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College Football Seismic Shifts: 2024/25 Betting Playbook
This guide has everything you need to navigate the most unpredictable college football season yet. Bet smarter in 2024!
The Locksmith
August 24, 2024
2024/25 College Football Betting Primer
From conference realignment to teams with 40+ transfers, this college football offseason has been one to remember.
But there’s a lot to remember.
This guide will act as a primer for you - whether you’re looking for some futures or can’t remember which conference Army headed to, this guide has you covered.
Let’s dig in.
What's In This Guide?
What Will College Football Look Like in 2024?
College football is experiencing a huge shift as conferences realign for the 2024 season.
Here's a look at the changes:
ACC Additions
Teams Added:
Cal
SMU
Stanford
No teams left the conference.
Big Ten Expansion
Teams Added:
Oregon
USC
UCLA
Washington
No teams left the conference.
Big 12 Revamp
Teams Added:
Arizona
Arizona State
Colorado
Utah
Teams Lost:
Oklahoma [SEC]
Texas [SEC]
SEC Growth
Teams Added:
Oklahoma
Texas
No teams left the conference.
Pac-12 Realignment
The Pac-12 took a HIT.
Teams Added:
None
Teams Lost:
Arizona
Arizona State
Cal
Colorado
Oregon
Stanford
UCLA
USC
Utah
Washington
AAC Swaps
Team Added:
Army
Team Lost:
SMU [ACC]
Conference USA
Teams Added:
Kennesaw State
Teams Lost:
None
MAC Stands Still
Teams Added:
None
Teams Lost:
None
The MAC remains unchanged with 12 teams.
Mountain West
Teams Added:
None
Teams Lost:
None
The Mountain West remains at 12 teams but will play 15 combined games against Oregon State and Washington State.
Sun Belt
Teams Added:
None
Teams Lost:
None
The Sun Belt Conference remains at 14 teams with no changes.
FBS Independent
Teams Added:
None
Teams Lost:
Army
No teams became independent.
Impact on College Football Landscape
Increased Competition: With powerhouse programs moving to different conferences, the level of competition is expected to rise, creating more exciting matchups.
Recruiting Shifts: Schools in newly expanded conferences might gain an edge in recruiting, attracting top talent with the promise of higher visibility and tougher schedules.
Financial Implications: These moves are driven by the potential for increased media rights revenue, as conferences negotiate lucrative deals to broadcast the high-stakes games. NIL will continue to be a major factor moving forward.
These changes only make each Saturday that much more exciting.
What This Means for Bettors
The 2024 college football season's conference realignment will have a profound impact on betting strategies, with several key factors at play.
Here's how bettors should adapt:
Marquee Matchups and Betting Opportunities
With powerhouse programs like Oklahoma and Texas joining the SEC, and USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington moving to the Big Ten, expect more marquee matchups throughout the season.
These games often attract heavy betting action and may result in tighter lines due to increased public interest.
Be sure to keep an eye on the sharp money here, not the public.
Upset Potential
The influx of top-tier teams into already competitive conferences could lead to more unpredictable outcomes, offering potential value for bettors looking to capitalize on underdogs.
Travel Considerations and Performance
Teams like USC, UCLA, and Oregon will face significantly longer travel distances as they compete in the Big Ten, which could impact player fatigue and performance, particularly in back-to-back road games.
Sportsbooks will take this into consideration when setting lines and odds.
So should you.
Home-Field Advantage
Traditional home-field advantages might be mitigated in some cases due to the grueling travel schedules, especially for West Coast teams playing multiple games in the Midwest or East Coast.
This could lead to more unpredictable results in these matchups.
Broadcast Changes and Viewing Experience
With the realignment comes increased media rights deals, meaning more games will be available for viewing across various networks.
Unfortunately, it probably means paying more money to watch the same number of games.
You can check out this short guide on where and how you can stream the NFL this season.
The bottom line is that you’ll be paying for more than one service if you’re watching legally.
Prime Time Exposure
Expect more high-profile games to be scheduled in prime time, particularly in the SEC and Big Ten.
