College Football Conference Previews

SEC West Predictions
By Brian Edwards
VegasInsider.com

1-Alabama Crimson Tide

Best Players: WR Calvin Ridley, SS Minkah Fitzpatrick, FS Ronnie Harrison, QB Jalen Hurts, RB Bo Scarbrough & LB Rashaan Evans.

Toughest Games: vs. FSU in Atlanta, vs. LSU & at Auburn.

Danger Spots: at Texas A&M & at Mississippi State

Alabama has won 36 of its last 39 games after finishing 14-1 and just one play shy of another national championship. Other than a pair of losses to Ole Miss in 2014 and ’15, Nick Saban’s teams have dropped just two regular-season contests in the last five years. Those defeats came at Auburn in ’13 on the remarkable kick-six return on the game’s final play and the 29-24 home loss to Texas A&M and Johnny Manziel back in ’12.

The Crimson Tide return six starters on offense and five on defense. They’re literally five deep at running back and probably have the nation’s best WR in Calvin Ridley. As a true freshman last season, Jalen Hurts had a 24/7 touchdown-to-interception ratio with 954 rushing yards and 13 more TDs. He’ll face competition from true freshman and five-star recruit, Tua Tagovailoa, who is from Hawaii and came to school early for spring practice.

Another five-star recruit and true freshman is RB Najee Harris, who was also in for the spring. He joins the nation’s premier backfield along with Damien Harris, Bo Scarbrough, Josh Jacobs and B.J. Emmons. The defense is led by Minkah Fitzpatrick, a future-first-round pick who had 66 tackles and six interceptions last year. Other standouts on this unit include DB Ronnie Harrison, LB Rashaan Evans, DE Da’Shawn Hand, DT Da’Ron Payne and LB Shaun Dion Hamilton.

Gambling Numbers: The Westgate has Alabama’s win total at 11 (‘under’ -125, ‘over’ +105). The Tide is the +250 ‘chalk’ to win the College Football Playoff at the Las Vegas betting shop. They have -150 odds to win the SEC Championship Game.

Prediction: There’s a strong chance Alabama will be a double-digit favorite in 10 of its 12 games, with the lone exceptions being the opener vs. FSU and regular-season finale at Auburn. You never know what will happen at the Iron Bowl but even if Alabama loses in that spot, it will probably remain on solid footing for a CFP berth if it finishes 11-1. I have Alabama winning the SEC by beating Florida for a third straight season in Atlanta and getting back to the CFP for the fourth consecutive campaign.

Bets: I’m on the sidelines here.

2-Auburn Tigers

Best Players: QB Jarrett Stidham, RB Kamryn Pettway, PK Daniel Carlson, CB Carlton Davis & OT Braden Smith.

Toughest Games: at Clemson, at LSU, vs. Georgia & vs. Alabama.

Danger Spots: at Missouri & at Arkansas.

Auburn returns eight starters on offense and seven on defense. The 2016 Tigers finished 8-5 straight up and 7-6 against the spread, but they were 7-2 before injuries to starting QB Sean White and workhorse RB Kamryn Pettway derailed the season. They lost three of their last four, mustering only 19 combined points in losses at Georgia (13-7) and at Alabama (30-12). The ’16 defense was outstanding under new coordinator Kevin Steele. This unit gave up just 17.1 points per game and returns nine of its top 11 tacklers.

Although White played well before getting injured last year (9/3 TD-INT), I’m confident Jarrett Stidham will be an upgrade at QB. He was a 5-star recruit in Baylor’s 2015 class. When Seth Russell sustained a season-ending injury, the Bears were undefeated and ranked second in the nation. As a true freshman in his first start the following week, all Stidham did was guide Baylor to a 31-24 win at Kansas State by throwing for 410 yards and three TDs without an interception. In a rain game at home next, Art Briles’s club dropped a 44-34 decision to Oklahoma (but 34 points should be enough to win). Stidham would get injured in a 45-35 victory at unbeaten and No. 4 Oklahoma State during his third start. He left Baylor when Briles was fired, did not play while in junior college last year and arrived on The Plains for spring football.

Gambling Numbers: Auburn is a 34-point home favorite vs. Ga. Southern in Week 1. The Tigers are an abysmal 1-7 ATS in their last eight outings as favorites of 23 points or more, while the Eagles are 7-1 ATS in eight games against SEC or ACC foes dating back to 2011. AU has 30/1 odds to win the CFP at The Westgate. The Tigers have the second-shortest odds to win the SEC (+450, risk $100 to win $450), while their season win total is 8.5 (‘over’ -140, ‘under’ +120).

Prediction: I believe Stidham is going to be outstanding and Auburn has a pair of excellent RBs in Pettway and Kerryon Johnson. The offensive line will be led by third-team All-American Braden Smith, who turned down the NFL to stick around for his senior season. Three starters return on an o-line that’ll be bolstered by a pair of grad transfers. Wilson Bell is expected to start at guard after making 18 starts at FSU, while Jacksonville State transfer Casey Dunn will provide quality depth. Dunn was an FCS All-American in ’16. Gus Malzahn has brought in a new offensive coordinator in Chip Lindsey, who should work well with Stidham in an offense more suited for a pro-style passer. Even if Auburn loses at Clemson in Week 2 and at LSU in October, it will be able to win the SEC West if it takes a 6-1 conference record into the regular-season finale at home vs. ‘Bama. I think that’s what happens, but I have the Tide prevailing at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Therefore, I think Auburn finishes 9-3.

Bets: I like to have a 1.5-game cushion to play a season win total, so I’m not interested in betting ‘over’ 8.5 wins, especially with the -140 price tag. I’m leaning Ga. Southern catching the huge number in Week 1.

3-LSU Tigers

Best Players: OLB Arden Key, RB Derrius Guice, C Will Clapp, WR DJ Chark, CB Kevin Toliver & CB Donte Jackson

Toughest Games: vs. BYU in Houston, at Florida, vs. Auburn, at Tennessee & at Alabama.

Danger Spots: at Mississippi State & vs. Arkansas.

LSU went 8-4 SU and 6-6 ATS in a season that saw Les Miles fired after an 18-13 loss at Auburn in Week 4. The Tigers lost three games by eight combined points at Wisconsin (16-14 at Lambeau in Green Bay), at Auburn (18-13) and vs. Florida (17-16), and they dropped a 10-0 decision vs. Alabama in a game that was a one-possession contest for nearly 60 minutes. Ed Orgeron earned the head-coaching gig thanks to a 6-2 record that included wins at Texas A&M (54-39 in the regular-season finale) and vs. Louisville (29-9 at Citrus Bowl).

However, AD Joe Alleva struck out on Tom Herman and Jimbo Fisher before choosing Orgeron. Also, he insisted on the Gators coming to Baton Rouge after the originally-scheduled game in Gainesville was postponed due to Hurricane Matthew. As it turned out, the game decided UF’s SEC East fate but didn’t have major implications for the Tigers after they had lost to Alabama and were eliminated from the SEC West race. Not only did Florida win at Tiger Stadium to clinch the East with an epic goal-line stand in the final seconds, but now the Gators get to play LSU at The Swamp in 2017 and ’18. Therefore, LSU plays five SEC road games this year and has just three league tilts at home.

LSU brings back six starters on offense and five on defense. Derrius Guice is a legit Heisman Trophy candidate after rushing for 1,387 yards and 15 TDs while averaging 7.6 YPC despite sharing touches with first-round draft pick Leonard Fournette last year. Guice is poised for a monster campaign behind one of the nation’s premier offensive lines, albeit one that just lost junior OG Maea Teuhema (21 starts as a freshman and sophomore) to a transfer. Nevertheless, the QB position remains a question mark. Danny Etling was adequate in ’16 and is the likely starter again, but he doesn’t scare opposing DCs. He threw for 2,123 yards with an 11/5 TD-INT ratio, but he won’t have talented WRs Malachi Dupre and Travin Dural around anymore. DJ Chark will be his favorite target after hauling in 26 catches for 466 yards and three TDs last season.

LSU’s defense lost its top five tacklers. Key, who is projected as a potential top-five pick in next spring’s NFL Draft after recording 12 sacks last year, had offseason shoulder surgery and hasn’t been cleared for full contact yet. His status for early September remains a question mark. Dave Aranda is one of the country’s top DCs, directing a unit that gave up just 15.8 PPG in ’16.

Gambling Numbers: LSU’s win total is nine flat (-110 either way) at The Westgate, which has its odds to win the CFP at 20/1. The Tigers have the third-shortest odds (5/1) to win the SEC. They are favored by 12.5 or 13 points vs. BYU in Week 1.

Prediction: I have LSU going 9-3, losing at Florida and at Alabama. The third loss could come in a number of different spots, perhaps at Mississippi State or at Tennessee and Auburn at home certainly won’t be easy, either.

Bets: I’ll pass.

4-Arkansas Razorbacks

Best Players: C Frank Ragnow, QB Austin Allen, WR Jared Cornelius, DE McTelvin Agim & OG Hjalte Froholdt.

Toughest Games: vs. TCU, vs. Texas A&M at Jerry World in Arlington, vs. Auburn, at Alabama & at LSU.

Danger Spots: at South Carolina & at Ole Miss.

Arkansas finished 7-6 SU and 5-8 ATS in 2016 after blowing leads at Missouri in the regular-season finale and vs. Va. Tech at the Belk Bowl. The Razorbacks raced out to a 24-0 halftime lead over the Hokies in Charlotte, only to see that advantage evaporate when Justin Fuente’s team scored 35 unanswered points to not only win outright, but to also crush the wallets of Arky backers (like me!!) who lost as a seven-point underdog despite being ahead of the number by 31 points at intermission.

Some pundits have suggested Bret Bielema’s seat could be warming in Fayetteville going into the fifth season of his tenure, but I believe that’s a joke and Arkansas is fortunate to have one of the league’s best coaches (3rd or 4th-best in my opinion). Arkansas had three wins over ranked teams last year, winning at TCU (No. 15 at the time) in double overtime, in addition to home scalps of 12th-ranked Ole Miss and 10th-ranked Florida.

The Hogs, who are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games as road underdogs, return 12 total starters (six on each side of the ball). The defense lost three of its top four tacklers, including Brooks Ellis, Jeremiah Ledbetter and Deatrich Wise. Furthermore, the offense lost its best playmakers in RB Rawleigh Williams (1,360 rushing yards, 12 TDs & 5.6 YPC), WR Keon Hatcher (44 catches, 743 yards, 8 TDs), WR Drew Morgan (65/739 & 3 TDs) and TE Jeremy Sprinkle (33/380 & 4 TDs). On the bright side, Jared Cornelius returns after hauling in 32 receptions for 515 yards and four TDs. Plus, juco transfer WR Brandon Martin, who started his career at LSU, is expected to start right away and be a key contributor.

Williams had a breakout 2016 campaign, only to sustain another neck injury during spring practice that prompted him to retire from football. Devwah Whaley rushed for 602 yards and three TDs while averaging 5.5 YPC as a true freshman last season. Also, Bielema has two talented true freshmen backs who will be in the mix and Arkansas was fortunate to land South Carolina grad transfer David Williams, who brings plenty of experience with him.

Austin Allen enjoyed an excellent first season as a starter. He completed 61.1 percent of his throws for 3,430 yards and 25 TDs. The negative stat was his 15 interceptions, but we should point out that he was often under heavy pressure and took a plethora of big hits (although there was ZERO excuse for the pick he threw in the red zone with a 24-14 lead at Missouri). Nevertheless, he jumped back up each time and demonstrated toughness and leadership throughout the year.

Gambling Numbers: Arky’s season win total is 6.5 flat (-110 either way) at The Westgate. Sportsbook.ag has the Hogs with 65/1 odds to win the SEC and 300/1 odds to win the CFP.

Prediction: I initially marked Arkansas with a 4-3 record and five swing games: vs. TCU, vs. Texas A&M, vs. Auburn, at Ole Miss and vs. Mississippi State. For those wondering about the third loss I was confident about (outside of at Alabama & at LSU, obviously), it was at South Carolina, which is certainly a game the Hogs can win. I’m going to call it 7-5 for Arkansas, but eight or nine wins is undoubtedly within reach, especially if they can run the table at home. The key will be the offensive line, a unit that’s always strong under Bielema with the exception of last season. If the o-line is elite and Arkansas can avoid more injuries at the RB position, it’ll be a solid season in Fayetteville.

Bets: I like Arkansas +4.5 vs. Texas A&M (8/12 spread at Sportsbook.ag).

5-Texas A&M Aggies

Best Players: RB Trayveon Williams, SS Armani Watts, DB Donovan Wilson, WR Christian Kirk & DT Zaycoven Henderson.

Toughest Games: at UCLA, vs. Arkansas (Arlington), vs. Alabama, at Florida, vs. Auburn & at LSU.

Danger Spots: vs. South Carolina (9/30) & at Ole Miss (11/18).

Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin is on a boiling hot seat going into his sixth season at the helm. The Aggies have finished 8-5 for three straight years, limping down the stretch in each of those campaigns. Sumlin’s squad started 6-0 last year and held a 14-13 lead at Alabama early in the third quarter. However, the Tide would score 20 unanswered points to win a 33-14 decision. A&M lost four of its last five contests with the lone victory coming at home vs. UTSA.

Texas A&M returns five starters on offense and seven on defense, but QB Trevor Knight is gone along with three elite WRs (Josh Reynolds, Ricky Seals-Jones & Speedy Noil), the NFL Draft’s No. 1 overall pick (Myles Garrett), two-time third-team All-SEC DE Daeshon Hall and the defense’s two leading tacklers (Shaan Washington & Justin Evans).

Let’s hit on some positives now. Kirk is one of the nation’s top WRs and might be the country’s most dangerous return player on special teams. There are three veteran seniors in the secondary, including All-SEC candidates Armani Watts and Donovan Wilson. John Chavis is one of the nation’s top DCs and has some talent in the trenches with players such as Zaycoven Henderson, Daylon Mack and Kingsley Keke.

The biggest question mark is at QB. Jake Hubenak has the most experience, starting three games over the last two years while posting a 9/3 TD-INT ratio. He’ll face stiff competition to earn the starting job from redshirt freshman Nick Starkel and true freshman 4-star recruit Kellen Mond.

Gambling Numbers: The Westgate has A&M’s win total at seven (‘under’ -130, ‘over’ +110), while the Aggies have 40/1 odds to win the SEC and 100/1 odds to win the CFP.

Prediction: Just like with Arkansas, my first look at A&M’s schedule resulted in a 4-3 record with five swing games. Those include at UCLA, vs. Arky, vs. South Carolina, vs. Auburn and at Ole Miss. I think the Aggies will go 3-2 or 2-3 in those matchups. I’ll say they finish 7-5 or 6-6 depending on how the trip to Oxford goes. The opener at UCLA is obviously pivotal. If A&M loses to the Bruins, it will be 4-1 (at best) going into games vs. Alabama and at Florida. I think the Aggies lose both of those before their open date and wouldn’t be shocked if Sumlin got fired after they get back to College Station from Gainesville. My main reasoning for that possibility is to get an early start on putting an offer on Chip Kelly’s plate that will be tough to pass up.

Bets: Another pass here.

6-Mississippi State Bulldogs

Best Players: QB Nick Fitzgerald, WR Donald Gray, LB Leo Lewis, DT Jeffery Simmons & OT Martinas Rankin.

Toughest Games: vs. LSU, at UGA, at Auburn, vs. Alabama & at Arkansas.

Danger Spots: at La. Tech in Week 2 & vs. BYU.

Mississippi State finished last year with a 6-7 SU record and a 5-8 ATS mark. The Bulldogs dropped four one-possession games, including three defeats by six combined points. They lost the opener vs. South Alabama after missing a chip-shot field goal off the crossbar on the game’s final play, fell in double OT at BYU and went home from Lexington a loser after Kentucky hit a walk-off game-winning FG. Dan Mullen’s team did win outright as a double-digit underdog twice, defeating seventh-ranked Texas A&M in Starkville and blasting Ole Miss 55-20 in Oxford for the Egg Bowl. The victory allowed MSU to go bowling despite a 5-7 record. The Bulldogs blocked a Miami (OH.) FG attempt on the game’s final play to preserve a 17-16 triumph.

There’s plenty of optimism for ’17 based on the return of QB Nick Fitzgerald, who threw for 2,423 yards with a 21/10 TD-INT ratio in his first year as a starter after replacing Dak Prescott. Fitzgerald also rushed for 1,375 yards and 16 TDs with a 7.1 YPC average. Donald Gray will be his favorite target after the senior WR brought down 41 balls for 709 yards and five TDs last season.

The defense will be led by Todd Grantham, the new DC who led the units at Louisville and Georgia over the last seven years. This was considered a big-time hire by Mullen, who has taken Mississippi State to seven bowl games in his eight seasons at the school. Leo Lewis, a sophomore LB, enjoyed a banner freshman campaign in ’16. Lewis recorded 79 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss.

MSU has seven starters back on offense and six on defense. Phil Steele lists the Bulldogs’ schedule as the fifth-toughest in the nation.

Gambling Numbers: MSU has a season win total of 5.5 (‘over’ -150, ‘under’ +120). Sportsbook.ag has the Bulldogs with 75/1 and 300/1 odds to win the SEC and CFP, respectively.

Prediction: Mullen is one of the better coaches in the SEC and Fitzgerald is an elite talent who can be the difference in a number of games. Looking at the schedule, I see five wins, three losses and four swing games: at La. Tech, vs. LSU, at Texas A&M and at Arkansas. MSU lost outright in Ruston to a different set of Bulldogs in 2008. Nevertheless, I see MSU knocking off La. Tech this year and winning another one of the swing games to finish 7-5.

Bets: The expensive price on the ‘over’ makes me less interested. I lean to the ‘over’ clearly but I’d keep the play really small due to the juice.

7-Ole Miss Rebels

Best Players: DE Marquis Haynes, QB Shea Patterson, WR Van Jefferson, LB DeMarquis Gates & OT Greg Little.

Toughest Games: at Alabama, at Auburn, vs. LSU, vs. Arkansas & at Mississippi State

Danger Spots: vs. Vandy (10/14) & vs. Texas A&M (11/18).

Ole Miss self-imposed a bowl ban and isn’t eligible for the SEC Championship Game due to NCAA violations committed on Hugh Freeze’s watch. Freeze resigned before being fired with cause in late July, ending a tumultuous tenure filled with the highest of highs (two wins over Alabama and a blowout win over Oklahoma State in the school’s first trip to the Sugar Bowl in decades) and the lowest of lows (all the lies & NCAA violations, the excruciating losses at home to Auburn in ’14 and to Arkansas in overtime in ’15 & the assbeating taken in last year’s Egg Bowl). More penalties will be levied by the NCAA’s Committee on Infractions in November, including a likely ban from postseason play in ’18 and maybe even ’19.

