Much more anticipated than Bilderberg Films Wide Open are the picks from Shea Matthews. Not only is he the top fantasy football draft advice expert and NFL draft guide guru, but he knows college football betting picks as well.
The little conferences in college football betting need love too, don’t they? It took a while, but the bigger sportsbooks now have odds up for the non-major conferences. We’ll start by previewing the Mid-American (MAC).
OHIO (4 to 1)
Ohio made a strong showing last year, going 9-5 and dominating within the MAC with a 7-1 record. The Bobcats were 11th in the conference in rushing last year but they’re strong almost everywhere else. Boo Jackson is back at quarterback after missing almost all of last season and the defense is a ballhawk group; it tied Texas for the national lead with 37 takeaways in 2009. Since seven starters return to that “D,” we can assume Ohio will be one of the MAC’s better teams again this season.
TEMPLE (9 to 2)
I’m almost surprised that the sports betting oddsmakers didn’t put Temple above Ohio. The Owls also went 9-5 last season and may have the conference’s top offensive player in Bernard Pierce. He ran for over 1,300 yards and 16 scores as a freshman last season. To get the most out of their star back, Temple needs quarterback Chester Stewart to step it up and its defense to keep up the good work.
NOTHERN ILLINOIS (5 to 1)
Watch out for Northern Illinois as the sneaky sportsbook play. It’s really about offense in this case. Chad Spann really makes things happen out of the backfield and Chandler Harnish is high on experience under center.
CENTRAL MICHIGAN (11 to 2)
Sorry, Central Michigan. You had a nice run but Dan LeFevour was just too, er, central to your success. I’m not touching you until you prove that you don’t have a black hole at quarterback now.
BALL STATE (6 to 1)
If you value experience, Ball State could be a team to consider on a flier. Its defense is just so-so but it has a good playmaker in MiQuale Lewis.
BUFFALO (6 to 1)
It’s too bad Buffalo doesn’t pay at better than six to 1, as it could’ve been an interesting sleeper. New coach Jeff Quinn was Cincinnati’s offensive co-ordinator under Brian Kelly. He’ll try and find a true starting quarterback and lean on his O-line and running game for success.
If you believe in experience at quarterback, Northern Illinois could be your sneaky pick. But I lean toward depth. Aside from the quarterback question mark, Temple is strong everywhere else. It runs the ball well, stops the run well and even rushes the passer well. I think it can repeat its nine-win season and win the MAC.