heisman Trophy candidate would normally post. However, his legs have kept him in the race. Tebow has posted 9 additional touchdowns on the ground for just less than 600 yards. The Gators quarterback just recently broke all-time great Herschel Walker’s SEC touchdown record and that accomplishment in itself should rank right up there with his Heisman Trophy. The Gators appear to be the team to beat as they attempt to defend their National Championship and 3rd in the last 4 years. While Tebow is completely everything to the team, he may not have the numbers to grab his 2nd trophy. However, there is still a few opportunities that could change those perceptions.

#2. QB Jimmy Clausen (Notre Dame Fighting Irish)
Jimmy Clausen Current Odds To Win The Heisman Trophy: +400

Perhaps this year we finally learned why Jimmy Clausen was at one time considered the most sought after recruit in college football history. Clausen has finally delivered in big ways for the Fighting Irish offense throwing for 2,770 yards this season. Clausen actually has an outside chance to reach the 4,000 yard plateau if he can string together a couple of 400 yard performances as he has already done this season. Clausen has completed 68% passing with 20 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions. The big thing that impresses many about Clausen is his ability to play big in the big games. If you take the Fighting Irish’s two biggest games of the season which both resulted in close disappointing losses to Michigan and USC, Clausen threw for just less than 300 yards per game with 5 touchdowns and 0 picks. The Fighting Irish junior quarterback even put up a career high 452 yards in their most recent loss last week to Army simply proving yet again a player who is Heisman worthy, but just not on the team that will help him win the hardware.

#1. RB Mark Ingram (Alabama Crimson Tide)

Mark Ingram Current Odds To Win The Heisman Trophy: +100

Ask anyone in Tuscaloosa, Alabama who their pick for the Heisman Trophy is and they will tell you running back Mark Ingram. Even outside the state of Alabama, Ingram may be the most widely accepted front runner for the Heisman. He has completely dominated on the ground for the Crimson Tide this year and is a huge reason Alabama has a chance at their 2nd straight perfect regular season. Ingram has really emerged in the latter part of the season racking up 801 yards in the last 5 games and all of those yards have been against SEC defenses. Having a player put up those kind of numbers against not only good, but some very good defenses is more than impressive. Ingram may only have 8 scores on the year, but he is carrying a stout 6.6 yards per carry ratio and has produced the most in the biggest games. In some of the Crimson Tide’s most important games featuring teams like: Virginia Tech, South Carolina, Tennessee and LSU (all defenses ranking in top 25) Ingram has averaged 160 yards per game which is simply ridiculous. There is no player in college football more worthy of this year’s Heisman Trophy than sophomore running back out of Alabama in Mark Ingram. Not only should he be the Heisman Trophy Winner, but he may be the force that brings the National Championship back to Tuscaloosa.

2009 Top 5 BCS Bowl Teams

October 15th, 2009 by Travis Edwards (Bankroll Sports Contributor) | Posted in College Football   1 Comment »

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College Football action is just starting to enter the heart of conference play. This is normally the time of year when you really start to find out which teams are for real when the competition picks up on a weekly basis. Top teams are sure to fade and new faces are to emerge. Nearly everyone has Florida meeting up with Texas in the National Championship, but there is so much football left to play that nothing is certain especially since both teams are coming off rather sluggish performances. Judging by the amount of upsets this year, then how could you even think about a National Championship match-up just halfway through the year. The major conference teams are very vulnerable this time of year because they are facing top teams each and every week. We are not going to try and predict the National Championship match-up because it just seems to far fetch to think anything is a guarantee as crazy as college football turns out. However, we have taken the time to break down a few teams that will see BCS Bowls this season. Breaking down the way some of these talented teams are playing and their remaining schedules, we bring to you the Top 5 BCS Bowl teams for 2010.

#1. Florida Gators (5-0)

The Gators may not be the best team in the country, but who is going to beat them for the rest of the year? Florida captured its biggest win of the season in a 13-3 defensive battle last week over LSU. The Gators remaining schedule is very weak and they play just two teams with a winning record and only South Carolina is ranked in the top 25. The only logical room for an upset here outside of South Carolina, is a loss in the SEC Championship. If that happens, the Gators still got to a BCS Bowl even though it would not be the National Championship Game. The Gators defense is so good that an upset becomes highly unlikely until they square off in the SEC Championship. The Gators offense has not racked up the points as expected this year which could hold them back from repeating as National Champions. However, they are still 100% locks for a BCS Bowl Game.

