Sports Betting Online & Sports Books Reviews

While the opening week of the 2010 college football season will get underway on Thursday, September 2nd, Sportsbook.com has posted odds for some of the marquee games throughout the year. Here’s a look at some of the notable games:

9/11: Penn State at Alabama (-11.5)

Two of college football’s elite programs will meet for the first time since 1990. In the most memorable matchup between the two schools, Alabama recorded a 14-7 win over the Nittany Lions in the 1979 Sugar Bowl to capture a national title. Penn State must break in a new starting quarterback on the road early in the season against the defending national champions.

9/11: Miami-Florida at Ohio State (-8)

The two programs will hook up for the first time since Ohio State upset the Hurricanes to win the 2002 BCS title. Miami appears to be on the upswing after some recent struggles heading into 2010. In a battle of outstanding quarterbacks, Miami’s Jacory Harris will try to get the better of Ohio State’s Terrelle Pryor.

9/11: Michigan at Notre Dame (-5.5)

The two winningest programs in the history of college football haven’t done too much in the last couple of years. New Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly will try to jumpstart the Irish after an incredible run at Cincinnati. Michigan owns an 18-15-1 edge in the all-time series and have won three of the last four meetings.

9/18: Nebraska (-4.5) at Washington

The Huskers are hoping to make a BCS title run but this non-conference affair won’t be easy. While the Huskies have struggled in the last few years, quarterback Jake Locker is a major NFL prospect. Nebraska rolled to a 55-7 win over Washington in the last matchup between the two schools in 1998.

9/25: Oklahoma (-8.5) at Cincinnati

The Sooners are expected to return to elite status after being derailed by injuries a year ago. Cincinnati must adjust to the departure of Brian Kelly after rolling to a pair of Big East titles. New Bearcats head coach Butch Jones will try to gain some revenge for Cincinnati following a 52-26 setback in Norman two years ago.

9/25: West Virginia at LSU (-5.5)

The two schools will square off for the first time on the gridiron in Baton Rouge. Mountaineers senior running back Noel Devine could be a Heisman Trophy contender this season. While LSU has been a disappointment in the last couple of years, few opposing teams are able to escape “Death Valley” with a victory.

The 2010 NFL preseason will begin on Sunday with an intriguing matchup. The Cincinnati Bengals and Dallas Cowboys will square off in the annual Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio. Wide receiver Terrell Owens could make his Bengals debut in the contest against one of his former teams. Cincinnati has been installed as a field goal choice in the contest with a total of 32.5. The Cowboys were hoping to showcase top draft pick Dez Bryant in the game. However, the rookie wideout will miss the entire preseason after suffering a recent ankle injury.

Week 1 preseason matchups to watch

Next week, the other 30 teams in the league will make their preseason debuts. On Thursday, August 12th, the defending Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints will travel to New England to face the Patriots. The home team is a 1.5-point favorite with a total of 36. In action on the following night, Donovan McNabb and Mike Shanahan will make their debuts for the Washington Redskins. Washington is a 3.5-point home favorite against the Buffalo Bills with an over/under of 33.

On Saturday, August 14th, the Houston Texans will head to the desert to take on the Arizona Cardinals. The game is a pick’ em with a total of 33.5. Arizona will be seeking a replacement for the retired Kurt Warner in the preseason. Matt Leinart will try to secure the job as the club’s new starting quarterback.

In St. Louis, the Minnesota Vikings must also replace a signal-caller after the recent retirement of Brett Favre. The Rams-Vikings matchup is a pick with an over/under of 31.5. Tavaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels will try to emerge in the preseason for Minnesota. Top overall draft choice Sam Bradford will make his NFL debut under center for the Rams.

In Seattle, new head coach Pete Carroll will guide the Seahawks for the first time against the Tennessee Titans. Seattle is a 3-point choice in the contest with a total of 34.

On Sunday, August 15th, Denver Broncos rookie Tim Tebow will take the field as a pro for the first time in Cincinnati against the Bengals. The odds for this game will be set on Monday after the Hall of Fame contest. Finally, on Monday, August 16th, the Jets and Giants will break in the New Meadowlands Stadium. The Jets are a 1-point favorite as the designated home team in the game with an over/under of 32.5.        