These games typically draw larger betting pools, which can influence line movements more significantly.
Adjusting to New Conference Dynamics
The shifting conference landscapes mean that historical data may become less relevant.
Bettors will need to closely monitor how new teams adapt to their conferences, as initial mismatches could provide early-season betting opportunities.
Same thing goes with the CFP - now that the field is 12 teams, statistics with this in mind just aren’t as relevant.
Recruiting Impact
Expanded conferences could also alter recruiting dynamics, potentially leading to rapid improvements (or declines) in team quality.
Bettors should watch for how these changes affect team depth and talent levels, especially in the first few years of the realignment.
Key Takeaways for Bettors
Keep a close eye on team news, travel schedules, and how teams adapt to their new conference environments.
Capitalize Early
Early-season games might offer value as bookmakers and the betting public adjust to the new landscape.
Watch the Lines
With more public interest in marquee matchups, betting lines could move more significantly, offering potential value to those who stay ahead of the shifts.
Preseason AP Poll: Top 25 College Football Teams
But anyone can regurgitate a list of information about teams.
Here’s info you can actually use to your advantage.
Top 25 Trends and Analysis
Keep in mind that these stats are less useful than before due to the playoff expansion.
Still, there are things to note.
First off, no team ranked between #16 and #25 has EVER finished higher than #4 in the Final Ranking.
Keep it in mind if you’re thinking of throwing down some longshot bets.
With the newly expanded playoff, each of these teams has a higher chance of making the playoffs.
There may even be room for teams with multiple losses in the 12-team playoff.
The preseason #4 has the worst AVG Final Ranking, at #12.6.
Preseason ranking ➡️ Average Final Ranking
#1 ➡️ #3.3
#2 ➡️ #5.8
#3 ➡️ #7.9
#5 ➡️ #7.9
This movement is relatively similar each year, leading to one key idea to keep in mind:
The Preseason #1 & #2 are the most resilient teams in CFB history. They rarely far fall from expectations.
This is how the 2023 season shook out:
via r/dataisbeautiful
Is It Getting Harder To Predict Rankings?
In 2021, Michigan became the first unranked preseason team to make the CFP.
The following year, TCU did the same, going from unranked to #3 in the 2022 Final Rankings.
Is the committee overlooking certain teams, or is the playing field just leveling off?
A mini-study by Football Study Hall measured the accuracy of different sources when predicting bowl games.
So who's the best at predicting the season?
Vegas tends to have the highest degree of accuracy (imagine that), matched closely by the Preseason Coaches Poll & Preseason AP Poll.
via The Power Rank
Advice From Building Bankroll
Use the Preseason AP Poll as a guide for this season.
Don't overlook teams outside the Top 25 having a shot at making the playoffs
The #1 & #2 preseason teams are usually the safest bets throughout the season - but there's always a chance.
What Are the Odds for the CFP Championship 2025?
Georgia Bulldogs [+325]
Despite the 2023-24 season not ending as hoped, the Georgia Bulldogs are still a force to be reckoned with.
Why They’re Favored
Their 29-game winning streak, which included two consecutive national championships, ended in the SEC title game, a loss that ultimately excluded them from the College Football Playoff (CFP).
However, they made a strong statement by demolishing Florida State 63-3 in the Orange Bowl, reminding everyone why they’ve been at the top.
FSU was without star QB Jordan Travis, and other key players headed to the NFL
What to Watch
Georgia's defense, known for its depth and talent, will continue to be one of the best in the country.
This season, however, it’s their offense that might be the game-changer. Quarterback Carson Beck, who showed promise last season, is expected to lead a more dynamic and balanced offensive attack.
Heisman Odds Leaders
Dillion Gabriel +700
Carson Beck +900
Quinn Ewers +1400
Will Howard +1600
Nico Iamaleava +1500
Jaxson Dart +1400
Jalen Milroe +1400
With a strong supporting cast, including a talented receiving corps and a solid offensive line, the Bulldogs are positioned as the team to beat.
Bettors should consider Georgia's ability to dominate on both sides of the ball, making them a top pick for the National Championship.