#2. Alabama Crimson Tide (6-0)

The Crimson Tide is in an extremely similar situation in the SEC West. Alabama is not only perhaps playing better than anyone in the country, but have a manageable schedule from here out. Alabama has a solid test against South Carolina this week and LSU two weeks following. If they can win both those two games they will obviously have a perfect regular season record for the 2nd straight year in a row. Even if they lose one game they can still get to the SEC Championship with another LSU loss. In that scenario, the Crimson Tide still make a BCS Bowl even if they lose to Florida and that may be the worse case scenario for Alabama. The Crimson Tide would have a great chance at beating Florida if they were to play right now. The Alabama offensive and defensive lines are as big and strong as an NFL team. They have dominated on both sides of the ball and Nick Saban has the Tide rolling once again. All scenarios point to another BCS Bowl Game as well for the beast of the west in the SEC.

#3. Virginia Tech Hokies (5-1)

The Hokies were a bit unlucky to get a chance at Alabama in their opener this year, because their offense just was not clicking at the start of the season. However, quarterback Tyrod Taylor is starting to make a lot more plays with his arm and that is making the entire offense very dangerous. Freshman Ryan Williams is one of the best young guys in the nation. The Hokies running back has rushed for 734 yards and 9 scores this season to keep the running game going after losing star back Darren Evans before the season even started. The Hokies defense is strong as always, but their offense has become explosive. If Taylor continues to throw the ball well, Virginia Tech is the most dangerous one loss team in the country. The Hokies have more quality wins than any team in the Top 10 and they played Alabama tough when they were not even playing well. The Hokies square off with Georgia Tech this week and a win would all but guarantee a trip to the ACC Championship. However, more importantly there is not any other team in the ACC that can play with the Hokies if they keep pace meaning an automatic BCS Bowl Berth for the conference champions.

#4. Texas Longhorns (5-0)

The Longhorns appear to be on the path to fight for a National Championship and a Big 12 Title as well. However, both of those hopes face a huge test this Saturday when they take on rival Oklahoma. A loss would actually give the Sooners the lead in the Big 12 South considering both of Oklahoma’s losses have been outside the conference. Still the Longhorns are favorites to win the game and if they can edge out the Sooners, they will be in a BCS Bowl Game. The Longhorns have a much more difficult schedule than some of the other teams on our list with meetings with Oklahoma State and Kansas remaining. All Texas really has to do is beat Oklahoma this weekend to control their own destiny. A win over the Sooners means they can still suffer a loss and make the trip to the Big 12 Championship. It’s hard to think Kansas or Nebraska could beat Texas in the Big 12 Title Game and that gives the Sooners a ticket to a BCS Bowl despite what happens the rest of the year.

#5. Cincinnati Bearcats (5-0)

The Bearcats may be the most unlikely of BCS Bowl contenders heading into the season, but they have an offense that can contend with anyone in the nation. QB Tony Pike is receiving Heisman type attention after a wonderful start completing 67% for 1,493 yards, 13 touchdowns, and just 3 interceptions. The offense is among the best in the country averaging the 42 points per game. The Bearcats appear to have too much firepower which will make it tough for teams like South Florida and Pittsburgh to steal the conference crown away. Cincinnati goes on the road tonight in one of their biggest games of the season against South Florida and a win would make the BCS Bowl picture an instant reality. Pittsburgh has become a factor in the conference, but they don’t seem to have the talent to keep it together for another half of the season considering they really struggled last week against Connecticut. Cincinnati has all the opportunities to cash in here and make their way to one of the big bowls. However, a win tomorrow night would give the Bearcats a very considerable chance to win out. If that happens the BCS Standings will then again be a big factor as always in deciding who is worthy of competing for the National Championship. Would it let the Bearcats out of the Big East into the big game?

2009 College Football Top 10 Headlines (after week 3)

September 20th, 2009 by Travis Edwards (Bankroll Sports Contributor) | Posted in College Football   Comments Off on 2009 College Football Top 10 Headlines (after week 3)

We promised the college football season would not disappoint for the fans that thirst for upsets, surprises, and excitement. Entering the season there were a number stories surrounding college football to keep an eye on and now since the start of the season there has been even more shocking headlines to emerge. With only 3 weeks of football in the books, what will happen next? We take a look at the Top 10 biggest headlines to date early in the 2009 College Football Season as we prepare for even bigger stories as the year progresses.

