There’s little to debate when it comes to which conference in College Football is the best. SEC has five Top 10 ranked programs in the nation going into the 2013 NCAA Football season.
Let’s take a look at the six teams in the conference which should present the toughest competition this coming season. Plus, we’ll spend some time on a few of their sports betting trends from last year.
Southeastern Conference College Football Betting Preview
1. Alabama Crimson Tide
The Crimson Tide begin their quest for a third straight SEC crown and most importantly, another BCS title. Though Nick Saban’s squad lost nine starters, Alabama still has a realistic shot at duplicating their 13-1 SU records last season. That’s mainly because AJ McCarron is returning for his senior season.
On the flipside, the Tide finished last season against the spread with an unspectacular 7-7 mark; they were 4-2 ATS on the road and 3-5 ATS at home last season. Top games to watch out for are the rematch with Texas A&M (the only team to beat ‘Bama in 2012) on September 14, and against #12 LSU on November 9. Bet now on the Crimson Tide’s next game.
2. LSU Tigers
Les Miles’ Tigers could claw their way back to the BCS title game this season after missing out last year. Bound to improve is quarterback Zach Mettenberger, who’s getting plenty of useful advice from former NFL offensive coordinator Cam Cameron.
Their defense could be more vulnerable as they lost four starters, and their success as a unit will depend on whether their remaining talent can hold up. One of the most challenging hurdles for the Tigers this season is their schedule. They have four assignments on the road against no-pushovers Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Georgia, and defending champion Alabama—who they nearly beat last season.
The Tigers were 10-3 SU and only 5-8 ATS last season. Bet now on LSU’s next game.
3. Texas A&M Aggies
With a surprising 11-2 SU finish last season, Texas A&M looks to do even better this season. There’s no question that, for titles in the SEC West, SEC, and even BCS, much of their success will depend on Heisman-winner Johnny Manziel.
One player that the Aggies might miss is defensive end Damontre Moore, who they lost to the NFL draft.
The Aggies built a solid 11-2 SU record in 2012 which included a win over the defending champion Alabama. Plus their 8-5 ATS record was second best in the SEC West. Bet now on Texas A&M’s next game.
4. Georgia Bulldogs
Returning to Georgia are the pillars of an explosive offense that made a mockery of opposing defenses’ last season. Back are Aaron Murray, Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall. Plus, they have last season’s offensive line in the fold once again.
In 2012, Georgia lit up the scoreboards with 37.8 PPG, and produced a 12-2 SU record. Against the spread, the Bulldogs came away with an 8-6 record, covering six of their last seven games. Aside from a Week 1 clash versus Clemson, other Bulldogs’ games to watch out for are against #6 South Carolina (Sept. 7), #12 LSU (Sept. 28), and #10 Florida (Nov. 2). Bet now on Georgia’s next game.
5. Florida Gators
The Gators showed a propensity to excel against the spread on the road more so than at home last season. Of their 11 ATS wins in 2012, they won four and only lost once away from home, while going only 3-5 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. The Gators also posted the best conference win-loss card in the SEC East with a 7-1 SU mark.
Faced with problems on offense, Florida will once again look for their defensive game to make the difference. They held opponents to just 14.5 PPG last season—good for fifth in the nation.
Last season, the Gators had a phenomenal start, winning their first seven games. Bet now on Florida’s next game.
6. South Carolina Gamecocks
Despite missing a chance to play in the BCS title game last year, the Gamecocks still won their second straight bowl championship when they defeated Michigan in the Outback Bowl.
Quarterback Connor Shaw, who returns for his senior season, will be the focal point of the Gamecocks’ offense. On the defensive end, one name that shines brighter than the rest is Jadeveon Clowney. Clowney was a terror in 2013 and South Carolina will look for him to continue that trend this season.
The Gamecocks started last season on fire, going 6-0 SU in their first six games before stumbling into back-to-back losses on the road against LSU and Florida. They regrouped and won their next four games, but it wasn’t enough to earn them a BCS title berth.
Overall, they were 11-2 SU and 8-5 ATS in 2012. Bet now on USC’s next game.
College football offers another season of online betting opportunities and it pays to know what top teams are ready to hit the gridiron. Be sure to check out the latest odds and lines in the NCAA in Top Bet’s sportsbook. Game On!
