Each week Maddux Sports will try to point out the lines with the biggest movement in college football, especially for highly regarded games, so you can see which teams have increased value. Don’t forget to check out the always-updating lines at our college football betting lines page. It’s important to stay current with the numbers, and helpful to locate a top-notch sportsbook that’s offering a better line for your liking.
Here’s a quick glance at some of the biggest movers:
Alabama (-11) vs. Arkansas – Alabama opened at -14 against Arkansas, but that was pulled down to 11 earlier in the week. Both sharps and squares were all over the Hogs at -14, but at 11, the money seems to be balancing out. Here’s an interesting tidbit from ESPN.com: Arkansas has the SEC’s No. 1 scoring offense and Alabama the No. 1 scoring defense. In the past ten meetings between such teams, the No. 1 scoring offense has won eight times.
Washington (-1) vs. California – The Huskies opened as 3 point home favorites against Cal in some Pac 12 action, but sharps have bet that down to a pick or Washington -1. It’s always hard to play at Husky Stadium and the Golden Bears don’t have a great track record in road games, but Washington’s qb is dinged up and Cal has a formidable offensive line with a capable quarterback.
Michigan (-10 ½) vs. San Diego State – Sharps hit this hard early in the week, moving it from 7 ½ to 10 ½. There’s been some slight buy back on the Aztecs, but not much. The Brady Hoke angle has been beat to death.
Michigan State (-21 ½) vs. Central Michigan – Sparty looks to rebound from getting clobbered by Notre Dame. They get an instate matchup this week. The line opened at -24, but that’s been pulled down to 21 ½.
Florida (-19 ½) at Kentucky – The Gators opened at -16 ½ but that’s been steamed up to 19 ½. Kentucky has looked awful each week, while Florida has quietly put together some decent efforts early on. How important is Charlie Weis as an offensive coordinator? Ask the Kansas City Chiefs.
Clemson (-2 ½) vs. FSU – This line gets the award for biggest mover of the week. The Seminoles opened as 3 point road favorites, but now Clemson is favored by 2 ½. Bettors must have been impressed by the way Clemson played against Auburn, but not so much by FSU’s effort against Oklahoma. But consider this – maybe Auburn isn’t that good and Oklahoma is. 5 ½ points off the opening number is a ton of value.
Texas Tech (-16) vs. Nevada – Sharps have really nailed this line too. Tech opened as 20 point favorites, but in the past day or two, the line has come down to 16. The Red Raiders have had an easy schedule, but they’ve punished opponents. Nevada is still adjusting to life after Colin Kaepernick. The Wolf Pack run the pistol offense better than anyone, so Tech’s defense needs to be ready.
Oregon (-15) at Arizona – The Ducks started as 11 ½ point road favorites for their game in the Desert, but predictably, sharps bet that often and early. The line moved a lot early on and looked like it was going to the neighborhood of 17, but there’s been a slight buyback on Arizona that seems to have given books some pause on this number.
Utah State (-10 ½) vs. Colorado State – The Aggies from Utah State are getting some love from bettors. They opened at -6 against Colorado State, but that’s been steamed up to 10 ½.
Boise State (-28) vs. Tulsa – The Broncos opened at -32 ½ against Tulsa, but books have scaled that back to 28. Boise had a tough time with the Golden Hurricane when they traveled to Tulsa last season; they should have an easier time this year. GJ Kinne is out with a knee injury and do-everything-receiver Damaris Johnson is suspended indefinitely.
Remember you can view all the lines and make bets of these odds on the college football odds page of the website.