Ohio State Buckeyes [+400]
The Ohio State Buckeyes are consistently among the nation's elite, and despite missing the CFP for the second time in three years, they remain a strong contender.
Why They’re in the Mix
The 2023 season saw them falter with a third straight loss to Michigan, but their defense remained one of the strongest in college football.
The offense, however, struggled with consistency, largely due to quarterback Kyle McCord's performance, which didn’t meet the high expectations set by previous Buckeye signal-callers.
Key Changes
The departure of star wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. to the NFL is significant, but Ohio State is not without weapons.
The offense will see a new leader in Kansas State transfer quarterback Will Howard, who brings experience and a strong arm to the Buckeyes.
He’ll be joined by running back Quinshon Judkins, a dynamic playmaker transferring from Mississippi.
Additionally, No. 1 recruit Jeremiah Smith is expected to make an immediate impact, potentially filling the void left by Harrison.
With these new additions, Ohio State's offense should be much improved, complementing their stout defense and keeping them in the hunt for the national title.
Oregon Ducks [+800]
Why They’re in the Conversation
The Oregon Ducks enter the 2024 season with high expectations, boasting a win total set at 10.5—their highest since 2014.
The Ducks have consistently outperformed expectations, eclipsing their win total in four straight seasons since 2019 (excluding the pandemic-shortened 2020 season).
With 69% of their production returning from last year (68% on offense, 70% on defense), Oregon is well-positioned to make a strong push in their first season in the Big Ten.
Key Factors
Oregon's schedule is challenging but manageable.
They avoid Penn State and Iowa, with their toughest matchups coming on the road against Michigan and at home versus Ohio State.
Mark it down.
The full 2024 Oregon Football schedule has arrived 🦆
#GoDucks x @B1Gfootball
— Oregon Football (@oregonfootball)
8:02 PM • Nov 2, 2023
The Ducks have a history of competing at a high level, winning 10 games or more in four of the last five seasons and claiming a Pac-12 title in the outlier 2020 season.
The biggest question mark is the quarterback position.
Bo Nix, who was instrumental in leading Oregon to the Pac-12 Championship Game last season and finishing third in Heisman Trophy voting, has moved on to the NFL.
However, the Ducks have a strong replacement in Dillon Gabriel, a 23-year-old transfer from Oklahoma who threw for 3,660 yards and 30 touchdowns last year.
Gabriel has the experience and poise to step into Nix’s shoes, and if he falters, highly-touted 2023 UCLA recruit Dante Moore is waiting in the wings.
What to Watch
Key games against Michigan, Wisconsin, and Washington will test them, but if they can handle Ohio State at home, the Ducks could be on a collision course with the Big Ten Championship and a spot in the expanded CFP.
The program’s history of near-misses—such as the 2019 loss to Arizona State that cost them a CFP berth—will serve as motivation to capitalize on their current momentum.
Oregon hasn’t made the CFP since the inaugural 2014 season, when they lost in the national title game.
Bettors should consider Oregon’s blend of returning talent, favorable schedule, and strong recruiting when evaluating their chances this season.
Texas Longhorns [+850]
The Texas Longhorns are finally back in the national conversation after a season that saw them win the Big 12 Championship for the first time since 2009 and make their inaugural CFP appearance.
Why They’re in the Spotlight
The Texas Longhorns are finally back in the national conversation after a season that saw them win the Big 12 Championship for the first time since 2009 and make their inaugural CFP appearance.
Although they were outmatched by Washington in the Sugar Bowl, the 2023 season marked a significant turnaround for a program that had struggled with consistency for over a decade.
Texas's resurgence has brought renewed optimism as they prepare for their first season in the SEC.
Looking Ahead
Texas enters the 2024 season with high expectations, fueled by the return of quarterback Quinn Ewers, who will be looking to build on his impressive sophomore campaign.
The Longhorns are well-equipped to compete in the SEC, with a roster filled with talent on both sides of the ball.
The move to the SEC will present new challenges, but it also offers Texas the chance to prove they belong among college football’s elite.
