Dark Horses for 2016 College Football Betting Season

When you look at what the national sportswriters are projecting for the 2016 College Football Playoff, you’re seeing some of the usual suspects (Ohio State and Alabama) as well as some more repeaters from last year (Clemson). However, last year there were very few people picking Michigan State or Iowa, but the Spartans made it in, and the Hawkeyes were a win away. Let’s take a look at some of the dark horses who could find themselves in the national semifinals next January. Be sure to check for more college football odds by clicking here.

Quick Look at the Dark Horses for the 2016 College Football Betting Season

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— #HTownTakeover (@UHCougarFB) June 22, 2016

Houston

I know the Cougars are not in a Power 5 conference. However, they rolled off a 13-1 season, finishing with a win in the Peach Bowl over Florida State. The only blemish on their record? An unfortunate loss at Connecticut (of all places) which doomed them for CFP consideration. They already had a tough road given their presence in the American Athletic Conference (Group of Five conference), but if they can play that well again this year they will do it — as long as they don’t hit an upset. Tom Herman recruited Ed Oliver, a blue-chip defensive lineman, to come to school, and Greg Ward Jr. is a high-voltage quarterback who threw for 2,828 yards and 17 scores last year while only throwing six picks. He also ran for 1,108 yards and scored 21 more times with his feet. He did miss the Connecticut loss because of an ankle injury, so if the team can help him pass more and run less, the Cougars’ have a much better chance.

Louisville

Lamar Jackson was terrific as a freshman quarterback, and the Cardinals need to build around his talent. The team only lost four starters. Devonte Fields (who led the team in sacks) and Keith Kelsey (who led the team in tackles) are both back. The Cardinals will get plenty of chances to show their moxie — they are in the same division of the ACC as both Clemson and Florida State, and they have a nonconference game at Houston in November too. But if they can pass these tests, they have a terrific shot at the playoff.

Nebraska

The Big Ten can be a real buzzsaw. Consider Wisconsin — the Badgers, who are a strong team, have to play Ohio State, Michigan and Michigan State. Nebraska is also in the Big Ten West, but they only have to play one of the top teams out of the East next year. Last year, they did go 6-7, but six of those losses were determined by less than a score. So if a few plays had gone differently, they would have been looking at an 11-2 or 12-1 record. Tommy Armstrong has a strong arm and can run, and his top receiver, Jordan Westerkamp, is a legitimate threat down the field. Nate Gerry led the team in tackles. So if the Cornhuskers can get by Oregon in an early home game, they have a shot at putting together a terrific record and making that Big Ten title game.