Sleepers, you kinda see ‘em coming, but they’re never traveling in a straight enough line to consider putting money down on ‘em, especially before they transform from sleepers to actual contenders. Sometimes, though, taking the chance is worth it, especially in college football, where you’ve seen something from most of the players in previous years, and the familiarity of the game plans and opponents can give you a leg up on the betting if you do your research and stick to your guns.
So who are sleepers worth consideration for your gambling dollars for this coming season? Let’s start with the Virginia Tech Hokies, who at 16/1 odds to win the NCAA championship, present an interesting package built around their quarterback Tyrod Taylor. An incredibly agile player, Taylor needs his passing game to produce more than 2 touchdowns this year, but the potential is there early, as he’s shown flashes of in spring practices. The rest of the offense is solid, including star tailback Darren Evans. It’s the passing game that needs to come together. Not only is Taylor trying to extend his game, but he’s not exactly throwing to proven upperclassmen, either. Something will have to gel there, but if it does, that 16/1 payoff looks damn pretty. Their defense, like the Broncos offensive line, will always give you a chance to win. It’s too early to tell how their spring questions will be answered come August, but if a few key guys step up and perform, there will be little to worry about. Tech has a bit of a rough schedule, too, which could help them in the BCS standings if they win all of their home games (where they face most of the difficult tests).
It seems odd to call Ohio State a sleeper. They’re never far off your radar as a college football fan or gambling enthusiast. In fact, by the time November rolls around, you can’t try hard enough to get their fight song out of your head. Still, in 2009, at 10/1 odds early on to take the title, Ohio State isn’t exactly jostling with the top brass right now. You’ve got Oklahoma, Florida, Texas…and the field. And Ohio State may be at the top of the field, but they have to win their way into respect and position this year.
Coming off a 10-3 season, the Buckeyes will see their young QB Terelle Pryor mature in his second season as a starter. Look for a return to dominance from the offensive line, as well, to help give Pryor some time to make smart, calculated decisions and see the field. Tailback position here might start as a bit of RBBC, but expect Dan Herron to break out and get the majority of the carries. Herron had 6 TDs last year, but only 440 yards rushing. He’ll have to improve the yards this year to stay on as the main guy. Defense, like with Tech, is hardly this team’s issue. This is where the Buckeyes do shine, and they can stack up with anyone in Division 1. That said, a couple key losses in Donald Washington and Malcolm Jenkins will be tough to replace. And they won’t get much time to get things going, opening up their schedule at home against Navy and USC. And being in the Big 10, things don’t get much easier the rest of the way for Ohio State.
I’d consider placing bets on both of these teams to win. Hedge your bets by laying something down on the favorites, too, but if one of these teams gets hot and lives up to their potential and school name, 16/1 and 10/1 return will help keep you in the positive long into the NBA season.