With a Heisman Trophy Candidate at quarterback and an explosive backfield, oddsmakers from online sports book Bodog have made the West Virginia Mountaineers a 1/1 favorite to win the Big East Conference in 2008.
The Favorite: West Virginia
Blessed with the best player and quarterback (Pat White), the best offensive line and the best overall offense in the conference, the Mountaineers are a clear-cut favorite at 1/1 odds to win the Big East. But will the defense hold up against top competition? And can White stay healthy?
The Value: Pittsburgh
They’re not much of a value at 3/1 odds, we know, but the Panthers have one of the best players in the conference in running back LeSean McCoy and are stacked along the defensive line. Don’t forget, Pitt came up with one of the biggest upsets in the nation last year when it topped West Virginia 13-9 at home in the final game of the year. The Panthers are ready to build off that success.
The Long Shot Sleeper: Connecticut
The Huskies have the best defense in the Big East, so if their offense can do just enough to get the team by, UCONN could be a huge sleeper in 2008. Eight starters return to a defense that was outstanding in 2007, so at 12/1 odds, Connecticut is definitely a team to keep an eye on in the Big East this year.
2008 Odds to Win the Big East Conference
Cincinnati 7/1
Connecticut 12/1
Louisville 14/1
Pittsburgh 3/1
Rutgers 6/1
South Florida 5/2
Syracuse 40/1
West Virginia 1/1