Bettors should watch how Texas adapts to its new conference and how Ewers leads an offense that could be one of the most explosive in the nation.
With momentum on their side and a strong recruiting class, Texas is a serious contender with potentially lucrative odds.
Alabama Crimson Tide [+1500]
The Alabama Crimson Tide are entering a new era under head coach Kalen DeBoer, following the retirement of legendary coach Nick Saban.
Despite the shift in leadership, expectations remain sky-high in Tuscaloosa.
Why They’re Still in the Mix
Before Saban's retirement, Alabama's odds of winning the 2024 title were +500.
Post-announcement, those odds lengthened to +1400
However, DeBoer brings a strong resume, having led Washington to a national championship game appearance last season.
Beat Texas 37-31 in Sugar Bowl
Lost to Michigan in Championship, 13-34
On the field, all eyes will be on Heisman Trophy contender Jalen Milroe.
The quarterback, who is +1000 to win the award, will be running the offense in his second season at Alabama.
Milroe's performance will be crucial, as many have pegged him to be a serious Heisman candidate.
Challenges Ahead
Alabama’s schedule is one of the toughest in the nation.
They are set to face five ranked teams, including a highly anticipated matchup against No. 1 Georgia in Tuscaloosa on September 28.
A particularly grueling four-week stretch will see the Crimson Tide take on Tennessee and LSU on the road and host Missouri, all of whom are ranked in the top 15.
Additionally, the transfer portal has not been kind to Alabama this year.
Of the 39 defensive sacks last season, 25 were achieved by three players who have since left the program.
Currently, only two defensive transfers are set to start, both in the secondary.
What to Watch
The biggest question mark is whether Jalen Milroe can rise to the occasion and fulfill his potential as a Heisman Trophy candidate.
Additionally, how DeBoer adapts to the SEC and manages the high expectations will be critical.
Bettors should consider Alabama's challenging schedule and the transition in coaching when evaluating their chances this season.
Despite the uncertainties, the Crimson Tide have the talent and the pedigree to remain a force to be reckoned with.
Who Has the Toughest College Football Schedule in 2024?
One team stands out from the pack when it comes to the toughest schedule this year.
Florida Gators
Regular Season Win Total: 9.5
Billy Napier's Florida Gators face a grueling 2024 schedule, with 11 power-conference opponents and only one breather against Samford.
Key non-conference games include Miami, Florida State, and UCF.
The Gators also have tough road games at Mississippi State, Tennessee, and Texas, plus a neutral site clash against Georgia.
Florida's Schedule
vs. Miami
vs. Samford
vs. Texas A&M
at Mississippi State
vs. UCF
at Tennessee
vs. Kentucky
vs. Georgia (neutral site)
at Texas
vs. LSU
vs. Ole Miss
at Florida State
November is particularly brutal, featuring five consecutive top-25 opponents, including Georgia, Texas, LSU, and Florida State.
Other Tough Schedules
Arkansas Razorbacks
Regular Season Win Total: 4.5
Arkansas faces arguably the second toughest schedule in college football.
at Oklahoma State
at Auburn
at Texas A&M
vs. Tennessee
vs. LSU
vs. Ole Miss
vs. Texas
at Missouri
Auburn Tigers
Regular Season Win Total: 7.5
Auburn faces a daunting schedule set of away games.
at Alabama
at Missouri
at Georgia
vs. Oklahoma
vs. Texas A&M
LSU Tigers
Regular Season Win Total: 9
LSU's schedule includes high-stakes games on the road, and a pair of big home games.
vs. USC
vs. Ole Miss
at Texas A&M
vs. Alabama
vs. Oklahoma
Ole Miss Rebels
Regular Season Win Total: 9.5
Playoff hopes for Ole Miss hinge on a few key games.
at LSU
vs. Oklahoma
vs. Georgia
South Carolina Gamecocks
Regular Season Win Total: 5.5
South Carolina's schedule features a handful of tough games.
vs. LSU
vs. Ole Miss
at Alabama
at Oklahoma
vs. Texas A&M
vs. Missouri
at Clemson
Many of these games will have above-average handles and action.
