As we inch closer to the beginning of the college footballseason all the polls and predictions are just about public. The AP poll will bereleased this weekend and that will be the final barometer by which the seasonwill be judged. It doesnt carry any weight withthe BCS and determining a National Champion but it is the longest mostrespected poll. I dont gamble but a trip to Vegas every five years issomething my wife and I enjoy together. Vegas sets odds as we all know on thecollege football season and there are many who believe they have the best gaugefor a teams success. Vegas gets to see more games than anyone and they haveno conference or regional agenda. So with that said lets look at how Vegas seesthe 2012 football season.These are courtesy of my friends at Bovada, (www.Bovada.lv, Twitter: @BovadaLV).Lets look at the Big Five Conference Races First. ACC - Odds to Win Florida State 11Virginia Tech 31Clemson 51Miami (Florida) 91Georgia Tech 121North Carolina 151Virginia 181NC State 201Wake Forest 401Boston College 601Duke 1001Maryland 1001Reaction-Pretty much how the Media voted with FSU and VATech. But look at Miami? How do the Canes sit in 4th in the leaguewith all the turnover and issues they have had? Does Vegas Know something we dont?BIG 12 - Odds to Win Oklahoma 11Texas 41TCU 91West Virginia 51Kansas State 161Oklahoma State 81Texas Tech 301Baylor 401Iowa State 751Kansas 1501Reaction-Again no surprise with Oklahoma, but how about the lovefor TCU. It seems in the eyes of Vegas there are three equal teams battling forthird. No love for Baylor after RG III has moved on.
Big Ten - Odds to Win Michigan 95Wisconsin 95Michigan State 51Nebraska 112Illinois 181Iowa 251Northwestern 401Purdue 301Indiana 651Minnesota 1501Reaction- Well there is no Ohio St. or Penn St. who are noteligible to win the title. They could however play spoiler in the league race.Wisconsin seems to be a lock because of the teams ineligible in their division.Michigan seems to be a lock too. Keep an eye on Purdue at 30-1, could besleeper.PAC 12 - Odds to Win USC 59Oregon 94Washington 201California 201Stanford 251Utah 401UCLA 401Arizona 501Arizona State 601Washington State 601Oregon State 601Colorado 1501Reaction-USC and Oregon should play twice this year. I foundit interesting that Stanford is behind Washington and California. Not sure Ibuy that and of course I see some value in Washington State at 60-1.
Now for the SEC. We will give you the odds on the overalland the division.SEC - Odds to Win Alabama 21LSU 52Georgia 51Arkansas 81South Carolina 111Florida 121Auburn 251Mississippi State 351Tennessee 351Missouri 401Texas A&M 501Vanderbilt 1001Kentucky 2001Mississippi 2001Reaction-This is how I see it, man Vegas must be watchingthe show. Vanderbilt is getting no love from the boys out west after abreakthrough year in 2011. I am surprised at the odds on Florida especiallysince they are significantly higher than Auburn a team I see on the same level.SEC - East Division Winner Georgia 54South Carolina 114Florida 72Tennessee 121Missouri 141Vanderbilt 201Kentucky 501SEC - West Division Winner Alabama 75LSU 85Arkansas 51Auburn 121Mississippi State 161Texas A&M 251Mississippi 751Vegas still believe Arkansas has a real shot at winning theWest with John L. Smith. Florida also has a good shot to win the East accordingto the Boys on the Strip. Can you imagine an Arkansas vs. Florida SEC titlegame, no one had that.
Hope you enjoyed this perspective on College Football so nowits time to get on with the season.Follow me on twitter @bradyack.