Alabama Crimson Tide (Ov/Un: 10)

The defending national champions have gone a perfect 12-0 in each of the last two regular seasons. As the early favorite to win another BCS title, Alabama will likely be favored in all 12 of its regular season contests in 2010. On the road, the Crimson Tide will face Arkansas, South Carolina, Tennessee and LSU in conference play this year. Alabama’s most challenging home tilts will be against Penn State, Florida and Auburn.

Florida Gators (Ov/Un: 10)

Florida has gone 23-1 over the last two regular seasons. However, the departures of quarterback Tim Tebow and some talented defenders from last season will make it difficult for head coach Urban Meyer to match his recent success. The Gators will certainly be in the underdog role for its October 2nd matchup at Alabama. Florida will also face Tennessee, Georgia and Florida State away from Gainesville this season. The club’s toughest home games will likely be against LSU and South Carolina.

Auburn Tigers (Ov/Un: 8.5)

In his first season as the school’s head coach in 2009, Gene Chizik was able to make some strides at Auburn in a 7-5 regular season. If the defense can improve, Auburn could win a couple of more games in 2010. The slate is quite favorable for the Tigers. Auburn should be favored in its initial three road games of the year against Mississippi State, Kentucky and Mississippi before the regular season finale at Alabama. Its toughest home contests will be against Clemson, South Carolina, Arkansas, LSU and Georgia.

Arkansas Razorbacks (Ov/Un: 8.5)

In his two seasons at Arkansas, head coach Bobby Petrino has posted a 7-1 mark against non-conference foes in the regular season. However, the club is just 5-11 in SEC action during this period. With Heisman contender Ryan Mallett directing the offense at quarterback, the Razorbacks could be ready to break through in conference play in 2010. Arkansas must deal with Georgia, Texas A & M, Auburn and South Carolina away from home this season. Its toughest home outings will be against Alabama and LSU.

Georgia Bulldogs (Ov/Un: 8.5)

Head coach Mark Richt is coming off of his worst season in his nine years with the program after a 7-5 regular season mark in 2009. In each of the previous seven campaigns, Georgia had won nine or more games during the regular season. Away from home, the Bulldogs must face South Carolina, Florida and Auburn this season. Its most challenging games in Athens will be against Arkansas, Tennessee and Georgia Tech. 

USC Trojans (Ov/Un: 9.5)

After winning ten or more games in the regular season from 2002-08, USC slumped to an 8-4 regular season mark in 2009. Lane Kiffin will try to overcome some serious NCAA sanctions in his first year as head coach following Pete Carroll’s departure to the NFL. USC will be ineligible for postseason action in 2010 but will get to play 13 regular season contests because of its matchup at Hawaii. On the road, the club’s biggest obstacles will be against Minnesota, Stanford, Arizona, Oregon State and UCLA. At home, USC’s toughest outings will come against Washington, California, Oregon and Notre Dame.

Oregon Ducks (Ov/Un: 9)

Oregon recorded a rare 10-win regular season in 2009. The program has gone to a bowl game in 12 of the last 13 years. The club did suffer a blow during the offseason when starting quarterback Jeremiah Masoli was dismissed from the team due to some off the field issues. Oregon’s toughest home games will come against Stanford, UCLA, Washington and Arizona. The Ducks will have to encounter Tennessee, USC, California and Oregon State on the road in 2010.

Stanford Cardinal (Ov/Un: 7.5)

After winning a total of just nine games over his first two years with the program, head coach Jim Harbaugh led his club to an 8-4 regular season in 2009. While star running back Toby Gerhart has moved onto the NFL, the return of emerging quarterback Andrew Luck gives Stanford some hope for 2010. Its toughest home matchups are against USC, Arizona and Oregon State. The road slate will be difficult. The Cardinal must travel to UCLA, Notre Dame, Oregon, Washington and California this season.

Washington Huskies (Ov/Un: 6)

The Huskies have been limited to just 23 victories over the last seven seasons. Steve Sarkisian was able to guide the club to a somewhat respectable 5-7 mark in his first year with the program in 2009. The return of talented quarterback Jake Locker could get Washington to a bowl game in 2010. The schedule will feature a couple of difficult non-conference games in addition to the Pac-10 matchups. At home, Washington will be challenged by Nebraska, Oregon State, Stanford and UCLA. On the road, the Huskies will face trips to BYU, USC, Arizona, Oregon and California.