Ole Miss finished ’16 with a 5-7 SU record and a 4-8 ATS ledger. The Rebels led at halftime in four of their losses and blew leads of 22 and 21 points in setbacks against FSU and Alabama. The Rebels return five starters on offense and six on defense. Shea Patterson started the last three games of ’16 after Chad Kelly was sidelined with an injury. The five-star recruit, who is now a rising sophomore, threw for 880 yards with a 6/3 TD-INT ratio. He has a pair of extremely talented sophomore WRs in Van Jefferson and AJ Brown.

The defense will be led by senior DE Marquis Haynes, who is one of the country’s top pass rushers. Haynes had 53 tackles, seven sacks, four TFL’s, eight QB hurries, three PBU and one interception last season. Five of the top seven tacklers return, including leading tackler DeMarquis Gates (79 tackles & 4 sacks), and a lot of young players earned valuable playing time in ’16.

Gambling Numbers: Ole Miss has a win total of 5.5 flat (-110 either way). The Rebels are ineligible for the SEC and CFP.

Prediction: Interim head coach Matt Luke has never even been a coordinator before, much less a head coach. Freeze was an outstanding game coach, so he’ll be missed in that department as well. It’s difficult to gauge the morale of this club that’s been mired in the issues created by its former coach for well over a year. I think it’s a 4-8 or 5-7 finish, and then a major rebuild under crippling sanctions for the next head coach.

Bets: I liked South Alabama +26 at Ole Miss in the opener even before Freeze was escorted out (hat tip to the Oxford Eagle). Even with it down to 24 or 24.5 at quite a few books, I still like the Jaguars.

Best Bet - South Carolina
By Brian Edwards
VegasInsider.com

If you’ve heard any of my guest radio segments this summer or listened to any episodes of my Games Galore podcast on BrianEdwardsSports.com, then you’ve known for months how bullish I am on the 2017 South Carolina Gamecocks.

Do I think Will Muschamp’s team is going to win the SEC East? No, probably not. But that’s of zero consequence when we can back South Carolina to go ‘over’ 5.5 wins for its season win total.

As of July 18, different books had varying odds. The best price I could find was at 5Dimes.eu, where the offshore betting shop had the price of the ‘over’ at just -105. On the flip side, Sportsbook.ag had the Gamecocks at an expensive -145 price for the ‘over’ on 5.5 victories.

The first season of Muschamp’s tenure in his second head-coaching gig exceeded expectations and then some. The Gamecocks were coming off a 3-9 campaign, had zero experience at the quarterback position and were going to be without their All-SEC linebacker Skai Moore, who led South Carolina in tackles in each of his first three seasons before undergoing neck surgery last summer. This caused Moore to use his redshirt season, but he is poised to return in 2017 as a fifth-year senior.

Coming off a 28-14 home loss to Georgia that left South Carolina 2-4 going into its open date, Muschamp decided to make a bold move. In an attempt to spark the offense, he decided to take the redshirt off of true freshman quarterback Jake Bentley and insert him into the starting lineup vs. UMass.

Bentley, who was supposed to be a senior in high school in 2016 but went to college a year early after Muschamp hired his father as part of his staff, immediately provided some punch to an offense filled with youth. With Bentley under center, South Carolina promptly ripped off three consecutive victories over UMass, Tennessee and Missouri. The win over the Vols, one that improved Muschamp to 5-0 in his career against UT, for the Gamecocks came as 13.5-point home underdogs.

All of a sudden, South Carolina was 5-4 with a game at Florida on deck. Bentley, who had yet to throw an interception in his first three games, didn’t fare as well against UF’s stout defense. The Gators won a 20-7 decision, but the Gamecocks beat Western Carolina the next week to get bowl eligible.

The regular-season finale was an unmitigated disaster at Death Valley, where the soon-to-be national champions destroyed USC by a 56-7 count. Nevertheless, Muschamp’s team was going bowling with a 6-6 record, defying even the most optimistic forecasts for a team that was picked to finish last in the SEC East.

South Carolina dropped a 46-39 decision to South Florida in overtime at the Birmingham Bowl. The Gamecocks, who nevertheless covered the spread as 10-point underdogs against the 25th-ranked Bulls, were done in by a minus-3 margin in the turnover department. They had a small advantage over USF in total offense (481-469), but the Bulls won outright to finish 11-2 for the year.

Now we move to 2017 with USC returning 10 starters on offense and six on defense. Remember, during Muschamp’s second season at Florida in 2012, the Gators finished the regular season with an 11-1 record. In fact, if USC’s Matt Barkley had not gone down with a shoulder injury against UCLA, UF would have almost certainly been playing in the BCS Championship Game against Alabama that year.

The shoulder injury left Barkley unable to play the following week at home in the regular-season finale against unbeaten Notre Dame. Even without Barkley, USC squandered scoring chances galore, including a first-and-goal opportunity from the one yard line in the fourth quarter. If the Trojans had punched in a TD there, they would’ve been in the lead at crunch time.

As it turned out, Notre Dame won a 22-13 decision thanks to two interceptions thrown by inexperienced QB Max Wittek. UF went to the Sugar Bowl instead and took a beatdown from Louisville. The rest of Muschamp’s tenure at UF was filled with injuries, tough luck and narrow defeats that led to his dismissal after his fourth season.

USC’s offense should be vastly improved this year. In Bentley’s seven starts that saw USC go 4-3, the Gamecocks averaged 26.6 points per game. That was with a true freshman at QB and a pair of true freshmen getting most of the carries in the running game.

Bentley completed 65.8 percent of his passes for 1,420 yards with a 9/4 touchdown-to-interception ratio. We should note that all four picks were thrown at Florida and at Clemson, and those two teams sported two of the nation’s top defenses.

Bentley’s top five pass catchers return, including All-American candidate Deebo Samuel. As a true sophomore in 2016, Samuel hauled in 59 receptions for 783 yards and one TD. He rushed 15 times for 102 yards and six TDs while averaging 6.5 yards per carry. Obviously, offensive coordinator Kurt Roper likes to get the ball to Samuel on reverses and misdirection plays down in the red zone. Samuel also returned 16 kicks for 431 yards and one TD.

Another true freshman skill player had a major impact last year. The dude has a great name, too, although his mother spelled it wrong. I’m talking about Bryan Edwards, who had 44 catches for 590 yards and four TDs. Edwards (6’3”) is a big target for Bentley who demonstrated the ability to go up in traffic and make plays, drawing comparisons to former Gamecock Alshon Jeffrey.

Hayden Hurst, a junior tight end who will turn 24 years of age in late August, is poised to have a monster campaign. Hurst is older because he initially spent two years in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization playing minor-league ball before deciding to give up the sport in favor of football. Hurst caught 48 balls for 616 yards and one TD last season. He is an absolute beast, listed at 6’5”, 253 pounds. Don’t be shocked if he has a banner season that leads him to go pro early and get drafted in the first 2-3 rounds.

Roper uses a lot of two-TE sets and has another good one in junior K.C. Crosby, who had 23 receptions for 217 yards and four TDs last season.

Rico Dowdle and A.J. Turner were USC’s two leading rushers in ’16 and are back for their true sophomore campaigns. Dowdle ran for a team-best 764 yards and six TDs while averaging 5.7 YPC. Turner rushed for 497 yards and three TDs, averaging 4.3 YPC. He also had 21 catches for 143 yards and one TD.

Muschamp’s defense gave up lots of yards last season, but it was excellent at forcing turnovers. This unit allowed just 26.5 PPG. No SEC opponents scored more than 28 points and Georgia needed a kick return for a TD off of an onside kick in the final minute to get to that number.

Six starters are back but that number should really be seven to reflect Moore’s return. Eight seniors are expected to start on this side of the ball, including a pair of All-SEC candidates in DT Taylor Stallworth and LB Bryson Allen-Williams, who had 75 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions and 6.5 tackles for loss last season.

The starting CBs have plenty of experience and the prize of the 2017 recruiting class is CB Jamyest Williams, who will see plenty of playing time. Chris Lammons and Jamarcus King had three interceptions apiece last year and combined to break up 15 passes and make six TFL’s.

2017 South Carolina Schedule

Saturday, Sept. 2 vs. North Carolina State
Saturday, Sept. 9 at Missouri
Saturday, Sept. 16 vs. Kentucky
Saturday, Sept. 23 vs. Louisiana Tech
Saturday, Sept. 30 at Texas A&M
Saturday, Oct. 7 vs. Arkansas
Saturday, Oct. 14 at Tennessee
Saturday, Oct. 28 vs. Vanderbilt
Saturday, Nov. 4 at Georgia
Saturday, Nov. 11 vs. Florida
Saturday, Nov. 18 vs. Wofford
Saturday, Nov. 25 vs. Clemson

Before breaking down the 2017 schedule, let’s point out that only one of USC’s seven defeats last year came by a lopsided margin (at Clemson). No other foe ran away from the Gamecocks, who suffered their next-biggest loss to UGA (28-14).

I don’t think there are any guaranteed losses on USC’s schedule, but there’s only one guaranteed win (vs. Wofford). I’m confident the Gamecocks will also win at home vs. Kentucky, Louisina Tech and Vanderbilt. There are three other home games – vs. Arkansas, vs. Florida and vs. Clemson.

I think USC will win at least one of those and if so, that would bring the win total to five. Although I feel like the best chance at a win among those three is vs. Arkansas, the situational factors favor Muschamp’s squad when the Gators come to town. UF will be coming off its huge rivalry game against UGA that’s followed by a trip to Missouri before coming to Williams-Brice Stadium.

For the purpose of this conversation, we’ll say USC goes 5-2 straight up at home. (By the way, the Gamecocks went 5-2 SU at home last year as well.) This leaves us needing only one win on the road or in the opener vs. North Carolina State in Charlotte.

N.C. State is currently favored by five at most books, but that’s certainly a game that can go either way. Likewise, a Week 2 trip to Missouri is undoubtedly a game the Gamecocks can win. Is it a stretch to imply USC can win in College Station on Sept. 30? “Hell no,” it says here.

For starters, Texas A&M goes into the season knowing its head coach Kevin Sumlin is on a sizzling hot seat. The spot is advantageous to USC as well because the Aggies play a rivalry game against Arkansas at Jerry World the week before. In addition, a home game vs. Alabama is on deck for A&M.

When Texas A&M and USC met in Columbia last season, the Aggies won 24-13 but only had 44 more yards of total offense. Let’s also note that this was before Bentley was playing. And with Bentley presumably healthy for this game, I believe South Carolina will have the QB advantage against the Aggies.

The two other road games are at Tennessee and at Georgia. USC will be an underdog in both contests, and UT will have revenge on its mind and has two weeks to prepare. Nevertheless, I think we’ll comfortably be ‘over’ 5.5 wins regardless of the results in Knoxville and Athens.

I have South Carolina finishing 7-5 but if it catches a few breaks and keeps its main players healthy, 8-4 wouldn’t surprise me in the least. USC ‘over’ 5.5 wins is my favorite season win total among SEC teams.

Big 12 Betting Preview
By Teddy Covers
Covers.com

Oklahoma Sooners (2016: 11-2 SU, 7-6 ATS)

Odds To Win Big 12: +110
Season Win Total: 9.5

Why To Bet on the Sooners: Lincoln Riley walks into an optimal spot for a first year, first time head coach. The Sooners averaged 555 yards and 44 points per game last season on offense. Despite some skill position losses, Oklahoma returns their Heisman contending quarterback Baker Mayfield and all five offensive line starters; a team that appears capable of, quite simply, outscoring opponents week after week.

Why to Bet Against the Sooners: From a value standpoint, Oklahoma is the prohibitive favorite to win their third consecutive Big 12 title. With inexperience across their front seven on defense and a challenging road slate, the Sooners aren’t ‘bargain priced’ in the markets and they’ll need to get stops in order to cover consistently inflated pointspreads.

Season Win Total Pick: Under 9.5

Oklahoma State Cowboys (2016: 10-3 SU, 8-5 ATS)

Odds To Win Big 12: +325
Season Win Total: 9

Why To Bet on the Cowboys: Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield gets all the hype, but it’s Oklahoma State’s Mason Rudolph who wins my "Preseason QB of the Year" award in the Big 12. Rudolph had a 28-4 TD-INT ratio as a junior and he enters the season as the No. 2 active leader in career passing yards in the country. Wide receiver James Washington averaged more than 19 yards per catch last year, which was tops in the country.

Why to Bet Against the Cowboys: In a conference loaded with strong quarterbacks and potent offenses, the Cowboys biggest defensive question mark is in their secondary, where both starters at cornerback last year must be replaced. Mike Gundy’s squad has struggled to get over the hump against their in-state rivals, finishing second behind the Sooners in each of the last two years.

Season Win Total Pick: Over 9

Texas Longhorns (2016: 5-7 SU, 6-6 ATS)

Odds To Win Big 12: +400
Season Win Total: 8

Why To Bet on the Longhorns: Tom Herman walks into a "the cupboard is full" situation in Austin, as Charlie Strong left a loaded roster, capable of contending for Big 12 supremacy. Herman’s track record is nothing short of outstanding. Dating back to his tenure as the Ohio State offensive coordinator and including his time as the Houston Cougars head coach, Herman’s teams are 48-8 SU including a ridiculous 11-0 SU mark as underdogs.

Why to Bet Against the Longhorns: This program has fallen a long way from the National Championship contending teams of the Mack Brown era, and they’ve shown no signs that they’re ready to compete at the highest levels in any recent season. Coming off a third consecutive losing campaign and another coaching change, with new systems on both sides of the football, expecting a major turnaround in Herman’s first year on the job may be too much to ask.

Season Win Total Pick: Over 8

Kansas State Wildcats (2016: 9-4 SU, 6-7 ATS)

Odds To Win Big 12: +800
Season Win Total: 8

Why To Bet on the Wildcats: Fade 26-year-head coaching veteran Bill Snyder at your own risk. Last year, Kansas State was an underdog or pick ‘em in more than half of their games, yet they finished with a 9-4 record. This year, Snyder has a returning senior starter at quarterback in Zack Ertz; exactly the type of dual threat QB that he’s had in seasons where the Wildcats have contended for a Big 12 title.

Why to Bet Against the Wildcats: It’ll be hard for the Wildcats to match their +13 turnover margin from last year, as well as the 22 points per game that the defense allowed in 2016, a nine point improvement from their 2015 defense. Despite their 9-4 record, K-State was outgained by more than 50 yards per game in Big 12 play, and their defense suffered major graduation losses; a pair of signs that point downwards.

Season Win Total Pick: Over 8

TCU Horned Frogs (2016: 6-7 SU, 3-10 ATS)

Odds To Win Big 12: +850
Season Win Total: 8

Why To Bet on the Horned Frogs: Gary Patterson’s squad went 23-3 SU in 2014 and 2015 before taking a major step backwards in what was expected to be a rebuilding season last year. New play caller Sonny Cumbie has 10 starters back on offense to work with, including senior signal caller Kenny Hill. Hill was victimized by a whopping 38 dropped passes last year, a number that should decline precipitously in 2017

Why to Bet Against the Horned Frogs: Kenny Hill wasn’t very good at Texas A&M and he didn’t come close to matching Trevone Boykin’s production in his first year as the starter at TCU last year. He threw more interceptions than any other full time starter in the Big 12 and he was pulled from games twice for ineffective play. A hyped quarterback who doesn’t play well can be a pointspread disaster just waiting to happen.

Season Win Total Pick: Over 8

West Virginia Mountaineers (2016 10-3 SU, 5-8 ATS)

Odds To Win Big 12: +1500
Season Win Total: 7

Why To Bet on the Mountaineers: Dana Holgorsen hired Jake Spavital to call the plays on offense this year; fresh off successful tenures running uptempo attacks at Texas A&M and Cal. Plus, with former Florida transfer Will Grier ready to assume the starting quarterback position, a Mountaineers offense that has averaged at least 31 points per game in each of the last three years is primed to do it again in 2017.

Why to Bet Against the Mountaineers: West Virginia finished tied for second place in the Big 12 last year in large part due to the best defense in the conference, particularly in the secondary. But most of those defenders graduated in the offseason, leaving coordinator Tony Gibson a tall task – replacing his entire starting defensive line and both starting cornerbacks; bad news in an ‘offense first’ conference like this one.

Season Win Total Pick: Under 7

Baylor Bears (2016: 7-6 SU, 4-9 ATS)

Odds To Win Big 12: +2800
Season Win Total: 7

Why To Bet on the Bears: After winning at least 10 games in the three previous seasons, Baylor opened up last year with a 6-0 mark before things fell apart, as the Bears lost their final six regular season games. Now that the coaching situation is settled, with Matt Rhule (Temple last year) firmly in charge, there’s no reason to expect a second half collapse in 2017, especially with the skill position talent and depth on this roster.

Why to Bet Against the Bears: Rhule is installing a new ‘blended’ offense, using his power running schemes from Temple as well as the spread option attack that Baylor has been running (and recruiting for) in recent seasons. That doesn’t sound like an ideal gameplan on paper, especially with the holes on defense from a squad that has suffered MAJOR attrition on the roster and with recruiting since former head coach Art Briles was forced out of town.

Season Win Total Pick: Under 7

Texas Tech Red Raiders (2016: 5-7 SU, 8-4 ATS)

Odds To Win Big 12: +5000
Season Win Total: 4.5

Why To Bet on the Red Raiders: In his fifth season on the job, Red Raiders head coach Kliff Kingsbury is in "win now or get fired" mode. This offense is loaded with talented receivers and the defense added a handful of highly regarded freshmen and JUCO transfers who are expected to get playing time right away. Despite a losing record last year, the Red Raiders were undervalued in the betting marketplace, cashing at a 67 percent clip for the season.

Why to Bet Against the Red Raiders: Texas Tech is replacing the best QB in school history, Patrick Mahomes, a first round draft choice by the Kansas City Chiefs. Iowa transfer Nic Shimonek doesn’t have that level of upside, and the offensive line protecting him is loaded with question marks. That’s bad news for an ugly looking defense that has allowed more than 40 points per game in each of the last three seasons.

Season Win Total Pick: Under 4.5

Iowa State Cyclones (2016: 3-9 SU, 7-5 ATS)

Odds To Win Big 12: 150/1
Season Win Total: 4.5

Why To Bet on the Cyclones: Matt Campbell guided Iowa State to only three victories last season, his first on the job. But Iowa State was competitive in defeat, week after week, hanging tough with the likes of Oklahoma State, Oklahoma and Kansas State. Georgia transfer Jacob Park looked impressive down the stretch, primed for continued success as the full time starter in 2017.