2024 College Football Win Totals Odds
The First Game of the 2024-25 College Football Season
Week 0 kicks off with Florida State #10 taking on Georgia Tech in Dublin, Ireland.
Florida State Seminoles
The Seminoles, ranked preseason #10, are looking to make a playoff run despite significant roster changes.
via Rolling Stone
With 17 incoming transfers, including QB DJ Uiagalelei from Oregon State, the team has high expectations.
Uiagalelei, standing at 6’4”, brings a dual-threat capability that could exploit Georgia Tech's defense.
Protecting him will be crucial, and with experienced linemen like Darius Washington and Maurice Smith, the Seminoles are well-equipped.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Georgia Tech, on the other hand, is aiming to build on last season's momentum.
QB Haynes King, who threw for over 3,400 yards and 35 touchdowns last year, will need to cut down on his 16 interceptions to give the Yellow Jackets a fighting chance.
via From The Rumble Seat
The defense, under new coordinator Tyler Santucci, will debut an aggressive 4-2-5 scheme.
However, the front seven remains a question mark, with no standout pass rushers.
Betting Insights
Florida State is favored by 11.5 points, and for good reason.
Odds via DraftKings
The Seminoles' offensive line and Uiagalelei's experience give them a significant edge.
However, Georgia Tech's continuity and potential playmakers like WR Leo Blackburn could keep the game closer than this line indicates.
The Rest of the Week 0 Slate
Montana State @ New Mexico | 4pm ET | FS1
New Mexico, after a 4-8 season, revamped with 42 transfers and veteran coach Bronco Mendenhall.
This is the 2nd-most in D1 - behind only Colorado and Deion Sanders.
Line: MTST -13.5
O/U: 54.5
The Lobos' altitude and heat advantage may be minimal, as Montana State is accustomed to similar conditions.
MSU will likely stick with its run-heavy offense under new coordinator Tyler Walker, while New Mexico’s new starting QB, Devon Dampier, looks promising after solid performances last season.
If Dampier plays mistake-free, the Lobos could put up big points.
This game could be a close call, so consider both teams' new dynamics before placing your bets.
SMU @ Nevada | 8pm ET | CBSSN
SMU enters its first ACC season as heavy favorites against a struggling Nevada team that went 2-10 last year.
Line: SMU -26
O/U: 55.5
SMU's high-powered offense, led by QB Preston Stone, averaged nearly 39 points per game and returns after an impressive 11-3 season.
via CBS Sports
Nevada, under new head coach Jeff Choate, aims to rebound but faces a tough challenge.
QB Brendon Lewis leads the Wolf Pack, hoping to improve after a tough, injury-riddled 2023.
SMU’s strong defense and balanced offense make them likely to dominate, but Nevada's new dynamics add some uncertainty.
Delaware State @ Hawai'i | 11:59pm ET | Spectrum Sports PPV
Hawaii hosts Delaware State, a significant underdog from the FCS.
Hawaii is coming off a challenging season but has the edge in talent and experience.
Line: HAW -40.5
O/U: 56.5
The Rainbow Warriors are led by QB Brayden Schager, who’s shown flashes of potential and hopes to lead the team to a stronger season.
Delaware State, still finding its footing after a rough 2023, faces an uphill battle against an FBS opponent.
Hawaii’s home-field advantage and superior roster suggest a lopsided game, but Delaware State’s unpredictability could impact the spread.
Expect Hawaii to control the game from the outset.
Cappers’ Corner: Picks & Predictions for the 2024 College Football Season
We reached out to some of the top CFB cappers and asked for their favorite picks for the upcoming season.
Here’s what they said:
All times in ET.
Week 0 Picks
GT returns 8 starters on offense and should be very potent yet again.
This was the ACC’s best rushing attack, and a top 25 attack in the nation.
They averaged 31.1 ppg and 204 rush yards per game.
They bring back both QB Hanes King and RB Jamal Haynes, who combined for over 1,800 rushing yards and 17 TDs.