UCLA Bruins (Ov/Un: 5.5)

UCLA went 6-6 during last year’s regular season. While the defense is a strength, a shaky offense still has some question marks heading into 2010. The schedule is one of the toughest in the conference. The Bruins will host Stanford, Houston, Arizona, Oregon State and USC in difficult outings. On the road, UCLA will travel to Kansas State, Texas, California, Oregon and Washington.

The two quarterbacks that squared off in Super Bowl XLIV are the co-favorites in the “Player to Record the Most Passing Yards” prop for the NFL’s 2010 regular season.

Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints and Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts are at odds of +500. While both signal-callers are generally regarded as the top quarterbacks in the game, another quarterback led the league in passing yardage in 2009.

Matt Schaub topped the NFL passing yardage list a year ago with 4,770 yards. Manning came in second with 4,500 yards while Brees was sixth with a total of 4,388 yards in 2009. Brees did lead the NFL in passing yardage in 2006 and 2008 while Manning paced the league in throwing yards in 2003.

Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers and Tom Brady of the New England Patriots are the next options at +650. Both quarterbacks finished in the top 5 in passing yardage last season. Brady led the NFL in passing yardage in 2005 and 2007. Schaub (+800) is the fifth option in the prop followed by Phillip Rivers of the San Diego Chargers at +1000. While Rivers has placed in the top 10 in passing yardage in three of the last four seasons, he has never finished higher than fifth during the stretch.

Johnson, Peterson top Rushing Prop

In the prop “Player to Record the Most Rushing Yards” in the 2010 regular season, Chris Johnson of the Tennessee Titans and Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings are the co-favorites at +500. With a total of 2,006 rushing yards, Johnson led the NFL in rushing by almost 600 yards in 2009. Peterson finished fifth in the league in rushing a year ago with 1,383 yards. He finished second in the NFL in rushing in 2007 and led the league rushing charts in 2008.

Frank Gore of the San Francisco 49ers is the next option in the prop at +650. He was 11th in rushing last season. Gore’s best season came in 2006 when he finished third in the NFL in rushing with 1,695 yards.

Michael Turner (+800) of the Atlanta Falcons is the next contender in the prop. After missing five games due to injury a year ago, he was only able to finish 19th in the NFL in rushing. However, Turner was the league’s second-leading rusher in the prior season with 1,699 yards. 

While most NFL bettors are focusing on the odds for week one of the regular season, there is an opportunity to get a jump on some other games throughout the upcoming year. Odds are available on some of the other marquee contests for the 2010 NFL regular season.

Manning brothers square off in week 2

One of the most intriguing early season matchups will take place in week 2 at Indianapolis. For just the second time, Peyton and Eli Manning will face each other as the Colts entertain the New York Giants. In their only prior matchup, Peyton Manning led his club to a road win over the Giants in 2006. Since that contest, the Manning brothers have been involved in three of the last four Super Bowls. For the rematch, Indianapolis is a touchdown favorite.

In week 4, longtime Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb will take the field in Philadelphia for the first time in an opposing jersey. McNabb’s Washington Redskins have been installed as a 5-point underdog in the NFC East affair.

In week 5, the two clubs that came up just a win short of reaching the Super Bowl a year ago will do battle in New York. The Jets are a 2.5-point choice over the Minnesota Vikings.

In week 6, a couple of playoff rematches will take place. In the AFC, the Patriots will attempt to gain some revenge against the visiting Baltimore Ravens. New England is a 3-point choice in the matchup.

In the NFC, the Dallas Cowboys will return to the Metrodome for the first time since getting humbled by the Vikings in last year’s Divisional playoffs. Minnesota is a 2-5-point favorite in this game.

In week 8, the last two Super Bowl champions will take the field in New Orleans. The defending Super Bowl champion Saints are a 4.5-point choice over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In week 11, the two winningest franchises from the last decade will renew their rivalry in New England. The Patriots are a slight 1.5-point favorite over the Colts in the contest. The two clubs have combined to win six of the last nine AFC titles.