Why to Bet Against the Cyclones: Iowa State is lined at O/U 4.5 wins despite the fact that they haven’t won more than three games in a season since 2012; not exactly a program on the rise. The Cyclones lack depth just about everywhere, and their front seven on defense suffered significant graduation losses; a unit that lacks size, speed and returning talent.

Season Win Total Pick: Over 4.5

Kansas Jayhawks (2016: 2-10 SU, 6-6 ATS)

Odds To Win Big 12: 300/1
Season Win Total: 3

Why To Bet on the Jayhawks: Well, you’ll probably be the only guy doing it – from a "value" standpoint, Kansas is loaded, because there’s no bandwagon of Jayhawks supporters. Incredibly, this squad hasn’t put together a single winning season ATS since 2008, the year before Mark Mangino was forced out of town. If the Jayhawks improve incrementally in David Beaty’s third year on the job, it’ll take a while before the betting markets start to adjust in any significant way.

Why to Bet Against the Jayhawks: Kansas hasn’t been the worst team in the Big 12 for the past decade by accident. They are behind the curve at nearly every position; unable to recruit well enough to compete with even the middling teams from this conference. They were outscored by 17 points per game last year; better than the 31 ppg they were outscored by in 2015 but still a long, long way from respectability.

Season Win Total Pick: Under 3

Mountain West Betting Preview
By Teddy Covers
Covers.com

Air Force Falcons (2016 10-3 SU, 6-7 ATS)

Odds to Win MWC: 25/1
Season Win Total: 5

Why TO bet Air Force: The Falcons unique style makes them difficult to prepare for, even for MWC teams that see them every year. And very quietly, under the radar, Air Force has won 28 games over the past three seasons. After injuries forced Troy Calhoun to start four different quarterbacks last year, the Falcons are loaded with quality depth at the position heading into 2017.

Why NOT bet Air Force: The Falcons defense is going to have their work cut out for them after graduating 12 of their top 13 tacklers from last year, a completely decimated stop unit. As recently as 2013, the Air Force stop unit allowed 40 points per game after replacing most of their defense. They went 2-10 SU, 3-9 ATS that year.

Season Win Total Pick: Under 5

Boise State Broncos (2016 10-3 SU, 3-10 ATS)

Odds to Win MWC: +150
Season Win Total: 8.5

Why TO bet Boise State: The Broncos led the Mountain West in total yardage on offense last year, but only finished sixth in the conference in scoring thanks to a -9 turnover margin. That was the first time this decade that the Broncos finished with a negative margin; so there’s ample reason to expect improvement. Plus, Boise has had the best defense in the MWC since they joined the conference, which hasn’t changed heading into 2017.

Why to NOT bet Boise State: The Broncos won ten games last year, but covered only three pointspreads, a clear illustration of how the betting markets have overvalued this squad. They just 2-10 ATS at home over the past two seasons, no longer one of the strongest home fields in college football and the Broncos created only nine turnovers all season last year – this D might not have the type of playmakers that we’re used to seeing at Boise.

Season Win Total Pick: Under 8.5

Colorado State Rams (2016 7-6 SU, 10-3 ATS)

Odds to Win MWC: +375
Season Win Total: 8

Why TO bet Colorado State: After starting the season 0-2 ATS last year, Mike Bobo’s squad proceeded to cover the spread at a 10-1 clip in their final eleven ballgames, consistently undervalued by the betting markets. With a returning senior QB n Nick Stevens and a defense primed for improvement with eight starters back, the Rams are poised to make a run at the conference title if Boise State has a hiccup or two.

Why to NOT bet Colorado State: This defense was not good down the stretch, allowing 31+ in each of their last four games; no sure thing to be improved just because they have eight starters back. And don’t underestimate the graduation loss of Hayden Hunt, one of the best punters in the country last year. He’ll likely be replaced by a true freshman; bad news for a team that has been consistently winning the field position battle.

Season Win Total Pick: Over 8

Fresno State Bulldogs (2016 1-11 SU, 7-4-1 ATS)

Odds to Win MWC: 250/1
Season Win Total: 3.5

Why TO bet Fresno State: There’s nowhere to go for the Fresno State program but up, after last year’s complete debacle. This program went 20-6 SU as recently as 2012-2013, and went bowling as recently as 2014 – this isn’t one of the ‘hopeless’ programs in the Mountain West. First year head coach Jeff Tedford did a remarkable job at Cal, turning a ‘bottom feeder’ program into a PAC-12 contending squad.

Why to NOT bet Fresno State: The Tim DeRuyter era at Fresno did not end well, a squad that has ranked in the bottom half of the conference in recruit ratings in recent seasons. In other words, the reason this program has declined so quickly is because the talent on hand isn’t very good. Expect Tedford to get his recruits on the field rather quickly, which means ample playing time for the youngsters on this rebuilding squad.

Season Win Total Pick: Under 3.5

Hawaii Rainbow Warriors (2016: 7-7 SU, 6-7-1 ATS)

Odds to Win MWC: 45/1
Season Win Total: 4.5

Why TO bet Hawaii: After five straight years of uncertainty at the QB position, the Warriors have a returning starter at QB in Dru Brown this season. While Brown may not be able to match the elite numbers posted by former Warriors QB’s Colt Brennan or Timmy Chang (both of whom went on to the NFL), he is most assuredly primed for a breakout sophomore season, with solid skill position talent surrounding him.

Why to NOT bet Hawaii: The Rainbow Warriors enters fall camp with a major special teams problem after graduating Kody Kroening, who handled kickoffs, punts and field goals for the last four years. Hawaii’s defense has allowed more than 35 points per game four times in the last five seasons, and their rebuilt secondary, in particular, looks very vulnerable again this year.
Season Win Total Pick: Over 4.5

Nevada Wolfpack (2016: 5-7 SU, 4-8 ATS)

Odds to Win MWC: 100/1
Season Win Total: 3.5

Why TO bet Nevada: The Mountain West Conference doesn’t end up with much SEC level talent, but Nevada has Alabama transfer David Cornwell -- a Top 10 recruit nationally coming out of high school -- locked in as the starting quarterback for the upcoming campaign. First year head coach Jay Norvell has designed numerous potent offenses before in coordinator stints at Oklahoma, Texas and Arizona State.

Why to NOT bet Nevada: The Wolfpack is changing defensive schemes from a 3-3-5 to a 4-3. They’re changing offensive systems too, moving from a run first attack with star back James Butler to a more passer friendly offense – Norvell has been running an ‘Air Raid’ type offense for the better part of the last decade. Nevada’s current pieces don’t seem to fit what the coach wants to implement.

Season Win Total Pick: Under 3.5

New Mexico Lobos (2016: 9-4 SU, 6-7 ATS)

Odds to Win MWC: 25/1
Season Win Total: 5.5

Why TO Bet New Mexico: When Bob Davie got fired at Notre Dame and went into the broadcast booth for a decade, few pundits expected him to ever get back into coaching, let alone at a second tier program like New Mexico. But Davie has succeeded against the odds, turning a squad that went 3-33 SU in the three years before he arrived into a bowl team in both 2015 and 2016. Returning senior QB Lamar Jordan is quite capable of getting them back to a bowl again this year.

Why to NOT bet New Mexico: A lot of things broke right for the Lobos last year; their best season in more than a decade. They were the most experienced team in the conference and they had only three true road games in MWC play. Those factors were paramount as the Lobos went 5-1 SU in games decided by a TD or less. Matching that mark in close games this year won’t be easy, and they’re not the most experienced team this year, not even close.

Season Win Total Pick: Over 5.5

San Diego State Aztecs (2016: 11-3 SU, 7-6-1 ATS)

Odds to Win MWC: +140
Season Win Total: 9

Why TO bet San Diego State: The Aztecs have been the class of the conference, fresh off their second consecutive victory in the MWC Championship Game. Their division – the West – is by far the weaker of the two – this team has a very clear path to a third straight appearance in the MWC Title Game. Rocky Long ran a consistent winning program at New Mexico and he’s doing it again in San Diego.

Why to NOT bet San Diego State: The Aztecs aren’t built to win games by big margins, a team that tends to play conservatively on offense and relies on their strong stop unit to win games. That’s why, despite back-to-back conference titles, they’ve only gone 13-13 ATS in those two seasons (not counting bowls). And all three units on defense lost their best player to graduation in the offseason; a stop unit that might not be quite as good as it was in 2016.

Season Win Total Pick: Under 9

San Jose State Spartans (2016: 4-8 SU, 5-6-1 ATS)

Odds to Win MWC: 100/1
Season Win Total: 3.5

Why TO bet San Jose State: If the concept is ‘buy low, sell high’ than San Jose is certainly a ‘value’ team – there’s not much market support for the Spartans in Vegas (or anywhere else for that matter). First year, first time head coach Brent Brennan was an assistant coach on the Spartans 2012 team that came out of nowhere to finish 11-2, so he knows that it’s possible to overachieve in a conference with relatively few top notch programs.

Why to NOT bet San Jose State: The Spartans entered fall camp still looking for a starting quarterback. Their skill position talent is as weak as any in the conference and their defense is changing schemes and short on impact players. Non-conference games against USF, Texas and Utah are likely to leave this team battered and bruised before conference play even starts.

Season Win Total Pick: Under 3.5

UNLV Runnin’ Rebels (2016: 4-8 SU, 6-6 ATS)

Odds to Win MWC: 50/1
Season Win Total: 5

WhyTO bet UNLV: If you’re looking for a deep sleeper in the Mountain West, the Rebels have that potential upside. Head coach Tony Sanchez is now in his third season on the job trying to build this long moribund program. Sanchez has his recruits in place to make a move, with nine returning starters on offense and a redshirt frosh QB in Armani Rodgers who has been turning heads in practice.

Why to NOT bet UNLV: The Rebels haven’t exactly been printing money for their backers, without a winning season ATS in the Sanchez era. And while the offense might be capable of putting up points in bunches this year, UNLV’s defense returns only two starters; a bottom tier stop unit in terms of both experience and talent level.

Season Win Total Pick: Over 5

Utah State Aggies (2016: 3-9 SU, 3-9 ATS)

Odds to Win MWC: 30/1
Season Win Total: 4.5

Why TO bet Utah State: It’s a ‘win now or face the chopping block’ type season for fifth year head coach Matt Wells, coming off back to back losing campaigns – there’s no shortage of motivation or urgency in Logan this year. Wells has a senior QB in Kent Myers, with enough veteran skill position talent surrounding him to win some shootouts.

Why to NOT bet Utah State: None of that offensive skill position talent will excel unless the offensive line can block. Yes, the Aggies brought in four JUCO transfers for the OL, but they return only one starter, a unit with big holes to fill. It’s a similar story on the defensive line, replacing all three starters from last year without a ‘sure thing’ recruit to help fill the void.

Season Win Total Pick: Under 4.5

Wyoming Cowboys (2016: 8-6 SU, 9-5 ATS)

Odds to Win MWC: +800
Season Win Total: 7.5

Why TO bet Wyoming: When Craig Bohl got hired in Laramie prior to the start of the 2014 campaign, I had several good sources tell me to ‘watch out for the Cowboys, they’re going to win for this guy’. And, after two mediocre seasons, that’s exactly what Wyoming did last year, making it all the way to the MWC Championship Game. Their QB, Josh Allen, is solid, and their offensive line is loaded with four quality returning starters.

Why to NOT bet Wyoming: This team lost to Eastern Michigan and UNLV last year, not an easy squad to back as a favorite – they’ve covered only four pointspreads as chalk in the first three years of the Bohl era. And the Cowboys basically lost every impact skill position player they had in the offseason – QB Josh Allen is going to have to develop some chemistry with a whole new group.

Season Win Total Pick: Over 7.5

AAC Betting Preview
By Will Rogers
Covers.com

East Division

USF Bulls (2016: 11-2 SU, 7-5-1 ATS)

Odds to Win The AAC: 8/5
Season Win Total: 10.0

Why to bet the Bulls: They enter 2017 as the overwhelming favorite, not just to win the East Division, but the entire AAC as well. They return 16 starters from what was arguably the best team in the conference last year and figure to be favored in every game. Despite a coaching change, this team has a very legitimate shot at finishing the regular season undefeated and playing in a “New Year’s Six” Bowl Game.

Why not to be the Bulls: With expectations, the marketplace will adjust accordingly and thus it’s quite likely we’ll find USF “overvalued” on a game-by-game basis. Furthermore, the architect of the program (Willie Taggart) departed for Oregon. The cupboard is by no means bare for 1st year head man Charlie Strong, but there is a learning curve with a first year coach. Also, Strong’s track record as a head coach isn’t all that great. USF should win the AAC, but don’t be surprised if they break their backers along the way.

Season Win Total Pick: Under 10.0

Temple Owls: (2016: 10-4 SU, 12-2 ATS)

Odds to Win the AAC: 15/1
Season Win Total: 6.5

Why to bet the Owls: It was this team, not USF, that represented the East Division in last year’s AAC Title Game (they won it). For the first time in program history, the Owls are coming off back to back 10+ win seasons where they also won a bowl. Last year, they were by far and away the most dominant team in AAC play, outgaining their foes by almost 209 yards per game in conference play.

Why not to bet the Owls: Most, if not all, signs are pointing down in 2017. They have some similarities with USF in that they’ll find it difficult to manage expectations under a 1st year coach. Matt Rhule left for Baylor and his replacement, Geoff Collins, steps into a far more challenging situation. Not only does Temple have to travel to USF this season, but they are the far less experienced of the two teams. In fact, with only 10 starters back, this is the least experienced team in the conference. On offense, they lose a four-year starter at QB and will go with a freshman as his replacement. On defense, they lost five of the six top tacklers from 2016.

Season Win Total Pick: Over 6.5

UCF Golden Knights (2016: 6-7 SU, 8-5 ATS)

Odds to win the AAC: 9/2
Season Win Total: 7.5

Why to bet the Knights: In his first year as a head coach, Scott Frost did an incredible job last season. He inherited a team that won ZERO games in 2015 and got them to a bowl. Frost will have nine starters back on offense this year. The program is on a 25-8 SU run in conference home games, which obviously pre-dates Frost’s tenure here. The record could have been even better last season were it not for an 0-3 record in games decided by seven points or less.

Why not to bet the Knights: I hate to sound like a broken record here, but the prospect of dealing with increased expectations should prove difficult for the top three teams in the AAC East. Also, when a team makes a jump like the Knights did last year, you typically see regression in the win column the following year. They will have to play Temple (road) and USF (home) in the final two games of the regular season, in a six-day span.

Season Win Total Pick: Under 7.5

UConn Huskies (2016: 3-9 SU, 3-8-1 ATS)

Odds to win the AAC: 100/1
Season Win Total: 3.5

Why to bet the Huskies: Well, it can’t go much worse than it did last season, right? Randy Edsall, who guided the program to a Fiesta Bowl appearance back in 2010, returns to Storrs after a failed experience at Maryland. They will be a home dog quite a bit as the likes of USF, Memphis, Tulsa and Missouri all come calling to Rentschler Field. The offense was actually quite a bit better than its paltry 14.8 PPG scoring average last year and with Edsall installing a faster pace scheme, the Huskies will score plenty more in 2017.

Why not to bet the Huskies: New head coaches seem to the rule and not the exception in the AAC East. At least this one is a familiar face to the alumni. But still, there will be a learning curve and that can mean some growing pains. Just because the offense will improve its scoring average doesn’t mean it will necessarily be “good” as last year they ranked 128th out of 128 FBS teams. The faster pace on offense may also adversely affect the defense, which will now be on the field more often.

Season Win Total Pick: Over 3.5

Cincinnati Bearcats (2016: 4-8 SU, 3-9 ATS)

Odds to win the AAC: 30/1
Season Win Total: 5.5

Why to bet the Bearcats: This team was a massive disappointment in 2016, which led to the ousting of Tommy Tuberville. So that makes it FOUR first year head coaches in this division! Luke Fickell (former DC at Ohio State) may not be walking into the most stocked cupboard, but he’s also coached against far more elite talent than what he’ll see on a weekly basis here in the AAC. The schedule is also somewhat friendly as the top three teams in the West are not on it. I have this team improving far more than most might think.

Why not to bet the Bearcats: Like the majority of their division rivals, they’ll be learning new schemes on both sides of the ball. The offense has only five returning starters back from a squad that once went 13 quarters without a TD and cycled through three quarterbacks. The three top tacklers on defense are all gone.

Season Win Total Pick: Over 5.5

East Carolina Pirates (2016: 3-9 SU, 3-8-1 ATS)

Odds to win the AAC: 80/1
Season Win Total: 3.5

Why to bet the Pirates: Incredibly, Scottie Montgomery joins UCF’s Scott Frost as elder statesmen of the AAC East Coaching fraternity. That means all six head coaches are either in their first or second seasons at the current job. So why can’t the Pirates compete? Yes, there was a sizable gap between the top and bottom three a year ago, but I look for that gap to close here in 2017. The ECU offense put up at least 400 total yards in every game but the final one. Last year’s horrid turnover margin of -16 should be improved upon. Before falling apart, ECU actually beat NC State last year (at home).

Why not to bet the Pirates: It was an ugly 1-9 SU finish to last season with the lone win coming over UConn at home. While the offense might be good, the defense will continue to struggle after giving up 36.1 points and 453 yards per game last year. The non-conference schedule includes both West Virginia and Virginia Tech. By the time the most “winnable” games on the schedule come around, the Pirates may already be out of bowl contention.

Season Win Total Pick: Over 3.5

West Division

Houston Cougars (2016: 9-4 SU, 4-8-1 ATS)

Odds to win the AAC: 9/2
Season Win Total:8.0

Why to bet the Cougars: Last year’s team was “this year’s USF” in the sense that they were expected to blow through the AAC and possibly play in a New Year’s Six Bowl Game. Neither of those things happened, so with expectations somewhat “down” for 2017, we may be able to take advantage. There are two Power 5 teams on the non-conference schedule (Arizona, Texas Tech), but both are winnable, leaving a late season visit to USF as the only remaining question mark. Greg Ward Jr, a two year starter at QB, may be gone. But Kyle Allen, a transfer from Texas A&M is ready to take over the starting gig,

Why not to bet the Cougars: Guess what? We have another first year head coach here! Although, here it’s a promotion from within at Major Applewhite goes from offensive coordinator under Tom Herman the last two seasons, to the guy in charge. So the learning curve will not be as steep. Another issue is that like USF, the Cougars figure to face some pretty substantial spreads on a game by game basis, at least in league play.

Season Win Total Pick: Over 8.0

Navy Midshipmen (2016: 9-5 SU, 9-5 ATS)

Odds to win the AAC: 5/1
Season Win Total: 7.0

Why to bet the Midshipmen: In his 10th year on the job, head coach Ken Niumatalolo is by far and away the most experienced coach in the conference. He’s the only one with more than three years logged at his current school. That kind of continuity is huge. The Middies are 10-4 ATS the last four seasons as underdogs and upset Notre Dame, at home, last season. The team is more experienced than last year, although only four starters are back on offense.

