The Wiz of Odds

What's in Store for the Rest of 2010?

Lousy officiating, big-time teams filling nonconference schedules with creampuff opponents, too many bowl games and no playoff. Thankfully, one of the most forgettable seasons in college football history ends Thursday.

What is there to look forward to in 2010? Gazing into the crystal ball a year in advance is a dangerous practice, but predicting the future is what gambling is all about, isn't it?

In my latest column for Covers, I take a stab at what is going to happen in 2010, starting with a prediction for Thursday night's Bowl Championship Series title game between Texas and Alabama.

A reminder that it's always dangerous to go against the man. My documented bowl record against the spread is 20-12 — a 62.5% clip. The break-even point if you're wagering at a Las Vegas sportsbook is 52.4%. You do the math....

Covers will keep you up to date on industry news, statistics and advice. Covers' excellent matchups page has everything you need to prepare for Thursday night's BCS title game. Check it out!

Handicapping the Coaching Chaos

Las Vegas oddsmakers were busy over the weekend. Urban Meyer's announcement that he was stepping down as Florida coach started a roller-coaster ride for the Sugar Bowl betting line, and when Meyer's resignation became a leave of absence, the line was sent in another direction.

Monday's announcement that Texas Tech's Mike Leach had been suspended indefinitely forced some sportsbooks to take the Alamo Bowl off the board. When the line was re-posted, bettors were eager to wager on Michigan State, the Red Raiders' opponent in Saturday's game.

Earlier this month, Brian Kelly left Cincinnati in the rear-view mirror on his way to South Bend, leaving behind an angry group of Bearcats.

Does it really matter to the bettor when there is turmoil at the top, or is this much ado about nothing? It's the topic of my column this week for Covers.

Covers is second to none in coverage of industry news, statistics and advice. Covers' excellent matchups page features previews, trends and line moves for the rest of the bowl season. Check it out!

Filling Your Stocking With Holiday Bowl Cheer

The holiday season is about giving, and since the Wiz can't buy each and every one of his readers a gift, he did the next best thing by breaking down eight bowl games in this week's column for Covers. If you're looking for a second opinion, click here to see how he stacks up against the other writers and editors of Covers.

Covers is second to none in coverage of industry news, statistics and advice. Covers' excellent matchups page features previews, trends and line moves for all the bowl games. Check it out!

Getting the Line on the Postseason From Sevransky

Since 2006, no Bowl Championship Series league can match the Southeastern Conference’s record against the spread. SEC teams have gone 19-7, with the Pac-10 second at 10-6-1. Then comes the Big East at 8-7-1. The Atlantic Coast (11-13-2), Big Ten (10-12) and Big 12 (7-16) have been postseason losers.

As for the non-BCS leagues, Western Athletic Conference teams have gone 7-6 and the Mountain West 7-7. Other records: Conference USA (8-9), Mid-American (3-9), Sun Belt (3-2) and Independents (3-2).

With Saturday marking the start of a glorious run of 34 bowl games in 19 days, I sought the advice of professional gambler Ted Sevransky on how to approach this year's postseason. Read what Sevransky had to say in my latest column for Covers.

Covers is second to none in coverage of industry news, statistics and advice. Covers' excellent matchups page features previews, trends and line moves for all the bowl games. Check it out!

They'd Rather Be Home for the Holidays

There are a few ways to pick bowl game winners. One involves digging through a pile of statistics and conducting research until sunrise. Often, it’s a big waste of time.

An easier way is to find the teams that want to be there. Better yet, find the teams that would rather be spending the holidays at home. See Alabama in last season's Sugar Bowl.

In my latest column for Covers, I take a look at five bowl games involving teams that wish their season were over.

Covers is second to none in coverage of industry news, statistics and advice. Covers' excellent matchups page, which features previews, trends and line moves, has already been updated for the bowl games. Check it out!

It's All Over but the Crying

The college football season is effectively over. The Florida Gators are going to defend their Bowl Championship Series title and stamp themselves as not only the team of the decade, but one of the greatest in the history of the game.

Forget the hype surrounding Saturday's Southeastern Conference title game. Alabama isn't in Florida's class, and Texas will be an even bigger pushover for the Gators in the BCS title game. Why? Check my latest column for Covers to find out.

Covers is second to none in coverage of industry news, statistics and advice. Be sure to check Covers' excellent matchups page for this week's games, featuring previews, trends and line moves.