In an attractive week 12 NFC showdown on Thanksgiving Day, the Cowboys are a 2.5-point home choice over the Saints. In the final week of the regular season, the NFC East title could be on the line in Philadelphia. The Eagles are a 2-point favorite in a matchup against the Cowboys.

San Diego Chargers (Ov/Un: 11)

2009: 13-3

The Chargers have won 11 or more games in four of the last six seasons. San Diego has faced little resistance in the AFC West in recent years. An era has ended for the franchise. After an incredible run with the team, running back LaDainian Tomlinson is now with the New York Jets. Top draft pick Ryan Matthews will take over in the club’s backfield. This year, San Diego will face the NFC West and AFC South. In five of its first six games of the season, the Chargers will face squads that posted losing records in 2009. Its unique matchups are against New England and Cincinnati.

Prediction: Over

Denver Broncos (Ov/Un: 7.5)

2009: 8-8

Denver suffered only one losing season in the last decade. The club has faded in each of the last two seasons after coming out of the gates quickly. With the departure of star wideout Brandon Marshall in the offseason, Denver’s offense has plenty of question marks entering 2010. Rookie quarterback Tim Tebow will bring a new dynamic to the unit. The defense will look to build on last year’s rapid improvement. In the first half of the season, the Broncos will face a stretch of four straight games against the Colts, Titans, Ravens and Jets.

Prediction: Over

Kansas City Chiefs (Ov/Un: 6.5)

2009: 4-12

The Chiefs have been limited to a total of just ten wins over the last three seasons. With a pair of 1,000 yard runners (Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones) in the backfield this season, the club’s ground game could enable Kansas City to hang around on most Sundays in 2010. A defense that has struggled badly in the last couple of years must improve for the Chiefs to become respectable. In its first five games of the season, Kansas City will face only one team that posted a losing record in 2009. Its unique contests are against Buffalo and Cleveland.

Prediction: Under

Oakland Raiders (Ov/Un: 6)

2009: 5-11

Oakland has been limited to five or less wins in each of the last seven years. However, the arrival of former Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell has brought a little hope to the franchise this offseason. The Raiders will need a weak group of receivers to develop to aid the passing attack. A defense that features some talented performers needs to become more consistent. In its first seven outings of 2010, Oakland will face only one club that had a losing record last season. Its unique games are against Miami and Pittsburgh.

Prediction: Under

Big East

While the Cincinnati Bearcats have won the last two Big East titles, it appears that almost anyone in the league is capable of capturing the title this season. Connecticut, Pittsburgh and West Virginia lead the way at odds of +250. The Huskies are attempting to play in a BCS bowl contest for the first time in the history of the program. The Bearcats, Rutgers and South Florida are also in the running at +500. Louisville (+800) and Syracuse (+1500) are the longshot contenders in the conference. Cincinnati, South Florida and Louisville will be guided by new coaches this season.

Big 10

The Ohio State Buckeyes are the overwhelming favorite in the Big 10 at odds of -250. The school has gained at least a share of the conference title in each of the last five seasons. Ohio State is 36-4 in Big 10 action over the last five years. Iowa and Wisconsin are behind Ohio State at odds of +350. The Hawkeyes last conference title was back in 2004 while the Badgers haven’t captured a Big 10 crown since 1999. Penn State is also in the running at +650. The Nittany Lions shared conference titles with Ohio State in 2005 and 2008.

Pac 10

With conference power USC ineligible to compete in postseason play for the next two years due to NCAA probation, the Pac 10 is expected to be wide open this season. The Trojans had gained at least a share of the conference title for seven straight years from 2002-08 before a down season in 2009. Defending Pac 10 champion Oregon is a co-favorite to repeat at odds of +250. However, Ducks star quarterback Jeremiah Masoli was recently dismissed from the team for some off the field problems.

The Oregon State Beavers are also at +250. The school hasn’t represented the conference in the Rose Bowl since the 1964 season. Last year, Oregon defeated Oregon State in Eugene to reach the Rose Bowl. This season, the Ducks will have to travel across the state to face the Beavers in Corvallis on December 4th. The UCLA Bruins (+350) are also in the mix in the Pac 10. UCLA’s last conference title was in 1998. Arizona and Washington are expected to contend as well at odds of +500. The Wildcats will be attempting to reach its first Rose Bowl this season. The Huskies are seeking its first Pac 10 championship since 2000.