Why not to bet the Midshipmen: While they won the AAC West last year, there’s a case to be made that both Houston and Tulsa were better teams and that could show in the standings this year. They’ll have to travel to Notre Dame this time and don’t forget that last year saw the long win streak over Army come to an end. Sandwiched in between the dates with Notre Dame and Army is a game at Houston. It could be an ugly finish in November, so if the Middies start the season well, look to fade them down the stretch.

Season Win Total Pick: Over 7.0

Tulsa Golden Hurricane (2016: 10-3 SU, 8-5 ATS)

Odds to win the AAC: 10/1
Season Win Total: 7.5

Why to bet on the Golden Hurricane: They have gone 6-1 ATS as a road dog under Scottie Montgomery and will have numerous opportunities to continue cashing in that role, including early season games at Oklahoma State and Toledo. They also play at USF late in the year. This program has been to a bowl 10 of the previous 14 seasons.

Why not to bet on the Golden Hurricane: This team was a surprise last year and will probably regress. They lose an insane amount of talent, including the all-time leader in passing yardage, two 1,000 yard receivers and RB James Flanders (1629 yards). After watching them go 8-5 against the spread in back to back seasons, you have to figure they’ll give some back this year, but that also depends on how quick the market is to react.

Season Win Total Pick: Under 7.5

Memphis Tigers (2016: 8-5 SU, 5-8 ATS)

Odds to win the AAC: 5/1
Season Win Total: 8.5

Why to bet the Tigers: Two years ago, the Tigers started 8-0 and were ranked in the top 15 (beat Ole Miss). But they didn’t finish well and after having to replace both the coach and QB, last year’s group struggled a bit. But still, they finished only a game worse and now figure to be better in the second season under Mike Norvell. They are the most experienced team in the AAC and should have the best offense.

Why not to bet the Tigers: Well, they do have to travel to play both Houston and Tulsa. UCLA is on the non-conference schedule, though a home game and thus there could be some value there. The defense has to find a way to improve after allowing 40 or more points six times in the final 10 games.

Season Win Total Pick: Over 8.5

SMU Mustangs (2016: 5-7 SU, 8-4 ATS)

Odds to win the AAC: 25/1
Season Win Total: 5.0

Why to bet the Mustangs: Chad Morris is doing a good job here. He hasn’t been to a bowl yet, but last year’s team had two chances. While they failed, it was because they drew USF and Navy. There’s no USF on the schedule this year, though all four AAC road games look tough. But that means they’ll probably be a dog in all of them, so look to potentially fire away there.

Why not to bet the Mustangs: There’s a good chance they start 4-1 straight up and that could take away some value down the stretch. The defense is still pretty bad as allowing 453 yards and 36.3 points per game last year actually marked a three-year LOW! Let’s not forget that with a bowl berth hanging in the balance in the regular season finale last year, they gave up 75 points to Navy – at home!

Season Win Total Pick: Under 5.0

Tulane Green Wave (2016: 4-8 SU, 6-6 ATS)

Odds to win the AAC: 60/1
Season Win Total: 5.0

Why to bet the Green Wave: Suffice to say, I think everyone has them rated as the weakest team in the conference. That can work both ways. Looking at things from a positive standpoint, they’re likely to be a dog often and many times undervalued. There were three times last year when they lost, yet outgained the opponent. This year’s team is more experienced than the 2016 squad. The option that coach Willie Fritz runs is difficult to prepare for.

Why not to bet the Green Wave: Well, they are the worst team in the conference. They have won just twice on the AAC road in their last 12 tries. Looking at last year’s four wins, one was against a FCS foe (Southern) while another required four overtimes. This team is probably not as close to getting to a bowl as it might think.

Season Win Total Pick: Under 5.0

SEC East Football Preview
By Spartan

1. GEORGIA: Much like here at Mizzou with head coach Barry Odom, Bulldog faithful are hopeful second year head coach Kirby Smart can kick it up a notch this season. I think he, and they, will. I don't think it is exactly breaking news that much of the Georgia success will lie with how the O line develops. Enough incentive with as good a two headed monster as I can recall at running back with Nick Chubb and Sony Michel. Both of those guys should be impact players on sundays. If the line does it's work this Georgia running attack could be just lethal. QB Jacob Eason showed promise in his first year and from my view has all the tools to successfully take the Bulldogs to the eastern title. If he slips up he is backed up more than capably by young Jake Fromm. Fromm is a big kid who was highly recruited out of Warner Robins and from what I hear the upside with Fromm is equal if not better than Eason. Losing McKenzie as a receiver did not help the cause but there is no shortage of promising wide outs in the wings ready to stake their claim. Riley Ridley, Terry Godwin and Javon Wims, a senior should get the most looks. But once again, the obvious key here is the ability of the offensive line to effectively do their job. This Georgia running game could be very, very special. Combined with what should be a monster defense and Georgia fans should be licking their chops. They return most of their top tacklers from last year and the defensive line is typical, upper tier SEC caliber, big mean and athletic. DE Jonothan Ledbetter is a future pro and I also like JR Trenton Thompson on the nose. The linebackers are Bama quality and there cannot be a higher compliment. The secondary is very good and Sanders is another kid at safety who could possibly be cashing some big checks in his future. He is going into his senior season and has a lot at stake. Look for a big year from Sanders. The bottom line here is this should be one of the better teams in the country, let alone the conference. One guy I almost forgot to mention was Jr Linebacker Roquan Smith, shame on me. He could easily end up being the best player on the field when the Bulldogs defense is one the field. The expectations for this team down in Georgia are pretty lofty but frankly they are justified. It is now up to Smart to put it all together. Mark Richt fielded many very good teams in his tenure there but could not kick down that door and in the end departed. Good football coach but Georgia fans want more. This team can deliver if they put it all together. I will predict they win the east. I am not going to predict a victory over Bama in the league title game. But I am very, very high on this football team.

FLORIDA: The Gators were a mirror image last year to the Missouri Tigers of a couple of years ago when they fielded one of the best defenses around but an offense that was downright painful to watch. This year the Gators return much of the offense and that has seemed to be a cause for optimism with many Gator fans. Won't take long to find out when they kick off the season against Michigan. Might as well get into a good alley fight right off and forego easing in against softies. I respect that, much as I did last year when the Tide opened up with a legit heavyweight like USC and they kicked the crap out of them. Harbaugh and the Wolverines will present a golden opportunity to get the season off to a roaring start. I do expect the offense to be better, but that is not saying much. I am not as high on Zaire as some are coming in under center. But as skeptical as I am with this Gators offense I do like the defense, a lot. I remember a time when it was the polar opposite. I remember when a neighbor of mine, Jon Hoke was recruited and hired by Steve Spurrier to take over as defensive coordinator. Back then the defense was treated like second class citizens as Spurrier played with his fun and gun offense. Jon got frustrated, understandably. But Spurrier knew Jon could coach defense, that is why he hired him again when he returned to coaching at Sout Carolina. Now Jon is back in the NFL where I think he belongs. Anyway, I digress. This is a defense that only allowed a meager 16 points per game last season. Typical, salty SEC defense. They did have some issue with consistent play and of course, injuries. The Gators lost more guys on the defense than I think most realize. They are just too good to shade much but I cannot take them to win the east over Georgia. I think the Gator team in november will be much better overall than the one who squares off in Arlington against the Wolverines. Gators are a trendy pick in that game but frankly I am still looking at it from my view on the fence.

KENTUCKY: Yes, I am placing the Wildcats in the number three slot. Higher than most. I think Mark Stoops is doing a fine, under the radar job in basketball heaven building a football program. I was skeptical that anyone short of Saban could ever pull it off. And he hasn't yet but I think he has the program pointed in the right direction. Stoops has seventeen starters back from last season and I do not think there should be any real question that this will be a solid football team capable of pulling off some upsets this fall. Yes, they will go to a bowl but that whole thing is so watered down now being a bowl team just has nowhere the allure it used to. Yes, I remember when it was the Rose, Orange, Cotton and Sugar bowl. It was a big deal going to a bowl game. Losing Boom Williams at running back is not good but no reason Benny Snell cannot carry the bulk of the load there. They are in capable hands under center with senior QB Stephen Johnson. On the defensive side the Wildcats return nine starters highlighted by nasty linebackers Courtney Love and Jordan Jones. They have a very capable and underrated secondary that is also young without a senior in the starting unit. Safety Mike Edwards is the leader back there and I also like JR Chris Westry, a tall corner recruited heavily out of florida. Here is the deal, the Wildcats need to beat one of the big bullies of the league. They do get both Florida and Tennessee on their home field but have to make the tough trip down between the hedges in Athens to tangle with the Bulldogs. That could be where the rubber meets the road for this Wildcats team. They also have an road game in the early going at Columbia against the Cocks in a game that could be pivotal for both teams. I think more highly of this Wildcats team than most of the talking head do. I think they take a step forward this season and claim a 3rd place finish in the east.

TENNESSEE: It seems like year after year the expectations in Knoxville are lofty. And the Vol's fall short of meeting them. I like Butch Jones, fine football coach and man as I gather. But I am picking the Vol's to finish the season 4th in the east. Dobbs is now property of the Steelers and so there will be new blood under center Sounding like JR Quinten Dormady is the front runner to step into the role but could get pushed by red shirt freshman Jarrett Guarantano. Key thing for them is they will be lining up behind a good, veteran line. Jones has to love the fact he has four starters back on that unit. With a little uncertainty at QB its key. They seem thin to me at receiver and frankly that is one of the reasons I have them a tick below what most might. I think they could have some trouble stretching defenses. And considering the defenses they will be squaring off against in league play that does not bode well. The defense loses 20 sacks from last year and that is hard to replace. Overall I thought the defense for Tennessee under performed. Or were they over rated to begin with? Once again, expectations and reality clash with the Vol's. Looking at the upcoming schedule I see tough games on the road against the Gators and Tide, ouch. They do get both Georgia and LSU at home in what are key games for Jones club. Bottom line is I see a good team and that likely won't be enough to pacify to Tennessee faithful. Most like them higher in the standings than I do. I will slot them in here at 4th but would not be shocked if they slip to 5th behind Missouri. Nothing personal Tennessee fans, just my opinion.

MISSOURI: Some people have the Tigers bringing up the basement. I think they will be better this season in Odom's second year. Odom came into a rough spot. I could go on and on because I know some particulars about how things went down at the end with Pinkel. But I will take the high road here and just let that be water down the river. Odom is a solid football coach and very respected by his players. Missouri has seen some very good times in their time thus far with the SEC and some really bad times as well. I think they will be stronger this fall than most suspect. Of course it all starts with Drew Lock at QB. The kid has a cannon but was playing with limited options and behind a line that was terribly overrated. The Tigers were hampered last fall by a lot of injuries, particularly on the defensive side of the ball which figured to be a strength. Hopefully this year they can keep most the key guys on the field. If so, the defense should be more like what folks have come to expect from Mizzou defenses the last few years. I like Ish Witter a lot at running back but he is not anything remotely resembling a powerful back and he tends to be a little bit of a dancer as the tries to find his hole Give him a sliver of daylight and he can make some exciting runs. I see him look incredibly good at times and terribly slow hitting the holes at other times and he is not strong enough to shake up a good stick. He does tend to go down a little too easily at times. On the bright side the line is all returning and so they have a chance to redeem themselves. I think they will, to a degree. A wild card here is the other featured RB Crockett. The defense desperately needs a healthy Terry Beckner who has struggled with injuries all along. Makes you a little skeptical about him staying upright this fall. Hope he can because he is a potentially dominant force sorely needed on that unit. Odom's strength as a head coach is on the defensive side. I think they will be better. I still have some real issues with the tackling out of the secondary. Too many times they have a real issue wrapping up and finishing tackles. That has to improve and what is maddening is that has been an issue with the Tigers secondary for awhile now. I think they will edge into a lower tier bowl game when all is said and done. Interesting game comes on the back end when they travel down to Arkansas. The Hogs will be hell bent on revenge after blowing one here in Columbia last fall.

SOUTH CAROLINA: I will openly admit to having a tough time getting a handle on this years Gamecocks. Will Muschamp is a good football coach and he did manage to lead this program to a bowl game last season. But as I mentioned earlier, a bowl appearance does not quite have the cache it used to. I can see this team doing quite a bit better than 6th in the east as much of this division is a scramble between pretty close teams. Seemed to me once Muschamp settled on Bentley at QB the team settled down and performed at a higher level. With the snaps he got last year he should be in line for a strong season. He also has the luxury of working behind a line that returns all but one starter from last fall. Rico Dowdle is a good back and Bentley has the benefit of most the receiving corps back. On paper there is no valid reason this offense should not be functional, even in the SEC. Nothing flashy but if they can keep from turning the ball over this should be a team capable of placing anywhere from third in the division to where I have them. On the defensive side they will have to step up their game when it comes to stuffing the run. They allowed an average of over a couple hundred yards per game last season, not good. They get most the unit back and hard to imagine a Muschamp defense not being formidable. I look at this team and I just cannot declare them real good, or bad. They appear to me to be the poster child for middle of the pack. I would not be shocked at anything this club does unless they sprung to the top. That would shock me. They are facing a pretty salty schedule and although many over play the importance of a opener I think this teams season opener against NC State could go a long ways to setting a tone for this club, positive or negative. As I type this they are labeled a 6 point dog to the Wolfpack. Should be a better game than many suspect.

VANDERBILT: Well hell, someone had to bring up the rear. This is going to sound weird but I told a buddy the other night I considered Vanderbilt one of the best bad teams in the nation. What the hell does that mean? Simpy put, if Derek Mason's club played in another league they would be viewed in a different light. This is not a bad football team in reality. But in the world they happen to exist in, the SEC, they are perceived as a bottom feeder. They should win their first two games and then they have a very, very interesting match up with Kansas State from the Big 12. It is a big nighttime home game and I sure hope Vandy fans know what they are getting into. Kansas State will be very good AND are capable of winning the Big 12 this season if the Sooners or Cowboys slip up in the least. I cannot wait for this game and to see where the number is. IF Vandy can knock off Snyder's Wildcats they would be 3-0 with a lot of momentum. Here is the rub of it. Their next their next four games are against Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Ole Miss. So you can see winning that home game against a pretty high profile program like Kansas State would go a long ways toward clinching a bowl spot down the road. I personally don't think they do it. Sorry, in another league, like I stated, this team would be perceived entirely differently. BUT, they are not a club anyone should take lightly. They are capable of shocking some folks on that schedule.

SEC West Preview
By Spartan

ALABAMA: Yes, I am picking the Tide to win the west again. Nick Saban is the best coach in the game today in my view and arguably the best college football coach ever. Bold statement but I do believe it. Hard to argue with the results. He has created a college football dynasty. A machine. Even those who loathe Bama must acknowledge that they are very, very good. Year after year under the direction of Saban. A lot of folks who take shots at Saban would trade their left nut to have him coaching their program. Maybe both of them. Major props to Clemson for taking them down in the title game last year. Well deserved props. And now we have the Tide taking the field this season having lost ten players to the league. What a shock, lol. They manufacture NFL football players at Bama. And they replace them like parts in a factory. Saban does not have to recruit as hard as some, he can pick and choose the blue chippers. Not to say he and his staff don't work it, but lets just say they have a leg up on the competition. When a kid gets a call from Bama, his listens. The thought of Jalen Hurts now with a full years experience under his belt is scary. No, he is not perfect. He has all the tools of the mobile QB but his passing accuracy could stand some improvement. There were times last season, more than should have been, when Hurts did miss some wide open guys with some errant throws. I am sure he has been working on that and although he won't be mistaken for a Rodgers or Tom Brady at winging it I am confident he will be improved. And that is a scary proposition for opponents. Of course there is a new OC in town with Brian Daboll taking over for Kiffin. No secret his first option will be Calvin Ridley who certainly will be playing on sundays. Ridley will get a lot of attention from defenses. But being the Tide they have recruited others that have been biding their time and their names will be common soon. You will be seeing a lot of Robert Foster and Cam Sims. Of course they will miss Howard at tight end but not to worry. Miller Forristall is a more than capable guy to step into the position. Highly recruited kid that Georgia let get away to the enemy. Ouch. At running back take your pick of the poison to kill you with juniors Damien Harris or Bo Scarbrough. Oh and yes, Hurts will tuck it and scoot as well. As usual the offensive line is big, quick and athletic. And what is scary down the road is only starting center Bradley Bozeman is a senior. He is a big homegrown 320 pound stud. I am curious to see how the defense comes out in the huge opener against Florida State. I was talking about just basically plugging in new parts and that will need to be the case as the defense lost some big time players. Nothing for Bama fans to lose any sleep over though. Seven of the starters are now in the NFL, just think about that. Kind of scary. I like junior nose tackle DaRon Payne a ton. Another home grown kid from Birmingham he will be a force in the trenches, to say the least. And he won't be alone. The senior linebacker Hamilton is coming off an ACL procedure so his coming back sound is pretty huge. I hope he does because I think he also has a future with a lot of $$$ in it. Love the secondary, as usual. There is no weak link on the back end. Just leave it at that. Now, the one thing that has always been a bit of a head scratcher for yours truly is how Bama can struggle at times, well often, with place kicking. You would think Saban would have to pick of the cream of the crop with kickers around the country but it seems to be a weaker link with many of his teams. No problem with the punting game with veteran Scott back. The place kicking will come down to a couple of kids vying for it. One being a true freshman. The bottom line is not complicated here. This will be yet another very, very strong Alabama football team that should progress as the season does. How the defense jells is key. Not too concerned. Interesting that they open with a opponent like the Seminoles. Keep in mind there are no preseason games like the NFL. They take the field and start firing live ammunition right out of the gate. Last year the Tide opened up with a powerful program in USC and they blew them off the field. Florida State has their own questions making this must see football for college football fans. A loss won't knock the loser out of the national hunt but won't help while a win would be a tremendous spring board to build on.

