This is a very exciting time of year with College Football kicking off their season last night, the MLB playoff race in frenzy, and the NFL ready to pounce on us. These are anxiety-filled times for all of us when we are trying to figure out what teams are going to make us our next million in sports betting.
In the NCAA there are a few schools that fall into this category and it would be wise to pay attention to the games they are involved in. Last season the Tennessee Volunteers were awful as they finished 5-6 which was their only losing mark in the past 13 seasons. Coach Phillip Fulmer fired three assistants including offensive coordinator Randy Sanders and brought back former coach David Cutcliffe who groomed Peyton and Eli Manning for the NFL.
It is important to note that 'Public Perception' is the key when the experts in the desert establish point spreads and Tennessee's first game is a prime example of that. The Vols welcome the 12th ranked California Golden Bears who are being touted in publications as being a candidate for a large BCS Bowl Game. Normally if a PAC 10 school that is known more for their academics came calling in Knoxville, the Volunteers would be a heavy favorite.
When the spread was announced in Vegas a month ago it had the SEC home squad favored by -2 points and it sat there for a long time. This week as the game approached some heavy action came in on the visiting Bears and the line moved an incredible 4 points to Cal -2. Needless to say this is 'Sharp' money, which means large bettors and syndicates at the sportsbooks.
Now as Friday rolls around, the public money starts to surface as sports bettors flock to Vegas or turn to online sports betting, to bet on their favorite teams. Just on name alone, you know Tennessee will begin to get money as the home team and the fact that the SEC is a very overrated conference.
The newspapers are slamming the Vols as a troubled team, while putting Cal running back Lynch and his defense on a pedestal. Hey listen, Coach Jeff Tedford of Cal is a big time coach and these guys can play, but can they produce as a favorite, going into a lion's den where it will be hot, humid, with 108,000 rabid fans?
I don't think so and I will grab the underdog Tennessee whose stock has plummeted and are the puppy at home!
Bob Acton
Sports Betting |
