You can almost feel the hype growing around the start of the new football season, in both college football and NFL. While the latter gets most of the scrutiny in the mainstream media, the former still gets generates a lot of buzz on football forums, sites and sportsbooks.
There has been plenty of chatter across the summer of months, with pundits trying to predict how roster and coaching changes will impact teams going into the new season. Of course, there are plenty of other factors to take into consideration: schedule, injuries, experience, team balance and so on.
Sportsbooks, while taking these factors into consideration, will also be able to look at the teams’ chances from a more detached, emotionless perspective than the average football fan. That certainly doesn’t mean they always get it right, rather that there is a more ‘scientific’ method applied to their predictions.
So, in light of that, below is a look at some of the top teams’ odds for the new season a couple of days before we get underway. Odds are taken from a range of sports betting Canada sites, where you can also find free bets and offers for college football this season.
The Favourites
Alabama Crimson Tide: +225.00 (Bet365)
Obviously, no surprise here. The most successful team in the modern era and, arguably, the most well-known college football team in the world. One could argue, however, that the odds offered for the Tide are a little too short this season. Nobody is going to argue that they shouldn’t be favourites, but it’s tough to go all the way. Still, if anyone can sustain, renew and reconquer, it’s Alabama.
Clemson Tigers: +600.00 (William Hill)
Perhaps the team that has moved most in the odds (in the right direction) over the last few months. Clemson top ESPN’s latest Football Power Index rankings. Of course, they looked toothless in defeat to Alabama in the CFP Semi Final last January, but the signs are looking good that Dabo Swinney can repeat the trick he last performed in 2017. Those odds look pretty fair for a team with an excellent chance of coming out on top at the Levi’s Stadium early next year.
Ohio State Buckeyes +700.00 (Sports Interaction)
The hot favourite for The Big Ten and unfortunate to miss out on the Playoffs last season, which was the first without Big Ten representation. Again though, those odds feel a little short for Ohio to go all the way, especially with a new quarterback this season.
Value Bets
Wisconsin Badgers +2500.00 (Bet365)
Will possibly meet Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game, but there is perhaps even more to offer from the Badgers this season. A lot of talk has swirled around the stacked offensive line over the last few months, but if the Badgers coaching staff get the dense right, who knows how far they could go?
Washington Huskies +3300.00 (Bet365)
Washington’s odds are interesting given that other sportsbooks have them down at half that price. There is also a wave of optimism around the team, buoyed by the fact they return with a wealth of experience and talent. Can they go all the way? It’s hard to say, but those odds do represent excellent value.