ACC

A couple of Sunshine State rivals are the co-favorites to win the Atlantic Coast Conference championship. The Florida State Seminoles and Miami Hurricanes lead the pack of 12 ACC schools at odds of +250. While the schools have been two of the most dominant programs in all of college football over the last three decades, neither club has done too much in recent years.

Florida State won the first ACC title game back in 2005 but hasn’t been able to reach another conference championship since then. The Hurricanes are seeking its first Coastal Division crown in 2010. The Virginia Tech Hokies (+400) and North Carolina Tar Heels (+500) are among the next group of contenders to win the ACC title. In the Atlantic Division, the Seminoles are a +125 choice to reach the ACC championship game. The Clemson Tigers (+250) won the Atlantic a year ago. To win the Coastal, Miami is a +125 favorite while the Tar Heels and Hokies are at +250. Defending ACC champ Georgia Tech is a +1000 choice to repeat in 2010.

Big 12

It appears that the 2010 campaign will be the final one for the Big 12. Last week, Nebraska left to join the Big 10 while Colorado moved over to the Pac 10. The two schools will begin competition in football in their respective new leagues beginning in the 2011 season. In the next few days, several other Big 12 schools could follow the path of the Cornhuskers and Buffaloes by joining new conferences.

For this season, the Texas Longhorns are a +200 favorite to repeat as Big 12 champions. Nebraska and Oklahoma are just behind the Longhorns at odds of +250. The Missouri Tigers (+650) are the fourth option in the conference race. In the Big 12 South, Texas is the favorite at +125 followed by Oklahoma at +175. In the last 11 years, either the Longhorns or Sooners have captured the Big 12 South title.

Since 2004, the two schools have won all of the conference championship games. During this period, Oklahoma has won four titles while Texas has captured a pair of Big 12 crowns. In the North, Nebraska is a +100 choice while Missouri is at +300. In its final year in the Big 12, the Cornhuskers will be attempting to win a conference title for the first time since 1999.   

Indianapolis Colts (Ov/Un: 11)

2009: 14-2

While the Colts have been an average team in the postseason during Peyton Manning’s run with the squad, no team has been more consistent during the regular season in recent years. In each of the last seven years, Indianapolis has won 12 or more games. At 34, Manning still has a few more legitimate opportunities to win another title. This year, the Colts will face the NFC East and AFC West. After opening the season with seven straight games against teams that failed to make the postseason a year ago, the Colts will play five consecutive contests against 2009 playoff squads. Its unique games are against Cincinnati and New England.

Prediction: Over

Tennessee Titans (Ov/Un: 8.5)

2009: 8-8

The Titans have had only three losing seasons in the last 14 years. The club has some momentum heading into 2010 after posting an 8-2 mark to conclude 2009. Dynamic running back Chris Johnson will try for a successful encore after gaining over 2,000 yards on the ground last year. The defense must rebound after regressing badly from a strong season in 2008. Road tilts at Dallas and San Diego in the first half of the year will provide a challenge. Tennessee’s unique contests are against Pittsburgh and Miami.

Prediction: Under

Houston Texans (Ov/Un:

2009: 9-7

After a pair of 8-8 seasons in 2007-08, the Texans finally broke through for the first winning year in the history of the franchise in 2009. Now, Houston will attempt to reach the postseason for the first time in 2010. The defense lost defensive back Dunta Robinson to free agency while standout linebacker Brian Cushing will be suspended for the first four games of the season. Elite wideout Andre Johnson leads an explosive passing game on offense. The club’s unique games are against the Jets and Ravens.

Prediction: Over

Jacksonville Jaguars (Ov/Un: 7)

2009: 7-9

After failing to register a losing season from 2004-07, the Jaguars have suffered two straight losing campaigns heading into this season. Outside of running back Maurice Jones-Drew, the offense is pretty average. The defense must improve after going through one of the worst seasons in the history of the franchise in 2009. In a tough division, the Jags will face only five teams that finished below .500 a year ago. Its unique contests are against Buffalo and Cleveland.

Prediction: Under