From Las Vegas Insider we have some lines for the first week of the college football season. Fall camps are soon to start....we have TV schedules taking shape.....we have controversy on Skybox about the new season :wink: ....and now we finally have opening lines to tell us who is favored at the opening bell. Highlights include Clemson -5 over Bama and Florida -27 over Hawaii. Upset alert is given as Utah over Michigan as UM is -7.5 and I agree RR had better have his troops ready for a toughie. http://www.vegasinsider.com/college-football/story.cfm/story/732364 Oh....and these people have Florida as ranked #1......wise guys eh?
While UM might struggle on offense, with a new system and a new QB who's never taken a snap before they do have a good defense comming back. Also, while Utah might be a good team, they don't have the type of offense that confused UM last year with App State and Oregon. I'm not a betting man but I'd take 7.5 pts and UM at home against Utah anytime. Terry
That line seems about right, considering all the stuff that's gone on at UM. I'd have a tough time going either way...
"I'd have a tough time going either way..." That is the essence of almost every line.....where are you the most uncomfortable making a bet. That means action goes both ways and the vig belongs to the book. I am am very good at setting lines and maybe I should have been a wise guy in Vegas....or an insider etc....... 8) You want a line just ask. Notre Dame vs. Michigan With Michigan playing under RR it's tough to gauge but I'll try. Notre Dame by 3.5 points because of the home field and Michigan's inexperienced offense vs. a decent ND defense. USC -2.5 over OSU The Buckeyes are experienced on both sides of the ball and USC is green in some areas or the betting line would be more like -5 or -6.
Aquila, Everyone is aware of the issues with changing time zones three times to play in a physical game. Slight advantage UCLA Everyone has heard about the injuries at QB for UCLA. Tennessee is starting a new QB. Slight advantage Tennessee. First game of the year for Tennessee with a new OC. Advantage Tennessee. Home field advantage. Advantage UCLA Eric Berry. Big advantage Tennessee. :twisted: I would make Tennessee a 2 point favorite but I personally would rather have the points that far away from home rather than give them.
Good call Tom. UCLA's strength is special teams and defensive line and that plays to Tenn's strength which should be running the ball. I would say Tenn -3.5.....moving to -3 by gametime.
not that it matters <t>but for the record, UCLA is starting its first game with a new offensive coordinator as well.<br/> <br/> He is certainly no rookie, but its their first game of his first year.</t>
It really is a crap shoot....betting on lines.....in the first couple of weeks of the year because there is no track record to go on. It is much easier to set a line later in the year than it is the first week.
Just so you know Terry it's Michigan favored by 7.5 over Utah. I think I like taking those points and the Utes who return 16 starters.