AUBURN: Now we get to Auburn. Depending on who you listen to this Tigers team will either push Bama for the division or be more like the club last year that went 8-5 when all was said and done. There are even some who say if Gus Malzahn has another year short of expectations he could be on the hot seat. Thus the pressure of coaching in the SEC west and dealing with the Tide year after year. I think Auburn will be very good. Very good. Do I think they will unseat the Tide, no. I will have to see it. But, this is a well coached and extremely talented team. Not kissing ass, I really respect them. Of course there is the interesting angle of Chip Lindsay coming over from Arizona State. I can't quite get my brain around what it must be like being an OC under Malzahn who seems like a pretty ****, hands on guy when it comes to his offense. And with Gus feeling at least a little heat, well I'd want to see the interaction on game day when things are tight against a good team in a close game. Will Gus let Lindsay do his job or will be interject. Sometimes there can be some friction develop. I remember when my friend Larry Smith was coaching at Mizzou and he would have some testy exchanges with his OC. Jerry Berndt was a very capable coordinator and one of the most patient men I've ever met. But fans don't always realize the intensity of some of these exchanges. Lindsay is stepping into a tough spot, imo. Of course how Baylor transfer Jarrett Stidham steps in and takes in the system is beyond crucial. Lindsay is prone to letting his quarterbacks chuck it around and he comes from a air it out culture in Waco but with running backs like Pettway and Johnson I think he had better learn to lean on his ground attack. I see a good offensive line. Not one of the best in the nation but certainly upper tier. Among the wide outs I like Kyle Davis a lot, same for Ryan Davis, a fast kid with good hands recruited out of florida. Nobody that jumps off the screen at you like a Ridley at Bama but a good group and they do have a guy who can deliver the package. Offense has the potential to be very good. But like I said, I want to see how it goes with the head man and Lindsay. That second game against Clemson will tell us a lot. I want to see this group up against that Clemson defense. The defense was better than most realized last season. They only allowed 17 points per game. They lost some key guys but are getting back six of the top seven tacklers from that unit. The linebackers are top shelf, all across. I like one kid in the back end particularly in Tray Matthews. He is a senior who is a smart, steady presence in the secondary. From what I saw last year watching the Tigers secondary they could tackle better. They seemed okay in run support but in the open field they often seemed to allow to may yards after the catch. But once again, all in all, a stout SEC defense that will be very good and give Clemson and their new young QB all they can handle in week two. One HUGE aspect is they get Alabama at home this year so expect a knock down drag out alley brawl in that one. IF they can prevail in that one maybe a division title could be at hand. Just so hard to say with the death march that schedule shapes up to be. They play at Mizzou on september 23rd so I am looking forward to that, sort of. Of course we are hoping the week before that mighty Mercer beats them up some, lol.

LSU: This is no slight to the Tigers slotting them in here at the third position. Things certainly set up for a fast start for LSU, They open at home at night, and we know how crazy that scene will be, against BYU. Providing they navigate through that game it is entirely feasible they could be undefeated when they go to play the Gators on October 7th. Obviously a lot has to fall in place but it is possible. They made a good move bringing in Matt Canada to handle the offense. His past record with offenses is beyond reproach. Danny Etling is a sold QB who should be a steady hand under center. Much of the success with this team lies with how the offense progresses. Seems to be a lot of that going around. I don't generally rave much about centers but the Tigers have a bona fide stud in Will Clapp. He had some shoulder issues but if he returns sound he should make the move to center and be a standout. He could start just about anywhere in the nation. They lost a lot of options for Etling to throw to. That's not good. And frankly I don't know a lot about most these guys stepping up. I know senior wide out DJ Chark will have his opportunity to be a go to guy. I know a lot of folks down there are high on sophmore Drake Davis who happens to be a Baton Rouge product. No pressure there kid, lol. Another Baton Rouge kid is not going to be a concern carrying the mail. Derrius Guice steps in to be the man. I liked what I saw with him last year when he was playing in place of Fournette. I have little concern for the ground game but so much of the success on this end just lies in the end with how the air game comes around. If they cannot make defenses respect the air game they will struggle. On defense the LSU Tigers are very, very good. They lost a lot but not shocking, they have some legit guys ready to plug into the system. Senior defensive lineman Christian LaCouture is a stand out. How Nebraska let this kid get out of Lincoln is beyond me. Junior Arden Key is like a heat seeking missle. Junior corner Donte Jackson could be one of the best corners in the conference. Safety Ed Paris from Texas is one of the most underrated guys at his position in the conference. The bottom line here with LSU is I see a team capable if things break right of wreaking some havoc as they are capable of beating most anyone at anytime. The offense is just too much of a question mark for me to rate them higher than 3 right now. In this division that is no slight. Etling will have to be on top of his game but he is a smart kid who won't make many dumb decisions. I just want to see who steps up as primary receivers. Like I said, they have a opportunity to be off to a fast start but once they play at Florida in october things start to get real, real fast. Huge game november 4th at the Tide. BUT, they will have a couple of weeks off to get their game plan in place for it. It will be a good season for LSU guys. Good enough? Guess that depends on where you reside.

ARKANSAS: Oh the hogs. Last year I cussed this team like a sailor on a weekend binge. I was in hawaii with the Mrs and I had the Hogs against Missouri and they blew a nice lead and the game to a Tiger team that had been looking inept. Since the Missouri Tigers vacated the Big 12 and moved to the SEC the rivalry against Kansas has been missed, terribly. The PR departments at Mizzou and Arkansas are doing their best to create a big border war type thing but it has yet to really take. Things like that cannot be fabricated. It did help the cause some when Mike Anderson left for Arkansas. But the rivalry has no hate yet, cannot have a legit rivalry without hate. When you grew up in mid missouri you were taught to say three things as a toddler, Mama, daddy and Kansas sucks. But okay, I digress. You try and type all this up without rambling off course at times. It's not easy. Okay, the Hogs. I DO respect the game of QB Austin Allen a lot. Actually I think he is one of the more underrated guys in the land. But, with that being said he has lost a lot of weapons. Senior Jared Cornelius is legit but after him it gets just a little sketchy. Junior Kendrick Jackson seems to be the other most dangerous option for Allen. But of course when you talk about Arkansas football lately the first thing that comes to most folks minds that actually follow this stuff is big, mean, fast and nasty offensive lineman who live to pancake guys. Arkansas recruits offensive linemen very effectively. Not sure the secret, maybe a big night with a buffet and broads. Who knows. I was kind of stunned when I heard Mizzou shut down their running game as the thing progressed. But I fully expect the ground game to be a legit weapon. Hope so, that's Arkansas football. Whaley and Williams are a very solid tandem at running back. They had better be. On the defensive side it is my opinion they made a brilliant move bringing in former Iowa State head coach Paul Rhoads. This guy can coach. He miked about all he could out of football life in Ames. Tough place to win on a consistent level. He moves in as the DC. Last season good teams could run the ball on the Hogs and they did not generate nearly enough of a pass rush. Not a good combination. I think they only had around twenty five sacks the entire season and that is kind of woeful for an SEC defense. They have some games early on against some teams that do like to wing it so they had better get it fixed or at least show marked improvement or it could be a rocky start. They have a kid from St Louis named Armon Watts who has the skill set if they can get the governor off his engine. I know that Missouri had their eyes on him and give the Tigers credit. They have recruited some outstanding defensive ends the past several years. If Watts steps up that will be huge. Another thing that drove many bettors crazy watching this Arkansas team last year was their inability to get the opposition off the field too many times on third down. That can make you sick. That has to improve. I mentioned Watts but I also have to bring up sophmore defensive lineman McTelvin Agim. Everybody I talk to down there about this team raves about this kids upside. If both he and Watts turn it on it will make all the difference for this unit. They have several key games along the way but one I might be at is the final one on November when they host Missouri. Could be a pivotal game for both teams in terms of a bow, let's hope. But after that melt down in Columbia last fall I kind of expect a game where Arkansas just might throttle ol Mizzou.

TEXAS A&M: First of all I respect and like Kevin Sumlin. You cannot coach under a guy like Bob Stoops for five years and not pick up a lot of knowledge about coaching, recruiting and well, leading a program. Say what you will about Stoops but the man could coach and had the record to back it up. With all that being said Sumlin has a lot of eyes down in College Station on him this season. He needs a good year. Does not open up easily either with the road game out in Los Angeles against UCLA and Rosen. The QB spot seems to not be a sealed deal from what I hear. Senior Jake Habenak has the inside track but not a lot of rope. Be nice if that spot was settled by opening kickoff against the Bruins but not so certain that will be the case. Running game is in more than capable hands with Williiams and Ford. But other than Junior Christian Kirk I am not sure who will be stepping up. Word is there is no shortage of capable guys. Ausbon is getting a lot of love but the stubborn fact is he is a true freshman. So with a frankly unsteady spot under center and some legit question marks at wide out I am going to have to wait and see. For Sumlin's sake I hope it all comes together sooner rather than too later. I personally think when you think about SEC football and the salty defenses the Aggies come up short. I am not impressed with the defense and Chavis has his work cut out for him. Teams were able to run almost at will on the Aggies last season as they gave up over 200 yards on the ground a half dozen times. I just have a real tough time respecting defenses that cannot stuff the run, at least occasionally. That is why I have such issues with the Big 12 in general for the most part. But that is another story for another day. I try to never place too much emphasis on opening games but I am really curious to see how Sumlin's team does in that opener out west. That would be a huge win to get things off to a positive start. The next two games are Nicholls State and Louisiana Lafayette at home so either way they should take care of business there unless they just barf it up. They do catch Bama at home with the 12th man and all that but the last two games which could be really large for this program are both on the road against Ole Miss and then LSU. Who knows what the Reb's will be at that point but at LSU won't be much fun. Like I said, I like Sumlin and I do sincerely wish him the best. But I am not overly optimistic. Just saying.

MISSISSIPPI STATE: I like Nick Fitzgerald, a lot. Not much not to like. If he can get a little more sharp with the passing game he is a special one. Lot of other teams would love to have him. Yes, there is life after Dak Prescott after all. Not sure there is any one player in the conference more vital to their teams success than this guy. He just needs help, I am sure Prescott could have a long talk with him about going through that. On defense the secondary just has to be better. Sometimes you just have to speak plainly. It was painful watching them much of the time last season. I like teams that defend and so I was not exactly enthralled with his Bulldogs defense last fall. I am not that high on the Bulldogs obviously and I think even with some softies on the schedule they will struggle to get to six wins. Their last two games are at home so that will help, Arkansas and Ole Miss. The fans in Starkville are great and I hope this club over achieves. But in the west and even with Fitzgerald it's going to be tough sledding.

MISSISSIPPI: I am not making many friends with this post in Mississippi. This team should take the field in the opening weekend with a huge question mark on their uniforms. I am not going to BS you. I can see this team going either way. They can pull together and do the us against the world thing and have success or things could do south on them and make for a long season. Great fans with a proud program, I hope they come up big. I am not going to beat up on Hugh Freeze. Evidently used some poor judgement and is dealing with the consequences. If a guy can truly recruit and coach he will land back on his feet after some time passes. Time tends to heal at least most wounds. Look at Bobby Petrino. Case closed. To me, Ole Miss needs to effectively drive the ball and actually balance out the clock and not let their defense stay on the field so much. Had that same issue in spades here at Mizzou. Even the great defenses will wear down and I don't think the Reb's defense is great to begin with. I DO like the young sophmore QB Shea Patterson, the kid can wing it. If they can give him some support with a legit ground game he can be a winning quarterback. I don't think they will miss Kelly under center as much as some seem to. So many guesses with the head games and all the off the field crap these kids had to contend with. Impossible for anyone to honestly know how these kids will respond. IMPOSSIBLE. I assure you even the staff are wondering. They do open with South Alabama and Tennessee Martin at home so that should work out okay. Should I say. Then they head west and butt heads with the Cal Bears and that is a winnable game. We'll see. Feels weird to be so skeptical about a team that was regarded as one of the best in the land such a short time ago. I remember one NFL scout raving about all the NFL caliber players the Reb's had. I hope these kids come out and attack this season with the right attitude. They can certainly foul some things up for the opponents along the way and have some fun if they do.

Big 12 Football Thoughts & Observations
By Spartan

Well love him or hate him you have to admit Bob Stoops went out while on top. He led his Sooner's to the conference title last season and was named the conference coach of the year. It was the sixth time he took the award. Stoops seemed to piss a lot of people off. But he did restore Oklahoma football, there can be no denying that. Is he done for good? Hard to say. He clearly does not need the dough. But I have no doubt he will have many suitors come calling annually. With his record of success who can blame them. Just a matter of time before some mega schools like Notre Dame, USC, LSU etc start burning up the phones. Just saying. Now steps up young Lincoln Riley going from OC to the main man. That is a huge leap. But, he has been handed to keys to a luxury automobile. Maybe not a Ferrari but certainly an Escalade. But he is following a head coach in Stoops that did win a national title as well as a very impressive ten conference titles. That is a hard act to follow. I hear good things about Riley. Time will tell. It clearly helps to have a player like Baker Mayfield handling things under center. My respect for Mayfield has been well documented here. Until someone shows me they are capable of knocking off the Sooners I am going to project them winning the thing. Although without Stoops on the sideline it does change things. I expect the Sooners to win the thing but would not be stunned if another club stepped up.

There will always be Texas love, it's bought and paid for, lol. I think Charlie Strong was a good football coach in the wrong setting. He just never seemed to be a fit in Austin. And I was kind of shocked he never could get the defense on track. Bad defense is like a infectious disease in that league. Now Tom Herman moves up from Houston and who the hell knows how this will play out. Texas has all the makings of a Bama. They have the money, they have stellar facilities, but year after year they fail to live up to expectations. I aggravated some Horns fans the last few years because I didn't seem to show enough respect to Texas football. Sorry, but with the resources Texas has and the fertile recruiting ground they are entrenched in I see no valid reason for them to struggle so much.

My respect for Bill Snyder is deep. My late friend Larry Smith who coached Mizzou at the end of his career did not care a lot for Snyder but he really respected the mans football acumen. They had a personality conflict, it happens. But Snyder gets more out of less than any coach in the history of college football. Yes, I said that and I mean it. If you gave Bill Snyder a team with the overall talent of an Alabama forget about it. Season over and case closed. Bill Snyder is a football guru, Even in his 80's he still works harder than 95% of the coaches out there. The man knows the game inside and out. His teams execute like a machine. It always baffles some folks when they watch Kansas State battle the big boys. It does not take a rocket scientist to see his clubs usually don't have the talent the other teams do. But they win, more often than not. Wildcats teams rarely beat themselves. I think they are a viable alternative to the Sooners this fall. They have a more than capable QB in Jesse Ertz and they are very, very good along the lines with both the offensive and defensive units. Plus it should be noted they catch both Oklahoma and West Virginia at home at the little apple, Manhattan. They travel on November 18th to Stilwater to battle Mike Gundy's Cowboys in what could be a massive game for both. A lot of coaches would have hung it up after the cancer diagnosis, not Snyder. How do you not root for a man like that.

One team I just have SUCH little regard for frankly is Texas Tech. It was painful to watch their defense last year. I don't think they could have stopped anyone if they were allowed to play 14 on defense. Not trying to be over the top negative, it's just a fact that defense was horrid. I hear they will be better this year. Well hell, my softball team could suit up and do better. Yes, the offense for the Red Raiders averaged over 44 points per game. Any team that scores like that should be playing in the playoffs. Period. They didn't even sniff it. And now QB Patrick Hahomes has moved on the the Chiefs and is on the fast track to step in for Alex Smith. Kind of hard envisioning the Raiders offense being as productive as with him on the field. Kingsbury is clearly on the hot seat and how could he not be, a 5-7 record with a team that averaged over 44 points per game? Cmon man.

A lot of people love the chances for the Cowboys of Oklahoma State. As long as I have followed the league for the most part OSU has been the step son of mighty OU. Just been the natural order of things. Maybe this season behind Mason Rudolph they will take a step to knock the Sooner's off their pedestal. Rudolph is the real deal and not exactly short on weapons to use. Would not shock me in the least if he led the Cowboys to the title. Or if he went to New York for the Heisman presentation. If you are not familiar with WR James Washington, prepared to get familiar. He will be playing on sundays. With Westbrook gone from Norman it is very possible that Washington will be the elite wide out in the conference. The prospect of him and Rudolph being on the same wave length is scary. On November 4th there will be what could be an epic battle between the Cowboys and Sooners. Fact is the Sooners have won the last two games in Stillwater and four of the last five overall.

I think West Virginia is plenty strong on the offensive end but as is the case with most everyone, defense is suspect. God it gets old saying that about teams in this league. They have an interesting opener against Virginia Tech and yes, they will try to out score the Hokies. If they can play some semblance of defense they could pull it off. Matt Rhule is by all accounts a solid coach and guy, He takes over Baylor and if anyone can accurately predict what kind of team the Bears will be now I am all ears. Iowa State can always provide some surprises at home in Ames. The Cyclones have some of the most loyal, best fans in the country. They deserve better than they get. Like one coach said to me a few years back, recruiting to Ames Iowa is just a tough sell to most blue chippers. Always has been and likely always will be. But at some point this season the Cyclones will shock someone at home. I have not mentioned Kansas until now. There I mentioned them. When they do something positive on the field I promise to mention them again. Not trying to be a jerk, my old man told me if you don't have anything nice to say it is generally polite to not say anything at all. I try to abide by that philosophy. Most the time.

Blade ,Thank you again for posting the college football conference previews. I really do appreciate it... :woohoo:

Blade ,Thank you again for posting the college football conference previews. I really do appreciate it... :woohoo:

My pleasure I have more to come, have day off and just waiting for eclipse to happen.

.

Big Ten Conference Betting Preview
By: Matt Fargo
Covers.com

Big Ten East

Ohio State Buckeyes (2016: 11-2 SU, 6-7 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: -115
Season win total: 10.5

Why to bet the Buckeyes: Motivation. Ohio St. made it to the College Football Playoff last season but was embarrassed 31-0 by eventual champion Clemson. Going 11-1 during the regular season meant nothing because of that loss to the Tigers and the Buckeyes will be out to return by going 13-0. They bring back quarterback J.T. Barrett and possess one of the best offensive lines in the country so the offense will thrive under new offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson. Ohio St. is again strong on defense and the schedule is on its side with three of its four toughest games taking place at home.

Why not to bet the Buckeyes: There is certainly going to be a lot of pressure to make it back to the CFP for the third time in four years and the Big Ten is no pushover. The Buckeyes had some close calls last season with two overtime wins and two other wins by a combined five points and those could go the other way this season should there be close games. While the defense will have one of the best front fours in the nation, the back seven has to replace a lot of talent with the secondary taking the biggest brunt in the NFL draft. Ohio St. also has to replace its top three receivers on offense.

Season win total pick: Over 10.5

Penn St. Nittany Lions (2016: 11-3 SU, 10-3-1 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +500
Season win total: 10

Why to bet the Nittany Lions: While motivation is a common theme for the top teams in the Big Ten, Penn St. should be the most motivated. The Nittany Lions defeated Ohio St. during the regular season and then beat Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship but was not considered for the CFP. There is enough talent in place on both sides of the ball to repeat as Big Ten East Champions but it of course will have to get by Ohio St. for a second straight season. The offense was one of the best in the country last season and will be better in 2017 while the defense will again be tough.

