NCAA Football Gambling Predictions: Big 12
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When handicapping NCAA football odds for the Big 12 Conference in 2009, you’ll likely come across two different types of thinkers. Some people feel this division will once again be a two-horse race between Texas and Oklahoma while others feel upstart Nebraska and Kansas will emerge to challenge them. What does 2009 hold in store for the Big 12?
Oklahoma shares co-favorite honors with Texas at +150. With their amazingly potent offense, it’s no wonder the Sooners top so many Big 12 predictions lists. 2009 won’t be without adversity, as Oklahoma’s O-line, considered the best in college football by many last season, lost four crucial regulars. However, if Oklahoma could overcome the NCAA’s toughest schedule and still reach the national title game last year, it can handle the O-line issues. Sam Bradford is back and fresh off a 50-touchdown season and Heisman Trophy; he’ll have another banner year with weapons like tight end Jermaine Gresham at his disposal. Running Backs Chris Brown and DeMarco Murray both proved their worth with 1,000-yard seasons last year.
What could really put the Sooners over the top in 2009 is the defense, as the entire unit returns this season and should improve on its already-solid pass rush.
The Texas Longhorns are also listed at +150 and they’re enough of a match for Oklahoma that the Red River Shootout between the two teams on October 17 should determine the Big 12 champ. Like Oklahoma, Texas boasts a Heisman-caliber quarterback in Colt McCoy. He threw 34 touchdown passes last season and showed underrated mobility by running for 11 scores on 561 yards. He also completed an absurd 77 per cent of his passes. One possible advantage for Texas over Oklahoma: the Longhorns’ entire offensive line returns. They’ll be a well oiled machine.
I’m betting defense decides the battle between the “big two,” and Texas will lose that battle. Texas lost an end, a corner and two linebackers from their 2008 starters and that may be the difference against Oklahoma’s potent offense.
Nebraska is not far behind at +250. The Cornhuskers have some good weapons at receiver and especially running back with Roy Helu Jr. ready to become a star. However, they’re starting a new quarterback in Zac Lee, who threw two passes last season. It’s absurd to think Nebraska can come anywhere near Oklahoma and Texas’ offensive prowess.
Nebraska’s defense will be solid as long as Ndamukong Suh is swallowing runners and rushing passers from the tackle position, but the Cornhuskers need to force more turnovers. Overall, they’ll be a solid team but the passing game isn’t good enough to make them elite.
Also listed at +250 is Kansas, and the Jayhawks are far better sleeper pick than Nebraska. Their offense is actually good enough to hang with the big boys; the passing attack was eighth in the nation, led by capable pivot Todd Reesing and outstanding wide receiver Dezmon Briscoe, who had 1,400-plus yards in 2008. Kansas’ run defense even ranked 28th in the nation, so this is a team that could surprise. Kansas has a brutal schedule, facing Texas, Oklahoma and Texas Tech, but the Jayhawks are good enough to pull off an upset.
Rounding out the contender list are the Missouri Tigers at +800. No sportsbook software will tell you to legitimately consider them this year, though, as they’re a shadow of the 2008 group that ranked eighth in the country in total offense. Chase Daniel, Jeremy Maclin – you name the standout offensive starter and he’s gone. Missouri has to rely on untested sophomore quarterback Blaine Gabbert. Also, defensive tackle Evander Hood and safety William Moore are NFL-bound, so the “D” should regress too.
Missouri’s chance for BCS contention was last season; 2009 could be a flop.
NCAA football prediction: Oklahoma Sooners
