Top 2017 College Football Betting Favorites for Each Conference

The way to the College Football Playoff is through your conference championship (well, unless you’re Ohio State last year). Bur for the most part, the teams that hoist the crystal football at the end of the national championship game generally already have a conference trophy in the case. Here are a few college football betting predictions about who will win the conferences this year, so you can plan your college football betting on futures accordingly.

Top 2017 College Football Betting Favorites for Each Conference

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— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) July 10, 2017

American Athletic Conference: South Florida

The Bulls have one of the top quarterbacks in the conference, in Quinton Flowers (4,342 all-purpose yards and 42 touchdowns in 2016). In addition to some great speed, he has an accurate arm on short and mid-range throws. If he finds his range down the field, the Bulls’ offense could become elite. The Bulls also brought in Charlie Strong after his firing from the University of Texas, and his coaching philosophy should help South Florida improve. It also helps that USF is in the American East, as Temple will be the only other solid program in that division. In the West, Navy returns a solid dual-threat offense. SMU features sophomore quarterback Ben Hicks and returning wideout senior Courtland Sutton. Houston lost coach Tom Herman to Texas but still has standout quarterback Greg Ward Jr. South Florida has a much easier path to the title game than they would otherwise.3 College Football Betting Odds to Win Conference: TBA

Atlantic Coast Conference: Florida State

A lot of people like Clemson to three-peat, but the loss of Deshaun Watson means that the Tigers’ offense will have to retool. Deondre Francois will need to keep maturing at quarterback, but the fact that the Seminoles have such an ironclad defense is another point in their favor. Safety Derwin James could end up as an All-American and will lead this defense. The Seminoles aren’t going to put up 60 or 70 on anyone. However, that defense should keep games in reach, which should give Francois the leeway he needs to lead his team to victory. Louisville could reemerge as a contender, as Lamar Jackson returns after his Heisman Trophy season. However, defense tends to trump offense in the college game, so I like the Seminoles to win that conference. College Football Betting Odds to Win Conference: EV

Big 12: Oklahoma State

Sure, Oklahoma keeps Baker Mayfield at quarterback. However, longtime coach Bob Stoops has decided to retire, and they lost Joe Mixon and Samaje Perine in the backfield. The Cowboys return Mason Rudolph, who will lead a terrific offense that has several quality wide receiving options. The Cowboys could stumble late, as the Big 12 will have a conference championship game for the first time since they dwindled below a dozen teams. However, I think this is the year when their bad luck will run out and they will be able to knock off the Sooners. Texas will be explosive under new coach Tom Herman, but TCU and Baylor should both be down, giving hte Cowboys a chance to win. College Football Betting Odds to Win Conference: +300

Big Ten: Ohio State

The Buckeyes’ chances hang on J.T. Barrett’s ability to throw the ball down the field. Sometimes he is spectacular, but too often he’s inconsistent. If he can do that in the big games, then Ohio State should win. Penn State remains a darling after sneaking into the title last year, and Michigan will be a huge rival. T he Buckeyes do get Penn State at home this year, though, and if Barrett can live up to his potential, Ohio State should win. Wisconsin will be the big threat from the Big Ten West, but the Badgers don’t have the offense to win that shootout. College Football Betting Odds to Win Conference: +140

Pac-12: USC

The Trojans have Sam Darnold, who could be the next elite quarterback in college football. His finish to 2016 was one of the best that any freshman has put forward in recent years. He threw 31 touchdowns last year and will have pressure to perform similarly this year. Oregon could rebound with their high-octane offense, and Stanford remains powerful despite the loss of Christian McCaffrey. Washington State could advance another level and contend as well — and there’s Washington, who won the conference last year and went to the College Football Playoff, but the Pac-12 South gives USC a slightly easier path to the title game. College Football Betting Odds to Win Conference: -125

Southeastern Conference: Alabama

Until someone knocks off the Crimson Tide, you have to like them as the favorite. It also helps that Jalen Hurts, a true freshman, made virtually no mistakes in his first season. The Crimson Tide does have to replace seven starters on defense who went to the NFL. If Hurts has to do more on offense, can he still keep that performance up? Auburn and LSU would love to knock off Alabama in that SEC West, but Auburn’s defense can be iffy, and LSU doesn’t have a top quarterback. College Football Betting Odds to Win Conference: -190

Latest College Football Betting Trends

Odds to Win the 2018 National Championship

• South Florida (TBA)
• Florida State +600
• Oklahoma State +4000
• Ohio State +450
• USC +600
• Alabama +300

Final Expert College Footbal Betting Predictions

Many might think that it’s the usual teams that make it to the playoffs, but it’s easy feat to accomplish every year. And some conferences are tougher than others. So, maybe the favorites will take their division title, but you can get a greater idea of how the team is prepping up once the season starts. Then it gets real serious. But for now, be sure to start gearing up for the 2017 season. We’ll be having for insights, guides and previews within the next few weeks. And remember, have fun!