One doesn’t always have to wait to determine the wisdom of one’s wagers on season win totals. While generally true, consider some wagers that already appear to be near “lock” status.
IOWA over 8.5 +130
Cash it! Not only have the Hawkeyes already triumphed over two ranked teams, road games at Nebraska and Northwestern appear less daunting than 3 weeks ago.
LSU under 8.5
The upset loss to UCLA spelled major trouble . That UCLA was superior on both lines of scrimmage added fuel to the flames. LSU’s crossover games with the SEC East are with two teams more impressive than previously thought (Florida, at Kentucky). Arkansas, Ole Miss and Mississippi State all look better than advertised. The Odyssey expects LSU to do no better than 3-5 with this brutal SEC slate (How brutal?? We have not mentioned Alabama, Auburn and A&M!!!).
Ed O might want to put his house up for sale while the market is still hot.
Michigan over 7.5
The Odyssey doubted Michigan’s roster, lack of successful recruiting in Ohio and Jim Harbaugh’s acumen. OOPS! After watching the Blue “Cave Man” Washington on Saturday night, we apologize. Like Iowa, their dates with Nebraska and Northwestern appear less imposing. Even if Michigan loses at Wisconsin, at Penn State and Ohio State, the Wolverines would have to lose 2 additional games to come to 5 losses While this is possible (Resurgent Rutgers, Maryland, resurgent MSU and Indiana are all capable of beating UM), Harbaugh looks much more at home running the ball and using about 17 tight ends.
Utah State over 3 -135
Cash it! The Aggies won their opener as a 17-point dog at Washington State. Then, they spotted an excellent FCS team, North Dakota, a two-touchdown lead and roared back with a scintillating second half.
Utah State still has games left with UNLV and both New Mexicos. Yumm! Plus, playing at home will be quite helpful against Hawaii and Colorado State. CASH IT!
Congrats to Utah State for finally getting the right Anderson as coach! Last year, the Aggies fired Gary “The Quitter” Anderson and then hired Blake Anderson. Brilliant move!
Clemson under 11.5 -130
You could literally have cashed this two weeks ago after Georgia’s defense ruled the day.
There are two additional season totals that have been impacted by nail-biters in the first two weeks.
Notre Dame over 8.5
Two thrilling wins over Florida State and Toledo have kept this bet alive. However, do not get too giddy by dodging these bullets if you hold this ticket. I have never seen a schedule where a team has to play 6 teams coming off a bye! For example, Wisconsin has 2 weeks to get ready for their September 25 date at Soldier Field. For this over to cash, we would highly recommend that the Irish beat Wisconsin because their remaining schedule looks awfully tough. Road games at Virginia Tech, Virginia and Stanford all look more difficult than thought in pre-season.
Bowling Green under 1.5
This bet was on major life support late in the 4th quarter with Bowling Green fooling the betting public, holding a 19-12 lead over South Alabama in Northern Ohio with two minutes to go. Alas, the Falcons lost 22-19.