Why not to bet the Nittany Lions: That trip to Ohio St. could be a season killer as a loss there could make things tougher the next week when they travel to Michigan St. The offense was great last season but they had to play catch up on numerous occasions and not because of the defense but because the Nittany Lions were one of the slowest starting teams on offense in the nation. That put pressure on the defense which this year has to replace key pass rushers so that defense could not be as strong late in games. The Nittany Lions also have other tough road games at Iowa and Northwestern.

Season win total pick: Under 10

Michigan Wolverines (2016: 10-3 SU, 6-7 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +600
Season win total: 8.5

Why to bet the Wolverines: There is plenty of motivation for the Wolverines as well after a brutal overtime loss at Ohio St. and a one-point loss to Florida St. in the Orange Bowl last season. Michigan recruited well once again and has some of the best incoming talent in the conference and already possesses an NFL caliber quarterback in Wilton Speight. The Wolverines have finished third in the Big Ten East in two seasons under Jim Harbaugh, both of which finished at 10-3, and now with this being mainly his recruits, it could be time for Michigan to take that next step.

Why not to bet the Wolverines: While the talent is there, it is very raw. Michigan is returning only five starters this season, which is the fewest in the country. Of this, only one starter is back on the defense which finished No. 1 in the nation in total defense and No. 2 in scoring defense. That is a lot to replace and success will not happen overnight. The Wolverines will be tested right away with an opening game against Florida in Arlington and must take on Penn St. and Wisconsin on the road later in the season. This could be the best team in the country, but not until 2018.

Season win total pick: Under 8.5

Michigan St. Spartans (2016: 3-9 SU, 4-8 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +3300
Season win total: 5

Why to bet the Spartans: Michigan St. is coming off its worst season even under head coach Mark Dantonio and its first losing season since 2009. The three wins were the fewest since 1994 and this coming after a berth in the CFP in 2015 but all of this means we can buy low. Both offense and defense were dreadful last season as the offense had too many turnovers and the defense could not get off the field. The Spartans return only nine starters overall so this can be considered a rebuild by some but this is more of a reload as top programs do not stay down long.

Why not to bet the Spartans: With Michigan and Ohio St. dominating the recruiting, the Spartans may not be getting the talent they once were which could be putting them on the decline. Turnovers were contagious but the Spartans also committed way too many penalties and that can go back to the coaching staff. Michigan St. could not win in the trenches, allowing 27 sacks while generating only 11 of its own. They have arguably the toughest schedule in the Big Ten as they are at Ohio St. and Michigan and host Penn St. and Iowa in addition to five other games against bowl teams from last year.

Season win total pick: Over 5

Indiana Hoosiers (2016: 6-7 SU, 6-7 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +8000
Season win total: 6.5

Why to bet the Hoosiers: Head coach Kevin Wilson left for Ohio St. but he did not leave the cupboard bare. The passing attack is potent led by quarterback Richard Lagow who threw for 3.362 yards and 19 touchdowns and he gets a great receiving corps back to pass to. The defense returns nine starters, the most of any Big Ten team, and while that normally would not lead to excitement, Indiana finished No. 45 in total defense, allowing 380.1 ypg, which is the fewest it has allowed since 2001. The schedule sets up well for making it to a third straight bowl game.

Why not to bet the Hoosiers: While the pieces are in place, the loss of Wilson is big considering he was forced to resign over philosophical differences. The coaching switch should be seamless but how much improvement will there actually be? This team was very solid last season yet still finished 6-7 for a second straight year and now they are being asked to up that this season. Lagow had solid numbers but to go along with his 19 touchdowns, he also threw 17 picks. Opening the season against Ohio St. seems unfair and could put the Hoosiers in a bad place before the season has barely started.

Season win total pick: Under 6.5

Maryland Terrapins (2016: 6-7 SU, 4-9 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +10000
Season win total: 3

Why to bet the Terrapins: The rebuilding process is taking shape at Maryland as head coach D.J. Durkin got the Terrapins back into a bowl game in his first season and he brought in a loaded recruiting class for this season. 14 starters are back, seven on each side of the ball, and both units are in good position. The offense has solid playmakers and quarterback Kasim Hill comes in as one of the most highly touted recruits in a very long time. The defense has plenty of experience back even beyond the starters and they should improve upon their No. 77 total defense ranking from last season.

Why not to bet the Terrapins: Hill is a blue-chip recruit but that does not mean a thing until he starts to produce and he may still not even start. Last season, three different Terrapins started, and four quarterbacks had at least 33 passing attempts so a quarterback to emerge is vital. After allowing 25 sacks in 2015, the offensive line gave up nearly double that as they allowed 49 sacks last season. The schedule was brutal last season and while they passed the test, the schedule is even more demanding this year with four tough Big Ten road games and home games against Michigan and Penn St.

Season win total pick: Over 3

Rutgers Scarlet Knights (2016: 2-10 SU, 4-8 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +25000
Season win total: 3

Why to bet the Scarlet Knights: Rutgers is coming off its worst season since 2002 as it won just two games and one of those was against Howard of the FCS. The offense was so bad within the conference as it scored seven points or less in six of nine Big Ten games including getting shutout four times. Johnathan Lewis is a four-star recruit at quarterback which is a position that has been desolate for years. He may not have success right away but paves the way for a bright future. Defensively, 10 of the top 13 tacklers are back which given them hope to slow some teams down and stay competitive.

Why not to bet the Scarlet Knights: Turning around the worst scoring offense in the country is a tall task and it will take Lewis time to get comfortable at the next level, if he even gets a chance as a true freshman. Rutgers was outscored by 127 points in the first quarter last season and playing catch up was something it was unable to do and it will be unable to do so again this season. The Scarlet Knights were unable to even compete with the big boys, losing by a combined 224-0 against Ohio St., Michigan, Michigan St. and Penn St. and all are back on the schedule this year.

Season win total pick: Over 3

Big Ten West

Wisconsin Badgers (2016: 11-3 SU, 9-4-1 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +300
Season win total: 10.5

Why to bet the Badgers: As is the case almost every year, the defense is the strength of Wisconsin and this year it has the potential to be one of the best units in recent program history. The Badgers lost only four starters on defense and while they are big losses, it is a reload and not a rebuild. They are even better off on offense with eight starters back including quarterback Alex Hornibrook who should be much better after getting thrown into the fire as a freshman. The schedule sets up great as they do not face Ohio St. and Penn St. and they get Michigan and Iowa at home.

Why not to bet the Badgers: Even though the offense returns a bulk of the starters from last season, it was a bad unit as the Badgers were No. 89 in total offense and No. 67 in scoring offense. Wisconsin scored 23 or fewer points seven times and two of those were overtime games. A year later, it will be better but how much better is the question as they relied on their defense too much. Wisconsin must replace another defense coordinator as Justin Wilcox left for the California head coaching job and in comes unproven Jim Leonhard. The defense needs some of the pressure taken off it.

Season win total pick: Under 10.5

Northwestern Wildcats (2016: 7-6 SU, 8-5 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +2000
Season win total: 8.5

Why to bet the Wildcats: The Wildcats defense last season was a bend-don’t-break unit as they finished No. 24 in points allowed and did not give up more than 29 points in any game. And this was with a secondary that was decimated with injuries. Northwestern brings back eight starters so the chance for improvement is there. The offense was far from strong however as it scored 21 points or less six times, all resulting in losses. Eight starters return on this side as well including running back Justin Jackson, a 1,500-yard rusher, and quarterback Clayton Thorson.

Why not to bet the Wildcats: While the offense brings back of bunch of starters from last season, that does not necessarily mean it will be much better. A lot of this comes down to the offensive line which allowed 39 sacks and improving an offensive line does not happen right away. This will continue to put pressure on the defense to again keep games close and that may not happen a second straight season. The Wildcats lost to Western Michigan and Illinois St. to open last season and facing Nevada, Duke and Bowling Green to start this season may look encouraging but they again could be traps.

Season win total pick: Over 8.5

Nebraska Cornhuskers (2016: 9-4 SU, 6-5-2 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +2000
Season win total: 7

Why to bet the Cornhuskers: Nebraska has won at least nine games in eight of the last nine years but are projected well below that this season which creates some value. Neither the offense nor the defense all great enough to carry the team but both are adequate enough to keep the Cornhuskers in games. The loss of quarterback Tommy Armstrong is a blow but transfer Tanner Lee showed he is capable to make the offense better. The defense should be more physical with the hiring of former Connecticut head coach Bob Diaco as defensive coordinator and the return of six key starters.

Why not to bet the Cornhuskers: Nebraska brings back the third fewest starters in the Big Ten and that is not a good thing in a conference that is getting stronger overall. This includes just four returnees on offense with half of those coming from the offensive line which is not a strong unit to begin with. A total of 70 percent of the rushing yards, 63 percent of the receiving yards and 62 percent of receptions from 2016 will be gone and that is a lot to replace. A road game at Oregon in Week Two could set the tone and there are only five games on the schedule that can be counted as sure wins.

Season win total pick: Over 7

Iowa Hawkeyes (2016: 8-5 SU, 6-7 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +2200
Season win total: 7

Why to bet the Hawkeyes: There in nothing flamboyant about the Hawkeyes, but there never is. Iowa succeeded last season with a solid running game and strong defense which is usually a carbon copy of every year. It is imperative for the offense to have some sort of passing game as last year, the Hawkeyes finished No. 118 in the country in passing offense but they have one of the best offensive lines around and they should also improve with a new quarterback taking over. The defense returns eight starters that finished No. 23 overall and No. 13 in points allowed.

Why not to bet the Hawkeyes: Coming up with a downfield passing attack is easier said than done. The Hawkeyes have struggled with this for years and the offense has not been able to generate much to help the defense. Iowa was on the field for only 27 minutes per game last season on offense and that will be a problem again. The schedule is not easy with crossover games against Ohio St. and Penn St. and the three toughest games from the West Division coming on the road.

Season win total pick: Under 7

Minnesota Golden Gophers (2016: 9-4 SU, 5-5-3 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +2800
Season win total: 7.5

Why to bet the Golden Gophers: Last season was a special one as Minnesota won at least nine games for only the second time since 1906. Was that just an anomaly or have the Gophers turned the corner? They have made five straight bowl appearances and bring in a great coaching prospect in P.J. Fleck that can jumpstart a pretty dormant offense. The offensive line is the biggest in the conference and opens holes for two great running backs so any sort of passing attack upgrade will do wonders. Five of nine Big Ten games are at home while three of the four road games are winnable.

Why not to bet the Golden Gophers: Minnesota has won eight or more games in consecutive seasons only twice since 1962 and it will have to do it again to surpass the Vegas win total. The defense was surprisingly good last season but there is a new defensive coordinator as well with Robb Smith so that could cause some issues. That means the offense has to get better and with two unproven quarterbacks battling for the starting spot, that may not happen for a while. The back end of the schedule is brutal with the last five games against teams that went bowling a season ago.

Season win total pick: Under 7.5

Illinois Fighting Illini (2016: 3-9 SU, 5-7 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +20000
Season win total: 3.5

Why to bet the Illini: The first year of the Lovie Smith era did not go as planned but there was not a lot to work with. The offense had regressed each of the last four years and last season was the worst yet as it finished No. 123 in total offense and No. 122 in scoring offense. There is nowhere to go but up. The same can be said for the defense that underachieved last season and allowed close to 32 ppg. The second year of a new coaching staff usually shows progress and that is the hope here. The nonconference schedule is not bad and there are some winnable home Big Ten games.

Why not to bet the Illini: The best news coming into the offseason was the signing of JUCO quarterback Dwayne Lawson which was considered a savior for the inept offense. Unfortunately, he had academic issues and he did not enroll so the Illini are stuck at the quarterback position with little talent. Defensively, the Illini lost their entire front four and that is not good considering the defense allowed over 219 ypg on the ground. It is going to be at least another year until the rebuild starts to take shape and with the lack of talent on both sides, surpassing the win total from last year will be tough.

Season win total pick: Under 3.5

Purdue Boilermakers (2016: 3-9 SU, 5-7 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +20000
Season win total: 2.5

Why to bet the Boilermakers: Purdue has not been relevant since the Joe Tiller days as Danny Hope and Darrell Hazell could not turn things around with Hazell winning just nine games in his four years. Enter Jeff Brohm who led Western Kentucky to success and produced the top ranked scoring offense last season. Quarterback David Blough will fit well into this system and the offense will no doubt improve upon its No. 101 ranking in points scored. The Boilermakers were even worse on defense but they will improve there as well but the total rebuild will take some time.

Why not to bet the Boilermakers: Brohm may have the quarterback he wants but he is still lacking the talent to compete with the big boys so this is not going to happen overnight. Lack of receiver depth hurts and the offensive line is below average. The defense was so bad last season that even major improvement may not help. Purdue was awful at stopping the run and was one of the worst teams in the country in third down defense. Continuing to improve as the season goes along is the ultimate goal but anything more than five wins is unlikely.

Season win total pick: Over 2.5

SEC Conference Betting Preview
By: Steve Merril
Covers.com

SEC East

Florida Gators (2016: 9-4 SU, 5-7-1 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +800
Season win total: 8.5

Why to bet the Gators: There is a lot of hope and optimism surrounding the Florida offense which sees nine starters back. Feleipe Franks was impressive during the offseason and for most of the season he should have Antonio Callaway who is an underrated receiver. The schedule lines up nicely with LSU and Florida State both coming to the Swamp.

Why not to bet the Gators: Callaway may be suspended for the opener against Michigan due to some offseason issues. While Randy Shannon is a solid defensive coordinator, there are still only three starters back and a lot of inexperience on the stop unit. The offense needs to improve after averaging 24 points per game or less in three of the past four seasons.

Season win total pick: Under 8.5

Georgia Bulldogs (2016: 8-5 SU, 6-7 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +700
Season win total: 8.5

Why to bet the Bulldogs: Georgia's defense has pretty much everyone back from a unit that ranked 16th overall in total yards allowed. Jacob Eason threw for 16 touchdowns and eight interceptions last year as quarterback. He's got Nick Chubb and Sony Michel in the backfield keeping teams honest and improving their NFL Draft stock. The offensive line is going to help those guys big time.

Why not to bet the Bulldogs: The wide reciever group other then Terry Godwin and Javon Wims is rather unimpressive. Rodrigo Blankenship struggled from long range as kicker for the Bulldogs and wasn't very good at kickoffs either. They have tough trips to Notre Dame, Auburn and Georgia Tech.

Season win total pick: Under 8.5

Kentucky Wildcats (2016: 7-6 SU, 7-6 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +10000
Season win total: 7

Why to bet the Wildcats: Kentucky may have gained a little bit of a winner's mentality after last year's dash to make a bowl. They beat Louisville at their place and return 16 starters overall. Freshman All-American Benny Snell ran for over 1,000 yards in 2016 and should be able to alleviate some pressure on Stephen Johnson under center. Several weapons also are on the team at wide receiver.

Why not to bet the Wildcats: The defense is strong in the back end, but up front they need to improve from the 110th ranked rush defense. Teams will continue to pound the ball and play time possession against the UK offense. Florida, Tennessee and Louisville all come to Lexington, but the Wildcats need to show they can defend their home field against better schools.

Season win total pick: Over 7

Missouri Tigers (2016: 4-8 SU, 5-7 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +20000
Season win total: 6.5

Why to bet the Tigers: The offense experienced a lot of improvement as they averaged over 30 points per game last year. Drew Lock took to Josh Heupel's offense with a 23/10 TD/INT ratio. J'Mon Moore came on strong near the end of the season with almost 30 catches over the last three contests. Four straight home games to open up this season will help build confidence. They play Missouri State, Idaho, Purdue and UConn out of conference.

Why not to bet the Tigers: Yikes, the defense was pretty bad last year allowing nearly 500 yards per game. Only three starters are back and one of those is in the front seven. There will be some growing pains in the secondary with both Aarion Penton and John Gibson III graduating. Tucker McCann was pretty bad at kicker as a freshman. Finishing out the year with Florida, Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Arkansas is tough.

Season win total pick: Under 6.5

South Carolina Gamecocks (2016: 6-7 SU, 6-6-1 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +9000
Season win total: 5.5

Why to bet the Gamecocks: Jake Bentley is probably the best quarterback returning in the SEC East. He had just four interceptions in 190 attempts in 2016. Deebo Samuel is worth building around out wide. The offensive line is pretty much intact so there's no excuse for any slow start from the offense. Skai Moore is coming back from an injury after missing last season.

Why not to bet the Gamecocks: They couldn't get to the quarterback last year and will find it difficult to do so again in 2017. Elliott Fry, the school's all-time leading scorer is gone so they'll have to find a new kicker to replace him. The non-conference schedule has some dangerous games with NC State, Clemson and Louisiana Tech.

Season win total pick: Over 5.5

Tennessee Volunteers (2016: 9-4 SU, 6-7 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +2000
Season win total: 7.5

Why to bet the Volunteers: Early reviews of Quinten Dormady have been good this offseason. He has big shoes to fill now that Josh Dobbs has moved on. Jauan Jennings is a good No. 1 receiver and will have to be with a lack of depth behind him. There aren't as many expectations in 2017 after the team fell well short last year of what the public expected.

Why not to bet the Volunteers: Depth is an issue at some key positions. As mentioned above, the wide receivers aren't great behind Jennings. The running backs behind Ty Kelly need some work as well. Defensively, they have to replace Derek Barnett who went to the Eagles. Injuries kept a lot of the first-team defense off the field during spring practice.

Season win total pick: Under 7.5

Vanderbilt Commodores (2016: 6-7 SU, 7-6 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +22500
Season win total: 6

Why to bet the Commodores: Ralph Webb doesn't get enough credit for how good of a running back he is after rushing for 13 touchdowns. If Kyle Shurmur figures things out, he has Trent Sherfield, Caleb Scott and C.J. Duncan at wideout. The offensive line should be solid with three starters returning. Derek Mason finally got this team to a bowl game last year so there should be some confidence.

Why not to bet the Commodores: Zach Cunningham isn't leaping over offensive lines anymore as he took his talent to the NFL. Shurmur threw nine touchdown passes to 10 interceptions. He obviously needs to pick it up if the offense hopes to use their weapons. Alabama and Georgia both come to Nashville, but the Commodores don't exactly have a strong home field advantage.

Season win total pick: Under 6

SEC WEST

Alabama Crimson Tide (2016: 14-1 SU, 10-5 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: -160
Season win total: 10.5

Why to bet the Crimson Tide: An angry Tide team coming off a national championship game loss should be a motivated team this year. Jalen Hurts is showing improvement and he has Tua Tagovailoa right behind him. The ground game will be strong with Damien Harris and Bo Scarbrough who punish their opponents. Calvin Ridley had 72 receptions last season and is back this year.