#10. Ohio State Buckeyes “Big Hump”

Ohio State entered the 2009 season with tons of anticipation behind their new star quarterback Terrelle Pryor. However, the one common agreement among college football enthusiasts is that the Buckeyes would need to finally win the big games. The Buckeyes knew they would have to beat USC this season if there was to be any glory. However, the Buckeyes failed to deliver yet again losing 18-15. The focus now turns back to salvaging the Big Ten Title and possibly making a BCS Bowl Game. Ohio State is now 0-4 against Top 5 teams over the last two seasons not to mention losing 3 straight losses in BCS Bowl Games over the last 3 seasons. If the Buckeyes are to return to the National Championship stage, they must find a way to get over the hump against the top teams in the country.

#9. “BCS Busters”

Heading into the 2009 season there was tons of talks surrounding the “BCS Busters.” Teams that were outside of BCS conferences played well in 2008 highlighted by Utah who took down Alabama out of the mighty SEC in the Sugar Bowl. BYU seemed to be the most likely candidate for this season after upsetting Oklahoma in week 1. However last Saturday both BYU and Utah suffered critical losses. It now appears that the non-BCS teams have their work cut out for them if they are to somehow make noise again in the 2009 postseason. Only Boise State and TCU has legitimate opportunities remaining. TCU still has a difficult schedule with meetings with Clemson and BYU. If any team is to become a BCS Buster this year it will likely be the guys in blue out of Boise State.

#8. ‘Rich Rod’ “Under Fire”

Coach Rich Rodriguez had much higher expectations for his first season in Ann Arbor in 2008. After introducing the spread offense at West Virginia, Rodriguez was considered a modern day mastermind with the headset. Anticipation was high in the “Big House” for the 2008 season, but the Wolverines just managed a 3-9 record struggling all season on the offensive side of the ball. However, the Wolverines have found confidence in year 2 of the Rodriguez campaign and are off to a solid 3-0 record including a big victory over Notre Dame 38-34. With the restored faith from Michigan faithful, perhaps in time Michigan will return to the national prominence.

#7. Blount “Punch seen around the world”

Do you think college football fans were disappointed after the opening night of the season for 2009? As Boise State and Oregon took center stage on the opening night of football, football fans tuned in around the world to the first meeting between top 25 teams in a premier match-up on Thursday night. Oregon came out flat and was never able to get things rolling in the game. The Broncos rolled in a low scoring 19-8 victory. However, it was the post game activity that had everyone in America talking that Friday morning. Oregon running back LeGarrette Blount was held to an ineffective performance on the playing field. Frustration reached its boiling point after the game when Blount was taunted by Broncos Bryon Hout who taunted the Ducks tailback during post celebration. However, things took a quick and sudden turn when Blount landed a right jab that sent Hout to his knees. Making matters worse, Blount was out of control while ushers attempted to escort him off the field making moves towards Boise State fans on the exit ramp. The “punch” ended Blount’s career as he was suspended for the rest of the season while this was his anticipated senior season.

#6. The SEC

One of the biggest questions heading into the season was if anyone would be able to stop the SEC from their 4th consecutive National Championship? All indications early on say no. The Florida Gators entered the season with the most 1st place votes in history. Until last week’s 23-13 victory over the Tennessee, the Gators seemed invincible. However, they are still going to be extremely difficult to beat. Also, the likes of Alabama and Mississippi have joined the Gators making up 3 of the top 5 teams in the country. Throw LSU in the picture at number 7 and the SEC is controlling the top of the rankings and it appears they will have their share of teams in BCS Bowls this year. With the former top 5 teams like Oklahoma, USC, and Oklahoma State already suffering losses, the best conference in football looks like they have all the making to bring home another crown.

#5. California at its “Best”

If you paid attention to any of our preseason conference breakdowns, we warned that the Pac-10 would be wide open this season. USC is under the control of a freshman quarterback and Oregon does not appear to be the front runner many thought they could be. While much of the Pac-10 is struggling, California is striving. The Golden Bears have climbed the polls to number 6 in the country with a 3-0 start outscoring opponents 146-41 in the process. One of the main factors in the Golden Bears success is no surprise by the name of Jahvid Best. The star running back is averaging a lucrative 7.8 yards per carry and already has 8 touchdowns in just 3 games which also have him catching some Heisman Trophy attention. Best is undoubtedly the top running back in the land and he has the Golden Bears prime success. If California contends to roll and can take out USC at home on October 3rd, then Best could lead the Golden Bears back to the BCS or even National Title stage.

