[h=1]Texas 2018 Betting Preview: Back Longhorns to Reach Big 12 Title Game[/h]Collin WilsonJul 31, 2018 / 9:12 AM EDT
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[FONT="][h=2]Texas 2018 Betting Odds[/h]
[h=2]Texas 2018 Schedule, Betting Odds[/h]The Action Network Projected Wins: 7.9
[h=2]Bet To Watch[/h]Texas to make Big 12 championship game +142
You’re up $500 at blackjack and walking out of the casino with money in your pocket. You found a hot shoe, doubled down against 5 and 6 and hit 16 against a face card like a boss. This is the way I feel when betting on Texas Longhorns football and cashing winning tickets over the past decade. Sadly, there are still no casinos in the state of Texas.
Texas has covered the Red River Rivalry against Oklahoma every year since 2013, winning straight-up as a dog twice. As a college football bettor, you should know this is an autoplay, and the game of the year numbers at South Point in Las Vegas reflected that. Longhorns +12 was quickly moved to Longhorns +6 after opening.
>> Follow Collin Wilson in The Action Network App to get free alerts on all his college football bets during the season.
History is one part of that move. Expectations for Texas in 2018 are another. It ranks 55th in overall returning productionand returns a lot on offense, but is still lacking a proven star. The Longhorns will have loads of depth on defense in every unit, too. They just need quarterback Sam Ehlinger to improve the team’s 106th ranking in offensive efficiency — he hasn’t officially been named the starter, but is favored to get the nod over Shane Buechele after they competed for the job all last season.
The hire of Herb Hand as offensive line coach did not go unnoticed in the gambling world, either, and this finally may be THE season that Texas puts it together and wins double-digit games again.
Will Baizer@WillBaizer
Sam Ehlinger to Armanti Foreman to put Texas ahead of the #4 USC Trojans. Unbelievable. #HookEm
12:16 AM - Sep 17, 2017
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While Maryland will be an interesting road test to start the season, the Longhorns will leave the state of Texas only three times after that (Kansas State, Oklahoma State and Kansas). The talent is as high as ever, the coaching staff is highly regarded and the schedule is very conducive to a Big 12 championship run. There are props on making the Big 12 title game at 5Dimes, and Texas at +142 deserves a wager. The Longhorns could be underdogs only twice in 2018, according to The Action Network’s projections.
[h=2]What else you need to know about Texas[/h]Texas held a fourth-quarter lead against USC last year. The Trojans rank 115th in returning production and will still be figuring out life beyond Sam Darnold when these teams meet on Sept. 15. The Longhorns will be looking for revenge with some home cooking in Austin. Take Texas -4, which is available now at 5Dimes.
[h=1]Texas Tech 2018 Betting Preview: A Big 12 Dark Horse Thanks To … Defense?[/h]Collin WilsonJul 31, 2018 / 11:38 AM EDT
[h=2]Texas Tech 2018 Betting Odds[/h]
[h=2]Texas Tech 2018 Schedule, Betting Odds[/h]The Action Network Projected Wins: 5.5
[h=2]Bet To Watch[/h]Texas Tech over 6 wins (-135)
Everything is lining up for Kliff Kingsbury to have his biggest season in Lubbock yet. Take a look at this “blind” resume — it will make you want to bet over on the win total and get some futures action down:
>> Follow Collin Wilson in The Action Network App to get free alerts on all his college football bets during the season.
Once you realize it’s Texas Tech, and that Kingsbury is on the hottest of seats, it takes off some of the shine. Texas Tech is well-aware that the defense will be the moneymaker in a conference full of offense.
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Texas Tech will be a 6-point favorite or more in three home games (Lamar, Houston and Kansas). This leaves about seven games all lined within a touchdown. The Red Raiders play four true road games, with the only tricky schedule spot a trip to Iowa State with the Cyclones coming off a bye. With a rapidly improving defense, stellar offensive line and favorable schedule for Texas Tech, we’ll take the Over 6 (-135). The offense always figures itself out in Lubbock.
[h=2]What else you need to know about Texas Tech[/h]The Big 12 runs a round-robin schedule with the top two teams going to the title game. While we expect Oklahoma to always be in this championship, the race for second is wide open.
If there is a tiebreaker in play, it may be an advantage that Texas Tech has Oklahoma, West Virginia and Texas on its home slate, since those teams will be vying for that spot and the Red Raiders could have wins over them.