Why not to bet the Crimson Tide: There's not a lot to hate about the 2017 Crimson Tide. The defense returns only six starters, but still has proven talent on every level. Replacing O.J. Howard will be tough because he was a game changer at tight end. Florida State will provide a challenge in the season opener with a tough road game at Auburn closing things out.

Season win total pick: Over 10.5

Arkansas Razorbacks (2016: 7-6 SU, 5-8 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +6500
Season win total: 6.5

Why to bet the Razorbacks: Austin Allen put up some good numbers in this offense and could be one of the better signal callers in the SEC West. Devwah Whaley should be able to find holes with four of five offensive linemen back for the Hogs. Jared Cornelius is both a good wide receiver and punt returner helping with field position.

Why not to bet the Razorbacks: Rawleigh Williams retired this offseason meaning Whaley will have to carry more of the load. Williams had over 1,300 yards on the ground so it's a big hole to fill. The defense allowed over 30 points per game and is getting younger with one player back from the front seven. Road trips to LSU and Alabama will hurt in the conference standings.

Season win total pick: Over 6.5

Auburn Tigers (2016: 8-5 SU, 9-4 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +500
Season win total: 8.5

Why to bet the Tigers: The quarterback merry-go-round should stop with the addition of Jarrett Stidham. The signal caller comes over from Baylor and will have to adjust to a new style of offense. Kamryn Pettway is a load to bring down in the backfield. Daniel Carlson is one of the best kickers in the country and will help in close games.

Why not to bet the Tigers: Gus Malzahn is on the hot seat right now as the team put talent in place for him to win. They lost Carl Lawson, Montravius Adams and Rudy Ford so it may take some time for the defense to gel. Unfortunately, the punting could be an issue with Ian Shannon being a question mark. They play at LSU, Arkansas and Texas A&M in a row in mid-October to November.

Season win total pick: Under 8.5

LSU Tigers (2016: 8-4 SU, 6-6 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +550
Season win total: 9

Why to bet the Tigers: Derrius Guice may make people forget about Leonard Fournette. Guice ran for almost 1,400 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2016. The offensive line has three starters back, so Guice should find some holes. Matt Canada will put new wrinkles in the offense and make things spicier. On defense, it looks like Arden Key is ahead of schedule and should be ready early in the season.

Why not to bet the Tigers: Once again, a strong LSU running back may see a stacked box consistently. Danny Etling doesn't scare anyone and his best receivers from 2016 are gone. The team will have to replace eight starters on defense with Tre'Davious White gone from the secondary. The kicker is a freshman which is a worry in big conference games.

Season win total pick: Under 9

Mississippi Rebels (2016: 5-7 SU, 4-8 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: N/A
Season win total: 5.5

Why to bet the Rebels: Shea Patterson is producing a ton of headlines this offseason and giving Rebels fans hope. Many think A.J. Brown, Van Jefferson and D.K. Metcalf will be one of the best trios in the league at wide receiver. Marquis Haynes has 24.5 career sacks and should play well with his NFL Draft status looming. Gary Wunderlich was a semi finalist for the Lou Groza Award.

Why not to bet the Rebels: There are plenty of headlines already building off the field with the team and the season hasn't even started yet. Will that bleed onto the field if the team is consistently answering questions about it? The team's top two running backs missed the season last year and will be asked to do a lot in 2017. Road trips to California, Alabama and Auburn in a row will not help with team confidence.

Season win total pick: Over 5.5

Mississippi St. Bulldogs (2016: 6-7 SU, 5-8 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +7500
Season win total: 5.5

Why to bet the Bulldogs: Nick Fitzgerald is a double threat with 21 passing touchdowns and 16 rushing touchdowns. The schedule lines up nicely with five of their final seven games at home. Todd Grantham takes over the defense and he's the right guy to work with a group that is rather young and inexperienced.

Why not to bet the Bulldogs: Grantham becomes the fourth defensive coordinator over the last four years. Three starters are gone from the offensive line while the team's skill positions also seem lean. Donald Gray had five touchdowns last year, but now he's going to have to be the number one wide receiver. Playing in the SEC West will be tough for these kids.

Season win total pick: Under 5.5

Texas A&M Aggies (2016: 8-5 SU, 4-9 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +4000
Season win total: 7

Why to bet the Aggies: While there are some questions at quarterback, there are some known commodities in Christian Kirk, Trayveon Williams and Keith Ford. The middle of the offensive line is really strong with three starters returning. Armani Watts is one of the best safeties in the conference. After a road trip to UCLA, the Aggies don't have another true road game for over a month.

Why not to bet the Aggies: Kevin Sumlin is on the hot seat and he's dragging out his quarterback decision. Jake Hubenak is holding off Nick Starkel and Kellen Mond in that race. While there aren't a ton of true road games, they are at UCLA, Florida, Ole Miss and LSU which will not be easy. The defense will have to play better if they hope to win any of those games.

Season win total pick: Under 7

Sun Belt Conference Betting Preview
By: Matt Fargo
Covers.com

Appalachian St. Mountaineers (2016: 10-3 SU, 7-6 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +105
Season win total: 9

Why to bet the Mountaineers: This team knows how to win. The Mountaineers have won 27 of their last 32 games since mid-2014 with two of those losses coming against Miami (Fla) and Clemson. They are again favored to win the conference and both offense and defense will be rock solid. Appalachian St. quarterback Taylor Lamb will be in his fourth year as a starter and he has a great running game behind him as well as a strong offensive line in front of him while the defense finished No. 17 in the country last season. The Mountaineers miss both Troy and Arkansas St. from the conference.

Why not to bet the Mountaineers: Appalachian St. loses five key starters on that defense so there could be some regression early in the season. It forced only six fumbles while recovering just one and anything close to a repeat of that will be a problem. While the running game will be sensational once again, the passing offense finished No. 105 in the nation last year so while Lamb is a veteran, he may not be able to lead the team should they fall behind. Facing Georgia and Wake Forest early in the season will be a challenge and while the overall schedule is not tough, there are trap road games.

Season win total pick: Over 9

Troy Trojans (2016: 10-3 SU, 6-7 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +350
Season win total: 8.5

Why to bet the Trojans: Troy probably has the best shot of unseating the Mountaineers as it brings back 15 starters, the most of any contender in the Sun Belt, from a three-loss team including a defeat at Clemson by just six points. The offense has the potential to be a lot better as it finished No. 53 overall and No. 39 in points scored and will be led by senior quarterback Brandon Silvers and senior running back Jordan Chunn. Defensively, their secondary will be the strength which is good keeping plays in front of them and not getting burned deep. Going 6-0 at home is more likely than not.

Why not to bet the Trojans: The Trojans two toughest games within the conference are both on the road and they must deal with Boise St. and LSU in nonconference action on the highway. Four losses right there and they cannot reach their win total considering the Sun Belt does not have a conference championship game. The defense that finished No. 34 overall has some major holes to fill in the front seven and that is not a good thing when facing a lot of strong rushing teams. The Trojans were picked near the bottom of the conference last season so they will not be sneaking up on anyone this year.

Season win total pick: Under 8.5

Arkansas St. Red Wolves (2016: 8-5 SU, 7-6 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +350
Season win total: 7.5

Why to bet the Red Wolves: Momentum. The Red Wolves opened last season 0-4, including a bad loss at home against Central Arkansas of the FCS, but went on to finish 8-1 with the only loss coming by just five points against UL-L. The numbers were not great on offense as Arkansas St. was No. 74 in scoring offense but they averaged 32 ppg over that nine-game closing stretch after averaging 16.8 ppg in that 0-4 start. The schedule opens with Nebraska and Miami but after that, it is very tame. The Red Wolves miss Appalachian St. and catch Troy at home in the season finale.

Why not to bet the Red Wolves: They return only 10 starters overall which is tied for the fewest in the conference. Most of the offensive production is back but the Red Wolves must replace all five starters along the offensive line. Losing five seniors is a huge blow to the offense even though they were a just average last season. Quarterback Justice Hansen is a solid duel threat but he needs to be protected. Defensively, Arkansas St. allowed just 21.5 ppg last season but there are holes to fill on that side of the ball as well with three starters from each of the front four and the secondary needing to be replaced.

Season win total pick: Over 7.5

Georgia Southern Eagles (2016: 5-7 SU, 3-9 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +1400
Season win total: 5

Why to bet the Eagles: 2016 was a very disappointing season for the Eagles. After a 3-0 start, they would go on to lose seven of their last nine games which came after a combined 18-7 record over their first two seasons in the FBS. Most of losses were competitive however which means those can get turned around this season. Georgia Southern averaged 381 and 363 ypg in its first two years in the FBS but fell to just 225 ypg last season which is the main reason for the dropoff. They are expected to improve in that area in 2017 which could significantly increase their win total.

Why not to bet the Eagles: After a dropoff of about 150 rushing yards from the previous two years, there may be something more to it as that is a drastic fall. The Eagles lost their top running back on top of it and will be breaking in a new quarterback to run the offense. Even though they do not throw it much, they are thin at receiver so if the running game cannot get back to old form, there could be real trouble. While the top three teams in the conference are not all playing each other, Georgia Southern must face Arkansas St., Troy and Appalachian St., the latter two on the road.

Season win total pick: Over 5

UL-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns (2016: 6-7 SU, 8-5 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +1400
Season win total: 5

Why to bet the Cajuns: The UL-Lafayette defense was one of the best in the conference last season and will be once again this year. The Cajuns bring back seven starters from a unit that finished No. 43 in the country in yards allowed. The rushing defense was the strength by allowing 129.6 ypg which was No. 24 in the nation and will be the strength again with the entire front four returning. The offense was adequate so losing five of those starters is not a big deal. The Cajuns do not have to play Troy so getting back to a bowl is made easier with that.

Why not to bet the Cajuns: Getting into the postseason will be made difficult with the way the Sun Belt schedule has been made as the four easiest games are at home while the four hardest are on the road. The non-conference schedule includes SE Louisiana which is a sure season opening win but it also includes three road games at Tulsa, Texas A&M and Mississippi and those are sure losses. The offense needs to carry some of the load and take the pressure off the defense but that will not be easy after the scoring offense ranked No. 109 and the total offense ranked No. 107 last season.

Season win total pick: Under 5

Idaho Vandals (2016: 9-4 SU, 9-4 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +1600
Season win total: 4.5

Why to bet the Vandals: Idaho matched a school record for victories with nine while making it to its third ever bowl game so there is plenty of momentum heading into the new season. There will also be plenty of motivation as this will be the last season in the FBS for the Vandals which are dropping down a level next year and playing out of the Big Sky Conference. That means this season they could be playing in their last bowl game ever. The offense will be a potent unit led by senior quarterback and four-year starter Matt Linehan. The defense held its own and should do so again.

Why not to bet the Vandals: The problem for the Vandals is their experience as they lost 12 starters, six on each side of the ball, from that special 2015 team. The passing attack led by Linehan must replace four of the top five receivers and the offensive line has three holes to fill. Defensively, everyone in the secondary has moved on. Four of the nine wins from last season were by a possession or less including three by three points and that is something that tends to reverse out the following season.

Season win total pick: Over 4.5

South Alabama Jaguars (2016: 6-7 SU, 3-10 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +2000
Season win total: 4

Why to bet the Jaguars: South Alabama went to its second ever bowl game last season but failed to claim its first postseason victory. Still, it was a successful season that saw the Jaguars upset Mississippi St. and San Diego St. while four of its losses came by a touchdown or less and the reason was simple for those tight losses. South Alabama was another team that stalled too much on offense as the Jaguars finished No. 92 in scoring offense. The Jaguars must replace the bulk of their receiving corps but they do have quarterback Dallas David back along with the entire offensive line.

Why not to bet the Jaguars: The passing attack was lackluster so breaking in a new group of receivers may take some time. They also must move on without the services of tight end Gerald Everett, a second-round pick in the NFL draft. The health of Davis is a big concern as he was banged up last season and he missed spring ball with a shoulder injury. While the offensive line comes back intact, it was not very good last season as the Jaguars were ranked No. 102 in rushing offense while allowing 31 sacks. Of their six road games, only two of those look to be winnable.

Season win total pick: Under 4

New Mexico St. Aggies (2016: 3-9 SU, 7-5 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +2000
Season win total: 3.5

Why to bet the Aggies: New Mexico St. has not been relevant for years as it has not had a winning season since 2002 and has not been to a bowl game since 2002. Those streaks look to come to an end this season as the Aggies return 15 starters which is tied for the second most in the conference. The offense was explosive at times last season but was way too inconsistent to even be competitive in most of their games. They were No. 64 in total offense but just No. 97 in scoring offense and it will be up to the redzone offense to get right. The defense has nowhere to go but up.

Why not to bet the Aggies: Or does it? The defense was atrocious last season as it came in No. 121 overall and in scoring and has a lot of ground to make up. New Mexico St. allowed 35 or more points in eight games last season and even if the offense can boost its scoring, giving up so many points will make for another long season. Last season was the fourth time in five years the defense generated 11 or fewer sacks. The schedule is brutal as the Aggies have three road games at Arkansas, Arizona St. and New Mexico in the non-conference slate and they must face the top five teams in the SBC.

Season win total pick: Over 3.5

Georgia St. Panthers (2016: 3-9 SU, 7-5 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +4000
Season win total: 5

Why to bet the Panthers: After going 1-23 in its first two season in the FBS, Georgia St. finished .500 and went to a bowl game in 2015 which makes last season that much more disappointing. Only two of the nine losses were by single-digits as it was rarely competitive. The Panthers have a lot of key components back on both sides of the ball and they also get the return of 2015 leading receiver Penny Hart who missed last season with a broken foot. The new coaching staff is bringing in an up-tempo style of offense and the pieces are in place for there to be success.

Why not to bet the Panthers: While the Panthers return 14 starters from last season, they returned 16 last year and the results were obviously not good. Experience is a good thing if the experience is talented and there are questions about some of the spots coming back. Namely, the offensive line. Georgia St. has never been a good rushing team as it has averaged over 100 ypg only once in four years at the FBS level but last season was a disaster as it averaged 87.7 ypg, third worst in the country. This area has to improve for the offense as a whole to get better but this could be too much to ask.

Season win total pick: Under 5

ULM Warhawks (2016: 4-8 SU, 6-6 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +4000
Season win total: 3.5

Why to bet the Warhawks: Last season was a rebuilding year for ULM coming off a 2-11 season in 2015 with a new head coach in Matt Viator. While things were not great, expectations were met and two losses by a combined five points were the difference between a 4-8 record and a possible bowl berth. The Warhawks expectations are a lot higher this season as they return 16 starters which is the most in the conference and ninth most in the nation. The offense had its moments but injuries played a part in late season struggles. A very experienced defense should show some serious improvements.

Why not to bet the Warhawks: The defense was so bad that even serious improvements may not be enough. ULM finished No. 119 in total defense and No. 122 in scoring defense as it regressed from what was a bad defense the year before. The Warhawks allowed over 400 yards on the ground three times and that cannot be fixed in one season. While the offense will be a notch better, the stop unit must go up several notches to produce more victories. The schedule is brutal with hardly any breathing room as they have no back-to-back home games.

Season win total pick: Under 3.5

Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (2016: N/A)

Odds to win the conference: +10000
Season win total: 4

Why to bet the Chanticleers: There was a lot of success for the Chanticleers at the FCS level as they have won 12, 12, 9 and 10 games the last four seasons and winning can carry forward, even if it may be to a higher level. They were 10-2 last season with the two losses coming by two points combined. The defense will be the strength of this team as they have seven starters back after allowing 17 points or fewer seven times. The Sun Belt has seen teams come in over the last few years and have success right away, Appalachian St. and Georgia Southern for example, so why not Coastal Carolina?

Why not to bet the Chanticleers: It is a big risk backing a team jumping up a level. While the winning attitude is there, the talent Coastal Carolina will have to face will be a challenge even if it is just the Sun Belt Conference. While the defense should be able to hold its own, the offense returns only five starters and they will be breaking in a new quarterback which is not an ideal situation for a team stepping up to the FBS. The Chanticleers have to play the top three teams in the conference including back-to-back road games at Arkansas St. and Appalachian St.

Season win total pick: Under 4

Texas St. Bobcats (2016: 2-10 SU, 5-7 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +15000
Season win total: 2.5

Why to bet the Bobcats: Texas St. upset Ohio in the season opener but then it was all downhill from there. The Bobcats did pick up another victory along the way against Incarnate Word of the FCS but of the 10 losses, only one was competitive. That gives Texas St. some value heading into this season as it will be on no one’s radar so it could pull a few surprises. The Bobcats have Mississippi St. transfer Damian Williams to take over at quarterback and he has the playmaking ability to keep defenses honest. The schedule is difficult but there are spots where they can have success.

Why not to bet the Bobcats: Texas St. finished No. 126 in total offense including dead last in the nation in rushing offense and No. 117 in total defense so fixing both areas is not going to happen. There is a lot of work to be done here and with the talent still not in place in some key areas, it is hard to imagine much of an improvement from last season. Williams should help the offense but he needs some semblance of a running game while the defense is undersized up front and the secondary is a total rebuild. A bad start could derail any optimism and turn this into a repeat of 2016.

Season win total pick: Over 2.5

ACC Conference Betting Preview
By: Steve Merril
Covers.com

Atlantic Division

Boston College Eagles (2016: 7-6 SU, 6-6-1 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +20000
Season win total: 4

Why to bet the Eagles: BC's defense is a strength led by Harold Landry up front. He had 16.5 sacks in 2016. Jon Hilliman was an effective running back in his limited time in the backfield. Three of their final four games are in the state of Massachusetts.

Why not to bet the Eagles: Quarterback is a big time question mark no matter who wins the job. The wide receiver group isn't that great either, so the defense will be in a lot of tight, low-scoring battles if they do their job. There are several tough games to start the schedule, especially in the first game with an interesting matchup at Northern Illinois.

Season win total pick: Under 4

Clemson Tigers (2016: 14-1 SU, 8-7 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +400
Season win total: 9.5

Why to bet the Tigers: Whoever is under center will have a great group of wide receivers to throw to. Deon Cain, Ray Ray McCloud and Hunter Renfrow are all very talented. The front line of Clemson's defense is going to have little trouble getting to the quarterback. Clelin Farrell, Christian Wilkins and Dexter Lawrence are fantastic as a group.

Why not to bet the Tigers: There will be a target on the national champ's backs, so we'll see how they handle being the hunted. The signal caller has yet to be decided and there will be growing pains trying to replace Deshaun Watson. Clemson gets Auburn and Louisville in the first three weeks of the season, so the new QB will not be eased into action. The team also has a tough road game at Virginia Tech at the end September.

