Even with Tim Tebow, whom many people call the greatest college football player ever, gone from the SEC, it will still probably be the most watched conference in the nation among sports betting fans. It still houses the defending national champion plus some storied programs that always seem to field contending teams. Let's have a look at the top picks.
ALABAMA (1 to 1)
The theme of 2009 college football betting was saying goodbye to legends. Tebow, Colt McCoy, Sam Bradford – all are NFL bound now. But guess what? The defending national champs haven't said goodbye to any of their key offensive pieces.
Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram returns to smash people in the running game. He has a nice complementary back in sophomore Trent Richardson. Greg McElroy may be more of a game manager than star quarterback, but who cares? He does the job well. And he has an elite target in Julio Jones when 'Bama wants to air it out.
While Alabama doesn't return as many defensive starters, some of its younger guys are ready to step up and fill the void. A repeat national title is very possible – and an SEC title is almost a lock if you ask me.
ARKANSAS (8 to 1)
As Ryan Mallett goes, Arkansas will go. There's no denying that their quarterback is a beast. He topped 3,600 passing yards last year and threw 30 touchdown passes versus only seven picks. But I'm not crazy about Arkansas' "D." It forces lots of turnovers but it was 99th in points allowed last season.
AUBURN (8 to 1)
I'm not sure why anyone could get overly excited about Auburn this year. Even if the conference's worst scoring defense from a year ago improves, it has a long way to go to stop the elite teams. And Auburn's offense is nothing special despite its strong offensive line. Get some sports betting secrets now.
FLORIDA (5 to 2)
Before you Florida fans fling yourself from the bandwagon and grieve Tebow....remember that your team still has one of college football's top programs. Four of five offensive linemen are back and will give new pivot John Brantley plenty of time to make throws. Their speedy defense will also give plenty of teams trouble. Don't count out Urban Meyer's boys just yet.
GEORGIA (8 to 1)
If Aaron Murray is the real deal at quarterback, Georgia's offense could make some noise in the SEC. After all, it has a budding superstar wideout in A.J. Green and an experienced line.
The defense remains inexperienced but the hope is that coaching, not personnel, will cause the biggest improvement for the Bulldogs. The problem is that Todd Grantham (imported from the Dallas Cowboys) will convert the defensive scheme to a 3-4 – and growing pains always come when a defense makes that switch.
LSU (10 to 1)
The LSU Tigers offer decent value at 10 to 1. I think they'll have one of the best defenses in the conference this year. They have skill at every position – especially the quick defensive line. On offense, Jordan Jefferson will have to be better but only two starters return to his line. I'm not convinced LSU will score enough to win the SEC.
On one hand, every team listed above has chance for a good season. On the other, I still see the SEC as Alabama and the rest. Why downgrade the national champs when their stars are back for more?