It’s a little degenerate, but this is also Big 12 betting, where anything can happen. Throw some couch change on Texas Tech +1250 to reach the Big 12 championship game. I did.
[h=1]Oklahoma 2018 Betting Preview: Kyler Murray Should Lead Sooners to Big 12 Glory[/h]Collin WilsonAug 1, 2018 / 1:24 PM EDT
[h=2]Oklahoma 2018 Betting Odds[/h]
[h=2]Oklahoma 2018 Schedule, Betting Odds[/h]The Action Network Projected Wins: 10.3
[h=2]Bet To Watch[/h]Oklahoma to win the Big 12 +132
The Sooners went through big changes this offseason, headlined by Heisman-winning quarterback Baker Mayfield’s departure. Not to be overlooked, however, is the fact that Oklahoma’s defense ranks 106th in returning production, and it struggled at times even with all that experience (101st in defensive S&P+).
But the Sooners remain in great hands under center. Kyler Murray — who was selected ninth overall by the Oakland Athletics in this year’s MLB draft — will be allowed to play quarterback for Oklahoma this season despite being signed for nearly $5 million.
If you’ve never watched Murray — a former 5-star recruit who played at Texas A&M — run an offense, you may want to buckle your seatbelt. He averaged just 5.7 yards per pass attempt in 2015 for the Aggies, but has run for 7.1 yards per carry in his career. He’s an elite athlete who can make plays in a lot of ways.
Ted Nguyen
✔@FB_FilmAnalysis
Film analysis: Oklahoma QB Kyler Murray’s elite skillsethttps://theathletic.com/423375/2018/07/11/film-analysis-oklahoma-qb-kyler-murrays-elite-skillset/ …
- Why he has a shot at the Heisman
- How Murray affects OU run game
- What passing traits he's shown so far
6:06 PM - Jul 11, 2018
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Not many other schools could lose a Heisman-caliber quarterback and not miss a beat on offense, but Oklahoma is the exception. I expect the Sooners, who are two deep on the offensive line, to have similar numbers on offense as they did last year when they ranked first overall in offensive S&P+, third in points per game and second in explosiveness. Yes, Murray will be that electric in this offense.
>> Follow Collin Wilson in The Action Network App to get free alerts on all his college football bets during the season.
The defense is where things start to get dicey. Oklahoma loses half of its sacks from 2017, and the secondary will be full of fresh faces. Teams that can throw the ball down the field could give OU issues, but in the Big 12, that is limited to Texas Tech, Oklahoma State and West Virginia. The Red Raiders and Pokes will each be going through offensive personnel changes. Meanwhile, Will Grier and West Virginia should have field day with this secondary.
With the new round-robin rules and a conference title game that will feature the best two teams from the conference, I think there’s good value on Oklahoma to win the Big 12 at +132. Is there any possible scenario Oklahoma does NOT finish in first or second? Yes, but it’s highly unlikely, and if the Sooners make the title game, Oklahoma will almost certainly be the favorite, which will present a good hedge opportunity.
[h=2]What else you need to know about Oklahoma[/h]There’s a real chance Oklahoma loses to West Virginia on Nov. 23. At that point, the Sooners may have already qualified for the Big 12 Championship Game and — if they are 11-0 — could still make the College Football Playoff with a loss.
On the flip side, West Virginia will likely have all kinds of motivation for the game. The Mountaineers could be fighting for a bowl game, a chance to play in the Big 12 Championship or for Grier’s Heisman campaign. The current number of West Virginia +7 is available, but I am waiting until the Sooners’ hype machine kicks in. This spread could be north of 10 if Oklahoma comes in undefeated.
[h=1]Iowa State Betting Preview: Cyclones Still Steaming Upward Under Campbell[/h]Collin WilsonJul 31, 2018 / 4:30 PM EDT
[h=2]Iowa State 2018 Betting Odds[/h]
[h=2]Iowa State 2018 Schedule, Betting Odds[/h]The Action Network Projected Wins: 7.2
[h=2]Bet To Watch[/h]Iowa State Over 6.5 Wins (-110)
Iowa State coach Matt Campbell’s stock continues to climb, although this year, his Cyclones will not sneak up on anybody. Iowa State pulled off stunning wins over Oklahoma and TCU in 2017, but the Cyclones ultimately tripped up in their quest to make the Big 12 championship game thanks to close losses to Oklahoma State and Kansas State.