Season win total pick: Under 9.5

Florida State Seminoles (2016: 10-3 SU, 8-4 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +100
Season win total: 9.5

Why to bet the Seminoles: Much like Clemson, Florida State's defense is led by their front line. The Seminoles do have one of the best corners in the conference in Tavarus McFadden. He had eight interceptions last year. Deondre Francois flashed some brilliance as quarterback in 2016 and will be a year older. He's a threat to leave the pocket.

Why not to bet the Seminoles: Unlike Clemson, FSU's wide receivers are unproven. On paper, the athleticism is there, but can they perform when it matters. The offensive line also has to replace some talent from last year. Games against Clemson, Florida and Alabama are all away from home. We've seen many good teams struggle after facing the Crimson Tide in a season opener.

Season win total pick: Over 9.5

Louisville Cardinals (2016: 9-4 SU, 5-7-1 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +600
Season win total: 9

Why to bet the Cardinals: Plain and simple, when you have Lamar Jackson you are going to win a lot of ballgames. The Heisman Trophy winner accounted for over 5,000 yards and 51 touchdowns in 2016. Reggie Bonnafon is a former quarterback that converted nicely to wide receiver. The team's secondary figures to be a strength led by Jaire Alexander.

Why not to bet the Cardinals: Jackson's weapons are very unproven and the offensive line is going to be young in spots. Jeremy Smith is a solid running back, but the quarterback could be asked to do more. The team played poorly at the end of last season with a three-game losing streak.

Season win total pick: Over 9

NC State Wolfpack (2016: 7-6 SU, 9-4 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +2500
Season win total: 7.5

Why to bet the Wolfpack: Eight starters are back on both sides of the ball, including pretty much all of the front seven on defense. Bradley Chubb would be getting talked about more if not for the copious amount of talent on the defensive line in this conference. Jaylen Samuels is such a weapon that NC State will line him up all over the field in different formations to get him open.

Why not to bet the Wolfpack: Ask almost any NC State fan about how their team performs with expectations. The Pack has consistently fallen short when people expect them to do well. For as good as the front seven will be, the secondary could be a weak point. Only Shawn Boone is back. They have a tough four-game stretch against Louisville, Pittsburgh, Notre Dame and Clemson.

Season win total pick: Under 7.5

Syracuse Orange (2016: 4-8 SU, 5-7 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +17500
Season win total: 4.5

Why to bet the Orange: Experience is huge with 19 starters back and an offense that is capable of keeping up with almost anyone. When healthy, Eric Dungey is a game changer with the ability to beat you on the ground and through the air. Amba Etta-Tawo had a great 2016 season at wide receiver so Steve Ishmael and Ervin Phillips could be busy.

Why not to bet the Orange: The majority of a defense that allowed 76 points in the season finale is back. The secondary was one of the worst in the country and could be under siege once again if the front line doesn't get pressure on the quarterback. They travel to LSU, Miami, Florida State and Louisville, so wins could be an issue late in the season.

Season win total pick: Over 4.5

Wake Forest Demon Deacons (2016: 7-6 SU, 8-5 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +17500
Season win total: 5.5

Why to bet the Demon Deacons: Confidence is high after finishing last season with a bowl victory over Temple. The offense showed some rare production that can be built on this year. Cade Carney is a bruising back, while Cam Serigne is a weapon across the middle of the field. The defense should continue to be a strength, despite losing their coordinator.

Why not to bet the Demon Deacons: Kendall Hinton and John Wolford are alright at quarterback, but their biggest problem is staying healthy. There is not much in the way of depth behind them. The defense has only five starters back so it might take time for them to gel. They've got four games on the road over a six-week stretch which includes a bye week.

Season win total pick: Under 5.5

Coastal Division

Duke Blue Devils (2016: 4-8 SU, 7-5 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +8000
Season win total: 5.5

Why to bet the Blue Devils: David Cutcliffe is a very good coach, especially on the offensive side of the ball where he has Daniel Jones back. The sophomore only had nine interceptions in 430 attempts in 2016 as a freshman. The Blue Devils have six of their first eight at home, so they can try and build some momentum there.

Why not to bet the Blue Devils: The skill positions on offense are solid, but unspectacular. There are a lot of question marks on defense especially in the secondary. Some of those early home games are against Northwestern, Baylor, Miami and Florida State, so wins will be tough. Duke is still trying to build a consistent fan base when it comes to football.

Season win total pick: Under 5.5

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (2016: 9-4 SU, 7-4-1 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +3000
Season win total: 6.5

Why to bet the Yellow Jackets: The triple-option will be in good hands with Matthew Jordan running things. He's got Clinton Lynch, J.J. Green and Dedrick Mills back at running back, along with four returning starters on the offensive line. The back end of the defense will be very experienced with everyone returning.

Why not to bet the Yellow Jackets: Special teams could be a struggle with a couple of freshmen in the mix at kicker and punter. The front seven is rather young, so getting to the quarterback might be an issue. They play UCF, Miami and Clemson on the road and none of those games will be easy. Conference opponents are becoming more familiar with defending the triple-option each season.

Season win total pick: Under 6.5

Miami Hurricanes (2016: 9-4 SU, 9-4 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +600
Season win total: 9

Why to bet the Hurricanes: Mark Walton and Ahmmon Richards are among the players on this offense that will bring back memories of the talented teams from the past. The defense also has a ton of talent returning led by Shaq Quarterman and Chad Thomas. The Hurricanes get three straight games at home at the beginning of November.

Why not to bet the Hurricanes: There are some tricky games out of conference with a trip to Arkansas State before a big matchup in Tallahassee against Florida State. They also host Toledo who will not be an easy out. The quarterback position is undecided since Brad Kaaya left. Malik Rosier and N'Kosi Perry are both highly touted, but are unproven on the field.

Season win total pick: Under 9

North Carolina Tar Heels (2016: 8-5 SU, 8-5 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +3500
Season win total: 7

Why to bet the Tar Heels: QB Mitchell Trubisky's departure was softened a bit by the pickup of Brandon Harris out of LSU. He has good experience and Austin Proehl out wide. Larry Fedora will do good things with this offense, especially if his preferred fast pace tires out the opposing defenses.

Why not to bet the Tar Heels: UNC's defense was better last year, but they still struggled against the run. There is returning talent on every level, but they need to show continued improvement. Running back is a potential weakness as they need to find a reliable ball carrier.

Season win total pick: Over 7

Pittsburgh Panthers (2016: 8-5 SU, 5-8 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +5000
Season win total: 7

Why to bet the Panthers: Much like the Heels, Pittsburgh got a nice transfer to help with their transition at quarterback. Nate Peterman is gone and USC's Max Browne steps in to replace him. He's has game breakers in Quadree Henderson and Jester Weah out wide, along with Qadree Ollison in the backfield. The offensive production should remain solid this season.

Why not to bet the Panthers: The defense took a pair of hits in the offseason when the coaching staff suspended Jordan Whitehead for three games and kicked defensive lineman Rori Blair off the team. They were two of the four returning starters from a group that allowed 35.2 points per game in 2016. Chris Blewitt is gone, so a new kicker has to step up.

Season win total pick: Under 7

Virginia Cavaliers (2016: 2-10 SU, 4-7-1 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +20000
Season win total: 5

Why to bet the Cavaliers: In a conference of talented defenses, the Cavaliers have Andrew Brown, Micah Kiser and Quin Blanding to rely on. It's nice to have a really good player on each level of the stop unit. Kurt Benkert provides some consistency at quarterback and the team hopes to use Olamide Zaccheaus more.

Why not to bet the Cavaliers: It's hard to get a winning attitude when you haven't been winning as a program. The offensive line has some holes to fill. While it's nice having the same quarterback returning from last year in Benkert, he wasn't that great, averaging just 6.3 yards per pass with only 56% completions. Virginia closes the season with tough games against Louisville, Miami and Virginia Tech.

Season win total pick: Over 5

Virginia Tech Hokies (2016: 10-4 SU, 8-6 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +900
Season win total: 9

Why to bet the Hokies: Bud Foster's defense will be strong once again with arguably the best secondary in the ACC. Brandon Facyson and Greg Stroman will be playing on Sundays and Adonis Alexander provides good depth. The linebackers should flow nicely to the ball led by Andrew Motuapuaka. Joey Slye is a good kicker to have in close games.

Why not to bet the Hokies: Jerod Evans' unexpected departure leaves a hole at quarterback where several players are vying for the position. Cam Phillips represents the lone known quantity at wide receiver with Isaiah Ford and Bucky Hodges leaving. The offense as a whole will take some time to improve. They jump right into the season with a tough game against West Virginia at FedEx Field in Maryland.

Season win total pick: Over 9

C-USA Conference Betting Preview
By: Steve Merril
Covers.com

East Division

Charlotte 49ers (2016: 4-8 SU, 5-7 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +15000
Season win total: 4

Why to bet the 49ers: Charlotte is in their third year as a FBS school, so they are starting to get more FBS level talent. Workpeh Kofa and T.L. Ford II are a solid pair of wide receivers for Hasaan Klugh to throw to. The defense was 35th against the rush last season and six starters are back.

Why not to bet the 49ers: The team is 1-9 against FBS opponents that finished above .500. The running back group is a mess. Larry Ogunjobi and Brandon Banks are gone so the defensive line will probably get pushed around which puts more pressure on the rest of the defense. Charlotte has to go to Kansas State, Western Kentucky, Old Dominion and Southern Miss this season.

Season win total pick: Under 4

Florida Atlantic Owls (2016: 3-9 SU, 2-9-1 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +2200
Season win total: 4.5

Why to bet the Owls: Lane Kiffin and Kendal Briles give legitimacy to this team especially on the offensive side of the ball. New head coach Kiffin has stepped up recruiting, so there's some talent in Boca Raton. De'Andre Johnson comes over after briefly being at Florida State to play quarterback. He's got Devin Singletary and Buddy Howell at running back and they combined for nearly 1,900 rushing yards in last year.

Why not to bet the Owls: The defense was horrendous last year allowing nearly 40 points per game. Trey Hendrickson has graduated and he was the program's career sack leader. There is also uncertainty with leading wide receiver Kalib Woods who was suspended indefinitely following his arrest. Opening up with Navy and Wisconsin is tough.

Season win total pick: Over 4.5

FIU Panthers (2016: 4-8 SU, 5-6-1 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +4500
Season win total: 4.5

Why to bet the Panthers: An intriguing hire with Butch Davis taking over as the new head coach. If Alex McGough can cut down on his turnovers this offense should flourish with Alex Gardner at running back and Thomas Owens out wide. Nine starters are back on defense and Brent Guy is a good coordinator to get them playing well.

Why not to bet the Panthers: The offensive line has just two starters back. FIU had only 17 sacks in 2016 so that will have to improve if they hope to pressure the opposing QB. Kicker could be an issue with freshman Jose Borregales hoping to replace Austin Taylor. Three of the first four games are on the road, including tilts at Central Florida and Indiana.

Season win total pick: Over 4.5

Marshall Thundering Herd (2016: 3-9 SU, 4-7-1 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +1900
Season win total: 5

Why to bet the Thundering Herd: Ryan Yurachek is the leading returning receiver and he's a solid weapon for Chase Litton who had 24 passing touchdowns with five of those going to Yurachek in 2016. On the defensive side, the secondary will be a lot better. They return Rodney Allen and Chris Jackson along with Kendall Gant.

Why not to bet the Thundering Herd: Outside of Yurachek, it is going to take some time to find WR and RB talent. Both of those groups are relatively young which means they'll be inconsistent. Marshall needs to find a kicker after missing six of their 10 field goal attempts last year. They've got three road games over the first five weeks.

Season win total pick: Under 5

MTSU Blue Raiders (2016: 8-5 SU, 6-6-1 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +550
Season win total: 7

Why to bet the Blue Raiders: Brent Stockstill is only a junior and getting better every season. Stockstill threw for 31 touchdowns to just seven interceptions in 2016. His top receiver Richie James is back and he accounted for almost 2,000 yards of offense. If Shane Tucker can stay healthy at running back, they will be good there as well.

Why not to bet the Blue Raiders: The offensive line will need to almost be completely rebuilt with just Chandler Brewer back as starter. The defense has eight starters back, but they allowed nearly 36 points per game in 2016. The front four needs to be completely replaced although Walter Brady comes in from Missouri.

Season win total pick: Under 7

Old Dominion Monarchs (2016: 10-3 SU, 8-4-1 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +1200
Season win total: 6.5

Why to bet the Monarchs: Confidence is high surrounding this team after they finished last year with six straight wins including a bowl victory over Eastern Michigan. They return 15 starters including running backs Ray Lawry and Jeremy Cox. Head coach Bobby Wilder has pieces to keep the offensive momentum going. Jonathan Duhart and Travis Fulgham will try to replace Zach Pascal who went to the pros.

Why not to bet the Monarchs: Quarterback is a question after David Washington departed. Blake LaRussa is among the candidates, but he has thrown only 24 passes in his college career. Linebacker could be a problem with the group being so young. How will the Monarchs handle being a target now after such a good season? They also play North Carolina and Virginia Tech out-of-conference.

Season win total pick: Over 6.5

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (2016: 11-3 SU, 7-7 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: -140
Season win total: 9.5

Why to bet the Hilltoppers: Mike White joins Stockstill as the best quarterbacks in the conference. White had just seven interceptions in 416 attempts so he knows how to prevent turnovers. D'Andre Ferby and Quinton Baker are a solid duo of running backs who could see more time with the wide receiver group losing some talent.

Why not to bet the Hilltoppers: Nicholas Norris, Taywan Taylor and Forrest Lamp all graduated so they have to be replaced in the lineup. The defense brings back five starters from a group that was 2nd in the nation against the run. Mike Sanford is only 35 years old, so we'll see how he handles being the head coach after being an assistant for so long.

Season win total pick: Under 9.5

West Division

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (2016: 9-5 SU, 8-6 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +550
Season win total: 8.5

Why to bet the Bulldogs: Skip Holtz has done good things at the school in his fifth season. He was able to bring over Teddy Veal from Tulane and Adrian Hardy who was once an Oklahoma signee to sure up the wide receiver corps. Jarred Craft and Boston Scott form a solid running back duo. Jaylon Ferguson is back at defensive end and he had 14.5 sacks in 2016.

Why not to bet the Bulldogs: There will be some pressure on QB J'mar Smith to succeed as he takes over for the graduated Ryan Higgins. Louisiana Tech was pretty bad against the pass last year and will need to break in new cornerbacks. They play at Western Kentucky and South Carolina in the first month of the season.

Season win total pick: Over 8.5

North Texas Mean Green (2016: 5-8 SU, 7-5-1 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +4500
Season win total: 4.5

Why to bet the Mean Green: The switch to a spread offense saw some success at times in 2016. Mason Fine got a lot of work as a freshman and was able to throw for almost 1,600 yards in 10 games. Jeffery Wilson is back for his senior season and he's rushed for almost 2,000 yards in his three-year career. The team is also in the second year of their 3-3-5 defensive scheme so there should be more improvement there.

Why not to bet the Mean Green: The offensive line allowed 43 sacks last year and will have to replace two starters in the middle. There's a lot of inexperience at wide receiver outside of Turner Smiley. Kicker Trevor Moore has hit just two field goals beyond 40 yards. They have road trips to Iowa, SMU, Southern Miss and Louisiana Tech, so the schedule is pretty tough.

Season win total pick: Over 4.5

Rice Owls (2016: 3-9 SU, 6-5-1 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +4500
Season win total: 3.5

Why to bet the Owls: There's not a lot to like about the Owls this coming season. They do return all five starters from the offensive line, so whoever wins the quarterback race should have some time in the pocket. On defense there are seven starters back with Emmanuel Ellerbee leading the way with 118 tackles and 3.5 sacks.

Why not to bet the Owls: Three different candidates are vying for the quarterback job with two of them being sophomores J.T. Granato and Jackson Tyner. The defense last year allowed 30 points or more nine times and gave up over 500 yards per game on average. They are scrapping the 4-2-5 defensive format for multiple fronts which they hope will confuse opposing offenses. Special teams is weak. The Owls open with three straight games away from home.

Season win total pick: Under 3.5

Southern Miss Golden Eagles (2016: 7-6 SU, 4-8-1 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +1000
Season win total: 7

Why to bet the Golden Eagles: The offense has the pieces in place to be as strong as they were last year. Virtually everyone who caught or ran the ball in 2016 is back led by Ito Smith at running back and Allenzae Staggers out wide. The defense was 10th against the pass in 2016 and three of the five starters return this year.

Why not to bet the Golden Eagles: Kwadra Griggs and Keon Howard are going after the quarterback job. Howard had four interceptions and one touchdown pass in 50 attempts last year. The offensive line is going to have to fill some holes with three of the five starters gone. Defensively, the depth chart looks to be filled with juniors and seniors, but will they play like veterans?

Season win total pick: Over 7

UAB Blazers (2016: 0-0 SU, 0-0 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +15000
Season win total: 2.5

Why to bet the Blazers: Bill Clark was able to extract six wins from his first UAB team back in 2014. He's the right man to take over a program built almost completely from scratch. Shaq Jones played for the team and was the third leading tackler that year. He decided to stay on campus and will be counted on as a senior.

Why not to bet the Blazers: It's going to take some time for this team to re-accumulate talent as they have not played a real game the past two years. The quarterback options aren't that great while the skill positions are underwhelming. This is a team that may see some ugly scores especially early on. They have a five-game stretch beginning in late October with four road tilts.

Season win total pick: Over 2.5

UTEP Miners (2016: 4-8 SU, 5-6-1 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +20000
Season win total: 2.5

Why to bet the Miners: It's going to be another long season for UTEP, but at least they have a strong offensive line back. The team rushed for over 180 yards per game in 2016, but will be without RB Aaron Jones. Seven returnees on defense gives the fans hope that they will improve upon their 34.9 points per game allowed last year.

Why not to bet the Miners: Jones was such a big part of the offense and now the running back position is left to Joshua Fields and Walter Dawn. The team was hoping Quadraiz Wadley would take over, but he got hurt in the spring and is out for the season. They are also looking for a kicker after making just five field goals last year.

Season win total pick: Under 2.5

UTSA Roadrunners (2016: 6-7 SU, 7-6 ATS)

Odds to win the conference: +700
Season win total: 6.5

Why to bet the Roadrunners: Both sides of the ball experienced fantastic improvement last year which should continue with 13 total starters back this season. Marcus Davenport was second team all-conference in 2016 with 6.5 sacks. He's back along with four others in the front-six of the 4-2-5 defensive alignment. They avoid both Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee on the schedule.

Why not to bet the Roadrunners: This is a balanced group across the board that should contend in the Western Division. They could use some improvement at kicker where two guys will combine to do the job. Opening up the season with Houston and Baylor will likely lead to a 0-2 SU start.

Season win total pick: Over 6.5