They also bring back their top 2 WRs in Singleton and Rutherford in the slot and outside, who combined for 1,200 yards and 10 TDs.
The best unit on this GT roster is their O-Line, who comes into week 0 rated in the top 10 in the country.
I’m expecting an electric rushing attack today against an FSU defense that is skilled, but definitely seeing some turnover.
They return 8 starters on D and bring in a lot of transfers.
The secondary is strong and the pass rush is strong, but can they defend the option and run game from GT?
I think they get gashed in flashes in this game.
They did lose 3 of their top 5 leading tacklers and ranked 100th in broken tackles allowed last season.
Something I also noticed, going back 2-3 years are both FSU’s season opener and/or ACC opener, they’ve allowed some points.
Last year, opened vs LSU and allowed 24 (3+ TDs), and opened vs BC in ACC play allowing 29 points (3+ TDs).
In 2022 they opened vs LSU also and allowed 23 points (3+ TDs), and Louisville in ACC play allowing 31 points (3+ TDs).
In 2021 they opened vs Notre Dame allowing 38 points (3+ TDs).
So they’ve shown some rust and vulnerability in both season openers and ACC openers in the past 2-3 seasons.
Georgia Tech scored 3+ TDs in 12 of 13 games last season, the only game in which they didn’t was against Georgia where they had 2 TDs but still rushed for 205 yards and still had 23 points.
I will be looking for a live TTO on GT if I see 19.5.
FSU is indeed without its OC so I’m expecting a bit more running from the Seminoles, this could take some clock off.
Along with a possible 1st or 2nd drive rust from GT, we could definitely see a TTO dip quickly and get a better number.
I do expect this to be a pretty good fight, but don’t have a confident feel on the spread here. Have a feeling there's an opportunity for a nasty backdoor on either side.
I love first half unders early in the season, especially in an opening game.
Nerves are high, offenses are new, teams are tight.
This lends on both sides of the field for good coordinators to help their offenses settle in and shrink the play book.
Conservative, but smart is the normal play calling.
Establishing the run game and quick hitters passing.
From a numbers standpoint I have this first half scoring at 16.5 for FSU to Georgia tech 7.5.
There may be some value in FSU minus the touchdown in the first half, but going to stick with the under as smart money has been betting Georgia Tech down for the last few months from 13.5 down to 10.5 in the market.
I’m excited for this season to start and a great way to sweat an early one out for the opener in Dublin!
Give me a follow on X for more football bets!
When SMU takes the field in Reno to face the Nevada Wolfpack, they’ll have two legitimate quarterbacks, Preston Stone and Kevin Jennings.
Both are experienced, both are captains, and both will play.
Don’t expect a drop off in pace, aggressiveness, or effectiveness when the starter is pulled, as SMU will look to debut as a Power Four team with an impressive win on the national stage.
Against an undermanned team with low expectations, that requires pouring it on.
SMU was not shy about doing so last year, twice scoring 69 against inferior competition.
They’ll push for a 50-Burger here, so the play is SMU Team Total o40.5.
Futures
The Cardinals best win was at home against Notre Dame.
But let me tell you as an Irish fan that was about the worst scheduling spot imaginable.
ND had just won a gritty game on the road at Duke, and then had USC on deck the following week.
Louisville was sandwiched in between, and props to them for delivering.
Outside of that, they beat NC State on the road by 3, and a pathetic Miami team the second to last week of the season who had already given up.
The offense Brohm runs is definitely one capable of putting up points.
However, they lost a TON of production from last season.
Only returning 3 starters, and a new QB in Tyler Shough from Texas Tech.
I don’t care that he’s 6-5 235 - this kid doesn’t pass my eyeball test.
With a bunch of new faces, Louisville’s schedule gets much harder.
They have a trip to ND in a revenge spot, a 4 road game in 5 week stretch - including a cross country trip to Stanford and Death Valley - and they’ll play what should be a much better Miami team in the middle of the season.
It’s a steep price to pay, but I do not see the Cardinal repeating their ACC Championship run of last season.
After an 11-2 SMU 2023 Season out of the AAC, they make the move into the ACC with high expectations, to me at least.