>> Follow Collin Wilson in The Action Network App to get free alerts on all his college football bets during the season.
Iowa State is set under center after Kyle Kempt was granted a sixth season of eligibility. The offensive line — which returns roughly half of its production — must improve its adjusted line yards, opportunity rate and stuff rate (all of which ranked outside the top 100 last season). Any improvement from the offensive line will be big, as running back David Montgomery is an exciting talent. He was running for his life in the backfield a season ago.
The 3-4 defense excelled last year, improving from 95th to 32nd according to S&P+. The bulk of that defense returns, and the Cyclones will play five home conference games this season. Oklahoma visits Ames looking for revenge, but it will ultimately be road games against TCU, Oklahoma State and Texas that will decide if the Cyclones get to the Big 12 championship.
With plenty of returning experience, a coach on the rise and a friendlier schedule, there is value on backing Iowa State to win over 6.5 games.
[h=2]What else you need to know about Iowa State[/h]Would I ever suggest betting on the Akron Zips when they travel on the road? No, but if you are a fan of situational spots, this may be your cup of tea.
>> Get a 7-day free trial to access all of our premium college football articles and exclusive betting data.
Iowa State hosts Oklahoma on Sept. 15, then is home against Akron the following Saturday before traveling to TCU on Sept. 29. Akron will have plenty of issues this season, but this is a spot to back Kato Nelson and the Zips.
[h=2]TCU 2018 Betting Odds[/h]
[h=2]TCU 2018 Schedule, Betting Odds[/h]The Action Network Projected Wins: 7.4
[h=2]Bet To Watch[/h]TCU Over 7.5 Wins (-125)
The Horned Frogs have an extremely talented roster, but they do lack experience. Shawn Robinson takes over as the new quarterback in Fort Worth for an offense that ranks 116th in returning production. However, head coach Gary Patterson has put together top-30 recruiting classes consistently in the past several years, which should allow TCU to quickly reload at the skill positions. Offensive line is a different story — Patterson described that unit as a work in progress. Robinson may be scrambling early and often this season.
TCU Football
✔@TCUFootball
Play
: There goes #DeSoto's @ShawnRobinson_! #TCUTop100
12:00 PM - Jul 2, 2018
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The TCU defense will be the same as always. The Horned Frogs have ranked in the top 40 in efficiency on that side of the ball in recent years, but they have always allowed big plays. Over the past three years, TCU has a defensive explosiveness rank of 102nd, 105th and 128th. If TCU wants to join the Big 12 championship and/or College Football Playoff discussion, it will need a few playmakers to step up and improve that defensive deficiency.
>> Follow Collin Wilson in The Action Network App to get free alerts on all his college football bets during the season.
TCU will open the year at home against Southern and then travel in-state to take on SMU. That’s a potential tough spot, as it takes on Ohio State at AT&T Stadium in Arlington the next week.
However, the schedule then becomes very favorable after that date with the Buckeyes. Not only do the Horned Frogs benefit from five home conference games, they will leave the state of Texas only twice (Kansas, West Virginia). Considering I project TCU as the favorite in every November game, I think you have to look at over 7.5 wins. I also think we will have ample opportunity to hedge if necessary at some point during the final five games.
[h=2]What else you need to know about TCU[/h]I would look to sell TCU against Ohio State in that early season showdown. It’s really a nightmare matchup for the Horned Frogs, who will need time to build experience along a raw offensive line. Nick Bosa and the Buckeyes defensive line could have an absolute field day on Sept. 15.
Additionally, Ohio State has two of the most explosive playmakers in the nation with Dwayne Haskins and J.K. Dobbins. That spells disaster for a TCU defense that has struggled to contain explosiveness, as I mentioned earlier. I smell a blowout and would recommend the Ohio State -12 game of the year line.
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[h=1]Iowa State Betting Preview: Cyclones Still Steaming Upward Under Campbell[/h]Collin WilsonJul 31, 2018 / 4:30 PM EDT
[FONT="][/FONT]
[FONT="][h=2]Iowa State 2018 Betting Odds[/h]
[h=2]Iowa State 2018 Schedule, Betting Odds[/h]The Action Network Projected Wins: 7.2
[h=2]Bet To Watch[/h]Iowa State Over 6.5 Wins (-110)
Iowa State coach Matt Campbell’s stock continues to climb, although this year, his Cyclones will not sneak up on anybody. Iowa State pulled off stunning wins over Oklahoma and TCU in 2017, but the Cyclones ultimately tripped up in their quest to make the Big 12 championship game thanks to close losses to Oklahoma State and Kansas State.