#4. Trojans Fall

The USC Trojans entered the season ranked 3rd in the country, but the story surrounding the team evolved around freshman quarterback Matt Barkley. Barkley is the first ever freshman to start at quarterback for the Trojans. While the Trojans returned numerous starters on the offensive side of the ball, many figured they would not be as dominate as they have been over the Pac-10 in year’s past. However, nobody expected the Trojans would lose their first game of the year to Washington. The Huskies were winless last year at 0-12, but pulled off an amazing upset over USC kicking a field goal in the final seconds to lift the Huskies to a 16-13 victory. The Trojans losing seemed inevitable, but who would have thought it would have come from one of the bottom dwellers in the Pac-10. Now the question is will they be able to salvage a chance at their 8th straight Pac-10 Championship?

#3. The Return of the U

Entering the season there may have been no other team in the country with more concerns at quarterback than the Miami Hurricanes. After backups Taylor Cook and Cannon Smith announced plans to transfer, the Hurricanes were looking very thin at the most important position on the field. However, sophomore Jacory Harris has ended all concerns at the quarterback position. Harris has been spectacular in charge of the Miami passing attack. The Hurricanes have been absolutely dominant through the air averaging 328 yards each of their first two games. The emergence of the offense has contributed to Miami knocking off two straight Top 25 teams while looking unstoppable on offense. The Hurricanes who entered the season outside of the Top 25, have vaulted all the way to a number 9 national ranking. If the passing game continues to roll, Miami has all chances at contending for an ACC Championship. Perhaps their biggest test of the year will come this weekend when they travel to Blacksburg to take on the Virginia Tech Hokies.

#2. Sooners and Bradford Go Down

The return of the 2008 Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford had expectations riding high for the Sooners. Oklahoma sported the best offense in the country last season averaging over 50 points per game including an NCAA record 5 straight games over 60 points. The beloved offense was supposed to lead the Sooners to another shot at the National Championship after falling last year in the championship game to Florida. However, Oklahoma never made it past week 1 before those dreams were shattered. Oklahoma was upset by BYU 14-13. Not only did the Sooners offense fail to produce, but they lost Sam Bradford to a shoulder injury during the game as well. The loss ended most chances at contending for a National Championship, but any shot Bradford may have had at repeating for a 2nd straight Heisman Trophy.

#1. Gators “Road to Glory”

The biggest question of the year has yet to be answered, but it remains at the top of the list. The Florida Gators have already won two National Championships in just 3 seasons and are now big favorites to repeat again. The Gators entered the season as an overwhelming favorite and blew out their fist two inferior opponents 118-9. The Gators defense returned all 11 starters, and of course on offense they have the heralded former Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow. All indications show that Tebow is the front runner for another Heisman Trophy, but it is still early in the season. The Gators appeared untouchable until Tennessee kept the game close last week 23-13. Florida has already rewritten a bunch of pages in the record books. However, if they are to win another National Championship they will likely be considered the greatest team of the modern era. As for Tebow, he is already considered one of the greatest college football players of all time and winning another Heisman Trophy would concrete his legacy for all eternity.

2009 Heisman Update & Latest Odds To Win The Heisman Trophy

September 14th, 2009 by Travis Edwards (Bankroll Sports Contributor) | Posted in College Football   2 Comments »

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We have had the luxury of watching college football’s biggest stars for 2 straight weeks now and we can get a slight grasp of what to expect during the 2009 season. The big 3 quarterbacks of Tim Tebow, Sam Bradford, and Colt McCoy were overwhelming favorites entering the season to win the Heisman Trophy after all three players where finalist in last year’s race. While the odds are still favorable for one of those quarterbacks to take home the hardware, the is an emerging ground threat making his way up the Heisman ladder out of the Pac-10. Last year’s Heisman winner Sam Bradford has already suffered a shoulder injury which has put a huge damper in his chances to repeat. Check out our weekly Heisman Trophy watch as we continue to keep an eye on the best players in college football.