Pretty stacked roster overall returning the 11th most production in football, headlined by returning QB Preston Stone, who I believe to be a top 10 QB in all of College Football.
May have some weak spots in certain parts of their roster, as all teams do, however, the main reason I’m in love with this is the schedule they drew.
I project them as favorites of 9 or more points in 8 of their 12 games, and favorites in 10 of 12.
They draw Louisville on the road (Project around 4-5 point dog) as well as FSU at home (Project 3-4 point dog) who will be looking ahead to Clemson the week after, and I think SMU can very easily steal one of those games.
Keeping it simple, if they can win one of those, this future should be as easy as ever.
However even with 2 losses there, I believe they take down TCU at around a TD favorite in a rematch game from last year off a bye, as well as a Duke team on the road where they should be around a 6 point favorite.
I expect this team to be solid, but dodging 4 of the top 5 projected ACC teams on the schedule, I think it puts this teams ceiling through the roof.
Absolutely love this over at a + money price.
This was largely due because of QB Grayson McCall, a 3x all conference player of the year in the Sun Belt.
He now transfers to NC State and finds himself in a dynamic offense that returns one of the nations best WRs, KC Conception.
Conception went for 71 receptions, 840 yards, and 10 TDs as a true freshman last year and will explode in his sophomore campaign.
They also bring in some interesting transfers, headlined by senior RB, Jordan Walters.
Walters had 820 yards and 12 TDs last season at Duke and is now the lead back in another option based attack.
TE Justin Joly comes over from UCONN after an impressive 56 rec, 580 yards and 2 TD season, and the scary part is, he reminds me a lot of Isaiah Likely, former teammate of McCall at Coastal.
WR Noah Rogers comes home after transferring from Ohio State, he was a highly rated 4 star and is slated to be a starter.
So a very dynamic offense with a lot of depth at skill positions and an experienced OL with 4 returning starters.
Even without the transfers mentioned, they return 8 starters on offense.
On defense, they return 5 starters, however Tony Gibson is still the DC so not much to worry about there.
In the last 3 seasons, NC State’s D has allowed 20.8, 19.2, and 19.7 ppg against, you know exactly what you’re getting with them.
Now they bring in a slew of power 4 transfers into the fold and I’m excited to see how quickly they gel.
NC State has a tremendously favorable schedule, especially in conference play.
They “host” (really a neutral in Charlotte) Tennessee early on as a +5 dog.
Then the big game is @ Clemson in which it’s very possible they close under a TD underdog in that game.
Other than Clemson, they avoid Miami, Florida State, SMU, VT, and Louisville.
It’ll be a gritty close to the season @ GT and @ UNC but I like the chances here, especially at +300 to just make the ACC Championship game.
10-2 is a very very very realistic season and I think we’ll see them in the ACC Championship for a chance to clinch a playoff spot.
I’m going to be all over the Wolfpack this year and I feel good about having my money in McCall’s hands.
In 2022, they won eight games with a stellar defense, and after returning a few solid pieces last year, they only won five games.
Now, the defense has lost its two best defensive linemen to the NFL (Jer’Zhan Newton and Keith Randolph Jr).
Unless Terrance Brooks (Texas transfer DB) can completely change the complexion of the secondary, I see them giving up too many touchdowns.
Luke Altmyer hasn’t proven to be a winning QB either, and the offensive line didn’t improve whatsoever.
The only wins I see on the schedule are Eastern Illinois, Central Michigan, and maybe Michigan State.
They will only win 2 games maximum against either Purdue, Minnesota, and Northwestern. Therefore, I love Illinois to finish with UNDER 5.5 WINS.
UGA has bolstered its roster with junior standout running back Trevor Etienne from Florida and senior deep threat Colbie Young from Miami (FL).
Although the loss of Brock Bowers can't be overlooked, tight ends Oscar Delp and Benjamin Yurosek are well-positioned to step up and contribute significantly.
I predict the Bulldogs to finish the regular season with a strong 11-1 record and head to the SEC championship game in Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
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