>> Follow Collin Wilson in The Action Network App to get free alerts on all his college football bets during the season.
Iowa State is set under center after Kyle Kempt was granted a sixth season of eligibility. The offensive line — which returns roughly half of its production — must improve its adjusted line yards, opportunity rate and stuff rate (all of which ranked outside the top 100 last season). Any improvement from the offensive line will be big, as running back David Montgomery is an exciting talent. He was running for his life in the backfield a season ago.
The 3-4 defense excelled last year, improving from 95th to 32nd according to S&P+. The bulk of that defense returns, and the Cyclones will play five home conference games this season. Oklahoma visits Ames looking for revenge, but it will ultimately be road games against TCU, Oklahoma State and Texas that will decide if the Cyclones get to the Big 12 championship.
With plenty of returning experience, a coach on the rise and a friendlier schedule, there is value on backing Iowa State to win over 6.5 games.
[h=2]What else you need to know about Iowa State[/h]Would I ever suggest betting on the Akron Zips when they travel on the road? No, but if you are a fan of situational spots, this may be your cup of tea.
>> Get a 7-day free trial to access all of our premium college football articles and exclusive betting data.
Iowa State hosts Oklahoma on Sept. 15, then is home against Akron the following Saturday before traveling to TCU on Sept. 29. Akron will have plenty of issues this season, but this is a spot to back Kato Nelson and the Zips.
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[FONT="][h=2]Texas 2018 Betting Odds[/h]
- To win the National Title: +5000
- To win the Big 12: +325
- To reach Big 12 title: +142
- To make Playoff: Yes +650, No -1175
- To make NY6 Bowl: Yes +200, No -280
- Win Total: 8.5 (over -135, under +115)
[h=2]Texas 2018 Schedule, Betting Odds[/h]The Action Network Projected Wins: 7.9
[h=2]Bet To Watch[/h]Texas to make Big 12 championship game +142
You’re up $500 at blackjack and walking out of the casino with money in your pocket. You found a hot shoe, doubled down against 5 and 6 and hit 16 against a face card like a boss. This is the way I feel when betting on Texas Longhorns football and cashing winning tickets over the past decade. Sadly, there are still no casinos in the state of Texas.
Texas has covered the Red River Rivalry against Oklahoma every year since 2013, winning straight-up as a dog twice. As a college football bettor, you should know this is an autoplay, and the game of the year numbers at South Point in Las Vegas reflected that. Longhorns +12 was quickly moved to Longhorns +6 after opening.
>> Follow Collin Wilson in The Action Network App to get free alerts on all his college football bets during the season.
History is one part of that move. Expectations for Texas in 2018 are another. It ranks 55th in overall returning productionand returns a lot on offense, but is still lacking a proven star. The Longhorns will have loads of depth on defense in every unit, too. They just need quarterback Sam Ehlinger to improve the team’s 106th ranking in offensive efficiency — he hasn’t officially been named the starter, but is favored to get the nod over Shane Buechele after they competed for the job all last season.
The hire of Herb Hand as offensive line coach did not go unnoticed in the gambling world, either, and this finally may be THE season that Texas puts it together and wins double-digit games again.
Will Baizer@WillBaizer
Sam Ehlinger to Armanti Foreman to put Texas ahead of the #4 USC Trojans. Unbelievable. #HookEm
12:16 AM - Sep 17, 2017
While Maryland will be an interesting road test to start the season, the Longhorns will leave the state of Texas only three times after that (Kansas State, Oklahoma State and Kansas). The talent is as high as ever, the coaching staff is highly regarded and the schedule is very conducive to a Big 12 championship run. There are props on making the Big 12 title game at 5Dimes, and Texas at +142 deserves a wager. The Longhorns could be underdogs only twice in 2018, according to The Action Network’s projections.
[h=2]What else you need to know about Texas[/h]Texas held a fourth-quarter lead against USC last year. The Trojans rank 115th in returning production and will still be figuring out life beyond Sam Darnold when these teams meet on Sept. 15. The Longhorns will be looking for revenge with some home cooking in Austin. Take Texas -4, which is available now at 5Dimes.