Current Odds To Win The Heisman Are From Sportsbook.com (as of 12/7/2009):
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  • Colt McCoy 5/4
  • Mark Ingram  2/7
  • Ndamukong Suh 5/1
  • Tim Tebow  15/1
  • Toby Gerhart  3/1

Current Heisman Trophy Odds From JustBet Sportsbook (as of 12/6/2009):
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  • Odds Currently Off The Board – Will Update When Available

#1. Quarterback, Tim Tebow (Florida Gators)
Tim Tebow Current Odds To Win The Heisman Trophy: 5/2

Tim Tebow totaled 5 touchdowns in the Gators 50 point blowout over Troy last weekend. Tebow threw 4 touchdowns through the air while posting 237 yards. It is the 2nd straight week that the Gators have blown the game wide open in the first half. Tebow has actually had limited playing time with their first two games being out of reach so early in the contest. Still, the Gators look like a team that is going to be extremely difficult to stop this year. Tebow not only gets things done through the passing game, but his ability to make plays with his legs adds as a stat builder. On the year, Tebow has completed 25 of 39 passing for 425 yards totaling 5 touchdowns passing. The Gators former Heisman winner has also pounded two more touchdowns on the ground. Considering how great Florida has looked early on, it appears Tebow could have one hand on his 2nd Heisman Trophy.

#2. Running Back, Jahvid Best (California Golden Bears)
Jahvid Best Current Odds To Win The Heisman Trophy: 5/1 (opened at 7/4)

If there is going to be any player to steal the spotlight from the quarterbacks this year it will be Golden Bears running back Jahvid Best. Best like Tebow has yet to play an entire 60 minutes due to the fact California has won by a combined 91 points in their first two contests. However, Best has been extremely affective every time he has touched the ball. Best had 17 carries for 144 yards and two touchdowns in last week’s victory. Also, the star back caught two passes for 19 yards and an additional touchdown. On the season, Best has 281 yards and a ridiculous 10.4 yards per carry average. Best is without much debate the best running back in college football. However, it will still be a difficult task to take the Heisman away from the prominent quarterbacks in this year’s race. Still, the California offense is appearing to be a big force out west. If California continues their pace, Best has all the makings to bring home the hardware.

#3. Quarterback, Colt McCoy (Texas Longhorns)
Colt McCoy Current Odds To Win The Heisman Trophy: 25/1 (opened at 9/2)

Colt McCoy kept things rolling for the Longhorns this weekend putting together his 2nd straight 300 plus yard passing performance. McCoy was 21 for 29 and 317 yards in the Longhorns 41-10 victory over Wyoming. McCoy also has put together 5 touchdowns through the air this year with one addition touchdown on the ground. In the midst of two straight solid performances, McCoy has thrown 2 interceptions to dampen the picture. However, McCoy looks to be well on his way to another big year especially if the offense is to continue to develop throughout the year. The offense got off to a slow start in their battle with Wyoming, but was able to pull through in the 2nd half. The Longhorns will meet rival Texas Tech in a showdown next week and eyes will be on McCoy as they try to extract revenge from last year’s upset.

#4. Quarterback, Max Hall (B.Y.U. Cougars)
Max Hall Current Odds To Win The Heisman Trophy: 50/1 (opened at 15/1)

If there is anything we learned from week 1, it was there was an equally talented quarterback lined up on the opposing side of the field from Sam Bradford. Max Hall led the Cougars to the biggest upset of the year so far over Oklahoma 14-13 in the first game of the season. Hall continued to impress this weekend completing 75% passing equaling 309 yards and two touchdowns. If not for a few interceptions, Hall may be getting much more Heisman attention and the fact the Mountain West is not a BCS Conference. However if the Cougars continue to roll with their favorable schedule, Hall will continue to linger around the top of the Heisman talk. Hall threw for just less than 4,000 yards in 2008 so he can put up the numbers to be a legitimate threat. BYU will take on Florida State at home this weekend and continue to make their charge towards a BCS Bowl Game.

#5. Quarterback, Sam Bradford (Oklahoma Sooners)
Sam Bradford Current Odds To Win The Heisman Trophy: OTB

I know Sam Bradford may be out of everyone’s Heisman ballot since the shoulder injury that has the Sooners quarterback sidelined for a least another game. However, Bradford can still put up some big numbers despite missing the time. Oklahoma lost to a solid BYU team before bouncing back to blowout Idaho State 64-0. The Sooners still have a dangerous offense and they will still have plenty of time to make noise in the Big 12. If Bradford returns and can lead the Sooners to another Big 12 title, the possibility is still there depending on how the competition performs. Hopefully for Oklahoma, the shoulder will heal fast and Bradford can get the offense firing on all cylinders. Oklahoma plays a lot of tough competition this year meaning if Bradford shows out he will return to the national spotlight with ease.