[h=1]Texas Tech 2018 Betting Preview: A Big 12 Dark Horse Thanks To … Defense?[/h]Collin WilsonJul 31, 2018 / 11:38 AM EDT
[h=2]Texas Tech 2018 Betting Odds[/h]
- To win the National Title: +200000
- To win the Big 12: +4000
- To reach Big 12 title game: +1250
- Win Total: 6 (over -135, under +105)
[h=2]Texas Tech 2018 Schedule, Betting Odds[/h]The Action Network Projected Wins: 5.5
[h=2]Bet To Watch[/h]Texas Tech over 6 wins (-135)
Everything is lining up for Kliff Kingsbury to have his biggest season in Lubbock yet. Take a look at this “blind” resume — it will make you want to bet over on the win total and get some futures action down:
- Defense moved from 125th to 88th in S&P+ rankings, and ranks second in the country in returning production for 2018.
- An all-Big 12 kicker returns from injury, an area that cost the team wins against Kansas State and West Virginia last season.
- The offense consistently ranks high in efficiency and explosiveness, but must replace almost every skill position and the quarterback. In contrast, all five offensive linemen return, a unit that played 11 of 12 games together in 2017.
>> Follow Collin Wilson in The Action Network App to get free alerts on all his college football bets during the season.
Once you realize it’s Texas Tech, and that Kingsbury is on the hottest of seats, it takes off some of the shine. Texas Tech is well-aware that the defense will be the moneymaker in a conference full of offense.
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Texas Tech will be a 6-point favorite or more in three home games (Lamar, Houston and Kansas). This leaves about seven games all lined within a touchdown. The Red Raiders play four true road games, with the only tricky schedule spot a trip to Iowa State with the Cyclones coming off a bye. With a rapidly improving defense, stellar offensive line and favorable schedule for Texas Tech, we’ll take the Over 6 (-135). The offense always figures itself out in Lubbock.
[h=2]What else you need to know about Texas Tech[/h]The Big 12 runs a round-robin schedule with the top two teams going to the title game. While we expect Oklahoma to always be in this championship, the race for second is wide open.
If there is a tiebreaker in play, it may be an advantage that Texas Tech has Oklahoma, West Virginia and Texas on its home slate, since those teams will be vying for that spot and the Red Raiders could have wins over them.
It’s a little degenerate, but this is also Big 12 betting, where anything can happen. Throw some couch change on Texas Tech +1250 to reach the Big 12 championship game. I did.
[h=1]Oklahoma 2018 Betting Preview: Kyler Murray Should Lead Sooners to Big 12 Glory[/h]Collin WilsonAug 1, 2018 / 1:24 PM EDT
[h=2]Oklahoma 2018 Betting Odds[/h]
- To win the National Title: +3150
- To win the Big 12: +132
- To reach Big 12 title game: -168
- To make Playoff: Yes +460, No -700
- To play in NY6 Bowl: Yes -155, No +115
- Win Total: 10 (over -130, under +110)
[h=2]Oklahoma 2018 Schedule, Betting Odds[/h]The Action Network Projected Wins: 10.3
[h=2]Bet To Watch[/h]Oklahoma to win the Big 12 +132
The Sooners went through big changes this offseason, headlined by Heisman-winning quarterback Baker Mayfield’s departure. Not to be overlooked, however, is the fact that Oklahoma’s defense ranks 106th in returning production, and it struggled at times even with all that experience (101st in defensive S&P+).
But the Sooners remain in great hands under center. Kyler Murray — who was selected ninth overall by the Oakland Athletics in this year’s MLB draft — will be allowed to play quarterback for Oklahoma this season despite being signed for nearly $5 million.
If you’ve never watched Murray — a former 5-star recruit who played at Texas A&M — run an offense, you may want to buckle your seatbelt. He averaged just 5.7 yards per pass attempt in 2015 for the Aggies, but has run for 7.1 yards per carry in his career. He’s an elite athlete who can make plays in a lot of ways.
Ted Nguyen
✔@FB_FilmAnalysis
Film analysis: Oklahoma QB Kyler Murray’s elite skillsethttps://theathletic.com/423375/2018/07/11/film-analysis-oklahoma-qb-kyler-murrays-elite-skillset/ …
- Why he has a shot at the Heisman
- How Murray affects OU run game
- What passing traits he's shown so far
6:06 PM - Jul 11, 2018
Not many other schools could lose a Heisman-caliber quarterback and not miss a beat on offense, but Oklahoma is the exception. I expect the Sooners, who are two deep on the offensive line, to have similar numbers on offense as they did last year when they ranked first overall in offensive S&P+, third in points per game and second in explosiveness. Yes, Murray will be that electric in this offense.
>> Follow Collin Wilson in The Action Network App to get free alerts on all his college football bets during the season.
The defense is where things start to get dicey. Oklahoma loses half of its sacks from 2017, and the secondary will be full of fresh faces. Teams that can throw the ball down the field could give OU issues, but in the Big 12, that is limited to Texas Tech, Oklahoma State and West Virginia. The Red Raiders and Pokes will each be going through offensive personnel changes. Meanwhile, Will Grier and West Virginia should have field day with this secondary.
With the new round-robin rules and a conference title game that will feature the best two teams from the conference, I think there’s good value on Oklahoma to win the Big 12 at +132. Is there any possible scenario Oklahoma does NOT finish in first or second? Yes, but it’s highly unlikely, and if the Sooners make the title game, Oklahoma will almost certainly be the favorite, which will present a good hedge opportunity.
[h=2]What else you need to know about Oklahoma[/h]There’s a real chance Oklahoma loses to West Virginia on Nov. 23. At that point, the Sooners may have already qualified for the Big 12 Championship Game and — if they are 11-0 — could still make the College Football Playoff with a loss.
On the flip side, West Virginia will likely have all kinds of motivation for the game. The Mountaineers could be fighting for a bowl game, a chance to play in the Big 12 Championship or for Grier’s Heisman campaign. The current number of West Virginia +7 is available, but I am waiting until the Sooners’ hype machine kicks in. This spread could be north of 10 if Oklahoma comes in undefeated.
[h=1]Iowa State Betting Preview: Cyclones Still Steaming Upward Under Campbell[/h]Collin WilsonJul 31, 2018 / 4:30 PM EDT
[h=2]Iowa State 2018 Betting Odds[/h]
- To win the National Title: +60000
- To win the Big 12: +2700
- To make Playoff: Yes +8000, No -26000
- Reach Big 12 Championship: +800
- Win Total: 6.5 (over -110, under -110)
[h=2]Iowa State 2018 Schedule, Betting Odds[/h]The Action Network Projected Wins: 7.2
[h=2]Bet To Watch[/h]Iowa State Over 6.5 Wins (-110)
Iowa State coach Matt Campbell’s stock continues to climb, although this year, his Cyclones will not sneak up on anybody. Iowa State pulled off stunning wins over Oklahoma and TCU in 2017, but the Cyclones ultimately tripped up in their quest to make the Big 12 championship game thanks to close losses to Oklahoma State and Kansas State.
>> Follow Collin Wilson in The Action Network App to get free alerts on all his college football bets during the season.
Iowa State is set under center after Kyle Kempt was granted a sixth season of eligibility. The offensive line — which returns roughly half of its production — must improve its adjusted line yards, opportunity rate and stuff rate (all of which ranked outside the top 100 last season). Any improvement from the offensive line will be big, as running back David Montgomery is an exciting talent. He was running for his life in the backfield a season ago.
The 3-4 defense excelled last year, improving from 95th to 32nd according to S&P+. The bulk of that defense returns, and the Cyclones will play five home conference games this season. Oklahoma visits Ames looking for revenge, but it will ultimately be road games against TCU, Oklahoma State and Texas that will decide if the Cyclones get to the Big 12 championship.
With plenty of returning experience, a coach on the rise and a friendlier schedule, there is value on backing Iowa State to win over 6.5 games.
[h=2]What else you need to know about Iowa State[/h]Would I ever suggest betting on the Akron Zips when they travel on the road? No, but if you are a fan of situational spots, this may be your cup of tea.
>> Get a 7-day free trial to access all of our premium college football articles and exclusive betting data.
Iowa State hosts Oklahoma on Sept. 15, then is home against Akron the following Saturday before traveling to TCU on Sept. 29. Akron will have plenty of issues this season, but this is a spot to back Kato Nelson and the Zips.
[h=2]TCU 2018 Betting Odds[/h]
- To win the National Title: +17500
- To win the Big 12: +725
- To reach Big 12 title game: +285
- To make Playoff: Yes +1500, No -3750
- To make NY6 Bowl: Yes +360, No -540
- Win Total: 7.5 (over -125, under +105)
[h=2]TCU 2018 Schedule, Betting Odds[/h]The Action Network Projected Wins: 7.4
[h=2]Bet To Watch[/h]TCU Over 7.5 Wins (-125)
The Horned Frogs have an extremely talented roster, but they do lack experience. Shawn Robinson takes over as the new quarterback in Fort Worth for an offense that ranks 116th in returning production. However, head coach Gary Patterson has put together top-30 recruiting classes consistently in the past several years, which should allow TCU to quickly reload at the skill positions. Offensive line is a different story — Patterson described that unit as a work in progress. Robinson may be scrambling early and often this season.
TCU Football
✔@TCUFootball
Play
12:00 PM - Jul 2, 2018
The TCU defense will be the same as always. The Horned Frogs have ranked in the top 40 in efficiency on that side of the ball in recent years, but they have always allowed big plays. Over the past three years, TCU has a defensive explosiveness rank of 102nd, 105th and 128th. If TCU wants to join the Big 12 championship and/or College Football Playoff discussion, it will need a few playmakers to step up and improve that defensive deficiency.
>> Follow Collin Wilson in The Action Network App to get free alerts on all his college football bets during the season.
TCU will open the year at home against Southern and then travel in-state to take on SMU. That’s a potential tough spot, as it takes on Ohio State at AT&T Stadium in Arlington the next week.
However, the schedule then becomes very favorable after that date with the Buckeyes. Not only do the Horned Frogs benefit from five home conference games, they will leave the state of Texas only twice (Kansas, West Virginia). Considering I project TCU as the favorite in every November game, I think you have to look at over 7.5 wins. I also think we will have ample opportunity to hedge if necessary at some point during the final five games.
[h=2]What else you need to know about TCU[/h]I would look to sell TCU against Ohio State in that early season showdown. It’s really a nightmare matchup for the Horned Frogs, who will need time to build experience along a raw offensive line. Nick Bosa and the Buckeyes defensive line could have an absolute field day on Sept. 15.
Additionally, Ohio State has two of the most explosive playmakers in the nation with Dwayne Haskins and J.K. Dobbins. That spells disaster for a TCU defense that has struggled to contain explosiveness, as I mentioned earlier. I smell a blowout and would recommend the Ohio State -12 game of the year line.
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[h=1]Iowa State Betting Preview: Cyclones Still Steaming Upward Under Campbell[/h]Collin WilsonJul 31, 2018 / 4:30 PM EDT
[FONT="][/FONT]
[FONT="][h=2]Iowa State 2018 Betting Odds[/h]
- To win the National Title: +60000
- To win the Big 12: +2700
- To make Playoff: Yes +8000, No -26000
- Reach Big 12 Championship: +800
- Win Total: 6.5 (over -110, under -110)
[h=2]Iowa State 2018 Schedule, Betting Odds[/h]The Action Network Projected Wins: 7.2
[h=2]Bet To Watch[/h]Iowa State Over 6.5 Wins (-110)
Iowa State coach Matt Campbell’s stock continues to climb, although this year, his Cyclones will not sneak up on anybody. Iowa State pulled off stunning wins over Oklahoma and TCU in 2017, but the Cyclones ultimately tripped up in their quest to make the Big 12 championship game thanks to close losses to Oklahoma State and Kansas State.
>> Follow Collin Wilson in The Action Network App to get free alerts on all his college football bets during the season.
Iowa State is set under center after Kyle Kempt was granted a sixth season of eligibility. The offensive line — which returns roughly half of its production — must improve its adjusted line yards, opportunity rate and stuff rate (all of which ranked outside the top 100 last season). Any improvement from the offensive line will be big, as running back David Montgomery is an exciting talent. He was running for his life in the backfield a season ago.
The 3-4 defense excelled last year, improving from 95th to 32nd according to S&P+. The bulk of that defense returns, and the Cyclones will play five home conference games this season. Oklahoma visits Ames looking for revenge, but it will ultimately be road games against TCU, Oklahoma State and Texas that will decide if the Cyclones get to the Big 12 championship.
With plenty of returning experience, a coach on the rise and a friendlier schedule, there is value on backing Iowa State to win over 6.5 games.
[h=2]What else you need to know about Iowa State[/h]Would I ever suggest betting on the Akron Zips when they travel on the road? No, but if you are a fan of situational spots, this may be your cup of tea.
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Iowa State hosts Oklahoma on Sept. 15, then is home against Akron the following Saturday before traveling to TCU on Sept. 29. Akron will have plenty of issues this season, but this is a spot to back Kato Nelson and the Zips.
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